How to Become a Scientist Overview
Look around, everything you see around you has been conceptualised, discovered or invented by scientists. Scientists are individuals who are deeply interested in the surroundings, and matter and aim to build things to help humankind. If you too wish to do the same, you should consider becoming a scientist. scientists study subjects like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, or Maths. Scientists work at top organisations in India and Abroad, institutions like ISRO and NASA.
Who is a Scientist?
A scientist seeks facts and information that may be measured or compared using various analytical and testing methods. Scientists employ scientific procedures in their search for evidence-based results or hypotheses. A job as a scientist is not simple, but if one is passionate about it, one will have a fantastic time pursuing it.
How to Become a Scientist in India: Quick Facts
The following table explains the quick facts about how to become a scientist in India-
Particulars | Details |
Industry | Science & Technology |
Eligibility | Ph.D. degree in a relevant science stream. |
Job Opportunity | Working at a variety of reputable organizations and laboratories both in India and overseas. |
Average Starting Salary | INR 9.60 LPA & above |
Average Salary | INR 5.17 LPA – 8 LPA |
Highest Salary | INR 18 LPA & above |
Average time taken to become a Scientist
A BSc degree normally takes 3 years to finish, whereas integrated programs may take 5 years. A master's degree typically takes two years to complete, whereas a doctorate program takes three to four years. Furthermore, reputable laboratories, research centres, and teaching roles may demand a few years of work experience.
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Eligibility Criteria Required to Become a Scientist
The following are some of the eligibility criteria required to become a scientist in India-
- The first and most important qualifying criterion for becoming a scientist is that ambitious students must have completed their 10+2 from a board recognized by the state or national government, with PCM or PCMB as their subject combination, with at least 70% aggregate marks or a comparable CGPA.
- Students wishing to become scientists must first get a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution or college, with science as their primary subject and a related subject combination. The subject will differ depending on whether they choose chemistry, physics, biological science, or mathematics.
- Students must have a minimum aggregate grade point average of 60% and have passed each course independently.
- Students who wish to become scientists after finishing their undergraduate degrees must get a postgraduate degree from a recognized university/college in a relevant topic related to their bachelor's degree with a minimum of 60% in aggregate and must have passed each course separately.
- Students must have a doctorate or Ph.D. in their respective topic, as well as sufficient research and laboratory experience.
Types of Scientists in India
Science-related knowledge and abilities are required for a broad variety of occupations and jobs, including research, industry, regulation, and education. The following table gives detailed information about the various types of scientists in India-
Types | Description |
Business Scientist | They help firms and other enterprises make evidence-based decisions by combining strong management and business skills with scientific knowledge. This type of scientist is self-assured in the workplace and possesses the scientific and technical competence required to be trustworthy with both coworkers and competitors. They may be found in a variety of jobs in scientific and technological organizations, ranging from R&D to marketing to the C-suite. |
Communicator Scientist | They combine communication abilities with a scientific and technological understanding to inspire, enlighten, and successfully convey their message via empathy and awareness of the audience's needs, knowledge of how media and other communication channels work, and, of course, a solid understanding of the science involved. |
Developer Scientist | They are also known as translational scientists, who convert previously useless information into something useful to society. These might be the development of new products or services, thoughts that influence behavior, advances in medical treatment and medicine, or the application of present technologies in unique circumstances. |
Entrepreneur Scientist | They generate innovation. Their relationships and scientific expertise enable them to identify opportunities for innovation not just in the business sector, but also in the public sector and other parts of society. They start their own businesses or try to develop existing ones by combining their scientific knowledge with strong commercial and financial acumen, people management skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit. |
Explorer Scientist | They are like the crew of the Enterprise, who focus on a specific conclusion or impact, preferring to discover the next piece of the jigsaw puzzle of scientific knowledge and comprehension. They are more likely to be observed working alone in a research center, institution, or company's R&D. |
Investigator Scientist | They investigate the unknown by observing, describing, comprehending, and assembling extensive information and data, setting the framework for future interpreters and developers. They are most likely to be found working as part of a team in a multidisciplinary context at a university or research centre, or in an organization's research and development (R&D). |
Policy Scientist | They use their skills in research, technology, governance, and policymaking to ensure that legislation and policy have a sound empirical foundation. This type of scientist works and is involved in a number of settings, including government and parliament, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy organizations, and charities. |
Technician Scientist | They provide operational scientific services. These are the experts we rely on in forensic science, food science, health and safety, material analysis and testing, education, and many other sectors. |
How to become a Scientist at CSIR in India?
