Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
(Deemed University)

Visiting Students' Research Programme (2012)

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How much GPA / %  is required to get admission into the VSRP program?
 There is no cut-off GPA / % that is needed for the VSRP program. We look at the overall profile while making a decision. This includes academic performance as evinced by grades/GPA, referee reports, your write up, etc.

2. I have finished my MSc / am in my final year of MSc / am in the 2nd year of Engineering … but am interested in applying to the VSRP program. Your website says only pre-final year students are allowed to apply. Can I apply ?
The program is designed primarily for pre-final year students.  We’re sorry, but given the response the VSRP program generates just among pre-final year students, we cannot consider candidates who have finished their MSc. While you may apply if you are in your second year, or in the final year, unless you are really exceptionally well qualified, the probability of getting admission is very low.

3. I will be having my engineering 6th semester exams sometime  in June due to which there might be a clash with the research program schedule. could you please clarify as to whether this clash could be avoided. If you can  reschedule your program,  then the clash can be avoided ?
The VSRP is an VERY INTENSIVE program, and we do not allow students to take off in the middle, or reschedule the timings. If you are NOT free for the ENTIRE  period, please do NOT apply for the VSRP program.

4. It is not clear if any program is available for XXXX Engg. related research or if pre-final year XXXX Engg. student is eligible for a VSRP project in the YYYY department.
Anyone with any eligible degree is free to apply to any department. We do not restrict students from exploring projects in other areas if they demonstrate a keen interest and competency. Your research write up, recommendations etc. are all important, not just the degree / GPA.

5. I am doing my MSc physics at IIT-X.Actually i wanted to know how many students do you take from IITX ? 
We have no fixed number of students that we take from any one institution. However, as we take typically ~40 students from all over India, very often, only one or two students are taken from a single institution, though this depends primarily on the merit of the student.

6. I am doing MSc in physics. I am super interested in going for a summer project on the topic "Spin injection through different g-factor heterointerfaces using negative trions….".Please mail me more information about the project as soon as possible so that i can apply for…..
The students do not decide the project topic as a rule. Depending on your interest and competency, the department will assign you a project guide (if you are selected), and you will together decide on the details of the project. If you would really like to work in a very particular area please mention your interests on the VSRP application form.

7. I am from India, but I am currently pursuing my undergraduate studies in the US. I am interested in applying to VSRP. 
 We are sorry to disappoint you, but at present, the VSRP program admits only those students pursuing their studies at institutions within India. We however would encourage you to visit TIFR and interact with members in your area of interest when you visit India.

8. Is it compulsory to have a detailed knowledge about the particular research topic of interest ?
While no specialized knowledge is necessary, we would expect you to have a very thorough understanding of what is typically taught at the Pre-Final year level.

9. Are we to undertake a project on the research topic and finish it in the two month visiting time or is it a chance to read and enhance my knowledge on the particular topic.
You will be working on a focused research project.

10. Will I have to compulsorily stay at TIFR during the full duration of the program ?
 No, but given the intensity of the project it will be very difficult for you to work on it if you do not stay somewhere close enough.   Participants are paid a monthly stipend of Rs 7000/-, Sleeper class return railway fare and are provided with shared hostel accommodation.