TIFR GS PhD Pattern 2024: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School Admissions 2024 ( TIFR GS )

This exam is conducted for courses given below:
Piyush Dixit
Updated on Jan 7, 2026 16:19 IST

By Piyush Dixit, Deputy Manager

TIFR GS Exam pattern for was similar to the last year for the TIFR GS Entrance Exam to appear for the academic session 2026-27. The candidates who appeared for the exam are waiting for the release of the TIFR GS 2026 Final Answer key, Result, and Cutoff.

The Provisional Answer key was released on December 22, 2025, on the official site of TIFR GS. Exam takers can calculate their scores according to the correct answer mentioned in the answer key. The exam conducting authority released the TIFR GS 2026 Exam Pattern and the subject-wise Syllabus for those who appeared for the TIFR GS Exam 2026.

Candidates must focus on both the TIFR GS 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern to prepare for this entrance exam. The TIFR GS Exam consists of both subjective and objective questions and is conducted nationwide for all Science subjects, for which admission is provided through the TIFR GS Exam. 

Also Read:

Table of contents
  • TIFR GS 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
  • TIFR GS 2026 Shift Timings
  • TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 Mathematics
  • TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 Physics
  • TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 Chemistry
  • TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 for Computer & Systems Sciences
  • TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 for Science Education
View More
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TIFR GS 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

The table below brings the expected TIFR GS 2026 exam pattern highlights.

Particulars

Details

Mode of the examination

Computer-based test (CBT)/LAN-based/Online

Medium/ Language

English 

Duration of the examination

three hours

Frequency of exams in a year

Once a year

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Subjective Questions, True-False Statements

Total number of Questions

Differs from subject to subject

Total Marks

80-100 marks

Negative marking

Yes

Marking Scheme

+2 for a correct answer| -1 for an incorrect answer

Total sections in the question paper

2

Name of the section and number of questions asked from it

Stage 1: Online Test

Stage 2: Interview round depending upon the score achieved

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the frequency of conducting TIFR GS exam in a year?
A: 

TIFR GS exam is conducted once a year In month of December. The notification for the exam is usually released in the month of September or October.

Q:   What is the release date for TIFR GS Hall Ticket?
A: 

The admit card was released for the academic session 2026-27 for those students who wish to take the TIFR GS exam. The exam was scheduled for December 14, 2025. They had to visit the official TIFR GS portal to download their Hall ticket before the exam date, to get entry to the examination hall.

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TIFR GS 2026 Shift Timings

TIFR GS 2026 Exam was held in two sessions. The exam shift concluded in the morning and afternoon sessions. Those who appeared for this exam were aware of the TIFR GS Exam shift timing as per the subjects they chose. It is better to always follow the exam schedule shared by the exam officials on the official portal. 

TIFR GS 2026 Shift

TIFR GS 2026 Shift Timing

TIFR GS Subjects

Morning Session 1

 

 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science & Learning, Information and Data Sciences

 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Mathematics (PhD at CAM)

Afternoon Session 2

 

2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Biology (JGEEBILS) 

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Mathematics (all other programs), and Science Education 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the necessary documents one should prepare before the TIFR GS Application process?
A: 

Students must prepare all the important documents needed while filling out the TIFR GS Application form. All the important documents should be prepared beforehand to upload them online to submit the application form successfully. 

  • Scanned passport-size photo and signature
  • Classes 10 and 12 marksheet
  • Category certificate
Q:   What is the exact size and format to upload photo and signature while filling TIFR GS form?
A: 

The TIFR GS exam guidelines are given on the official portal. Students must visit the official portal to go through the guidelines before filling out the application form for the TIFR GS exam. 

Once all the documents are ready in the correct format and size, only then fill the form and submit it, so that there are no further issues during the admission process. 

The size and format of the passport-size photo and signature should be 80 KB in JPG  format.

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TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 Mathematics

TIFR GS Exam Pattern for Mathematics is divided into two parts. Part A of the Mathematics subject consists of 20 MCQs (multiple-choice questions). Every question consists of four options, and students need to pick one correct answer out of the four options. Part B of he mathematics subject consists of 20 true/false questions. The exam time of exam is three hours. For further information, students must read the table below. 

Total Parts

Question Type

Total Questions

Exam Time

A

MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

20

1.5 Hours

B

True/ False Questions

20

1.5 Hours

Total

40

3 Hours

Note: Students will be graded only for Part A of the exam. The top 100 students will be selected for the next evaluation step based on the cutoff scores. As per the official website, only the selected student's Part B Answer Booklet will be graded. 
TIFR GS Marking Scheme:

Part A: For every right answer, students get two marks. One mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Part B: For each correct answer, full marks are given. For partially correct answers, half marks are given.
Selection Criteria for Mathematics:

At TIFR, the selection process to take admission to different Mathematics programs at TIFR GS 2026 Centres (Integrated PhD at TIFR Mumbai, PhD, CAM-TIFR Bengaluru, ICTS-TIFR Bengaluru) includes two stages. If students clear the TIFR GS Written exam, only then will they be eligible for the second stage of the TIFR GS 2025 Admission Process. The scores that are achieved in the First Stage of the exam are also used in the second stage of the exam.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the frequency of conducting TIFR GS exam in a year?
A: 

TIFR GS exam is conducted once a year In month of December. The notification for the exam is usually released in the month of September or October.

Q:   How to check TIFR GS Dates for interview?
A: 

After the final result for the TIFR GS exam is announced, the TIFR GS interview dates are announced. The dates for the interview process are only valid for students who passed the exam and beat the TIFR GS Cutoff. 

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TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 Physics

TIFR GS 2026 exam pattern for the Physics course includes two parts. Part A includes objective-type questions, and there are a total of 25 Multiple Choice Questions questions. The Part A questions are based on the basic topics. Part B also consists of the MCQ-type questions. The total exam time is three hours. For further clarification, students must read the information given below.

Part

Question Type

Total Questions 

Exam Time

A

Multiple Choice Questions

25

1.5 Hours

B

Multiple Choice Questions

15

1.5 Hours

Total

40

3 Hour

The marking scheme for the Physics subjects is mentioned as follows:

Section A: For each correct answer, 3 marks are given, for each wrong answer, there is a negative marking of 1 mark and 0 marks for not attempting a question. 

Section B: For each correct answer, 5 marks are given, for each wrong answer, there is no negative marking, and 0 marks for not attempting a question. 

Selection Process for Physics Course

The Physics entrance test is conducted in two stages:
1. The first stage is the Screening Test, which includes multiple-choice type questions.
2. The second stage is for the candidates who clear the screening test and are eligible for the Interviews/written tests. 

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the TIFR GS pattern for chemistry and physics courses?
A: 

The institute does not prescribe any set pattern for the TIFR GS exam for Physics and Chemistry courses. However, the official website informs that the papers for both the subjects will contain multiple-choice questions that candidates need to complete in three hours duration. Also, there will be a negative marking scheme in the exam.

Type of QuestionsDurationNegative Marking

MCQs

3 Hours

Yes

Q:   On what basis a student qualify for the TIFR GS Counselling Process?
A: 

The TIFR GS selection process is based on the following rounds. 

  • The TIFR GS marks after the written exam
  • TIFR GS Cutoff
  • TIFR GS interview process
  • There is no counselling process to admission through TIFR GS entrance exam.
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TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 Chemistry

TIFR GS 2026 exam pattern for Chemistry consists of one part. Part A of the Chemistry subject includes a total of 40 MCQ (multiple choice questions). For every question, there are four options, and the candidates need to select one correct option out of the four options given. The Chemistry exam time is three hours. For more information, candidates can refer to the table below:

Part

Questions Type

Total Questions

Exam Time

A

MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

40

3 Hours

Total

40

3 Hours

Marking Scheme for Chemistry Courses: 

Part A: For each right answer, 3 marks will be awarded. For each wrong answer, one mark will be deducted.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Explain the TIFR GS Cutoff for every category.
A: 

Students must go through the following information to know the cutoff for the TIFR GS entrance exam. The cutoff here is based on the student's category.

  • General - 50 per cent
  • OBC - 45 per cent
  • SC - 40 per cent
  • ST - 35 per cent 
Q:   What is the major reason that can change the TIFR GS Cutoff?
A: 

Although the cutoff of the TIFR GS exam varies every year. Students should know some of the major reasons that can change the TIFR GS cutoff. 

  • Exam toughness
  • Total students who appeared for the exam
  • Total seats available
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TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 for Computer & Systems Sciences

TIFR GS exam pattern for Computer & Systems Sciences paper consists of multiple-choice questions that students need to complete within three hours. The paper was divided into three parts as shown in the table below:

Total Parts

Name of the subjects 

Exam Time

A

Common

3 Hours

B

Computer Science

C

Learning Information & Data Science/Systems Science

The exam duration for the Computer & System Sciences paper is three hours in total. Students need to complete all three parts as per their understanding because there is no separate time allotted for each part. Each part consists of a total of fifteen questions. 

NOTE:

  • Common: All the candidates need to attempt Part A. 
  • If a candidates want to be considered for the Computer Science Course, then it is mandatory to attempt Part B, but if a candidate does not wish to be considered for entrance into Computer Science, then they are allowed to skip all the questions in Part B: Computer Science. 
  • Students need to attempt Part C in case they want to be considered for the Learning, Information and Data Science, and if they do not want to be considered for LIDS, they can skip Part C. 
  • Students can also attempt both Part B: CS and Part C: LIDS; regardless, no extra time will be given. Students who wish to attempt both Part B: CS and Part C: LIDS will be assessed for TIFR GS 2025 entrance into both Computer Science and Learning, Information and Data Sciences.
  • As in a paper exam, questions and sections can be attempted in any order and revisited as frequently as desired.

