What: The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) announces admissions for 2008 for the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Collaboration's Graduate Training Programme leading to PhD degree in High Energy Physics and Astronomy.

The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) programme is a mega science project to set up an underground laboratory for carrying out front-ranking experiments in high energy neutrino physics and astroparticle physics. See www.imsc.res.in for details regarding the INO project and the collaborating institutions.

About the Graduate Programme
A large number of well-trained physicists and engineers will be needed to lead the experimental activities in high energy and astroparticle physics to be carried out using the INO facility.

In order to achieve this goal, a training programme with strong emphasis on experimental high energy physics, astroparticle physics and observational astronomy will be started in August 2008.

Highlights

• The selected candidates will be initially trained for one year at TIFR, Mumbai, in both experimental techniques and theory.
• The focus will be on detector building, physics issues as well as other developmental activities of INO. A few students opting for astronomy, will be trained in techniques of infrared and X-ray astronomy.
• Successful candidates after the training will be attached to PhD guides at various collaborating institutions for a PhD degree on the basis of their INO related work. Students with astronomy preference will join one of the PhD programmes within TIFR.
• Exceptionally good candidates have a possibility to be absorbed in the INO project at a later stage.

Eligibiity for admission
~ Applicants must hold a MSc degree in physics, mathematics, statistics or BE/BTech degree in electronics, E & CE, mechanical, electrical engineering with a strong inclination for experimental sciences.

~ Applicants must have secured a minimum of 55 per cent of marks in the respective degree examinations (those who are appearing for these examinations may also apply provided their current GPA is above 55 per cent or equivalent).

~ In addition, they must have either cleared GATE or NET or appeared this year for the entrance tests of TIFR or DAE/ BARC training school or JEST.

Special programme for exceptional BSc students
Exceptionally bright final year BSc students may also apply. These students will undergo one year of training at HRI, Allahabad before they qualify for the graduate programme.

Scholarships and other benefits
During the training period students will be paid Rs 12,000 per month (Rs 14,000 after registering for PhD). Departmental accommodation would be provided at nominal cost whenever available. Successful candidates after the training programme will continue to receive the scholarship during their PhD studies.

Admission procedure
Short-listed candidates will be called for an interview at one of the participating institutes at Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai around June.

They will be paid train fare by sleeper class. Short-listed final year BSc candidates will have to appear for a written test in addition to the interview.

How to apply
You may apply online at the website www.hecr.tifr.res.in or fill up the downloadable form and sent it to:

Co-ordinator,
INO Training Programme, DHEP,
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research,
Homi Bhabha Road,
Mumbai 400005

Applicants should also arrange for two reference letters to be sent separately to the address above.

The last date for the receipt of completed application forms is April 30, 2008.

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