Astronomy

It's great to hear that your son has an interest in astrophysics or working with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Pursuing a career in these fields requires dedication, hard work, and a strong educational foundation. While his scores in the 12th board exams and JEE Mains are decent, there are a few steps he can take to enhance his chances of pursuing astrophysics or joining ISRO:
Focus on Academics: Encourage your son to continue working hard in his studies, especially in subjects like physics, mathematics, and computer Science. These subjects form the basis of astrophysics and space-related careers. Pursue Higher Education: After completing his 12th grade, he can consider pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or Astronomy. It is important to choose a reputable college or university that offers a strong programme in these fields. Explore Internship Opportunities: Your son can look for internships or research opportunities related to astrophysics or space Science. These experiences will not only provide practical knowledge but also enhance his chances of getting into reputed institutions for higher studies. Prepare for Competitive Exams: Alongside his undergraduate studies, your son can start preparing for competitive exams like the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST). These exams are essential for admission to postgraduate programs in astrophysics and related fields. Join Astronomy/Astrophysics Clubs or Organizations: Engaging in extracurricular activities related to astronomy or astrophysics can be beneficial. Your son can join local astronomy clubs, participate in stargazing events, or attend workshops and seminars. Such activities demonstrate his passion and commitment to the field. Stay Updated with Current Research: Encourage your son to stay informed about the latest developments in astrophysics and space research. Reading scientific journals, following reputable websites, and subscribing to relevant newsletters will help him stay updated. Network and Seek Guidance: Your son can connect with professionals already working in astrophysics or ISRO. Networking and seeking guidance from experienced individuals can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.

The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) is a premier research institution in India that offers a Ph.D. program in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The fee structure for the Ph.D. program at IUCAA is as follows:
Admission Fee: Rs. 500/-
Tuition Fee: No tuition fee is charged by IUCAA.
Hostel and Mess Charges: Students are required to pay for their accommodation and food expenses. The hostel fee at IUCAA is approximately Rs. 12,000/- per semester (for a single occupancy room), and the mess charges are approximately Rs. 3,500/- per month.
In addition to the above fees, students are also required to pay for other expenses such as travel, books, and research materials. However, IUCAA provides financial support to its Ph.D. students through research fellowships and travel grants.
IUCAA also offers scholarships to deserving students, including the Swarna Jayanti Fellowship, the Visiting Fellowship, and the Senior Research Fellowship. These scholarships provide financial assistance to students to cover their research expenses and travel costs.
It is advisable to check with the IUCAA website for updated fee structures and scholarship opportunities.
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Hi Sam !
B.Sc Astrophysics is a three year degree course intended to relate concepts of Physics with astronomy and related sciences. Eligibility Criteria : A student aspiring to take admission in B.Sc. Astronomy should have passed 12th class examination with a minimum of 50% marks and minimum age should be about 17 years. Admission Process : As you want to do it in Tamil Nadu you have to check the colleges that offer this programme and check on their official websites the admission process I. e whether the admission is done on merit basis on or entrance basis. Mostly you'll need to appear in entrance like IISIR, SAAT BHU UET. So Start preparing for entrance exam so that you can get into a good college and get good results. Popular colleges in Tamil Nadu and other states are
Name of the College
Osmania University
Andhra University
Tata institute of fundamental research
IIT Bombay
Fergusson College
IIT Kharagpur
University of Pune
Savtribai Phule Pune university
IIS Bangalore
IISER Bhopal.

To get into the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), you need to appear for JEE Advanced which is conducted by one of the IITs annually. Here are the minimum JEE Advanced marks and other criteria that you need to fulfill to get into IIST:
You need to score a minimum of 75% marks or be in the top 20 percentile in Class 12 or equivalent board examination. You should have qualified for the JEE Advanced exam. You must have secured a rank within the cutoff set by IIST for admission. The cutoff ranks for admission to IIST varies every year and depends on various factors such as the number of seats available, the number of applicants, and the difficulty level of the exam. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the exact JEE Advanced marks required to get into IIST. However, based on previous year's cutoffs, you will need to score a rank within 1500-2000 in JEE Advanced to have a good chance of getting into IIST. It is essential to note that meeting the above criteria does not guarantee admission to IIST, as the admission process also considers other factors such as counseling and document verification. So, it's important to work hard and score as high as possible in JEE Advanced along with fulfilling the other eligibility criteria, to increase your chances of getting into IIST. Please upvote if it was helpful.