---
title: "Homi J. Bhabha: India's Nuclear Architect | Model Diplomat"
description: "Homi J. Bhabha founded India's atomic energy programme, TIFR, and the AEC, authoring the three-stage nuclear plan. Key UPSC GS3 figure—here's why he matters."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/homi-bhabha"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Homi Jehangir Bhabha was an Indian nuclear physicist who founded India's atomic energy programme and led its institutional framework until his death in 1966.
- What is Bhabha's three-stage nuclear programme?
- Did Homi Bhabha build India's nuclear weapon?
- What institutions did Bhabha found?
- How does Bhabha differ from Vikram Sarabhai?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 30 October 1909

   Born in Bombay on into a prominent Parsi family, Bhabha trained at the University of Cambridge, where he completed his doctorate under Ralph Fowler and work…

2. 1 June 1945

   The Trust's endorsement led to the establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bombay on , with Bhabha as its founding director.

3. 4 August 1956

   India's first research reactor, Apsara, achieved criticality at Trombay on , making it the first operational research reactor in Asia.

4. 24 January 1966

   He died on in the crash of Air India Flight 101 on Mont Blanc, a loss that has generated persistent, unproven speculation about sabotage.

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In August 1955, Homi J. Bhabha presided over the first UN International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva, where his opening address predicted that controlled nuclear fusion would one day supply the world's energy.

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