Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, was established in 1954 as the State Observatory and renamed ARIES in 2004 under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The institute offers advanced research programs, including Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. in Astronomical Instrumentation, and opportunities through Research Associateships (RA), Post-Doctoral Fellowships (PDF, APDF), Visiting Student Programme (VSPA), and the ARIES Training School (ATSOAA).
Eligibility for admission varies by program. Ph.D. candidates must hold an M.Sc. in Physics, Astrophysics, or Environmental Sciences degree with a valid JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE score. At the same time, the Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. requires a B.Tech./B.E. in Engineering or M.Sc. in Physics/Applied Sciences degree. Higher-level positions, such as RA and PDF, require a Ph.D. with proven research experience.
ARIES Nainital offers monthly fellowships ranging from INR 20,000 for M.Tech students to INR 75,000 for Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellows, along with research grants, accommodation, and travel support in accordance with DST norms. Admissions are based on entrance exams, followed by interviews or written tests. The campus is located in Manora Peak, Nainital, Uttarakhand, about 120 km from Pantnagar Airport and 34 km from Kathgodam Railway Station.
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Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Highlights 2025
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Courses and Fees 2025
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences offers advanced research opportunities in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences. The institute admits candidates to Ph.D., Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D., Post-Doctoral Fellowships, Research Associateships, Visiting Student Programmes, and Training Schools. Eligibility for Ph.D. requires a Master’s degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or Environmental Sciences with valid scores in JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE, while the Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. program requires a B.Tech./M.Sc. degree. For higher research roles, a Ph.D. is mandatory. ARIES Nainital also offers monthly fellowships ranging from INR 20,000 for M.Tech. students to INR 75,000 for Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellows, along with additional research grants and travel support as per DST/CSIR norms.
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Admission 2025
Admission to the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, is based on merit and national-level entrance exams, followed by interviews or written tests wherever applicable. Candidates applying for the Ph.D. program must qualify in JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE, and meet ARIES eligibility norms. The different stages of the ARIES Nainital admission process are as follows:
- Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria for the desired program on the official ARIES Nainital website.
- Step 2: Appear for national-level exams, such as JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE (mandatory for Ph.D. applicants).
- Step 3: Fill the ARIES Nainital application form available on the official website.
- Step 4: Submit the application form with self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Step 5: Appear for the interview or written test at the ARIES Nainital campus (if required for the chosen program).
- Step 6: Shortlisted candidates are notified through the official ARIES Nainital merit list.
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences FAQs
What courses are offered at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital?
ARIES Nainital offers research-based programs such as Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences, Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. in Astronomical Instrumentation, Post-Doctoral Fellowships (PDF, APDF), Research Associateships (RA), the Visiting Student Programme (VSPA), and the ARIES Training School (ATSOAA).
What is the admission process at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital?
Admission at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital, is based on national-level entrance exams such as JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE, followed by interviews or written tests. Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements specified for each program.
What is the eligibility for the Ph.D. program at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital?
To apply for the Ph.D. program at the ARIES Nainital, candidates must have an M.Sc. in Physics, Astrophysics, or Environmental Sciences along with a valid score in JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE.
What fellowships are available at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital?
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences provides fellowships ranging from INR 20,000 per month for M.Tech. students to INR 75,000 per month for Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellows. Research Associates receive INR 58,000–INR 67,000 per month, while Ph.D. candidates are offered INR 37,000–INR 42,000 per month depending on their level.
Where is the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences located?
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences is located at Manora Peak in Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is about 120 km from Pantnagar Airport and 34 km from Kathgodam Railway Station, and is also accessible by road from Kathgodam, Haldwani, and Delhi.
What is the process of applying to Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital?
To get admission in Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital students have to fill the application form in the prescribed format via the official website, submit the requisite documents and appear in the interview or written examination held at the campus.