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, or CSIR, is a top-tier institute that works in research and technology. CSIR has 38 laboratories across the country that hold recruitment drives through which people might obtain positions all throughout the country. The following are the steps to becoming a scientist at CSIR-
- The CSIR provides scholarships to doctorate candidates.
- The Recruitment and Assessment Board is in charge of CSIR recruiting (RAB) B.E/B.Tech./M.Sc. in relevant subjects is the minimal minimum qualification for CSIR.
- More qualifications can boost career opportunities.
- Applicants who serve as CSIR research fellows have a higher chance of becoming CSIR scientists.
- Candidates can apply to join CSIR as research fellows by taking the CSIR NET JRF test, which is administered by the council.
How to Become a Scientist in India at ISRO?
Getting into IIST may be one of the most sure-fire methods to get into ISRO (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology). ISRO also employs students from IITs, NITs, and other prestigious universities. Below are the processes to becoming an ISRO scientist in India-
- A degree in areas like Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Radio Engineering, and engineering Physics will help you get a job with ISRO.
- Moreover, candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 65% in their degree.
- Applicants may also take the ICRB Exam in order to be employed as a scientist or engineer by ISRO.
Also read more about the ISRO Scientist Salary in India.
How to Become a Scientist at NASA?
NASA demands a variety of educational degrees. A master's degree in physical and biological sciences is the basic minimum. A doctorate, on the other hand, can jumpstart a career as a scientist at NASA. After earning their bachelor's and master's degrees, candidates must apply for NASA's various scholarships. Another requirement is that one has publications in reputable journals and referrals from other scientists.
How to Become a Medical Scientist in India?
Those interested in a career as a medical scientist can obtain a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline. Attending lessons in disciplines such as biological sciences, physical sciences, and math might also be beneficial.
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Other methods to becoming a medical scientist in India include-
- Students often seek their Ph.D. after finishing undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students can also seek dual-degree programs to obtain both the clinical abilities required of a physician and the research skills required of a scientist.
- Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), and advanced nursing degrees are among the courses offered in conjunction with the Ph.D. study.
- Medical research involves laboratory work as well as original research.
Read more about the Great Scientists of India.
How to Become a Data Scientist in India?
Data science is yet another rising business occupation. An M.Sc. in Mathematical Statistics is the basic minimum for a data scientist. Besides this, applicants must possess a number of additional abilities, including-
- Proficiency in coding and programming abilities.
- One should be familiar with statistical analysis.
- The candidate should have knowledge of machine learning methods such as linear regression, logistic regression, and others, as well as R and Python.
- Mastery of SAS and technologies such as Rapid Miner, Tableau, and others.
- To become a data scientist, one must have exceptional communication abilities as well as strong data intuition.
Steps to follow on How to Become a Scientist in India
One must start their studies soon after high school. Pick a scientific subject of interest and narrow it down to a specific niche. Therefore, the initial step in the procedure is to pick between PCM and PCB immediately following their 10th board examination. If they want to be scientists, they must be very strong at arithmetic. Because research in general works with statistics, expertise in math is essential.
Become an expert in your field
Have a clear notion of the niche field one wishes to explore. Choose a bachelor's degree from a variety of options such as physics, mathematics, biology, astronomy, geology, social sciences, and more. One can also take professional courses in their field of interest, such as B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Pharma, and so on.
Seek Further Education
A bachelor's degree is not necessary to become a scientist. While a bachelor's degree will give a solid foundation, master's and doctoral degrees may be required to broaden the knowledge base.
