Candidates should note that the initial short-listing based on the INAT applications is ONLY for TA/DA coverage and has no impact on the final INAT selection. We strongly encourage candidates to walk-in for the INAT written test on December 13, whether or not they have applied for INAT earlier and whether or not they have been invited to take the examination.
To be completely clear: Even if you have not applied for INAT-2018, or if you have applied but have not been invited to take the exam, you can definitely appear for the INAT-2018 written test as a walk-in candidate. All we require is that your percentage in any qualifying exams that you have already completed (e.g. B.Sc., M.Sc., B.E., etc.) is at least 55%. If you are in the process of completing a qualifying exam for some degree (which you will complete by July 2019), we do not require a minimum percentage in the courses for this degree for you to take INAT-2018. Of course, if you do clear the written test and the interviews, you must ensure that you have the required minimum percentage to join IUCAA or NCRA at the time of joining either institute in August 2019.
We emphasize that the final selection to IUCAA and NCRA-TIFR will not in any way be affected by whether or not you have been short-listed initially, based on your INAT application. Further, if you clear the INAT written test, you too would be paid TA/DA exactly on par with the initially short-listed candidates.
A copy of the Admit Card for walk-in candidates is provided here. Please take a printout of the card, fill it in and attach a photograph, and bring the filled card with you for the INAT-2018 written test.
Registration for the test will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2018. Walk-in candidates should arrive at the Chandrasekhar Auditorium with the filled Admit Card and a copy of the marksheet of the qualifying examination (or the last examination for which they have a marksheet) for document verification and registration. A seat in the test is not guaranteed unless registration is completed by the candidate during this period.