MSc Astrophysics is a PG program spanning two years. Its content is mainly based on the universe, studying the stars, galaxies, and cosmology. A Master of Science in astrophysics provides knowledge regarding the teachings of modern astrophysics, which includes stellar structures and evolution, galactic dynamics, and cosmology.
Candidates are eligible for the master's degree in astrophysics if they have completed their bachelor's degree with a major in physics and mathematics. The admission process is based on graduation marks and entrance test scores. To qualify for the MS in Astrophysics program, one has to obtain scores in either CUET PG, IIT JAM, JEST, or a university-specific entrance examination. IIT Bombay,IIT Indore, Presidency University, and others are examples of some of the top institutes for pursuing MSc Astrophysics. Graduates may work in Research sectors, Space Agencies, and Academic endeavours.
- MSc Astrophysics Course Highlights
- What is an MSc Astrophysics?
- Why Pursue MSc Astrophysics?
- MSc Astrophysics Eligibility
- MSc Astrophysics Admission Process
- Top Colleges in India for MSc Astrophysics
- MSc Astrophysics Entrance Exam
- MSc Astrophysics Syllabus
- MSc Astrophysics Job Prospects
- MSc Astrophysics FAQs
MSc Astrophysics Course Highlights
MSc Astrophysics is one of the specialisations under Physics in the Astronomy domain. Key Highlights of the course are tabulated below.
Category | Details |
Program Name | Master of Science in Astrophysics |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility | BSc or B.Tech with Physics and Maths from a recognised university. |
Admission | Graduation/ entrance exam merit
Entrance Exams: CUET PG, IIT JAM, JEST, etc |
Average Course Fee | INR 1 to 3 lakhs |
Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 6.5 LPA |
Top Recruiting Companies | Nainital Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), etc. |
Job Positions | Astrophotographer, Research Associate, Lab Technician, Scientist, Lecturer, etc. |
What is an MSc Astrophysics?
MSc Astrophysics is a postgraduate course of two years which involves both the theoretical and observational study of all the types of astronomical objects and phenomena, such as stars, galaxies, black holes, and the cosmic microwave background. The course focuses on advanced physics concepts, like classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics.
The program allows graduates to attain critical analytical and scientific skills, engage in research projects, and develop expertise in the interpretation of data from various sections of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Read more about: MSc Geoinformatics
Why Pursue MSc Astrophysics?
You will get to learn astrophysics fundamentals and will explore basic questions about the universe while pursuing a Master of Science in Astrophysics. It prepares the student for a career in academia, research, or related industries.
- One could learn the deep and rich history of the universe that includes dark matter, dark energy, and even the quest for life elsewhere.
- Students are also trained in theoretical, observational, and computational methodologies.
- The thrust of the course is on research and development so that the students acquire problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
MSc Astrophysics Eligibility
The MSc Astrophysics eligibility is a BSc in astrophysics or a B.Tech in Physics, Astronomy, or a related science with a minimum aggregate score of 50-60%.
- B.E. graduates are also eligible to enrol in MSc Astrophysics.
- Selection is either based on graduation merit or entrance exam scores.
- Some universities require entrance exam qualifications such as IIT JAM, CUET PG, GATE, etc.
MSc Astrophysics Admission Process
Different institutes have their admission procedures and selection criteria. The general structure of the admissions process is as follows:
- Online Application: Candidates need to fill out an online application form available on the official admission portal of the institute. The form needs to be filled out with personal and other related educational contact details.
- Documents required to apply for admission are proof of identity, marksheets, entrance exam score certificate, SOP, and degree certificate.
- Screening: The universities screen the applications and prepare the shortlist based on merit. Some universities hold an entrance exam for those candidates who do not have a state or national qualification.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for further scrutiny in the form of a personal interview.
- Document Verification: After screening, each of the universities will release its respective cut-offs. The selected candidates would then be called to the document verification process to finalise their admissions.
