Tata Institute of Fundamental Research: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Mumbai Campus Life

About Tata Institute of Fundamental Research - [TIFR] Mumbai

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is a premier public research institute established in 1945 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a deemed university under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and functions as an autonomous institution. TIFR was founded by Homi J. Bhabha with support from J.R.D. Tata and is headquartered at Navy Nagar, Colaba, with additional centres in Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad.

TIFR is widely recognized for its excellence in fundamental research across mathematics, natural sciences and theoretical computer science. In the NIRF India Rankings 2025, it is ranked 17th in the Research Institutions category. The institute offers integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. and direct Ph.D. programmes with a strong faculty and low student-faculty ratio, and has produced India’s first digital computer, TIFRAC, and major facilities like the Ooty Radio Telescope and Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope.

Key Highlights

Parameter	Details
Full Name	Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Established	1945
Type	Government Deemed University
Affiliation	Deemed to be University (Autonomous)
Approved By	UGC, Department of Atomic Energy
NAAC Grade	A+ Grade
NIRF 2025	#17 in Research Institutions
Campus	15 acres, Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Courses	0 UG + 0 PG + 1 PhD
Popular Programmes	Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D., Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science
Students	Approximately 1,000
Faculty	Approximately 250
Fee Range	₹0 - ₹2,000/year (nominal)
Website	https://www.tifr.res.in

Admission Dates 2026

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai offers Integrated MSc-PhD, MSc and PhD programmes through the national-level TIFR GS (Graduate School) entrance test followed by interviews, with limited intake also via GATE, JEST, JAM and CSIR-UGC NET scores. For the 2026 cycle, admission to these research programmes runs through the GS-2026 process with the exam in December 2025 and programme commencement in August 2026.

Programme	Event	Date
Integrated MSc-PhD / MSc / PhD (GS-2026, all subjects)	Application Start	27 September 2025
Integrated MSc-PhD / MSc / PhD (GS-2026, all subjects)	Last date for Fee Waiver Request	12 October 2025
Integrated MSc-PhD / MSc / PhD (GS-2026, all subjects)	Last date for priority choice of test centre	19 October 2025
Integrated MSc-PhD / MSc / PhD (GS-2026, all subjects)	Application Deadline	26 October 2025
Integrated MSc-PhD / MSc / PhD (GS-2026, all subjects)	TIFR GS 2026 Entrance Exam	14 December 2025
Integrated MSc-PhD / MSc / PhD (GS-2026, all subjects)	Programme Start	01 August 2026

Admission Process

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai offers postgraduate M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc.–PhD and PhD programmes in basic sciences and science education. Admissions run centrally through the TIFR Graduate School (GS) route based on the TIFR GS written test (and in some cases valid GATE/NET/JEST/JGEEBILS scores) followed by interviews.

Integrated M.Sc.–PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the TIFR official website (Academics/Admissions section) and select GS admissions for your subject.
2. Register with email, fill the online GS application form and choose the “Integrated M.Sc.–PhD” option with subject (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics/Biology).
3. Upload photograph, signature, academic documents and submit the form.
4. Pay the GS application fee online within the deadline.
5. Download GS admit card and appear for the TIFR GS written test at the allotted centre.
6. Check shortlist on the TIFR website and attend subject-wise interview at the indicated TIFR centre.
7. On selection, confirm admission by submitting documents and joining on the date.

