Education and early research
Udgaonkar studied Physics and Mathematics at Elphinstone College and completed his MSc at the Royal Institute of Science with first rank. In 1949 he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and began research under Homi J. Bhabha.
Physics and atomic energy
After training at the French Atomic Energy Commission at Saclay from 1953 to 1955, he built the core of the Reactor Theory Group that became part of BARC. He later led TIFR's Theoretical Physics Group and became known for work on Regge poles and hadron dynamics.
Science education and institutions
Udgaonkar expanded TIFR's educational work through graduate courses, visiting-student programmes and engagement with schools and universities. These efforts contributed to the creation of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, which he chaired from 1975 to 1991.
Science, society and peace
He wrote widely about education, development and the social responsibility of science. As a member of the Pugwash Council and Executive, he worked for nuclear disarmament and a more equitable international order.