Summer Internship Programme
In view of the prevailing situation in the country with regard to COVID-19 pandemic and the safety and well-being of all concerned, it has been decided to call off PRL's Summer Internship Program for this year (SIP-2020).
All mentioned dates here are tentative and will be finalized in view of the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus advisories issued and updated by the Government of India from time to time
Dear applicant, due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and countrywide lockdown, no need to send applications in hardcopy. In case of any further update on this matter, we will inform all concerned.
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), an autonomous unit of the Department of Space, Government of India, conducts basic research in the areas of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Solar Physics, Earth, Planetary & Space Atmospheric Sciences, Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics and Theoretical Physics. The Laboratory has several world-class experimental and computing facilities spread over its four campuses at Navrangpura and Thaltej, Ahmedabad, Infrared Observatory at Mt. Abu, and Solar Observatory at Udaipur.
Applications are invited from academically outstanding and highly motivated post-graduate students and college teachers of the Indian Nationality for the Summer Internship Programme to be held at Physical Research Laboratory from May 11 to July 10, 2020. Under this program, those interested in a research career after post-graduation may avail an opportunity to spend about eight weeks during summer at PRL. The participants will work on a specific project in association with a faculty member of the institute and can participate in other scientific activities such as seminars, colloquia etc.
Eligibility criteria and other details about the Programme for Students
Eligibility criteria
- B.Tech. (in applied sciences) / B.Sc./ B.S. / B.S.-M.S. / M.Sc. / M.Sc. (Integrated) / M.Sc. (Tech.)/M.Tech. (applied sciences) students of Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Optics/Applied Optics, Laser Physics, Space Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, Chemistry, Ocean Sciences, and related subjects.
-Students in M.Sc. - First Year, Integrated M.Sc. - 3rd and 4th Year, B.Sc. 3rd year*/ B.Tech.*/ B.S.* 3rd/final year/ B.S.-M.S.* 4th/final year, are only eligible to apply.
*Preference will be given to candidates who are KVPY/DST INSPIRE fellows and no FELLOWSHIP from PRL will be paid to such candidates.
- We expect prospective candidates to have a reasonably good proficiency in basic physics and mathematics..
- A minimum of 60% marks at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level are required for all candidates.
- The Summer Internship Programme is open for students studying in Indian Universities/Institutes.
Please note that the students studying in any discipline of engineering are not eligible to apply in this program.
Duration: about eight weeks May 11 - July 10, 2020
[Disclaimer: These dates are tentative and will be finalized in view of the COVID 19 Novel Corona Virus advisories issued and updated by the Government of India from time to time.]
Fellowship & Facilities: ₹10,000/- pm on a pro-rata, return II- class sleeper train fare by the shortest route and hostel accommodation (subject to the availability) with canteen facilities on a nominal charge
Eligibility criteria and other details about the Program for Teachers:
Eligibility criteria
Teachers having academic background in Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Optics, Laser Physics, Space Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Meteorology, Chemistry, Ocean Sciences, and related subjects and presently teaching at postgraduate / graduate level with interest in pursuing research in any of the areas of research areas of PRL are invited to apply for the summer internship program.
The application must be forwarded through the Head/Principal of the institution. Any application received without the recommendation will not be considered. The selected candidates will be informed through e-mail as well as by post on the address given by them in the application. No interim queries in this connection will be entertained.
Duration: 8 weeks, May 11 - July 10, 2020. [Disclaimer: These dates are tentative and will be finalized in view of the COVID 19 Novel Corona Virus advisories issued and updated by the Government of India from time to time.]
Fellowship & Facilities: ₹15,000/- pm on pro-rata basis, return II-AC train fare by the shortest route and accommodation (subject to the availability) with canteen facilities on a nominal charge.
Essential Qualifications: Five years of teaching experience, demonstrated interest in research as evidenced by research publications/research projects and a Ph.D. degree.
All the selected candidates (students/teachers) will work on projects in association with a faculty member in any of the four campuses of PRL.
How To Apply :
- An online application can be made from 18.03.2020 to 12.04.2020
- Applications received in the prescribed online format only will be considered.
