MSc Physics (Astrophysics) 

Admissions for Academic Year 2025-26

About the programme:

Astrophysics is among the most exciting research disciplines of the 21st century, pushing the boundaries of what we know about our solar system, other stars, exoplanets, galaxies, and the Universe at large. In order to participate in and make contributions to cutting-edge research in astrophysics, it is essential to first develop sound comprehension of relevant theory and practical skills - both of which require the foundational knowledge of basic physics. In 2019-20, the Department of Physics at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai started an MSc programme that spanned the breadth of core physics areas while also offering specialization in Astrophysics. Our alumni have successfully transitioned into either professional careers or higher education - including reputed PhD programmes overseas. 

In 2023-24, we implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The courses offered in the first three semesters of the MSc Physics programme under NEP are listed in the table below. The final semester is dedicated completely to working on the Master’s thesis, the topic of which may be in any area of physics or astrophysics. 

Further details about syllabi may be obtained from the college website: https://xaviers.ac/academics/syllabus. Queries about the MSc programme and admissions may be directed to mscphysics.sxc@gmail.com. 

Eligibility:

Applications are now invited to the MSc Physics programme for the academic year 2025-26 from those who have a three-year BSc degree in Physics. Applications that do not meet this eligibility criterion may not be considered further during the selection process, even if the application processing fee has been paid. There will be no refund of the fee.

Admission will be merit-based, and Semester V marks will be considered for the same.  However, admission granted will be provisional, and will be subject to the applicant successfully qualifying the BSc degree and fulfilling the eligibility criteria as per University of Mumbai rules. Marks & relevant documents will be verified at the time of admission. On admission to the course the original consolidated or third year mark sheet(s) must be submitted to the college office.

Please go through the application procedure and selection criteria outlined in this document prior to filling the online form.

Application procedure:

• Candidates can apply online by logging on to www.xaviers.ac. Click on the appropriate link to fill the online application form.
• The online application portal will be open from on 4th April 2025 to 6 pm (IST) on 1st June 2025.
• The instructions given on the form must be followed for filling the same.
• In case the candidate is applying for a seat under minority/special category/Student with Disability (SWD), it is mandatory to upload a clear and legible scanned copy of proof, e.g., Baptism certificate for Christian minority, or the relevant document for special category and SWD.
• All the subjects and the corresponding marks must be entered in the online application form. Best of 4 or 5 subjects will not be accepted.
• All applicants are mandatorily required to enter the marks of Semester V. No GPA will be entertained. 
• Candidates are required to make an online payment through the provided payment portal only. The fee for online application for MSc Physics is Rs. 1500/-. Once a payment has been officially received, the candidate will receive a confirmation email, informing him/her about the same. 
• Note that the application procedure is entirely online and no in-person forms of any sort will be accepted. 
• The college takes no responsibility for corrections or any other processing in case of details entered incorrectly. You will have to apply afresh with the correct details. No queries in this regard will be entertained.
• The last date for receipt of the application form is 1st June 2025 (6.00 pm). Any application received after this date will not be accepted.
• Application fees are non-refundable.
• In case you belong to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) as defined by the Government of India and you desire to apply for a concession in the application fee for the programme then please apply with all requisite documents to the Rector, The Bombay St. Xavier’s College Society at rectors.office@xaviers.edu

Number of seats:

Intake of 20 students per year

Allocation of seats:

St. Xavier’s College is a Christian Minority College, administered under the Provisions of the Indian Constitution. As per the Judgement dated 12th October 2017 of the Honorable Bombay High Court vide Writ Petition No.1726 of 2001, Minority Colleges do not need to set aside seats for Backward Classes. This was reiterated by the University of Mumbai Circular (No. Aff. / Recog.I / Admission (2018-19) / 10 / of 2018) dated 30th May 2018. Accordingly, the allocation of seats is as follows:

** The Special category is for the wards of transferred State / Central Government and Private Sector employees, Defense Personnel, Ex-Servicemen, Freedom Fighters; for students who have met with an accident and for award winners at the District / State / National Level in Sports or Cultural activities.

# Seats for international students are supernumerary. Applications for those seats must be done through the University of Mumbai website (www.mu.ac.in), or you can apply directly through mu.admissiondesk.org. Please email and inform us if you are applying in the international student category. Students that fall under this category include - Foreign students (FR/FS), Persons of Indian origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), SAARC students having a passport other than an Indian Passport, Non-Resident Indians (NRI). Students who have done their undergraduate degrees abroad also fall into this category. If you are unsure, please contact us. NOTE: You should not apply to the college or fill the college application form. The number of these students, who are sent to the College directly by the University, are over and above the sanctioned seats. Kindly refer to this circular for further details: 

https://xaviers.edu/files/International%20Admission%20Circular%20(2022)%20(1)_230420_172945.pdf

Selection criteria:

Merit list:

• The category-wise merit list and the dates of admission for all those who qualify for admission as per the criteria mentioned above, will be announced through the college website. Candidates are advised to check the same.
• The merit lists are time-bound as will be mentioned in the admission notification on the college website.
• If a candidate in the first merit list fails to complete the admission process within the stipulated date and time as mentioned in the notification, their candidature stands lapsed. The candidates in the second and subsequent merit lists will subsequently be offered admission.
• Candidates who accept the offer of admission shall pay the necessary fees (as displayed on the college website or college notice board).
• The total fee for the programme is Rs. 1,20,000/- per year for both the years of the programme. This does not include the online application fee. The programme fees for subsequent batches are subject to revision depending on newer requirements.

REFUND POLICY FOR ONLINE APPLICATION FEES 

1. All payments made towards the online application are deemed non- refundable under any circumstances. 

2. ln the case of a double payment resulting from a technical glitch, a refund for the excess amount will be initiated by the college after verifying the transactions.
3. Chargeback cases will not be entertained by the college.
4. Requests for reimbursement of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on transactions will not be entertained.
5. Refunds will not be issued for any cancellation or withdrawal of application or exam registration.
6. ln the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or government regulations, where the entrance exam cannot be conducted by the college, alternative arrangements or rescheduling will be provided, but refunds will not be offered.
7. Any requests for exceptions to the refund policy must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the college administration.
8. The refund policy may be amended or modified at any time without prior notice by the college. Any changes will be communicated through official channels.
9. Refunds will be processed using the original method of payment whenever possible. However, refunds may be issued via alternative methods at the discretion of the college.
10. Any disputes regarding refunds or the application of the refund policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the appropriate legal authorities and the college's internal dispute resolution process. 

 *****

Accept & Proceed