National Centre for Radio Astrophysics The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR), Pune, is a leading centre of research in a wide range of areas in Astronomy and Astrophysics. NCRA-TIFR offers exciting opportunities for research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, and instrumentation, with an emphasis on radio astronomy. NCRA-TIFR has built and operates the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, which is located near Pune, and is the most powerful radio telescope in the world at low radio frequencies. Visiting Students' Research Programme (VSRP) The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR), Pune invites applications for the Visiting Students' Research Programme (VSRP-2026), which will be held from Monday, May 11, to Friday, July 10, 2026, at NCRA-TIFR, Pune. The VSRP-2026 will consist of a research project on astronomy and astrophysics, either theoretical, observational or computational, depending on project availability and student preferences. Applications are invited for this programme from academically outstanding and highly motivated students with an interest in physics and astronomy, and who will complete their M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc. or 4-year-B.Sc. degrees (in Physics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics or Electronics) or their B.Tech./B.E. degrees (in any stream) in 2027. Based on their performance in the research project, the project seminar and subsequent interviews, outstanding students will be offered a research scholarship towards a Ph.D. at NCRA, to be taken up on completion of the qualifying degree. Eligibility Criteria The Visiting Students' Research Program (VSRP-2026) is for students who will complete their M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc. or 4-year-B.Sc. degrees (in Physics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics or Electronics) or their B.E./B.Tech. degrees (in any stream) in 2027. The VSRP-2026 is not for students who have already completed the B.Tech. B.E. or M.Sc. degrees, nor for students who have not completed the B.Sc. degree or who are in the third year of an Integrated M.Sc. programme. The VSRP-2026 is also not for students who will be completing their degrees in 2026; only students who will complete one of the above degrees in 2027 are eligible for the programme. Ineligible applications will be rejected immediately, regardless of their quality. Selection Criteria The selection for the VSRP-2026 is based on a combination of the candidates statement of research interests, referee reports, evidence of motivation for research (e.g. research or learning activities outside the regular coursework), and grades. Important Dates Last date to apply online: Monday, 16 February 2026 Visiting Students' Research Programme: Monday, May 11, to Friday, July 10, 2026 For more details, visit Visiting Students' Research Programme Source: Visiting Students' Research Programme