The full form of MSc Physics is Master of Science in Physics. It is a two-year postgraduate course. MSc Physics is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the principles, theories, and applications of physics.
Admission into this course is done on both merit and entrance basis. MSc Physics entrance exam includes DUET, BHU PET, BITSAT, OUCET, IPU CET, and TISS NET, etc. MSc Physics eligibility is a BSc degree in Physics with a minimum of 50-55% marks.
The fees for MSc Physics are INR 11,000 – 20 Lakhs. Some of the top MSc Physics colleges are Hindu College, IIT Delhi, Lady Brabourne College, University of Hyderabad, and Madras Christian College among others.
MSc Physics syllabus includes topics on Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Statistical Mechanics, and Thermodynamics.
MSc Physics subjects include topics such as Mathematical Methods in Physics, Optics and Photonics, Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Biophysics, and Plasma Physics.
MSc Physics jobs include Physics Teacher/Professor, Electronics Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Medical Physicist, Data Analyst and Energy Analyst. MSc Physics salary ranges from INR 4 – 20 LPA.
Some of the top recruiters for this course are Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Wipro, Infosys, Reliance Industries Limited, Accenture, Deloitte, Biocon, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
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MSc Physics: Course Highlights
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | MSc Physics |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Course Full Form | Master of Science in Physics |
Course Duration | 2 Years |
Course Types | Full-time/Distance Education |
Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based |
Eligibility Criteria | BSc degree in Physics with a minimum of 50-55% marks. |
Entrance Exams | |
Course Fees | 11,000 – 20 Lakhs |
Top Colleges | Hindu College, IIT Delhi, Lady Brabourne College, University of Hyderabad and Madras Christian College. |
Average Salary in India | INR 4 – 20 LPA |
Job Profiles | Physics Teacher/Professor, Electronics Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Medical Physicist, Data Analyst and Energy Analyst. |
Top Recruiters | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Wipro, Infosys, Reliance Industries Limited, Accenture, Deloitte, Biocon, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). |
What is MSc Physics?
Master of Science in Physics or MSc Physics focuses on advanced study and research in the field of physics. This course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental principles and theories in physics, as well as specialized knowledge in specific areas of physics.
MSc Physics often includes a combination of theoretical study, experimental work, and data analysis. Students may have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as quantum mechanics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, particle physics, or biophysics, among others.
Why pursue MSc Physics?
MSc Physics allows for an in-depth study of the fundamental principles and theories in physics. There are several factors why pursuing a MSc Physics degree in India might be a wise choice. Below are some of the factors:
- In-depth Knowledge: An MSc Physics program will provide students with a deep understanding of fundamental principles, theories, and advanced concepts in physics, which will help them to explore various branches of physics and gain specialized knowledge in their area of interest.
- Research Opportunities: MSc Physics programs often involve research projects or thesis work, providing an opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge and make original discoveries in the field.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Physics has strong connections with other disciplines such as engineering, materials science, biophysics, astronomy, and computer science, which allows for interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Intellectual Challenge: Physics is known for its intellectual challenges and the opportunity to grapple with complex concepts. This degree provides a stimulating and intellectually rigorous environment where one engages in critical thinking, problem-solving, and theoretical modeling.
Who Should pursue MSc Physics?
MSc Physics is the perfect course for people who are passionate about physics and want to learn it in detail. However, it might be a good fit for the following potential candidates:
- Students with a BSc degree in Physics with a minimum of 50-55% marks.
- Students that have a genuine interest and passion for understanding the fundamental workings of the universe and its laws would benefit from an MSc Physics degree.
- Individuals who have a strong aptitude for scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and data analysis are well-suited for this program.
MSc Physics: Course Duration
The duration of MSc Physics in India is 2 years, which is divided into 4 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. MSc Physics distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.
MSc Physics: Course Types
MSc Physics is offered to students in two modes that can be pursued full-time or via distance education.
- MSc Physics Full-time: Regular MSc Physics programs are courses that are typically completed within a duration of two years. These programs involve attending classes, practical sessions, laboratory work, and research projects on a regular basis. Regular courses often provide a more immersive learning experience and allow for greater interaction with professors and peers.