M.Sc. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Open the TIFR website and go to the GS admissions page for M.Sc. programmes.
2. Register and fill the M.Sc. GS application, selecting the relevant M.Sc. programme (Biology or Wildlife Biology & Conservation) and centre.
3. Upload required documents and photograph, then submit the application.
4. Pay the prescribed application fee online.
5. Download the GS or JGEEBILS admit card (for Biology-related programmes) and write the entrance test.
6. Check interview shortlist and attend the interview at the designated campus (e.g., NCBS, HBCSE).
7. Complete admission formalities and submit original documents on reporting.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the TIFR Academics/Admissions page and choose PhD in the desired subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer & Systems Sciences, Science Education).
2. Fill the online GS application form, indicating PhD and providing details of GATE/NET/JEST/JGEEBILS scores if applicable.
3. Upload supporting academic documents and submit the form.
4. Pay the GS application fee online before the last date.
5. Appear for the TIFR GS written exam, unless exempted by valid GATE/NET/JEST score in permitted subjects.
6. Check the interview shortlist and attend on-campus interview at TIFR or concerned centre.
7. On receiving an offer, accept it and complete registration and document verification.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Programme	Qualification	Entrance Exam	Min %	Fees (per year)
Integrated M.Sc.–PhD (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics/Biology)	BSc/BE/BTech/BPharm/BVSc/MBBS/BDS or equivalent in relevant discipline	TIFR GS (subject-wise); GATE/NET/JEST accepted for Physics in specified cases	60%	₹3,000
M.Sc. (Biology)	Bachelor’s degree in relevant life science or allied discipline	TIFR GS Biology / JGEEBILS followed by interview	60%	₹2,500
M.Sc. (Wildlife Biology & Conservation)	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with strong interest in ecology/wildlife and relevant experience	TIFR GS / Programme-specific test and interview	55%	₹2,500
PhD (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics/Biology/Computer & Systems Sciences)	MSc/ME/MTech/MA (where applicable) in relevant subject	TIFR GS; GATE/NET/JEST accepted for Physics and Systems Science as notified	60%	₹3,000
PhD (Science Education – HBCSE)	Master’s degree in science/mathematics/education or allied areas	TIFR GS – Science Education written test and interview	55%	₹3,000

Documents Required

• Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
• All semester-wise mark sheets of bachelor’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree provisional/degree certificate
• Master’s degree mark sheets and certificate (for PhD applicants)
• Valid GATE/NET/JEST/JGEEBILS score card (if used for eligibility)
• Government photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN/Voter ID)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if applicable
• PwD certificate, if applicable
• Migration/transfer certificate from last institution
• Offer letter and GS admit card printouts for verification

Rankings & Accreditations

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai is ranked among the top research institutions in India, placed 17th in the NIRF Research Institutions Rankings 2025 with a score of 57.96/100. It also features in global rankings such as CWUR 2025 with a world rank of 644 and a national rank of 7.

NIRF 2025

Category	Rank	Score
Research Institutions	#17	57.96/100

Other Rankings

Agency	Rank	Year
CWUR (World Rank)	#644	2025
CWUR (Asia Rank)	#173	2025
CWUR (India Rank)	#7	2025
QS WUR by Subject – Physics & Astronomy	#401–450	2024

Accreditations

• NAAC: Not applicable (TIFR is a premier research institution directly under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India)
• NBA: Not applicable (does not offer conventional NBA-accredited engineering programmes)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai provides fully funded fellowships to its graduate students, covering monthly stipend and other allowances so that they can pursue research without financial burden. Eligible students can additionally apply for central and state government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and relevant state portals.

Institute Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
TIFR PhD Fellowship (Science Education – HBCSE campus)	Full‑time PhD scholars in Science Education registered with TIFR, admitted through the Graduate School process	₹25,000–₹28,000 per month fellowship + 30% HRA + ₹32,000/year contingency grant

Government Scholarships

Scheme	For	Amount	Portal
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students – Scholarship (Top Class Education for ST Students)	Scheduled Tribe students with specified family income limit studying in premier institutes (TIFR is listed as a premier research institute)	Reimbursement of full tuition and non‑refundable fees + maintenance allowance (hosteller) up to about ₹2,200 per month + other admissible allowances scheme norms	NSP
Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/EWS (State-specific, e.g. Government of Maharashtra)	Reserved‑category students from eligible income brackets enrolled in recognised higher education programmes at TIFR	Tuition/fee reimbursement state norms + maintenance allowance (varies by category and course level)	State scholarship portal / NSP

External Scholarships

• Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) – PhD Scholarship: ₹25,000–₹28,000 per month plus 30% HRA and ₹32,000/year contingency for TIFR-registered PhD students in Science Education at HBCSE

Comparison

TIFR Mumbai is a premier autonomous research institution ranked 17th in NIRF 2025 Research Rankings. For meaningful comparison, we select Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune—both are autonomous research-focused institutions with similar mandates of advancing fundamental and applied research in India.