Marking Scheme of Computer and System Science: There is negative marking in the exam for incorrect answers.

Correct Answers: Four marks will be given for each right answer. 

Incorrect Answers: Mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Candidates appearing for TIFR GS can go through the links mentioned below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Name the institutes and programmes that accept TIFR GS scores?
A: 

The programmes that acce [ts TIFR GS scores are PhD, Integrated MSc-PhD, and MSc programs in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer & Systems Science, Data Science, Science Education, and Wildlife Biology and Conservation.

The institutes that accept TIFR GS scores are ICTS Bangalore, NCBS Bangalore, HBCSE Mumbai, and TIFR Pune/Hyderabad.

Q:   How many exam centers are there in India for TIFR GS exam?
A: 

There are a total of 57 TIFR GS Exam centres in India. The TIFR GS exam is a national exam and it includes big cities as given below.

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Guwahati
  • Lucknow
  • Varanasi
TIFR GS Logo

TIFR GS Exam Pattern 2026 for Science Education

TIFR GS 2026 Science Education exam structure is segregated into two parts. Part A includes a total of 80 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions). Every question has four options, and students need to select the right answer from the four options. Part B includes 3 descriptive questions for 50 marks. The total exam time is three hours. For more information, students should read the table below: 

Part

Questions Type 

Total Questions

Exam Time

A

MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

80

1.5 Hours

B

Critical Reasoning- Descriptive

3

1.5 Hours

Total

83

3 Hours

Section A

Subject Name Total Questions To be Attempted
Quantitative reasoning, scientific literacy and technical comprehension.  25 Any 50 questions are to be attempted from 80 Questions
Social and cognitive sciences and education. 15
Same no. of questions on Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry 40
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to access TIFR GS question papers?
A: 

Follow these points to download the TIFR GS Question papers. 

  • Visit the TIFR GS official portal. 
  • Click Academics
  • Click on the Past Question Papers from GS‑2010 to GS‑2025 in all subjects. 
Q:   Are TIFR GS question papers available for all important subjects?
A: 

Yes, you can access all the question papers of TIFR GS by visiting the official portal. Students can get the question papers of all subjects like Chemistry, Computer Science & Learning, Information and Data Sciences, Mathematics, and Mathematics PhD at CAM, Physics, Science Education, and Wildlife Biology & Conservation.

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TIFR GS Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

The end date for students to raise objections against the TIFR GS 2026 Provisional Answer key is December 28, 2025. They need to visit the official portal to download the Answer keys for all TIFR GS Answer keys. Once the exam officials close the objection window, students can not raise objections. 

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Knowing the TIFR GS scores helps to know their chances of passing the exam. It also gives them time to plan for the further admission process and formalities. Students can also decide whether they need to raise an objection against the provisional answer key. 

 

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To assess the TIFR GS Scores, students need to download the TIFR GS Answer key. To know the marks one must use the TIFR GS Final Answer key. They can use the exam marking structure to know their expected scores. Check out every answer one-by-one based on the marking structure of the exam. 

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The TIFR GS Provisional Answer key window remains open for a limited time. In case a student wants to raisean objection, they need to click on the Provisional Answer Key Feedback Form to send their objection before the deadline. Once the objection window is over, they are not permitted to raise any

...Read more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To understand the important question related to the TIFR GS exam, it is really helpful to go through the last year's question papers. Once a student is well-versed in the important topics of their subjects. It can boost their chance of qualifying for the exam. 

With the help of last year answer keys,

...Read more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

To get the answer keys for the last year, students must go to the official portal. Click on the Past question papers under the overview section tab. They can use it to prepare for the TIFR GS exam and make self-study notes of the important topics. 

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Students must go to the official portal and submit the objection with the help of the TIFR GS Provisional Answer key feedback form. This will allow them to challenge the provisional answer key in case there is an issue. Students must raise objections before the deadline. 

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here are the ways to download the TIFR GS Provisional Answer key.

  • Go to the official portal of TIFR GS.
  • Click on the "provisional answer keys" under the Admission for GS 2026 tab.
  • Click on the download link for the subject you want. 
  • Raise an objection before the end date with the help of the feedback f

...Read more

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

After the final result for the TIFR GS exam is announced, the TIFR GS interview dates are announced. The dates for the interview process are only valid for students who passed the exam and beat the TIFR GS Cutoff. 

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The TIFR GS selection process is based on the following rounds. 

  • The TIFR GS marks after the written exam
  • TIFR GS Cutoff
  • TIFR GS interview process
  • There is no counselling process to admission through TIFR GS entrance exam.

I

Ishita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 10

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