Dear Aspirant,

Astrophysics is a very exciting and interesting career, but if you want to become an astrophysicist, you need to make sure that you have the right qualifications.

Astrophysics is mainly about using physics to understand the mechanics of the Universe-the way stars and galaxies function, and so on. It's quite an interesting science because it deals with a lot of extremes-very big things like galaxies and very small things like atoms and sub-atomic particles; quite hot stuff like the center of stars and very cold things like the gaps between galaxies and so on. So, astrophysicists need to understand a lot of different bits of science.

To become an astrophysicist-

Try to join a good course in physics. Most good universities offer a course or two on introductory astronomy and astrophysics. In addition, seek to get internships (winter or summer) at various centers of astronomy in India, such as NCRA, IUCAA, ARIES, etc, and try to keep in contact with various science and technology departments, such as Vigyan Prasar and various astronomy workshops run by planetaries across the world.

If you want all that the hard way but the convenient way, crack JEE with a good rank, enter IIST and take the B Tech Physical Sciences course (where you study at least 5-6 astro courses and do at least two projects). Or take the Engineering Physics / MSc Physics course at any IIT and do all the things listed. Taking a course in physics with any of the IISERs is also a good option.

The important thing is to study physics in a serious way while keeping in touch with Astrophysics. If possible, get yourself a course in fluid mechanics too (not entirely necessary, but if easily available, it will make your life much more enjoyable later on when you research core astrophysics subjects).

MSc Astronomy and Astrophysics are more or less absent in the region. Only a handful of institutes are there: IISc, IIA, IIST. Of these, a separate postgraduate degree is only available at IIST, where a new MS program was opened in 2013. Others provide comprehensive doctoral solutions only.

Some good universities like DU and Pune University (with the aid of IUCAA) offer 2-3 courses in astronomy and astrophysics in their MSc Physics courses as optional courses.

Many institutes include MSc / MS Physics with a specialization in space science or astronomy or astrophysics, such as the Bose Institute or the IISERs.

IISc, IUCAA, IIST, NCRA, TIFR, ISRO, ARIES, IISERs, ICSP, etc. are a variety of institutes that provide research opportunities that can lead to a PhD (many in collaboration with the Physical Departments of local universities).

In most cases, all you need for admissions to these courses is a strong history for physics.

Another highly preferred path is to go for an MS+PhD abroad and to return and join any of the institutes mentioned above and to continue research.

If you are sure you want to become an astrophysicist in India, please explore the IPhD (IIA / IISc) options.

Hope this help. All the best!