DEPARTMENT
OF
PHYSICS 2025-26
Why Shiv Nadar University?
Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, is a multidisciplinary research university founded in 2011 by Mr. Shiv Nadar, a leading philanthropist and a pioneer of India's technological revolution. The university comprises four Schools offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees across Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Management & Entrepreneurship.
SNU is the youngest university recognised as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India—a distinction awarded to institutions that "strive to become top 100 institutions in the world over time." In the Government's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), SNU has held its place as the youngest institution in the top 100 Overall category for the past five years. Most recently, SNU was named University of the Year 2024 in the Emerging Category (under 15 years) at the 10th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards.
These recognitions underscore the university's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, scholarship, and service to make meaningful social contributions.
ANALYTICAL THINKING, CREATIVITY, PROBLEM-SOLVING:
Didactic instruction is complemented by research projects, internships, entrepreneurial opportunities, and more, providing our curriculum with a strong balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:
Our faculty hail from leading institutions in India and worldwide and their expertise is highly sought by academic journals, grant agencies, and policymakers.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING:
SNU is a vibrant community with numerous extracurricular activities on our beautiful 286-acre green campus that promotes everyone's holistic well-being.
JOBS, HIGHER STUDIES OR START-UPS:
Students are prepared for a world of opportunities, with alumni successfully placed in competitive postgraduate programs worldwide and leading biotechnology companies, among other fields. The only limits to our students' success are their interests and imagination.
Why Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR
Awards and Rankings
Recognized as an Institution of Eminence
1 of the only 4 private universities in the country to be designated as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India
#1 India’s best young university
(Careers 360, 2023 ranking of private universities)
Global Top 200; India Top 5
SDG 6 and SDG 2: Times Higher Impact Ranking 2023, 2024
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
Youngest university to be ranked among the top 100 of NIRF, 7 years in a row.
#7 Top Universities in India
Careers 360, 2024 ranking of private and public universities)
#3 Top private university in India
#5 Top private university for employability
(Indian Institutional Ranking Framework 2024)
QS Asia Ranking 2024
41 in India; amongst top 36% in Asia.
#20 Chemistry
#26 All Sciences
Nature Index India 2024 ranking of Indian academic institutions
Awarded University of the year 2024 (Emerging category under 15 years)
10th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards 2024
Why Study Physics at Shiv Nadar University?
Physics, a natural science branch, delves into diverse phenomena, spanning from vast cosmic structures to subatomic particles. Motivated by curiosity and a quest for connections, it drives technological advancements. Beyond imparting knowledge, a physics degree fosters curiosity, analytical reasoning, mathematical modelling, and the courage to explore the unknown, skills applicable beyond academia.
The following notable features in our UG program are worth mentioning: In classroom teaching, we aim to impart basic knowledge and understanding of relevant topics. Tutorials and excellent teaching laboratories complement classroom teaching. While in the tutorial sessions, students focus on solving problems related to the concepts discussed in the course, the laboratory sessions give them hands-on experience on the realisations of various basic principles in nature, which they may have learned in the class.
Our curriculum is comparable to the best places in India and abroad. It is periodically reviewed by a panel of faculty members and external experts, keeping it current.
Starting from the second year, our department provides students with research opportunities through the "Opportunities for Undergraduate Research (OUR)" program in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Students pursue an undergraduate thesis in their fourth year, ensuring exposure to cutting-edge research. This is a vital part of their learning experience.
Tackling complex research problems requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Our research groups engage with various disciplines like biology, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. Students can participate in interdisciplinary research projects, providing them the opportunity to appreciate and explore multiple fields.
The faculty members at the Department of Physics are experienced researchers in their respective fields. The research activities at our department are centred around the following broad themes:
• Materials science and condensed matter physics
• Computational and mathematical physics
• Physics of the universe (Astrophysics, Cosmology, High Energy Physics)
• Soft matter physics and biophysics
• Nuclear physics
Thus, the students get to explore a broad spectrum of Physics.