- Upon registration, applicants will be provided with an on-line Registration Number, which should be carefully preserved for future reference. A unique e-mail ID of the applicant needs to be given in the application.
- The on-line application for PG students has to be invariably followed-up with an online recommendation letter of which a link will be sent to two recommenders as provided by the applicants. Mark sheets / certificates are not needed.
- Printed copy of an on-line application, duly forwarded by Head of the Department mentioning the Reg. No. on top of the filled application form should be sent ONLY via speed post to the Head, Academic Services (headas AT prl.res.in), Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad -380009.
- Teacher applicants can apply using the link given as follows. The online application should follow the hard copy with forwarding by Head of the institution/college along with a copy of leave approval
- The accommodation to all the selected candidates will be provided on a sharing basis (subject to availability). We shall not be able to consider any request for family accommodation.
- It will be difficult to consider any request to alter the dates of the summer program.
All the applications must be forwarded through the Head/Principal of the institution/Department. Any application received without recommendations will not be considered.
The selected candidates will be informed through e-mail as well as by post on the address given by them in the application format. No interim queries in this connection will be entertained.
Important Dates:
Opening Date for Online Registration: 17 March 2020
Closing Date for Online Registration: 10 April 2020 (23:59 Hrs.)
Closing Date for Receiving Filled Application and recommendation letter by Speed Post : 12 April 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions for Summer Internship Programme (SIP):
- How much GPA / % is required to get admission into the SIP?
There is no cut-off GPA / % that is needed for the SIP. 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. However, a minimum of 60% (first class) is mandatory at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (until the last semester exam qualified). - Who can apply? / What are the eligibility criteria for students to apply?
The common eligibility criteria for students to apply for the SIP program is Students in M.Sc. - First Year, Integrated M.Sc. - 3rd and 4th Year, B.Sc. 3rd year*/ B.Tech.*/ B.S.* 3rd/final year/ B.S.-M.S.* 4th/final year, are only eligible to apply.
*Preference will be given to candidates who are KVPY/DST INSPIRE fellows and no FELLOWSHIP from PRL will be paid to such candidates.
Students who have applied to the SIP before but NOT selected can also apply. - I`m a Ph.D. student at XXXX University. Can I apply for the SIP?
The SIP program is primarily aimed at providing research experience to pre-doctoral (undergraduate, masters) students. Thus, Ph.D. students are not eligible for the SIP. - I will be having my 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 SIP is a VERY INTENSIVE program, and we do not encourage 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 SIP. - It is not clear if any program is available for XXXX Engg. Related research or if pre-final year XXXX Engg. A student is eligible for a SIP in PRL.
Please note that the students studying in any discipline of engineering are not eligible to apply in this program. - I am doing my MSc physics at IIT-X. 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 ~30 students typically from all over India, very often, only 1 or 2 students are taken from a single institution, though this depends primarily on the merit of the student and project availability. - I am doing an MSc in Physics. I am super interested in going for a summer project on the topic "High Energy Physics/Astrophysics/Quantum communication etc......" Please mail me more information about the project as soon as possible so that I can apply for .......
The students can look at the list of projects and give their preference in the application form. Depending on your interest and competency, the concerned faculty member will assign you a project (if you are selected), and you will together decide on the details of the project. If you would like to work in a very particular area, please mention, your interests in the SIP application form (under any other relevant information). - I am from India, but I am currently pursuing my undergraduate studies at the foreign University (US/Europe etc.). I am interested in applying to SIP.
At present, the SIP admits only those students pursuing their studies at institutions within India. We, however, would encourage you to visit PRL and interact with members in your area of interest when you visit India. - Is it compulsory to have 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. - 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 a particular topic.
You will be working on a focused research project and finish it in 8 weeks duration. - Will I have to compulsorily stay at PRL during the full duration of the program?
Yes, given the intensity of the project, it will be required to do so. - Can I join the SIP on a date of my choice?
No, Please refer to the dates of the program if you are free and your curriculum allows you to be at PRL for full eight weeks (May 11 – July 10, 2020) then only apply for SIP.
List of Projects for PRL's Summer Internship program 2020 |
SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Online Application – 2020 (SIP2020) |