Hi,

Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects, space and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth. Astronomy is divided into several branches such as Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrobiology, Astrogeology and Astrometry.

Eligibility for Astronomy Courses:

1. For pursuing a career in Theoretical Astronomy / observations, one can do B.Sc. in Physics and / or Mathematics/ or B.Sc. in Astronomy after 10 + 2. Master's level course in Astronomy with specialization in Theoretical Astronomy is offered by various Astronomy Institutes and Universities.
2. In order to pursue a career in Instrumentation / Experimental Astronomy, one can do one's Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electrical / Electronics / Electrical Communications, after 10 + 2. You should appear for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) examination, which makes one eligible to do specialization in astronomy leading to Ph.D.

So, Electrical Engineering would be better option to go with as per mentioned the eligibility criteria. In Astronomy, there are many options available at the Master’s level (M.Sc.) level such as

1. Integrated M.Sc-Ph.D Programme in Physics and Astrophysics and Integrated M.Tech- Ph.D (Tech.) programme in Astronomical Instrumentation by Indian Institute of Astrophysics
2. M.Sc in Physics & Astrophysics by School of Studies in Physics and Astrophysics, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University.

Here is the list of Astronomy Colleges and Universities in India

1. Raman Research Institute, Bangalore
2. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
3. Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
4. Physical Research Laboratory, Gujarat
5. Tata institute of Fundamental research, Mumbai
6. Radio Astronomy Center, Tamil Nadu
7. Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune
8. Punjabi University, Patiala
9. Osmania University, Hyderabad
10. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
11. Swami Ramanand Teerth University, Nanded
12. National Center for Radio Astrophysics, Pune
13. Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai

You can contact these above mentioned university and colleges individually to get more information regarding Astronomy courses.

After completing these courses in Astronomy, you can find placement as a Research Scientist with several research institutes and big Government organizations like the Indian Space Research Organization. You can also join non-profit organizations like the Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA) which involves itself in telescope making, organizing observation sessions for the public and popularization of Astronomy. As a beginner, you would be inducted as a fellow researcher into an existing team already working on an Astronomy project.

Good luck!!! 

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