Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

Key notes

  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, or BARC, is India’s premier nuclear research centre.
  • It is located at Trombay, Mumbai.
  • It functions under the Department of Atomic Energy.
  • It is named after Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear programme.

  • Research areas include:

    • Nuclear physics.
    • Reactor technology.
    • Fuel-cycle technology.
    • Radiation applications.
    • Nuclear medicine.
    • Materials science.
  • BARC operates research reactors and supports India’s three-stage nuclear programme.

  • It contributes to:

    • Energy security.
    • Food irradiation.
    • Healthcare.
    • Agriculture.
    • Industrial applications.
  • It is distinct from NPCIL, which operates nuclear power plants, although both belong to India’s nuclear ecosystem.