Hello sir i want to pursue a career in astrophysics but didnt qualify for IIT or IISER. could you please suggest other college in india that offer strong programs or pathways for astrophysics? thank you

Ans: Velavan Sir, to get admission into Engineering Physics in any one of the top 4-5 IITs, your son should score below AIR-4500 in JEE Advanced though the Closing Rank for Engineering Physics for other IITs is around AIR-17-18000. After completing his UG in Physics or Engineering Physics, he can try for his PG/PhD in Astrophysics with Indian Institute of Astrophyics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) & Raman Research Institute. Abroad universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Astrophysics with entrance exams like SAT, bypassing JEE.
All the Best for your Son's Prosperous Future, Sir.

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Ans: Students aiming for astrophysics but missing IISER admission can choose engineering programs that blend physics, computation, instrumentation, and space systems, and join institutes offering strong academics, research, and career support.

A B.Tech in Engineering Physics fosters a deep understanding of fundamental physics alongside engineering methods, with PhD-qualified faculty, core and elective courses in quantum mechanics, photonics, and applied physics, and advanced laboratory components for experiments in optics and condensed-matter physics at IIT Bombay (NIRF #3; 58 seats) and IIT Madras, where collaboration with the Electrical Engineering department enhances hands-on exposure to modern instrumentation. A B.Tech in Space Science and Engineering at IIT Indore admits 20 students via JEE Advanced into specializations like Detectors & Payloads, Imaging & Data Analytics, Remote Sensing & Atmospheric Engineering, and Astronomy & Astrophysics, offering industry- and ISRO-linked labs, satellite data centers, and internships in payload design. Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kharagpur delivers aerodynamic, propulsion, and avionics training through wind tunnels, flight simulators, and strong MoUs with aircraft and satellite manufacturers. Electrical/Electronics Engineering programs with emphasis on sensors, signal processing, and control systems at top NITs and IIITs provide skills for telescope instrumentation and data acquisition. Computer Science & Engineering with a specialization in Data Science and AI, such as the Integrated M.Tech in DSAI at IIIT Bangalore, equips students for computational astrophysics, big-data analysis, and machine-learning–driven simulations, aligning with national calls for HPC and AI adoption in astronomy. Collaborations with observatories and space agencies—exemplified by partnerships at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics for UV and optical instrumentation research—ensure hands-on observational projects. Across these domains, institutes must offer: distinguished, research-active faculty; interdisciplinary curricula marrying physics and engineering; state-of-the-art labs and computing resources; structured collaborations with space agencies, observatories, or industry; and dedicated career support linking graduates to astrophysics research roles or advanced studies.

Recommendation:
For a balanced physics foundation and engineering rigor, Engineering Physics at IIT Bombay/Madras is ideal, leading to both core science and technology paths. If space-specific training is paramount, Space Science & Engineering at IIT Indore offers direct astrophysics engagement. Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kharagpur suits those targeting spacecraft systems, while CSE with Data Science at IIIT Bangalore prepares for computational astrophysics. Each program secures robust faculty mentorship, cutting-edge infrastructure, and clear research or industry pathways toward astrophysics careers. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hello dear.

She can pursue it through (1) a B.Sc. in Physics, (2) the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, (3) the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), or (4) Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI).

For IISc, admission is through JEE (Adv), NEET, or KVPY. IISERs accept candidates through JEE (Adv), SCB (IISER Aptitude Test), and KVPY/INSPIRE. Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) conducts its entrance exam. Typically, a strong JEE (Adv) or IISER Aptitude Test score is needed (< 10,000 for IISc or top 5,000 for IISERs is safer).

After a B.Sc., she can specialize in Astrophysics via an M.Sc. or research at institutions like the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), or Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).

Disclaimer - The above information is collected from various sources and shared with you. Requesting you to check from your side with the official portals for the mentioned exams.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam