Astrophysics Course - Admission, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Colleges & Career Options

About Astrophysics

A course in Astrophysics can be pursued at an undergraduate, postgraduate or diploma level. The program introduces students to the basics of physics and teaches them how to apply physics in the field of astronomy. With various recent astronomical discoveries, astrophysics has become a widely popular course among aspirants these days.

During the program, students are given the knowledge about the various chemical and physical properties of different celestial bodies and are introduced to a wide range of physics subjects, math courses, quantum mechanics and university laboratory work. Students are taught in a combination of classroom teaching, practicals sessions, tutorials, that introduces them to new discoveries and technologies and develops their problem-solving abilities.

Candidates who plan to pursue their career in astrophysics must possess advance problem skills abilities and how to logically think during complex situations. Also, candidates must possess a high level of mathematical ability, computer knowledge and good communication skills for a bright future in the field.

Astrophysics Course Highlights

Some of the major highlights of Astrophysics course are given below:

Astrophysics Eligibility Criteria

In order to pursue the Astrophysics course, the candidates will have to fulfil the given below eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must have passed class 12th or equivalent from a recognized board.

• The candidate must have studied Mathematics and Physics as the main subjects in class 12th.

• The candidate must have acquired a minimum aggregate of 50%-60% in the qualifying examination.

Astrophysics Admission Process

The admission to Astrophysics course is done in two ways: -

Entrance Based: The entrance based admission to the course is done on the basis of score obtained by the candidate at a national level, state level or college level entrance exams. The admission is done through the counselling process.

For Astrophysics, chances of getting direct admission is not possible, as the entrance exam is mandatory.

Astrophysics Syllabus

Popular Subjects:

Astrophysics Career Options and Job Prospects

A number of students pursue further studies such as M.Sc, Ph.D. and research work in Astrophysics. Ph.D holders can start their own projects or may work under the projects headed by experienced physicists. Aspirants can find lucrative job opportunities in the following organizations:

• Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO
• Space Physics Laboratories
• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, VSSC
• Space Applications Centres
• Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers, ABBA

The entry-level salary of an astrophysicist is Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending upon the type of organization and relevant work experience. Some of the international employers of astrophysics graduates include The Naval Research Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute, etc.

Listed below are some of the popular job roles for successful graduates are: -

• Astrophysicists
• Stellar Astronomers
• Observational Astronomers
• Solar Astronomers
• Technicians
• Research Assistants