A premier autonomous institution established by the University Grants Commission of India to promote nucleation and growth of active groups in astronomy and astrophysics at Indian universities.
Explore Our Mission
Founded in 1988, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) is an autonomous institution set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India to promote the growth of active groups in astronomy and astrophysics at Indian universities. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, IUCAA is one of the leading research centres in India in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and related areas of physics and mathematics.
IUCAA's primary mandate is to assist and coordinate research efforts in astronomy and astrophysics across various universities in India. The Centre provides a vibrant academic environment with state-of-the-art facilities, attracting students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists from all over the world.
To foster excellence in astronomy and astrophysics research, provide high-quality postgraduate education, and develop cutting-edge scientific infrastructure accessible to the Indian university community.
To be a world-class centre of excellence that drives frontier research, inspires future scientists, and strengthens India's position in global astronomical discoveries and space science.
Over 3000 research publications, training of more than 500 PhDs, development of major telescope projects, and significant contributions to international collaborations like LIGO and ASTROSAT.
Theoretical and observational studies of the origin, evolution, and large-scale structure of the Universe, cosmic microwave background, dark matter, and dark energy.
Research in gravitational wave detection, data analysis, and astrophysical sources, with active participation in the LIGO-India mega-science project.
Study of compact objects, black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, and participation in space missions like ASTROSAT and IXPE.
Investigations of solar phenomena, stellar evolution, asteroseismology, exoplanets, and development of solar observation facilities.
IUCAA offers a vibrant PhD programme in astronomy, astrophysics, and related areas of physics and mathematics. Students are admitted through the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) and/or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
IUCAA's postdoctoral fellowship program attracts young researchers from around the world. Fellows pursue independent research while collaborating with IUCAA faculty and visitors.
IUCAA hosts numerous visiting students and scholars from Indian and foreign universities for short-term and long-term research visits, workshops, and collaborative projects.
IUCAA operates one of the most powerful computing facilities in India for astrophysical research. The facility includes:
IUCAA's library is a comprehensive resource centre with one of the best collections of astronomy and astrophysics literature in Asia.
Researchers from IUCAA have made significant contributions to the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration's latest imaging of the black hole at the center of our galaxy.
Read MoreIUCAA will host the 8th National Conference on Gravitational Wave Astronomy from November 10-15, 2024. Abstract submission opens June 1.
Read MoreIUCAA has selected 12 new postdoctoral fellows from over 300 international applicants for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Read MoreInter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind
Pune 411 007, Maharashtra, India
Telephone: +91-20-2560 4100
Fax: +91-20-2560 4699
Director's Office: +91-20-2560 4200
General Information: [email protected]
Academic Queries: [email protected]
Library: [email protected]
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday & Holidays: Closed