Top Colleges in India for MSc Astrophysics
Limited institutes are offering MSc Astrophysics in India. It is important to verify the available specialisation in a particular institute, as many universities combine this course with Astronomy.
Name | Selection based on | NIRF 2024 Ranking | Total Course Fee |
IIT Bombay | IIT JAM | 3 (Overall) | INR 4,53,000 |
IIT Indore | IIT JAM | 33 (Overall) | INR 1,48,000 |
Osmania University | Graduation + OCUET | 70 (Overall) | INR 42,840 |
Presidency University | Graduation + PUMDET | 151-200 (University) | INR 6,180 |
St. Xavier’s College | Graduation merit | 6 (College) | INR 1,68,000 |
MSc Astrophysics Entrance Exam
Some of the entrance exam scores accepted for the MSc in Astrophysics are:
Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
PUMDET 2025 | April 28, 2025 | July 27, 2025 |
JEST 2025 | May 30, 2025 | June 22, 2025 |
CUET PG 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 |
IIT JAM 2025 | October 2025 | February 2026 |
GATE 2026 | October 2025 | February 2026 |
MSc Astrophysics Syllabus
The table below represents the syllabus followed by Presidency University:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Classical Dynamics Fundamentals of | Electromagnetism and Special Relativity |
Quantum Physics-I | Fundamentals of Quantum Physics-II |
Thermal and Statistical Physics | Introduction to Astrophysics |
Mathematical and Computational Physics-I | Mathematical and Computational Physics-II |
Statistical Techniques and Data Analysis | Experimental Physics |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Introduction to General Relativity | Project-II: Formulation of Project Proposal |
Theoretical and Observational Cosmology | Project-III: Dissertation |
Generic Elective | Project-IV: Defence Seminar and Open Viva |
Astrophysics Lab | Project-V: Comprehensive Viva |
Project I: Review of Literature | Observatory Internship/Night Lab |
MSc Astrophysics Job Prospects
With an MSc in Astrophysics, one can pursue careers in research, academia, and space agencies. Top positions to consider are astrophysicist, astronomer, research associate, scientist, and lecturer. Here are some popular job roles with average salaries as per Indeed analytics.
Job Position | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
Astrophotographer | 0–2 years | INR 2 – 3.5 LPA |
Astrophysics Technologist | 2–4 years | INR 4.5 – 6.5 LPA |
Senior Scientist | 8–12 years | INR 10 – 15 LPA |
Research Scientist | 4–7 years | INR 7 – 11 LPA |
Professor/Lecturer | 5–10 years | INR 6 – 9 LPA |
MSc Astrophysics FAQs
Does IISc offer MSc Astrophysics?
No, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, does not offer a specialised BSc and MSc program in Astrophysics. Instead, they offer General Physics with Astrophysics as one of the core subjects in their curriculum.
Can I join ISRO after MSc Astrophysics?
Yes, ISRO hires Astrophysics graduates. The required qualification is a Master's degree in Astrophysics, Space and Atmospheric Science, or Engineering. Also, one has to qualify the recruitment exam and screening conducted by ISRO.
Does the Indian Institute of Astrophysics offer an MSc in Astrophysics?
No, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics does not offer MSc Astrophysics. However, one can pursue a Doctorate program with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
What is the eligibility for JEST?
The eligibility criteria to apply for JEST vary between the program and the participating institutions. There is no upper age limit to qualify for JEST, and the score is valid for one year.
Does TIFR offer MSc Astrophysics?
Yes, the TIFR offers a Masters degree in Astrophysics integrated with a doctorate program (PhD) in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The total course duration is 6 years. However, one can exit after the MSc by completing mandatory research and coursework within 3 years.
Are Astrophysics and Astronomy the Same?
No, Astrophysics and Astronomy are not the same. Astronomy is a broader study of celestial objects, while astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that narrows the focus to just the physics of space.
