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Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Admission 2025: Courses, Fees & Eligibility

Autonomous Institute University|Estd. 1954

• Updated on Aug 25, 2025, by Aafreen

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, offers doctoral and integrated research programs in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, and Astronomical Instrumentation. The institute also provides a 6-year Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. in Astronomical Instrumentation, Ph.D. programs with advanced fellowships, and short-term opportunities such as the Visiting Student Programme (VSPA) and ARIES Training School (ATSOAA) for UG/PG interns.

 

Admission to these programs is based on academic merit, as well as national-level entrance exams, such as JEST, NET, GATE, and INSPIRE, followed by interviews or written tests, where applicable. Fellowships range from INR 20,000 per month for M.Tech students to INR 75,000 per month with a research grant for Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellows (APDF). ARIES Nainital also supports Research Associates (RAs) and Senior Project Associates (SPAs) with monthly stipends ranging from INR 42,000 to 67,000.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences UG Admission 2025
  2. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences PG Admission 2025
  3. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Ph.D Admission 2025
  4. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Application Process 2025
  5. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Admission FAQs

 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences UG Admission 2025

ARIES provides exposure to research through short-term programs. Students from Physics, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, or Engineering can apply for the Visiting Student Programme (VSPA) or the ARIES Training School (ATSOAA). These are designed for UG/PG interns and final-year B.Tech./M.S. students who want hands-on training. ARIES covers local hospitality, while NIUS/IASc interns may receive a stipend of INR 25,000 for 8 weeks. The Training School charges no fee and includes accommodation and research support.

Program

Eligibility

Duration

Fellowship / Fee

Visiting Student Programme (VSPA)

UG/PG students in Physics, Astronomy, Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering

Short-term

Local hospitality; IASc/NIUS interns get INR 25,000 for 8 weeks

ARIES Training School (ATSOAA)

Final-year B.Tech. or Integrated M.S. students in Physics/Astrophysics

Summer (Short-term)

No fee; accommodation & training support provided by ARIES

 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences PG Admission 2025

ARIES offers an Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. program in Astronomical Instrumentation. Candidates with a B.Tech./B.E. in Engineering (ECE, EEE, CS, Mech, Instrumentation) or an M.Sc. in Physics/Applied Sciences degree are eligible. The course duration is about 6 years, with a fellowship of INR 20,000/month during the M.Tech phase and INR 37,00042,000/month during the Ph.D phase.

Program

Eligibility

Duration

Fellowship / Fee

Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (Astronomical Instrumentation)

B.Tech./B.E. in Engg. (ECE/EEE/CS/Mech/Instrumentation) or M.Sc. in Physics/Applied Sciences

6 Years

INR 20,000/month (M.Tech. phase); INR 37,000–42,000/month (Ph.D. phase)

 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Ph.D Admission 2025

At the doctoral level, ARIES Nainital offers structured fellowships and advanced research positions. To be eligible for the Ph.D. program, candidates must hold an M.Sc. in Physics, Astrophysics, or Environmental Sciences degree along with valid scores in JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE. Junior Research Fellows (JRF) receive INR 37,000/month, upgraded to INR 42,000/month as SRF.

 

ARIES Nainital also provides fellowships for established researchers. The Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellowship (APDF) offers INR 75,000/month plus INR 5 lakh annual research grant. Research Associates (RA) earn between INR 58,000–67,000/month, and the Senior Project Associate (SPA) receives INR 42,000/month for one year. These opportunities are designed for candidates with a Ph.D. or significant post-master’s research experience.

Program

Eligibility

Duration

Fellowship / Fee

Ph.D. (Astronomy, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences)

M.Sc. in Physics/Astrophysics/Environmental Sciences with valid JEST/NET/GATE/INSPIRE score

5 Years

INR 37,000/month (JRF); INR 42,000/month (SRF)

Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellow (APDF)

Ph.D. with strong research record

2–3 Years

INR 75,000/month + INR 5 lakh annual research grant + travel support

Research Associate (RA)

Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Sciences

1–3 Years

INR 58,000 – 67,000/month

Senior Project Associate (SPA)

Master’s + 4 years research experience OR Ph.D. (submitted)

1 Year

INR 42,000/month

 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Application Process 2025

Candidates can follow the steps below to apply to ARIES Nainital:

  • Step 1: Visit the official website of ARIES athttps://www.aries.res.in/.
  • Step 2: Fill the application form for the desired program with personal, academic and contact details.
  • Step 3: Attach self-attested copies of required documents, such as mark sheets, degree certificates, ID proof, and photographs.
  • Step 4: Submit the application form through the prescribed mode (online or offline, depending on the program).
  • Step 5: Save and download the submitted form for future reference.

 

Documents Required

The documents required at the time of admission include:

Class 10th & 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates

UG Mark Sheet and Certificate

PG Mark Sheet and Certificate

Entrance Exam Scorecard (JEST/NET/GATE/INSPIRE/CSIR-UGC etc.)

Migration/Transfer Certificate (if applicable)

Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)

Recent Passport-size Photographs

Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)

Medical Fitness Certificate

Research Experience Certificate (mandatory for RA, PDF, APDF)

 

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences Admission FAQs

Does ARIES Nainital offer undergraduate programs?

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences offers short-term training opportunities like the Visiting Student Programme (VSPA) and the ARIES Training School (ATSOAA) for UG and PG students to gain hands-on research exposure.

What is the eligibility for the Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. program at ARIES Nainital?

To be eligible for the Integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. program at ARIES Nainital, candidates must hold a B.Tech./B.E. degree in Engineering (ECE, EEE, CS, Mechanical, Instrumentation) or an M.Sc. in Physics/Applied Sciences degree. The program is 6 years long and provides monthly fellowships during both M.Tech. and Ph.D. phases.

What financial support is provided to Ph.D. students at ARIES Nainital?

Junior Research Fellows (JRF) at ARIES Nainital receive INR 37,000 per month, which is later upgraded to INR 42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellows (SRF). In addition, accommodation and limited research support are often provided at ARIES Nainital.

What is the fellowship offered under the Aryabhatta Post-Doctoral Fellowship (APDF) at ARIES Nainital?

The APDF at ARIES Nainital provides INR 75,000 per month along with an annual research grant of INR 5 lakh and additional travel support for conferences or collaborations.

What entrance exams are accepted for ARIES Ph.D. admissions?

ARIES Nainital accepts national-level entrance exam scores such as JEST, NET, GATE, or INSPIRE for Ph.D. admissions. Shortlisted candidates are further required to attend interviews or written tests at the institute.

Does ARIES Nainital provide accommodation and facilities for students?

Yes, ARIES Nainital provides hostel accommodation and basic facilities for its research scholars and fellows. For short-term training programs like VSPA or ATSOAA, local hospitality and accommodation are also arranged by the institute.