- MSc Physics Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis due to personal or professional commitments and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Distance learning programs utilize online platforms, study materials, and virtual interactions to deliver course content. Students can access lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions remotely.
MSc Physics: Distance Education
MSc Physics distance education is a feasible option for students who are working professionals or are unable to pursue the course regularly. Given below are some of the key highlights of this course:
- Candidates who have a BSc degree in Physics with a minimum of 50-55% marks.
- MSc Physics distance education in India generally takes 2 years to complete, although some universities may offer longer-duration programs.
- MSc Physics distance education curriculum is the same as a full-time course and covers topics related to Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Statistical Mechanics, and Thermodynamics.
- The study material for a distance education program in India is provided through printed books, e-books, and online resources.
- Students are required to complete assignments and appear for exams as part of the MSc Physics distance education program.
Some of the top Colleges/Universities offering MSc Physics distance education are given below:
- Indira Gandhi National Open University
- Madurai Kamaraj University College
- Nalanda Open University
- Madras University
- Annamalai University
- Shivaji University
- Mangalore University
MSc Physics: Fees
MSc Physics in India normally costs anywhere between INR 11,000 – 20 Lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different MSc Physics programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course.
- Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of a MSc Physics at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 10,000 – 2 Lakhs per year.
- Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 50,000 to 15 Lakhs or more.
Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.
MSc Physics: Colleges
Given below is a list of the top colleges that offer MSc Physics in India along with their fees:
Name of the College/University | Location | Average Annual Fees |
Varanasi | INR 11,000 | |
Noida | INR 2,00,000 | |
Bangalore | INR 48,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 16,690 | |
Hyderabad | INR 43,000 | |
Hyderabad | INR 47,000 | |
Vellore | INR 4,00,000 | |
Manipal | INR 2,00,000 | |
Mumbai | INR 83,000 | |
Coimbatore | INR 21,000 | |
Pilani | INR 20,00,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 16,170 | |
Kolkata | INR 12,000 | |
Chandigarh | INR 1,00,000 | |
New Delhi | INR 16,000 |
MSc Physics: Admission Process
It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their undergraduate examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of both modes of admission:
Related Article: MSc Admission 2023: Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Colleges, Fees, and Scope
MSc Physics Admission: Merit Based
- An aspirant should score more than 50-55% marks in their undergraduate examinations to be applicable for merit-based admission.
- Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
- Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card, Photographs, etc.) in hand.
- Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant.
- If selected, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admission process will be complete.
- Finally, candidates must attend the counseling or orientation organized by the institution for further details, if selected from the merit list.
MSc Physics Admission: Entrance Based
- Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
- The application form will require the candidate to register themselves with an email ID, password, and mobile number along with academic and course details.
- The candidate is required to upload the necessary documents online, such as Photograph, 10th, and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card etc.)
- Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee.
- It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam, and entrance exam syllabus.
- Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings.
- The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability.
- If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counseling organized by the college for further information.
MSc Physics: Eligibility
- A BSc degree in Physics with a minimum of 50-55% marks.
- There is no minimum or maximum age for this course.
MSc Physics: Entrance Exams
MSc Physics entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and normally lasts 2-3 hours, with the total amount of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges or institutions, there might be negative marking as well.
Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities along with their details:
Further Reading: MSc Entrance Exams in India
MSc Physics: Entrance Exam Syllabus
MSc Physics syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:
Subjects | Topics |
Mathematical Physics | Differential Equations Vector Calculus Linear Algebra Complex Analysis |
Classical Mechanics
| Newton's Laws of Motion Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics Central Forces and Celestial Mechanics Rigid Body Dynamics |
Electromagnetism | Electrostatics and Magnetostatics Maxwell's Equations Electrodynamics and Electromagnetic Waves Electric and Magnetic Fields in Matter |
Quantum Mechanics
| Wave-particle Duality Schrödinger Equation Quantum Operators and Observables Quantum States and Wavefunctions |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
| Laws of Thermodynamics Statistical Ensembles and Partition Functions Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics Thermodynamic Processes and Entropy |
Atomic and Molecular Physics
| Atomic Structure and Spectra Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Quantum Mechanics of Atoms and Molecules Interaction of Atoms and Molecules with Electromagnetic Radiation |
Nuclear and Particle Physics
| Nuclear Structure and Reactions Radioactivity and Decay Processes Elementary Particles and their Properties Particle Interactions and Conservation Laws |
Electronics and Experimental Techniques | Basic Electronic Circuits and Devices Experimental Techniques in Physics Data Analysis and Error Estimation Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation |
MSc Physics: Branches
MSc Physics offers a range of specialized branches or subfields that students can choose to focus on, depending on their interests and career goals. Some common branches of MSc Physics include:
Branch | Description |
Condensed Matter Physics
| Study of the properties of solid and liquid matter, including materials science, nanotechnology, and semiconductor physics. |
Particle Physics
| Investigation of subatomic particles and their interactions, involving high-energy experiments and theoretical research. |
Astrophysics
| Exploration of celestial objects, galaxies, and the universe's structure, covering topics like cosmology, stellar evolution, and space observations. |
Quantum Mechanics
| Focusing on the principles of quantum physics, wave-particle duality, and applications in quantum computing and quantum optics. |
Nuclear Physics
| Study of the atomic nucleus, nuclear reactions, and applications in nuclear energy and medicine. |
Plasma Physics
| Researching ionized gases (plasmas) and their behavior, with applications in fusion research and space physics. |
Theoretical Physics
| Focusing on mathematical models and theoretical frameworks to explain physical phenomena, such as quantum field theory and general relativity. |
Atmospheric and Space Physics
| Investigating Earth's atmosphere and space environment, including studies of weather, climate, and space weather phenomena. |
Biophysics
| Applying principles of physics to biological systems, including the study of biomolecules, biomechanics, and medical imaging. |
Optics and Photonics
| Examining the behavior of light and its interaction with matter, including applications in telecommunications and imaging technologies. |
MSc Physics: Subjects
MSc Physics subjects may differ from one college to another. Nevertheless, given below is a list of potential subjects in MSc Physics that students will study:
MSc Physics Subjects: 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Mathematical Methods in Physics | Quantum Mechanics II |
Classical Mechanics | Electrodynamics |
Electromagnetic Theory | Solid State Physics |
Quantum Mechanics I | Nuclear and Particle Physics |
Statistical Mechanics | Experimental Techniques in Physics |
MSc Physics Subjects: 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Quantum Field Theory | Advanced Topics in Physics |
Condensed Matter Physics | Elective Course 3 |
Elective Course 1 | Elective Course 4 |
Elective Course 2 | Research Project/Thesis |
Also Read: MSc Subjects and Syllabus
MSc Physics: Syllabus
The syllabus of MSc Physics will vary from college to college; however, the topics and sub-topics in the syllabus of this course is given in the following table:
Topic | Sub-topic |
Quantum Mechanics
| Study of quantum theory, wave-particle duality, Schrödinger's equation, quantum states, and operators. |
Classical Mechanics
| Exploration of classical physics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, central forces, and rigid body dynamics |
Electromagnetism
| Comprehensive analysis of Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, and their applications. |
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics | Understanding thermodynamic laws, entropy, and statistical methods in physical systems. |
Solid State Physics/Condensed Matter Physics | Investigation of solids, crystal structures, band theory, and electronic properties. |
Particle Physics
| Study of subatomic particles, quantum field theory, and particle interactions. |
