Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) is a premier academic body for advanced research in the fundamental sciences. The institute is one of the prominent Deemed Universities in the country offerings various programs including the graduate programs leading to PhD, M Sc and Integrated PhD. Admission into the institute is purely based on the merit and the performance of the students in the Graduate school admission test conducted by TIFR. For each program TIFR conduct separate entrance test and the GSA Mathematics test is most popular among the TIFR aspirants.

Structure of GSA Mathematics Test

The GSA Mathematics written test consists of objective type paper. The candidates will have different options and need to select the right answer from the given choices. The duration of the exam is normally 120 minutes and negative marking is there for the wrong answers. The shortlisted candidates of the written test will be called for an interview by TIFR.

Syllabus for GSA Mathematics Test

Algebra

• Definitions and examples of groups-finite and infinite
• Commutative and non-commutative
• Cyclic groups
• Subgroups
• Homomorphisms
• Quotients
• Definitions and examples of rings and fields
• Basic facts about finite dimensional vector spaces
• Matrices
• Determinants and ranks of linear transformations
• Integers and their basic properties
• Polynomials with real or complex coefficients in one variable
• Analysis
• Basic Facts About Real And Complex Numbers
• Convergence Of Sequences And Series Of Real And Complex Numbers
• Continuity
• Differentiability And Reimann Integration Of Real Valued Functions
• Polynomial Functions
• Rational Functions
• Exponential And Log
• Trigonometric Functions
• Geometry/ Topology
• Elementary geometric properties of common shapes and figures
• Triangles
• Circles
• Discs
• Spheres
• Plane analytic geometry and trigonometry
• Definition and basic properties of metric spaces
• Examples of subsets of Euclidean spaces
• Connectedness
• Compactness
• Convergence in metric spaces
• Continuity of functions between metric spaces
• General
• Pigeon-hole principle (box principle)
• Induction
• Elementary properties of divisibility
• Permutations and combinations
• Binomial coefficients
• Elementary reasoning with graphs

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates should be an Indian citizen with not less than 21 years of age. The aspirants of GSA Mathematics should have any of the following degree,

• M.Sc
• B.E
• B.Tech
• M.Tech
• M.A
• B.A
• B.Sc

The consistent performers of the final year candidates with good academic records are also eligible for taking the GSA exam.

How to Apply?

The students are provided with two options for applying for the examination. They can apply by online by following the appropriate link in the webpage, http://univ.tifr.res.in. The candidates can also send a request letter along with the self addressed and stamped envelop to the Registrar (Academic), TIFR, Mumbai. The request letter should reach the office before the final date given for the application request.

How to fill the Form?

For the online applicants the instructions are given in the webpage and they should read the same before registering for the examination. The offline applicants will be provided with a handbook which will direct the candidates to the instruction for filling the application form. The given information will be applicable in any condition and any small mistake made by the candidates will lead rejecting the application. After filling the form the online applicants should click the submit button. The original application form or the printout form should send along with the attachments and the DD for the examination to the submission address.

Important Dates (Tentative)

• Publication of Notification: Last Week of August, 2012
• Last date for application: Mid of October, 2012
• Nationwide Entrance Examination: Second Week of December, 2012
• Results of the Nationwide Entrance Examination: Mid of January, 2012

List of GSA Mathematics Test centers

• Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin
• Delhi University, Delhi
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
• Goenka College of Commerce & Business Administration, Kolkata
• Hyderabad University, Hyderabad
• Indian Institute of Technolgoy, Chennai
• Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
• National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore
• Panjab University, Chandigarh
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
• Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar

Contact Address for the GSA Mathematics Test

• Address : Assistant Registrar (Academic), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005.
• Tel: 022-22782629/22782241/22782875
• Fax: 022-22804555
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://univ.tifr.res.in

Colleges Accepting the GSA Mathematics Test score

• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
• Centre for Applicable Mathematics (CAM), Bangalore

Reference Books for GSA Mathematics Test

• A Course in Algebra  by C.M. Leung
• A Course in Pure Mathematics Margaret by M. Gow
• A.L. Mathematics Series by Algebra  Leo C F. Leung
• A Textbook of B. Sc. Mathematics from S. Chand Group
• Discrete Mathematics and its Applications by K.H. Rosen
• Set Theory and related topics by S. Lipschutz
• Invitation to Graph theory by Arumugham & Ramachandran
• Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics by R.P. Grimaldi
• Naive Set Theory by P.R. Halmos
• Theory of Sets by E. Kamke
• A First look at Graph Theory by John Clark & D.A. Holton
• Calculus by Thomas / Finney
• Calculus and Analytic Geometry by S.K. Stein
• Advanced Engineering Mathematic by Kreyszig
• Real Analysis by J.M. Howie
• Mathematical Analysis and Applications by J.V. Deshpande
• Introductory Methods of Numerical Analysi by S.S. Sastry
• Coaching Centers for GSA Mathematics Test
• Miglani Tutorials
• A.V. Classes
• A.A. Harmony Kiddos
• Austech International Campus
• Better Think
• Sai Academy
• Future Plus Edutech Pvt. Ltd.
• Kiwi And Maple
• Overseas Solutions
• Drovers The Learning Collegiue
• Elite Academy
• All India Khilafat Committee’s College of Education
• Arya Vidya Mandir Institute of Education
• Chembur Sarvakash Shikshastra Mahavidyalaya
• Indian Education Society’s Pre-Primary Teachers Training College
• Mahatma Education Society Pillai’s College of Education

Study Plan

The candidates should be well prepared to take the TIFR GSA test. They have to cover completely the syllabus suggested for the test. The mathematics exam covers the curriculum of the graduate level and hence the aspirants can make use of the study materials in their degree level. There are many online study materials available for the students and can refer for same from different publishing houses. One can join the coaching centers which will help the candidate to familiarise with the examination by providing mock test and practicing with previous year questions and model questions.

How and Where To Get the Results?

The candidates can view their score in the official webpage of GSA exam and the shortlisted candidates will get the information regarding the score and interview schedule through their personal ID or through mail.

Score Validity

The score of the GSA test will valid till the admission process of the TIFR is closed or till the available seats are filled.