NCRA TIFR VSRP 2026: Rs 9,000 Stipend, Apply by 31 October

NCRA-TIFR in Pune has opened applications for its Visiting Students' Research Programme (VSRP 2026), a research project in astronomy and astrophysics for students who finish their degree in 2027. Selected students get Rs 9,000 a month, a hostel room on campus and their rail fare to Pune. Applications close on Saturday, 31 October 2026.

If you are putting together a list of research stints for your final year, our guide to research internships in India has more options. Engineering and science students can also look at the IIT Bombay Research Internship 2026-27, or browse all opportunities on Talentd.

What the NCRA TIFR VSRP involves

NCRA is the radio astronomy centre of TIFR. It built and runs the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope near Pune, which the centre describes as the most powerful radio telescope in the world at low radio frequencies.

Each VSRP student works on a research project in astronomy and astrophysics. The project can be theoretical, observational or computational. Which one you get depends on the projects available that year and on your own preference.

The bigger draw is what comes after. NCRA judges students on the project, a project seminar and interviews held later, and the strongest are offered a research scholarship for a Ph.D. at NCRA, which they join after finishing their current degree. For a final-year student who wants to do astrophysics research, VSRP works almost like a long Ph.D. trial.

VSRP 2026 eligibility

Only one graduating batch qualifies this cycle: students who will complete one of the following degrees in 2027.

• M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc. or 4-year B.Sc. in Physics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics or Electronics
• B.E. or B.Tech. in any stream

NCRA's FAQ also spells out who should not apply. You are ineligible if you have already finished your B.Tech., B.E. or M.Sc., if you have not yet completed a B.Sc., if you are in the third year of an Integrated M.Sc., or if your degree ends in 2026. Ineligible applications are rejected immediately, however strong they are, so confirm your completion year before you register.

The call is aimed at academically strong, motivated students with an interest in physics and astronomy. Because B.Tech. students from any branch can apply, an electrical or computer science student who likes astronomy is not shut out.

VSRP stipend, hostel and travel allowance

Selected students are paid Rs 9,000 per month during the programme and stay in hostel accommodation on the NCRA-TIFR campus. NCRA also pays 1.33 times the second-class return railway fare between Pune and either your home or your place of study.

The programme dates, and so the duration, are listed as "To be announced" on the important dates page. Wait for NCRA to publish them rather than planning around a guessed schedule.

How NCRA selects VSRP students

Selection rests on four things: your statement of research interests, your referee reports, evidence that you are motivated to do research, and your grades. NCRA gives research or learning done outside regular coursework as an example of that motivation. A shortlist is drawn up from the application material and referee assessments, and shortlisted students are invited to the programme. Selected students hear by e-mail.

Grades are only one part of this. A summer project, a reading course or self-study in astronomy can count, so mention them in your statement and say what you actually did.

How to apply for NCRA TIFR VSRP 2026

1. Line up two referees before you start. Pick people you have worked with academically over the last few years, such as teachers or project guides, who can judge your research potential. Get their agreement and their e-mail addresses.
2. Register on the official VSRP 2026 application page with your name, surname and e-mail address. Select your programme and choose 2027 as your year of completion. The password needs at least 8 characters, including one letter, one number and one special character, and you must type the security code shown.
3. Log in with your e-mail address and password to open the Online Application Form. Fill in your academic details and the names and e-mail addresses of your two referees. Since your statement of research interests counts in selection, draft it in advance.
4. Submit the form. Your referees then get an automatic e-mail asking them to fill the online Confidential Assessment Form. They cannot do this before you submit.
5. Follow up with both referees so their reports reach NCRA. Only online applications and online referee reports are accepted; postal and e-mail applications are not.
6. If the forms give you trouble, check the FAQ on the VSRP 2026 programme site. If that doesn't help, write to the coordinator at vsrp@ncra.tifr.res.in.

Your referees only receive their request once you submit. Applying in the last days of October leaves them very little time, so submit early.

NCRA VSRP 2026 FAQ

What is the last date to apply for NCRA VSRP 2026?

The last date is Saturday, 31 October 2026. Applications are accepted online only.

Can B.Tech students apply for NCRA TIFR VSRP?

Yes. B.E. and B.Tech. students from any stream can apply if they will complete their degree in 2027.

What is the VSRP stipend at NCRA Pune?

The stipend is Rs 9,000 per month. Students also get campus hostel accommodation and 1.33 times the second-class return rail fare to Pune.

Can I apply for VSRP 2026 if I graduate in 2026?

No. VSRP 2026 is only for students who will complete an eligible degree in 2027, and ineligible applications are rejected immediately.

How many referees do I need for VSRP?

You need two referees. They fill an online Confidential Assessment Form, which they can open only after you submit your application.

Does NCRA VSRP lead to a PhD at NCRA?

It can. Based on the research project, the project seminar and later interviews, outstanding students are offered a research scholarship toward a Ph.D. at NCRA, to begin after they finish their qualifying degree.