Astrophysics and Cosmology
| Exploration of celestial objects, stellar evolution, cosmological models, and the universe's structure. |
Optics and Photonics
| Topics in wave optics, interference, polarization, and laser applications. |
Plasma Physics
| Study of ionized gases, plasma waves, and applications in fusion and astrophysics. |
Computational Physics
| Use of numerical methods and simulations to solve physics problems. |
Quantum Field Theory
| Introduction to relativistic quantum field theory and gauge symmetries. |
Relativity | Principles of special and general relativity, including spacetime and gravitational effects. |
Fluid Mechanics | Analysis of fluid dynamics, flow behavior, and applications. |
Nuclear Physics | Examination of nuclear structure, reactions, and nuclear astrophysics. |
Must Read: BSc Physics Syllabus and Subjects
MSc Physics: Recommended Books
Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Physics that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course:
Name of the Book | Author’s Name |
Principles of Quantum Mechanics | R. Shankar |
Introduction to Solid-State Physics | Charles Kittel |
Statistical Mechanics | R.K. Pathria and Paul D. Beale |
Statistical Mechanics: A Set of Lectures | Richard P. Feynman |
Introductory Nuclear Physics | Kenneth S. Krane |
The Oxford Solid State Basics | Steven H. Simon |
Modern Particle Physics | Mark Thomson |
Introduction to Elementary Particles | David J. Griffiths |
Classical Mechanics | Herbert Goldstein, Charles Poole, and John Safko |
Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals | Richard P. Feynman and Albert R. Hibbs |
Thermal Physics | Charles Kittel and Herbert Kroemer |
MSc Physics: Jobs
There are various jobs after MSc Physics degree in India. Some of the popular job profiles along with their description are given below:
Job Profile | Job Description |
Engineering Consultant
| Engineering Consultants contribute their expertise in solving complex engineering problems, designing systems, and optimizing processes. |
Research Scientist | Research Scientists work on cutting-edge projects related to condensed matter physics, particle physics, astrophysics, quantum mechanics, or other specialized fields. |
Data Scientist/Analyst | Data scientists and analysts use their expertise to analyze large datasets and extract valuable insights. |
Aerospace Engineer
| An Aerospace Engineer develops and tests aircraft and spacecraft designs, propulsion systems, or conducts research on aerodynamics. |
Medical Physicist
| Medical Physicists ensure the safe and effective use of radiation in treatments such as radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, and nuclear medicine. |
Data Engineer | Data engineers build and maintain the infrastructure required for data storage, retrieval, and analysis. |
Physics Teacher/Professor | A high school or college-level physics teacher, a lecturer or research assistant at a university or research institution. |
Also Read: MSc Physics Jobs
Further Reading: MSc Jobs
MSc Physics: Salary
Given below are the MSc Physics jobs along with their respective salaries:
Job Profile | Average Salary |
Engineering Consultant | INR 6 – 12 LPA |
Research Scientist | INR 5 – 10 LPA |
Data Scientist/Analyst | INR 4 – 8 LPA |
Aerospace Engineer | INR 6 – 12 LPA |
Medical Physicist | INR 6 – 10 LPA |
Data Engineer | INR 4 – 10 LPA |
Physics Teacher/Professor | INR 3 – 15 LPA |
MSc Physics: Top Recruiters
After completing MSc Physics, graduates can apply to both private as well as public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters of this course:
Employment Field | Top Recruiters |
Research Institutions | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Raman Research Institute (RRI) |
Government Agencies | Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) National Physical Laboratory (NPL) |
Education Sector
| Universities Colleges Schools |
Technology and Engineering Companies
| Infosys TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) Wipro IBM Honeywell |
Telecommunications and Electronics: | Samsung India Qualcomm Intel India Nokia |
Energy and Environmental Companies
| Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Suzlon Energy Greenko Group |
MSc Physics: Scope
MSc Physics scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:
- Ph.D. in Physics: A Ph.D. allows one to conduct in-depth research in a specific area of physics, contribute to scientific knowledge, and potentially become a professor or research scientist.
- MSc Astrophysics: MSc Astrophysics focuses on the study of celestial bodies, the universe's structure, and the fundamental principles governing cosmic phenomena.
- MSc Quantum Mechanics: MSc Quantum Mechanics delves into the fundamental principles of quantum physics, exploring the behavior of subatomic particles and their applications in fields like quantum computing, nanotechnology, and quantum optics.
- MBA: MBA is a postgraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles, management practices, and leadership skills, preparing them for various leadership roles in the corporate world.