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TIFR Graduate School Admissions — Physics

TIFR Physics 2026 Guide

TIFR GS Physics is the entrance for PhD and integrated PhD programmes at TIFR Mumbai, ICTS Bengaluru, NCRA Pune and TCIS Hyderabad — widely regarded as one of the toughest physics entrance exams in India.

Conducted by
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
Frequency
Once a year (December GS exam)
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by interview
Language
English

Important dates

Indicative TIFR Physics calendar based on recent cycles. Always confirm on the official portal.

Application opens
Late September / early October
Application deadline
Mid-October
Admit card
Late November / early December
Written test
Second Sunday of December
Result of written test
January
Interview
February – March
Final selection
April

Official portal: https://univ.tifr.res.in/

Exam pattern

How TIFR Physics is structured — marks, timing and negative marking.

Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration
3 hours
Section A
25 multiple-choice questions · 3 marks each · −1 negative
Section B
10 numerical/multiple-select problems · 3 marks each · no negative
Total marks
105
Next stage
Shortlisted candidates appear for an interview at TIFR

Recent cut-offs

Reference cut-offs from recent TIFR Physics cycles.

Year
Category
Cut-off
2024
Section A only (Int-PhD)
~40% (indicative)
2024
Section A + B (PhD)
~45–50% (indicative)
2023
Section A + B (PhD)
~45% (indicative)

Cut-offs vary year to year. Use as a target, not a guarantee.

Most asked topics

The 8 most repeated topics in TIFR Physics. Click any topic to practice its PYQs.

TIFR Physics syllabus

Full subject-wise syllabus (14 subjects, based on 745 analysed physics questions). Click a subject heading to practice that subject's PYQs.

Mathematical Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Vector algebra & vector calculus
  • Linear algebra: matrices, eigenvalue problems
  • Linear ordinary differential equations of first & second order
  • Special functions (Hermite, Bessel, Laguerre, Legendre)
  • Fourier series and Fourier & Laplace transforms
  • Elements of complex analysis: residue theorem, contour integration
  • Partial differential equations (wave, diffusion, Laplace) — separation of variables
  • Tensors, group theory basics
  • Elementary probability theory & error analysis

Classical Mechanics

Practice PYQs
  • Newton's laws; central-force motion; Kepler problem
  • Lagrangian & Hamiltonian formalism; equations of motion
  • Symmetries and conservation laws; cyclic coordinates
  • Small oscillations, normal modes
  • Rigid body dynamics; moment of inertia tensor; Euler equations
  • Special theory of relativity: Lorentz transformations, four-vectors

Electromagnetic Theory

Practice PYQs
  • Electrostatics: Gauss's law, Laplace & Poisson equations, boundary value problems
  • Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart, Ampère's law
  • Maxwell's equations; gauge invariance; electromagnetic waves in vacuum & media
  • Reflection, refraction, polarization, dispersion
  • Waveguides & resonant cavities
  • Radiation from accelerated charges; dipole radiation

Quantum Mechanics

Practice PYQs
  • Wave-particle duality; Schrödinger equation
  • 1D problems: particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, tunneling
  • Angular momentum; spin; addition of angular momenta
  • Hydrogen atom; identical particles
  • Time-independent & time-dependent perturbation theory
  • Variational method, WKB approximation
  • Scattering theory (Born approximation, partial waves)

Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Laws of thermodynamics; thermodynamic potentials; Maxwell relations
  • Statistical ensembles: microcanonical, canonical, grand canonical
  • Classical & quantum statistics (MB, FD, BE)
  • Black body radiation; Planck distribution
  • Bose-Einstein condensation; degenerate Fermi gas
  • Phase transitions and critical phenomena

Electronics & Experimental Methods

Practice PYQs
  • Semiconductor devices: diodes, BJTs, FETs
  • Operational amplifiers: linear & non-linear circuits
  • Digital electronics: combinational & sequential circuits
  • Data interpretation, error analysis & propagation
  • Measurement, signal-to-noise ratio, transducers

Atomic & Molecular Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Spectra of one- & many-electron atoms; LS & jj coupling
  • Fine and hyperfine structure; Zeeman & Stark effects
  • Rotational, vibrational & electronic spectra of molecules
  • Raman effect; lasers — Einstein coefficients, population inversion
  • NMR, ESR basics

Condensed Matter / Solid State Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Crystal structure; reciprocal lattice; X-ray diffraction
  • Free electron theory; band theory of solids
  • Semiconductors: intrinsic & extrinsic carrier statistics
  • Magnetism: dia-, para-, ferro-, antiferro-, ferrimagnetism
  • Superconductivity: Meissner effect, type I & II, BCS basics
  • Lattice vibrations, phonons; specific heat of solids

Nuclear & Particle Physics

Practice PYQs
  • Nuclear properties; binding energy; liquid drop & shell models
  • Radioactive decay; alpha, beta, gamma decay
  • Nuclear reactions; fission and fusion
  • Elementary particles: classification, quarks, leptons
  • Conservation laws & symmetries; basic interactions

Frequently asked

Quick answers about TIFR Physics.

Where can I practice TIFR Physics previous year questions?

You can practice every TIFR Physics PYQ topic-wise on physicspyq.com — chapter filters, year filters and detailed solutions are all free.

Which topics carry the highest weightage in TIFR Physics?

Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Classical Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics are consistently the heaviest. The exact rank order is available on our free Exam Analytics page, built from every PYQ since the start of the dataset.

How should I track my TIFR Physics syllabus completion?

Use the free interactive Checklist on this site — every topic is sorted by importance and you can tick Lecture, PYQ and Revision separately. Progress is saved to your account and synced across devices.

Make TIFR Physics prep predictable

Practice every PYQ topic-wise, tick off your syllabus, and watch your weak chapters disappear.