The Department of Pure and Applied Physics at the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST),
Berhampur, was established in 1996 as an integral part of the B.Tech program. Over the years, it has
evolved into one of the most active and dynamic departments of the institute, known for its academic
excellence and vibrant research culture.
In 2017, the institute expanded its academic offerings by initiating a Science Program under the newly
formed School of Sciences, starting with an M.Sc. program affiliated with Berhampur University. Building
on this momentum, the department received affiliation to offer B.Sc. courses in 2018, further
strengthening its commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate science education.
The Department of Pure and Applied Physics at NIST boasts a team of highly qualified faculty, with 50%
holding PhDs and the rest actively pursuing them—reflecting its strong emphasis on academic and research
excellence. Starting from the Core building, the department has developed modern laboratories,
classrooms, and a well-equipped library, fostering a rich learning and research environment.
Faculty members are engaged in advanced research in areas like nano-electronics, optics, and
nanotechnology, supported by an active PhD program that enhances the institute’s academic profile.
Alongside foundational physics courses for all B.Tech branches, the department offers M.Sc. and B.Sc.
(Honours) programs affiliated with Berhampur University. With its committed faculty and research-driven
approach, the department remains a key pillar of scientific growth in Odisha.
This laboratory provides postgraduate students with practical exposure to the principles of modern physics. Equipped with advanced instruments, it supports experiments in quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and semiconductor physics. The lab helps students bridge theoretical knowledge with experimental techniques, fostering deeper understanding and research readiness in cutting-edge areas of physical science.
The Optics Laboratory enables students to explore fundamental and applied optics through experiments involving interference, diffraction, polarization, and laser technologies. Designed for postgraduate learners, it enhances conceptual understanding and technical proficiency in manipulating light. The facility supports both academic instruction and preliminary research in photonics and optical instrumentation.
This dedicated research facility focuses on the synthesis and study of advanced functional materials. It supports faculty and student research in areas like nanomaterials, composites, and semiconductors. The lab is equipped with modern synthesis tools and provides a collaborative environment for conducting innovative experiments in materials science and condensed matter physics.
This interdepartmental facility specializes in the chemical and physical synthesis of novel materials. Researchers utilize it to develop materials with tailored properties for applications in electronics, energy, and nanotechnology. The lab supports scalable synthesis methods and fosters collaboration across disciplines, contributing to innovative research in material development.
These facilities house state-of-the-art instruments for analyzing material properties such as structure, morphology, electrical conductivity, and optical behavior. Tools like XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy enable researchers to characterize materials at micro and nano scales. The facility supports a wide range of academic and collaborative research projects in materials science.
Designed for undergraduate students, this lab blends physics concepts with engineering applications. It offers practical experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern instrumentation. The facility helps students build foundational experimental skills and apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems, serving as a critical component of the undergraduate curriculum.
We are proud to share an outstanding achievement from the Department of Physics!
Ms. Subhrakali Swain, a second-year M.Sc. student, has reached a remarkable milestone by publishing her
research paper titled "Recent Advances in Optimized Polybenzimidazole-Based Membranes for Vanadium Redox
Flow Battery Applications" in the prestigious Journal of Energy Storage, a Q1 international journal with
an impressive impact factor of 8.9.
What makes this accomplishment truly exceptional is that the publication came just two weeks after she
completed her final laboratory, a rare and commendable feat for any postgraduate student.
This success highlights the department’s strong research ecosystem, dedicated mentorship, and the
remarkable potential of our students.
Congratulations to Ms. Subhrakali Swain for setting a new benchmark of academic excellence in our
department!