Astronomy

In preparation for astrophysics in the future, school selection for 11th and 12th grades with strong Science programs, particularly in Physics and Mathematics, should be done. Some of the recommended schools in India are given below:
Delhi Public School (DPS): Strong Science curriculum and after school activities.
The Mother's International School, New Delhi: Offers a strong foundation in Science with excellent facilities.
National Public School, Bangalore: Known for its excellence in Science education.
Podar International School, Mumbai: Offers the whole syllabus with Science emphasis.
St. John's High School, Chandigarh: Has a good Science stream with several awards for education.
So, these schools will give you a good education and set you up for pursuing further astrophysics education at the IITs or IISc.

M.Sc. Astrophysics is a specialised postgraduate course focusing on celestial phenomena and the physics governing the universe. Some of the best colleges/universities in India offering M.Sc. Astrophysics include:

Top Colleges/Universities for M.Sc. Astrophysics in India

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

   • Department: Physical Sciences/Astrophysics
   • Admission through: Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (IIT-JAM)

2. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai

   • Department: National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA)
   • Admission through: TIFR GS (Graduate School Admission Test)

3. Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore

   • Program: Joint M.Sc.-PhD in Astrophysics (in collaboration with other institutes)
   • Admission through: IIA Screening Test (IIAST) or JEST

4. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram

   • Department: Astronomy and Astrophysics
   • Admission through: GATE/JEST or an internal selection process

5. Osmania University, Hyderabad

   • Department: Astronomy
   • Known for its long-standing tradition in astronomical research
   • Admission through: University Entrance Exam or GATE

6. Pondicherry University, Puducherry

   • Offers M.Sc. in Physics with specialisation in Astrophysics
   • Admission through: Pondicherry University Entrance Exam

7. University of Calcutta, Kolkata

   • Offers M.Sc. in Astrophysics
   • Admission through: University-specific entrance exam

8. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam

   • Offers a specialised M.Sc. in Space Physics
   • Admission through: AUCET (Andhra University Common Entrance Test)

9. Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune

   • Offers M.Sc. in Physics with an Astrophysics specialization
   • Admission through: SPPU Entrance Exam

10. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh

    • Offers M.Sc. in Physics with optional courses in astrophysics
    • Admission through: AMU Entrance Exam

Key Entrance Exams for Admission

1. IIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.)

   • For admission to IISc, IITs, and other institutes.
   • Tests knowledge in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.

2. TIFR GS (Graduate School Admission Test)

   • For postgraduate and integrated Ph.D. courses at TIFR and affiliated institutes.

3. IIAST (Indian Institute of Astrophysics Screening Test)

   • Conducted by IIA for M.Sc.-PhD programs.

4. JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test)

   • For admission to research programs in physics and theoretical computer science, including astrophysics.

5. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

   • Accepted by some universities like IIST for M.Sc. and related programs.

6. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)

   • For central universities offering M.Sc. Astrophysics.

7. University-Specific Entrance Exams

   • Universities like Osmania, Pondicherry, and Calcutta conduct their own tests for admission to M.Sc. programs.

International Options

For global aspirants, notable universities for M.Sc. Astrophysics include:

• University of Cambridge, UK (Master's in Astrophysics)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA
• Harvard University, USA
• University of Oxford, UK
• Australian National University, Australia

Admission criteria vary but often include GRE (Physics), TOEFL/IELTS, and a strong academic background in physics and mathematics.

For entry into the Osmania University M.Sc. in Astrophysics program, one must follow these instructions:
Eligibility criteria: Candidate must have done a B.Sc. in which at least 40% marks must be obtained. Also, Mathematics and Physics subjects are considered in the aggregate.
Common Postgraduate Entrance Test (CPGET) must be qualified conducted by Osmania University. This examination checks a candidate's knowledge related to relevant subjects.
Procedure for applying:
Online application must be made through the Osmania University portal for admissions.
Fill up the application form for CPGET, providing all the necessary details and documents.
Pay application fee as per the requirement
Counseling and Admission: After the entrance examination, a merit list would be published according to the scores obtained by you. The selected candidates would be called for counseling and final admission.
Fees: The total tuition fees of the course are around 4,520 for two years.
Keep an eye for the specific dates and the latest updates related to the application process on the official Osmania University website.

Balancing your passion for astronomy research with pursuing MBBS for your parents' expectations is challenging but possible with careful planning and a strategic approach. Here's how you can navigate this:

1. Understand Your Priorities:

   • Reflect on what you truly value—your passion for astronomy versus the MBBS path.
   • MBBS offers a clear, stable career path in medicine, but research in astronomy offers intellectual exploration and contribution to scientific discovery.

2. Explore Dual Pathways:

   • Pursue MBBS as your primary career while maintaining astronomy research as a side interest through extracurricular research, online courses, and collaborative projects.
   • Universities like IISc, ISRO, or NASA have research internships that allow interdisciplinary research opportunities. You can explore astronomy studies during these opportunities.

3. Specialize After MBBS:

   • Pursue a specialisation in areas like neurophysiology, space medicine, or related fields that combine astronomy or astrophysics interests with medicine.
   • Research fields like space medicine focus on the effects of space environments on human biology and could combine both interests.

4. Time Management for Passion Projects:

   • While pursuing MBBS, join astronomy clubs, space research internships, or observatory projects during vacations.
   • Online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer astronomy and physics courses.

5. Alternative Education Options:

   • If pursuing MBBS directly seems daunting, explore interdisciplinary Science degrees like B.Sc in Physics/Astronomy + Medical sciences or integrated research programs.
   • Some universities allow medical students to explore electives that align with research interests.

6. Talk to Professionals:

   • Speak with mentors, professors, or students pursuing both paths to understand how they navigated their choices.
   • Medical research journals, astronomy career counselors, or mentors at universities (like those in space research labs) can guide you.

Candidates must have finished their 10+2 education with a focus on science, particularly in topics like physics, chemistry, and mathematics, to be eligible for the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology's (IIST) Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) program. In these disciplines, applicants must receive at least 75% of the possible points (or its equivalent), and candidates from reserved groups, like SC/ST, must receive at least 60% of the possible points. Candidates must also be eligible to take the JEE Advanced exam because their score on this test determines their admission to IIST's B.Tech program. IIST is a popular choice for students hoping to pursue careers in the aerospace industry because of its reputation for excellence in space Science and technology.