Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research is India’s premier institution for advanced research in fundamental sciences. The Institute runs a graduate programme leading to the award of Ph.D., Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. as well as M.Sc. degree in certain subjects. With its distinguished faculty, world class facilities and stimulating research environment, it is an ideal place for aspiring scientists to initiate their career.

The Graduate Programme at TIFR is classified into the following Subjects – Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer & Systems Sciences (including Communications and Applied Probability) and Science Education. It is conducted at the Mumbai campus and various National Centres of TIFR.

TIFR Schedule

TIFR is conducted once in a year, i.e., in the months of December. The notifications announcing the TIFR published in the months of October in the weekly journal of nation-wide circulation (Employment News).

Eligibility Physics

For Ph.D.: M.Sc.(Physics)/B.Tech. (Engineering Physics)

For I-Ph.D.: B.Sc./B.E./M.E./M.Tech./B.Tech./B.Chem. or equivalent, M.Sc./B.Tech.,
(not in Physics / Engingeering Physics). 

For Ph.D. Program in TCIS: M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry or Biology; B.Tech. (Engg. Physics). 

For Ph.D. Program in ICTS: M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics; B.Tech. (Engg. Physics).

Scheme of TIFR Test

This test consists of three parts: Section A, Section B and Section C. You must answer questions according to the programme you are applying for.

Section A has 20 questions: 1-10 are multiple choice; 11-20 are numerical

Section B has 15 questions: 21-30 are multiple choice; 31-35 are symbolic

Section C has 15 questions: 36-45 are multiple choice; 45-50 are symbolic

Indicate your ANSWER ON THE OMR ANSWER SHEET as follows.

Multiple choice questions have four options (a), (b), (c) and (d), of which only one option is correct. Indicate the answers by filling up the bubble on the Answer Sheet corresponding to the correct option. If more than one bubble is filled in, it will be treated as not answered.

Numerical questions have answers which are 3 (three) digit integers. Indicate the answers by filling in the corresponding bubbles on the Answer Sheet. Unless all three bubbles for a given question are filled, it will be treated as not answered. (See inside for details)

Symbolic questions have answers which are a number, a short formula or a word. Indicate the answers by writing in the boxes on the Answer Sheet next to the appropriate question numbers. (See inside for details)

The marking for these questions shall be as follows:

Note: Only multiple choice type questions have negative marking.