Parameter	TIFR Mumbai	Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)	IISER Pune
Type	Autonomous Research Institute	Autonomous Research Institute	Autonomous Research Institute
Established	1945	2005	2006
NIRF 2025 Research Ranking	#17	#7	#35
Primary Focus	Fundamental Research (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics)	Nuclear Science & Technology Research	Science Education & Research

## Key Strengths TIFR Mumbai: Oldest autonomous research institute in India with world-class facilities in theoretical and experimental physics, chemistry, and biology. Strong international collaborations and publication record in high-impact journals. Homi Bhabha National Institute: Specialized focus on nuclear science and technology with advanced research infrastructure. Ranks higher (#7) in NIRF 2025 Research Rankings, reflecting strong research output in specialized domains. IISER Pune: Dedicated to science education integrated with research. Offers structured PhD programs with emphasis on foundational science across multiple disciplines, making it accessible for early-career researchers.

Campus & Infrastructure

TIFR Mumbai has a compact seaside campus of about 15 acres at Navy Nagar, Colaba, at the southern tip of Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea and landscaped with botanical-style green spaces and internal gardens. The self-contained campus houses research laboratories, housing, a large recreation centre and the Homi Bhabha Auditorium, giving it a quiet, almost retreat-like environment within the city.

Campus Details

Parameter	Details
Area	15 acres
Location	Mumbai, Maharashtra
Nearest Railway	Mumbai Central (10.1 km)
Nearest Airport	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (18.1 km)

Academic Facilities

• Library: More than 1,00,000 volumes (books, journals, microfilms)

Hostel

Type	Capacity	Fee/Year

Other Facilities

• Homi Bhabha Auditorium seating just over 1,000 people
• Recreation Centre with modern gymnasium and room for yogic exercises
• Table-tennis tables and badminton courts in Recreation Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

What programmes does TIFR Mumbai offer for new students after graduation?

TIFR Mumbai mainly offers research degrees such as Integrated M.Sc.+PhD, standalone PhD and M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer/Systems Sciences and related areas. The flagship Integrated M.Sc.+PhD programme typically runs for about 6 years.

What entrance exams are required for admission to TIFR Mumbai?

Admission is primarily through the TIFR Graduate School (TIFR GS) written test conducted nationwide, followed by an interview at a TIFR centre. Candidates with strong scores in CSIR‑UGC NET, GATE or JEST can receive written-test exemptions in some subjects, but interviews remain compulsory.

What is the basic eligibility for the Integrated M.Sc.+PhD programme at TIFR Mumbai?

For the Integrated M.Sc.+PhD, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering or Medicine from a recognised university. Selection is based on the TIFR GS exam in the relevant subject followed by an interview conducted by TIFR faculty panels.

How does the TIFR GS 2026 application process work?

TIFR GS applications are submitted online via the official TIFR admissions portal. Students register, fill the form, upload photograph and signature, pay the application fee online and select their test centre. Only candidates completing all steps within the announced dates receive admit cards.

Does TIFR Mumbai charge tuition fees for PhD and Integrated PhD students?

For most PhD and Integrated M.Sc.+PhD students, tuition is effectively offset by institute fellowships and scholarships, so there is no large separate tuition bill each semester. Students instead receive a monthly stipend and pay only heavily subsidised hostel and mess charges.

What kind of fellowship or stipend do TIFR research students receive?

Research students admitted through TIFR GS typically receive a monthly fellowship aligned with national norms for JRF/SRF, along with contingency grants for research expenses. The fellowship continues subject to satisfactory academic performance and annual reviews by faculty committees.

