In this article we feature two institutes of higher education that specialize in Mathematics.

THE INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Founded by Alladi Ramakrishnan in 1962, the Institute of Mathematical Science (IMSc) is a place for fundamental research in the mathematical and physical sciences. The IMSc is supported by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and Government of Tamil Nadu.

Academic Programs

If you have a deep interest in research you could apply to a doctoral (graduate) program in Theoretical Physics, Mathematics, or Theoretical Computer Science. IMSc encourages capable and motivated students with an undergraduate degree to enter an integrated MSc-PhD program. Selection of candidates for the IMSc graduate research program is normally through an interview and a written test. The structure of the test differs from group to group. Selected candidates typically spend one or two years doing coursework and project work in preparation for research. Junior research fellowships are awarded to all students who are accepted into the program.

Postdoctoral program

IMSc provides an ideal environment for both independent and collaborative postdoctoral work. At IMSc there is ample opportunity for students to correspond with faculty members whose interests overlap theirs. If, however, an application is outstanding, it will be considered even if there is no overlap with the faculty’s current interests.

Postdoctoral fellows at IMSc are not formally affiliated with individual faculty members but are welcome to collaborate with any of the faculty. Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded for an initial period of one year but may be extended by an additional year thereafter. Postdoctoral fellows may choose to work alone or collaborate with other institute members. At any given time, there are around ten postdoctoral fellows from across the world working in the Institute.

Visiting student program

Under this program graduate students already registered for their PhD with any other university have the option to become graduate visitors. They can visit IMSc several times during their period of studentship. The length and frequency of visits are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Associateship program

This program is for college and university teachers to visit and work at IMSc. Short-term associateships and senior associateships are available in Theoretical Physics, Mathematics, and Theoretical Computer Science. This program encourages collaborations between members of the Institute and scientists in the university system. To participate in this program, email to director@imsc.res.in.

Admission

If you are an applicant for the integrated PhD program, you need to have completed a bachelors degree in the respective discipline by the time of joining the program. Look out for the announcement of the application procedure that will be posted on the institute webpage a month or so prior to the deadline for applying. You need to have requested for the application form during or before the first week of December. Completed applications are due by the end of December. Those applying from outside India should write to the director of IMSc for information on application procedures applicable to them.

JEST

In order to join the IMSc graduate research program you need to sit for the JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test). Selected candidates will then have to appear for an interview. JEST is conducted every year for the PhD and Integrated PhD programs for Physics and Theoretical Computer Science. GATE score is also used for short-listing candidates for a direct interview for PhD program.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, IIT MADRAS

Founded in 1960, the Department of Mathematics, IIT Madras conducts research in Algebra, Analysis, Computational and Theoretical Fluid Dynamics, Mathematical Physics, Stochastic Processes, Theoretical Computer Science, and Discrete Mathematics.

Academic programs

• MSc: Designed as a four-semester postgraduate program, it focuses on giving essential knowledge in Mathematics with opportunities for specialization in all major areas of pure and applied mathematics. Candidates who qualify in JAM — Joint Admission Test — are eligible to apply.

• MTech: A two-year MTech program in Industrial Mathematics and Scientific Computing is offered. The program produces trained professionals to solve industrial problems. It teaches to simulate, optimize, and control technical, financial and organizational process.

• The curriculum is drawn in consultation with European Consortium for Mathematics in Industry (ECMI). If you are a postgraduate student of science or a graduate student of engineering with a valid GATE score, you are eligible for the program. For sponsored candidates GATE score is not mandatory.

• PhD: The department conducts various research activities, both fundamental and applied, in programs of 2 to 5 years’ duration. Apart from this the department also offers various elective courses for students from other streams and BTech.