Official syllabus · 2026–2027
TIFR Physics Syllabus 2026–2027 & Exam Pattern
The TIFR Graduate School (GS) Physics screening test selects candidates for PhD and Integrated PhD programmes at TIFR and its centres (ICTS, NCBS, TCIS and others). Shortlisted candidates then face interviews or written tests.
TIFR Physics detailed syllabus (from PYQs) (PDF)
Free download · sign-in required
TIFR Physics exam pattern & marking scheme
Conducted by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT) screening test
Duration
As stated on the admit card / admission notice
Questions
40 multiple-choice questions
Total marks
150
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A — basic topics | 25 MCQs | +3 each · 75 marks | −1 |
| Section B — needs more thought/knowledge | 15 MCQs | +5 each · 75 marks | None |
- Only one option is correct in every question.
- Stage 2: interviews/written tests for candidates who clear the screening test.
- The GS 2026 Physics paper followed the same 25 + 15 structure.
TIFR Physics detailed syllabus — topic wise
TIFR only lists broad areas officially. The detailed topic list below is prepared by PhysicsByAaryan from every TIFR GS Physics previous year question in our library, grouped under TIFR's official areas.
Official areas (TIFR)
- Classical Mechanics
- Mathematics relevant to Physics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Heat, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- General Physics
- Modern Physics
- Electronics and Experimental Physics
Mathematical Physics
- Differential equations
- Matrices and linear algebra
- Complex analysis
- Limits, continuity and differentiation
- Dirac delta, Gamma and Beta functions and integrals
- Probability
- Fourier and Laplace analysis
- Vector analysis
- Tensors
Classical Mechanics
- Central forces, gravitation and the universe
- Special theory of relativity
- Basic mechanics
- Oscillations
- Rotational motion
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics
- Bulk matter and fluids
- Pseudo forces
- Canonical transformations and Poisson brackets
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electrostatics
- Electromagnetic waves
- Magnetostatics
- Electrodynamics
- Multipole expansion
- Electric fields in matter
- Radiation
- Method of images
- Potential formulation
- Waveguides
- Relativistic electrodynamics
Quantum Mechanics
- Basic quantum mechanics
- Angular momentum and hydrogen atom
- Potential wells and barriers
- Quantum harmonic oscillator
- Perturbation theory
- Variational principle
- WKB approximation
Thermodynamics
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Kinetic theory of gases
- Carnot cycle and heat engines
- Phase transitions
Statistical Mechanics
- Canonical ensemble
- Quantum statistical mechanics
- Microstates
- Random walk
- Microcanonical ensemble
- Grand canonical ensemble
Optics (General Physics)
- Interference
- Ray optics
- Diffraction
- Polarization
Modern, Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Light–matter interaction
- Black body radiation
- Bohr model
- Effects in atomic physics (Zeeman, Stark etc.)
- Molecular physics
Solid State Physics
- Lattice vibrations and thermal properties
- Semiconductor physics
- Crystallography
- X-ray diffraction
- Superconductivity and magnetic properties
Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Radioactivity
- Particle physics
- Liquid drop model
- Accelerators and detectors
- Shell model
Electronics
- Logic gates
- Operational amplifiers
- AC and DC circuits
- Diodes
- Filters
- Transistors
- Basic electronics
Experimental Physics
- Instruments
- Data analysis
- Experimental design
- Error analysis
- Geometry and estimation problems