NIST UNIVERSITY
Institute Park, Berhampur, Odisha-761008, India

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

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.

Vision

  • The vision of the Department of Pure and Applied Physics is to furnish students to compete and contribute to the varying technology-centered advancements.
  • To motivate the students to become technocrats, so that they become builders of modern society in general and the country at large.
  • To train the minds of young engineers towards application orientation by providing students with multiple learning opportunities like Activity Based Learning, formal courses with integrated laboratory, Virtual Lab, research projects, and colloquium programs.

Mission

  • M1: To awaken young minds and discover their talents both in theoretical and practical Physics through dedication to teaching, commitment to students, and innovative instructional methods like physical demonstration, PPT, and visual aids.
  • M2: To make vital contributions in areas of emphasis such as faculty, modern labs, Department library, and demonstrate a high level of competence in the study of Engineering Physics.
  • M3: To promote the highest ethical principles in scientific research, critical thinking, openness to social, scientific, technological, and educational changes, as well as working autonomy at the University — both scientific and educational.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society.

Cultivating Inquiry

To cultivate a spirit of inquiry and a scientific mindset among students.

Integrating Research

To integrate education and research by incorporating recent discoveries, modern technologies, and innovative methodologies into the curriculum.

Promoting Interdisciplinary Learning

To promote interdisciplinary learning by providing students with diverse educational and research opportunities.

WHY CHOOSE PHYSICS @ NIST?

Expert Faculty: 70% Ph.D. holders from IITs/NITs with strong academic and research credentials.

Strong Research Funding: Over ₹50 Lakhs funded research projects in the last three years.

Advanced Curriculum: Includes Python programming and Quantum Computing, enabling Future Innovators.

Free GATE/NET Coaching with mentoring to excel in national exams.

Research Publications: M.Sc. students publish in reputed international journals.

Interdisciplinary Projects with engineering departments for innovation.

Placement Assistance: Opportunities in core, software, and hardware industries.

Soft Skills & English Communication Training for industry readiness.

Collaborations with IISER, NISER, IOP, NIT, IMMT & other top institutions.

ACADEMIC LABORATORIES

State-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern technology to enhance practical learning and research

Modern Physics Laboratory

Modern Physics Laboratory

Quantum mechanics, atomic/nuclear physics experiments

Modern Physics Laboratory

Provides postgraduate students with practical exposure to modern physics fundamentals. Equipped with advanced instruments that support experiments in quantum mechanics, atomic & nuclear physics, and semiconductor physics. The lab bridges theoretical concepts with experimental techniques to nurture research readiness.

Quantum Mechanics Atomic & Nuclear Physics Semiconductor Physics Research-oriented Learning
Optics Laboratory

Enables students to explore fundamental and applied optics through experiments on interference, diffraction, polarization, and laser technology. Enhances conceptual understanding and technical proficiency in photonics and optical instrumentation.

Interference & Diffraction Polarization Laser Experiments Photonics Applications
Optics Laboratory

Optics Laboratory

Interference, diffraction & laser technologies

Novel Materials Research Laboratory

Novel Materials Research Laboratory

Synthesis & study of advanced functional materials

Novel Materials Research Laboratory

Focuses on synthesis and study of nanomaterials, composites, and semiconductor materials. Equipped with modern tools for experimental and collaborative research in condensed matter physics.

Nanomaterials Composites Semiconductors Research Collaboration
Material Synthesis Laboratory

Specialized in chemical/physical synthesis of novel materials for applications in electronics, energy, and nanotechnology. Supports scalable synthesis and interdisciplinary collaboration for real-world research outcomes.

Chemical Synthesis Energy Materials Nanotechnology Interdisciplinary Research
Material Synthesis Laboratory

Material Synthesis Laboratory

Advanced synthesis for novel materials

Material Characterization Facilities

Material Characterization Facilities

XRD, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy

Material Characterization Facilities

Equipped with XRD, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy and more to analyze structural, electrical, morphological, and optical material properties at micro and nanoscale.

XRD SEM UV-Vis Nano-scale Analysis
Engineering Physics Laboratory

Designed for undergraduate learning, offering hands-on experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern instrumentation. Builds foundational experimental skills for solving real-world engineering problems.

Mechanics Thermodynamics Electromagnetism Instrumentation
Engineering Physics Laboratory

Engineering Physics Laboratory

Fundamentals blending physics and engineering

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Student Achievement

Ms. Subhrakali Swain

We are proud to share an outstanding achievement from the Department of Physics! Ms. Subhrakali Swain, a second-year M.Sc. student, has published her research paper titled: “Recent Advances in Optimized Polybenzimidazole-Based Membranes for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Applications” in the prestigious Journal of Energy Storage (Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 8.9).

Notably, this accomplishment came just two weeks after she completed her final laboratory — a truly rare and exceptional milestone.

Congratulations to Miss Swain for setting a remarkable benchmark in academic and research excellence!

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS

Sibananda Das
Sibananda Das
PGT Physics, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Malkangiri
Suman Dash
Suman Dash
TGT Science, Sanskar International School, Bargarh
Rajendra Chattei
Rajendra Chattei
PGT Physics, Mother's International HSS, Berhampur
Amina Panda
Amina Panda
Guest Faculty, SBP Mahavidyalaya, Ganjam
Umakanta Padhi
Umakanta Padhi
APR Constable, Odisha Police, Berhampur
Hara Prasad Behera
Hara Prasad Behera
SDE, Covalence Digital, Bengaluru
Jyotirmayee Barik
Jyotirmayee Barik
CEI, Indian Navy, Chilika
Kiran Sahu
Kiran Sahu
TGT, Govt. UGHS, Angul (Mass Edu Dept.)
Rojalin Panda
Rojalin Panda
Ph.D Scholar, SOA University, Bhubaneswar
Ishaneswari Maharana
Ishaneswari Maharana
System Associate, Infosys, Mysore
Kamakshi Brahma
Kamakshi Brahma
Ph.D Scholar, NIST University, Berhampur
Mukesh Kumar Swain
Mukesh Kumar Swain
Project Manager, Dev On, Bengaluru

FACULTY

PHOTO GALLERY