How expensive is hostel and food at TIFR Mumbai?

Hostel accommodation and food are highly subsidised. Postdoctoral fellows pay around ₹200 per month for fully furnished institute flats, and student hostel and mess charges are kept low through institutional subsidy. Canteen food is priced for students, with meals available throughout the day.

Does TIFR Mumbai provide campus housing for all students?

TIFR provides on‑campus hostel rooms for students and dedicated residential flats for postdoctoral fellows. Student hostels include furnished single rooms, study table, internet and common facilities, while postdocs get one‑bedroom furnished flats with kitchen, gas stove and refrigerator.

What are the placement prospects after a PhD from TIFR Mumbai?

TIFR is a research institute, so graduates mainly join academic and research careers rather than campus corporate placements. Alumni frequently secure postdoctoral positions in institutes such as ICTS, IISc, various IITs and international universities, and research roles in R&D laboratories.

Does TIFR Mumbai help students with internships or project work?

Formal summer internships are not a major component because the programmes themselves are full‑time research training. However, students routinely work on long‑term research projects within their research groups and often spend short periods collaborating at other Indian or overseas institutes.

How intensive is the coursework and research load at TIFR Mumbai?

The first 1–2 years focus on rigorous coursework in core and advanced topics, with frequent problem sets and exams. Students then transition quickly to full‑time research under a supervisor, working on publications, seminars and thesis work with a typical programme duration of 5–6 years.

How is the faculty quality and research environment at TIFR Mumbai?

TIFR faculty members are active researchers in areas like high‑energy physics, astrophysics, condensed matter, pure mathematics, theoretical computer science, biology and chemistry. The campus hosts advanced laboratories, high‑performance computing and a major scientific library supporting cutting‑edge research.

What library and computing facilities are available to TIFR students?

The Scientific Information Resource Centre holds extensive collections in astronomy, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and biology, plus access to major international journals and databases. The institute provides campus‑wide Wi‑Fi, departmental computer labs and central high‑end computing resources.

What is day‑to‑day campus life like at TIFR Mumbai?

The Colaba seafront campus is compact and research‑focused rather than a large conventional university campus. Students have access to a recreation centre with gym, yoga room, table‑tennis and badminton, film and music clubs, and landscaped seafront pathways overlooking the Arabian Sea.

How is the food quality and dining arrangement on campus?

TIFR has at least two main canteens serving subsidised meals from morning to late evening, plus smaller eateries. The food is basic but affordable, with vegetarian and non‑vegetarian options, tea and snacks, and special arrangements during conferences and institute events in the Homi Bhabha Auditorium.

What sports and cultural activities are available for students?

The Sports Club manages indoor games such as table‑tennis, carrom and chess, and outdoor facilities for football, cricket and volleyball. Cultural activities include a film club showing movies fortnightly, a music club hosting Indian classical concerts, and regular colloquia and public lectures.

Is TIFR Mumbai safe for students, especially late‑night lab work?

The main campus is a secure, access‑controlled research facility with internal security and medical clinic support. Students often work late in labs and libraries, and the institute environment with on‑campus housing and internal pathways reduces typical city safety concerns.

Does TIFR allow part‑time jobs or outside work during the PhD?

Students are full‑time research fellows receiving institute stipends, so outside employment is generally not permitted. The expectation is that students devote their working hours to coursework, research, seminars and departmental duties such as teaching assistance.

How does TIFR Mumbai compare with IISc and IITs for research?

TIFR is dedicated purely to fundamental research with small batch sizes and no undergraduate teaching load, giving faculty and students more research focus. IISc and top IITs combine strong research with larger teaching responsibilities and broader engineering programmes, so the environments differ significantly.

What is the long‑term value of doing a PhD at TIFR Mumbai?

A TIFR PhD is well‑regarded in academia and research labs in India and abroad, with alumni in faculty and scientist positions across IISc, IITs, national labs and international universities. The institute’s research‑only focus and strong peer group build a strong profile for academic and scientific careers.