Curriculum
B.Sc. (Research) in Physics
Major in Physics
The coursework for a student majoring in physics has three broad parts. The first part, which covers the initial two academic years, is focused on developing a firm foundation of the subject. In the second part, the third academic year, student learns about more advanced theoretical and experimental tools, often revisiting the concepts developed in the foundation part but viewing them using these sophisticated tools. At the end of the 6th semester, the student will be able to appreciate and explore open research problems in physics; therefore, in the final year, the student will take electives from a wide range of courses, often related to the research interests of the faculty, and will start research work for their undergraduate thesis.
Besides physics courses, a physics major student is expected to take a broad-range of courses from natural sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences. These courses fall into the following categories: University-Wide Electives (UWE), Core Common Curriculum (CCC), Research, Experiential and Applied Learning (REAL), Values, Ethics, Leadership and Service (VELS). The Physics undergraduate advisor will assist all the students in meeting the various departmental and university requirements
Program Structure
An example of a flexible course organisation for B.Sc. (Research) in Physics
1st and 2nd year: The Foundation (Major 54, UWE 12, CCC 18)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
PHY 103
Fundamentals of Physics - I Credit 5 (3:1:1)$
PHY 104
Fundamentals of Physics - II Credit 5 (3:1:1)
PHY 201
Fundamentals of Thermal Physics Credit 4 (3:1:0)
PHY 202
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Credit 4 (3:1:0)
PHY 105
Introduction to Computational Physics - I Credit 3 (1:1:1)
PHY 106 Introduction to Computational Physics - II Credit 3 (1:1:1)
PHY 203 Introduction to Mathematical Physics - I Credit 3 (2:1:0)
PHY 204 Introduction to Mathematical Physics-II Credit 3 (2:1:0)
CCC 6)
101
- I Credit 4 (3:1:0)
102
- II Credit 4 (3:1:0) PHY 205 Waves and Oscillations Credits 4 (3:1:0) PHY 206 Electronics - I Credit 4 (2:1:1)
111 Chemical Principles Credit 5 (4:0:1) UWE (3:0:0)
(3:0:0)
4th Year : Exploration and Research (Major 24, UWE 0, CCC 0)
Semester 7
PHY 4XX/5XX*
(3:0:0)
Semester 8
Elective
3 (3:0:0) PHY 4XX/5XX* Physics Elective Credit 3 (3:0:0)
PHY 4XX/5XX* Physics Elective Credit 3 (3:0:0) PHY 4XX/5XX*
$Credit X (Lecture: Tutorial: Lab)
*Subject to the approval of the physics UG advisor and the course instructor.
PHY 499 Undergraduate Thesis Credit 6 (0:0:6) PHY 499 Undergraduate Thesis Credit 6 (0:0:6)
TOTAL: 151**
** The curriculum is being revised following the National Education Policy (NEP), and the changes will likely be implemented in the following academic year.
Minor in Physics
The physics department offers undergraduate students at SNU an opportunity to obtain a physics minor. A minor in physics has two aspects to it. First, it ensures that a student is well versed in the central core of physics, and second, it will allow the student to learn more advanced aspects of the subject according to their interests. A minor in physics will equip a student to engage in challenging multidisciplinary problems. It will be equally valuable for students seeking employment in industry or finance, where physicist skills in making quantitative models of complex situations are welcomed.
The minor is offered to any students from the School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences.
Eligibility for Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate admissions are based on both Class 12 marks (Aggregate of best four academic subjects in the marksheet must be >=65%, must include English, Mathematics and Physics) and the student's performance in the JEE mains, SNUSAT, College Board SAT, ACT), or the internationally used Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The qualified students are called for an interaction session with the faculty members for final admission.
Admission of UG students for Master and PhD programs
Ph.D. Program in Physics
The physics department at Shiv Nadar University started in 2011. The department's mission is to conduct outstanding research with national and international recognition by promoting creativity, excellence, and collaboration. The department currently focuses on the following broad areas of research:
• Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Physics
• Experimental and Theoretical Soft Matter Physics
• Experimental Nuclear Physics
• Theoretical High Energy Physics
• Mathematical and Statistical Physics
• Cosmology and Astrophysics
Our graduate program is designed to serve various research interests and extends an excellent learning and research environment to motivated and ambitious students. The department offers a vibrant and rigorous graduate program drawing on its many strengths, such as:
• It encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary research activities.
• It allows international collaborations as many faculty members have worked in some of the leading global research institutes and actively collaborate with leading scientists worldwide.
• The department encourages collaborative research with industry, and some of the faculty members are exploring joint research programs with renowned technological companies.
• The department hosts regular seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Advanced experimental and computational facilities.
Eligibility for Doctoral Program
• A candidate must have minimum 55 % marks or equivalent in masters (M.Sc./M.Tech)*.
• Applicant must have a degree in B.Sc. with a Physics major or a B.Tech. in Engineering Physics from a recognised university/technical institute**
• Applicant should have a degree in M.Sc./M.Tech. in Physics, Material Science, Nanoscience, or Nanotechnology from a recognised technical institute or university.
• Merely satisfying the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the shortlisting of a candidate for interview.
*Please enquire in case you are uncertain about your eligibility for any reason.
**Master's degree is not mandatory for the applicants having a four-year B.Tech. degree in Engineering Physics. However, a
Selection Process:
• Applicants will be shortlisted based on merit by the department. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and called for a written test.
• The written test will be conducted offline at SNU, Delhi-NCR campus in Gautam Buddha Nagar District (near Greater Noida), UP.
• Shortlisted candidates (based on written test cut-off) will be called for Interview. Interviews will be conducted at the SNU, Delhi-NCR campus.
• While tentative dates are given below, any changes to the dates of the written test and interview will be communicated in due course.
Syllabus: General Physics courses up to the level of M.Sc. (Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Mathematical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Electronics, Thermal and Statistical Physics).
• Candidates with valid CSIR-NET-JRF fellowship will be exempted from the written
Post-doc research positions after completion of Ph.D. in SNU
Faculty Directory & Research Interests
DR. SUSANTA SINHA ROY
Professor and Head, Ph.D., IACS, Jadavpur University, India
Research Interest: Nanomaterials growth, characterisations, and devices
DR. SUJIT K. TANDEL
Senior Professor, Ph.D., University of Mumbai, India
Research Interest: Experimental Nuclear Physics
DR. ALOKE KANJILAL
Professor, Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
Research Interest: Surface and Nanoscience
DR. BHASKAR KAVIRAJ
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India
Research Interest: 2D Materials and Their Applications in Catalysis, Energy Storage, and Sensing
DR. SYED MOHAMMAD KAMIL
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, India
Research Interest: Computational Soft Matter Physics
DR. SUBHRA SEN GUPTA
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Indian Institute of Science, India
Research Interest: Physics of Ordered and Disordered Strongly Correlated Electron Systems
DR. KENJI NISHIWAKI
Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Kobe University, Japan
Research Interest: Particle/Astroparticle Physics Phenomenology
DR. SUCHETA MONDAL
Assistant Professor, Ph. D., S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
Research Interest: Spintronics and Magnetization Dynamics
DR. SWADESH M MAHAJAN
Distinguished Professor, Ph. D., Institute for Fusion Studies, Department of Physics
Research Interest: Nonlinear quantum mechanics
DR. PRIYA JOHARI
Professor, Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India
Research Interest: Computational Materials Physics
DR. SAMARENDRA PRATAP SINGH
Professor, Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
Research Interest: Physics of Semiconductor Materials and Devices
DR. SAJAL KUMAR GHOSH
Associate Professor, Ph.D., Raman Research Institute, India
Research Interest: Soft Matter Physics
DR. ARINDAM CHATTERJEE
Assistant Professor, Ph. D., University of Bonn, Germany
Research Interest: Theoretical Particle and Astroparticle Physics, Cosmology
DR. MAYUKH MAJUMDER
Assistant Professor, Ph. D., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, University of Calcutta, India
Research Interest: Experimental Investigation of Quantum Materials
DR. RANA NANDI
Assistant Professor, Ph. D., Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, India
Research Interest: Physics of Neutron Stars
DR. BINSON BABU
Assistant Professor, Ph. D., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram
Research Interest: Nanomaterials and Energy Storage Applications
DR. IPSITA MONDAL
Assistant Professor, Ph. D., Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), India
Research Interest: Quantum Condensed Matter Theory
International Academic Collaborations of the faculty members
Technischen Universität Dresden, Argonne National Laboratory (USA), University of Massachusetts Lowell (USA), Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (USA), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), University of West Scotland (UK), Inter-University Accelerator Centre (New Delhi), Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (Germany), Paul Scherrer Institut (Switzerland), University of Manchester (UK), CNRS, LPC Caen (France).
Physics Department Research Output
Faculty Accolades
Our faculty hail from some of the best institutions across India and the world, and are equally dedicated to research and teaching. They have won a number of prestigious national and international awards.
DR. SUSANTA SINHA ROY
inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2023
DR. PRIYA JOHARI
honored with ACCMS, AFORD-sponsored Young Woman Computational Physicist Award at National Physicists' Conclave 2024 at SRM
DR. ALOKE KANJILAL
elected as a Fellow of The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE)
DR. SUCHETA MONDAL
received INSPIRE faculty fellowship from Department of Science and Technology (India), 2023 and INSA Visiting Scientist
UG Students: Global Post-Graduate Positions
ACHAL VINOD
Graduated 2022
Pursuing Ph.D.
Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey, USA
ANUSHIKHA CHAUDHURI
Graduated 2022
Pursuing M.A. Media Studies
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
ARJUN BINGLY
Graduated 2022
Pursuing MS Data Science
George Washington University, United States of America
HARSH GUJRATI
Graduated 2023
Pursuing M.Sc. Physics
Technical University of Dresden , Germany
SHUBHAM KEJRIWAL
Graduated 2022
Pursuing Ph.D. National University of Singapore, Singapore
MEET RAVAL
Graduated 2022
Pursuing Ph.D. University of Buffalo , United States of America
AKSAJ BHARATWAJ
Graduated 2024
Admission Offer Received: Ph.D. Physics at University of Colorado Boulder, United States of America
VARCHASV CHOTANI
Graduated 2022
Pursuing M.Sc. Physics Uppasala University, Sweden
KESAVAN KOMANDUR
Graduated 2023
Pursuing Ph.D. Physics Ohio State University, United States of America
VENNELA VURUPUTURI
Graduated 2023
Pursuing Ph.D. Physics University of Maryland,
International Conference
The Physics Department at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence organized an International Conference on Sustainable Nanomaterial Integration and Organization for Energy and Environment (iSNIOE2) during 20 - 23 March 2024.
It brought international researchers and industries under one umbrella to share the latest advances in low-dimensional materials science and technology for various energy and environmental applications.
Soft Matter Meet 2024
The three days from October 14th to October 16th marked the inaugural edition of Soft Matter Meet (SMM 2024), organized by the Department of Physics. The meeting comprised physicists, chemists, biologists, and engineers from multiple esteemed institutions throughout the country working towards advancing the fields of soft colloids, rheology, membrane biophysics, active matter, liquid crystals, and polymer physics. The meeting initiated meaningful collaborations and discussions through invited lectures, poster presentations, and networking sessions among the participants. The speakers further discussed the translation of their research into multi-faceted industrial applications for the advancement of society.
Admissions Eligibility
Bachelor of Science
Program Selection Criteria
Route 1: JEE Mains 2025 or 2024 + Interview*
Route 2: SNUSAT + Interview
B.Sc. (Research) in Physics
Route 3: College Board SAT + Interview*
Route 4: ACT + Interview*
Route 5: CUET 2025 + Interview*
Class 12th Eligibility
Aggregate of best 4 academic subjects in the marksheet must be >=65% (must include English, Mathematics & Physics)
PROF. SUSANTA SINHA ROY
Head of the Department of Physics
+91-120-7170100 Ext. 880
Email: susanta.roy@snu.edu.in
DR. ARINDAM CHATTERJEE
UG Advisor
+91-120-7170100 Ext. 193
Email: arindam.chatterjee@snu.edu.in
PROF. ALOKE KANJILAL, Postgraduate Advisor
+91-120-7170100 Ext. 124
Email: aloke.kanjilal@snu.edu.in
KISHMISH GURBANI
Executive Assistant - HoD Physics
+911203608750 Ext. 6535
Email: kishmish.gurbani@snu.edu.in
Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence
NH 91, Tehsil Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh - 201314, India Ph: +91-120-7170100, +91-120-2662002