TIFR Physics Previous Year Question Papers
2010–2026 • Free PDF Download • PhD & Integrated PhD

Wave functions, operators, perturbation theory, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, spin, angular momentum. Tested every year in both Part A and Part B. TIFR pushes QM to greater depth than IIT JAM — Part C level CSIR NET depth expected.

Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formalism, central force, rigid body dynamics, oscillations, special relativity. Tested consistently. Conceptual application questions dominate over formula-recall.

Maxwell’s equations, EM waves, boundary conditions, radiation from accelerating charges, Lorentz transformations in EM context. Griffiths-level mastery expected.

Partition functions, Fermi-Dirac/Bose-Einstein distributions, phase transitions, entropy, free energy. TIFR tests Stat Mech at greater depth than IIT JAM.

Spectra, selection rules, Zeeman effect, fine structure, hyperfine structure. Appears in most papers but with fewer questions.

Band theory, crystal structure, X-ray diffraction, superconductivity basics, Fermi energy calculations. Growing weightage in recent papers.

Nuclear models, radioactive decay, conservation laws, quark model basics, fundamental particles. Standard MSc-level coverage.

Interference, diffraction, polarisation, Fourier optics. Noted in 2026 paper analysis — may be increasing in weightage.

Op-amps, BJT, logic gates, amplifiers. 2026 paper specifically included Electronics questions — worth focused preparation.

Vector calculus, complex analysis, Fourier methods, differential equations, tensors — appears in the framing of questions across all topics rather than as a standalone topic.