Entrance Exams to Become a Scientist in India
After meeting the numerous eligibility conditions, students must apply through several admission tests for their bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Entrance to various educational institutions differs according to university/college policies. There are a few national-level exams for a Ph.D. degree, such as the UGC NET Test, CSIR- UGC NET Exam, NCBS JGEEBILS, DBT JRF biotech entrance exam, ICMR JRF fellowships, JNU Ph.D. entrance test, JRF-GATE, and so on. The following are some of the entrance exams to become a scientist in India-
B.Sc Entrance Exams 2024
Entrance tests are used to determine BSc admission. Several national, state,March-May and institution-level admission tests are held throughout India. The table below contains some of the test schedules and BSc online form end date 2023 for the major BSc entrance examinations in India-
Entrance Exam | Registration | Exam Date |
CUET | March 26, 2024 | May 15 to May 31, 2024 |
JET | 1 Nov 2023–14 Apr 2024 | 15, 16 Apr, 6, 7, 23 May 2024 |
NPAT | 6 Dec 2023–20 May 2024 | 1 Jan–25 May 2024 |
SUAT | 10 Feb '24 | May '24 |
Ph.D. Entrance Exams 2023-24
A few national-level entrance examinations are included in the table below along with application deadlines, conducting bodies, exam dates, and so on-
Exam Name | Conducted By | Application Date | Exam Date | Exam Type |
UGC NET | UGC | March–May 2023 | July 2023 | Online |
CSIR UGC NET | UGC CSIR | 2nd week of August – 3rd week of September 2023 | 3rd week of December 2023 | |
IISc & IITs | August 30 – October 7, 2022 | 4, 5, 11 & 12 February 2023 |
Courses to Become a Scientist in India
There are numerous paths to becoming a scientist in India. To become a scientist, students must complete a number of courses. The following are some of the bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. courses to become a scientist in India-
Bachelor's Degree
After Class 12, BSc is a common course of study for science students. It gives comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge in a variety of scientific subjects such as physical science, applied science, chemistry, mathematics, economics, biology, agriculture, horticulture, animation, and so on.
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Students who are enthusiastic about learning interdisciplinary science and mathematics can enrol in this course. The course is appropriate for students who desire to work in research areas such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. BSc Honours and BSc General are the two sorts of BSc degrees. Both are three years long and have the same criteria. Students learn the fundamental skills and information required to operate in a dynamic workplace as a researchers, teachers, lecturers, consultants, counsellors, and so on. INSPIRE Scholarships, HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship Support (ECSS), Promotion of Science Education (POSE) Scholarship, Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), and other scholarship possibilities are also available. Students with a BSc can continue their education by pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Admission
The BSc Admission Procedure is mainly based on merit. Nonetheless, some colleges, such as IAT IISER, OUAT, NEST, and others, accept admission through entrance exams.
- Merit-based BSc Admission: Prominent Delhi University colleges such as Miranda House, Hindu College, and others admit students based on their Class 12 grades as well as their cut-off lists.
- BSc Admission Via Entrance Exams: Certain universities, like Aligarh Muslim University, IISER, Orissa University Agriculture and Technology, and others, provide admission through entrance tests. Eligible students will be summoned for an entrance exam and personal interview once their applications have been reviewed.
Eligibility Criteria
The BSc eligibility criteria may differ based on the institution chosen, and the candidate must fulfil all of the criteria to be admitted to the top BSc colleges. The fundamental BSc course eligibility requirement is a minimum of 50% in Class 12 from any recognized board. Several prestigious institutions require 60% averages. In the upper secondary level, pupils must have studied key topics such as Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. In India, the minimum age for admission to a BSc course is 18 years.
Top Bachelor's Colleges with Their Fees
Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
Rs. 95,000 | |
Rs. 73,545 | |
Rs. 3,63,000 | |
Rs. 44,685 | |
Rs. 59,400 | |
Rs. 43,665 | |
Rs. 68,685 | |
Rs. 1,29,000 | |
St Xavier's College | Rs. 2,43,000 |
Master's Course
Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year postgraduate science program that provides in-depth practical and theoretical understanding in a variety of scientific subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
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Ph.D. candidates must have an MSc degree. To pursue a Master of Science program, individuals must possess certain talents such as problem-solving abilities, analytical abilities, research abilities, and so on. The MSc curriculum varies depending on the MSc Specialty.
Admission Process
To learn about the MS Admission procedure, candidates can follow the stages outlined below-
- Examine their eligibility for the MS admission test.
- Attend the examination.
- Examine the cut-off lists.
- Schools that provide entrance exam-based admission will use the entrance exam score as a cut-off point and will hold a counseling session.
- Students will get their final admission after the counseling session or the publishing of the cut-off list.
- Selected students are required to pay the entrance fee on time.
Eligibility Criteria
- To get admitted to the MS program, students must have a minimum of 50%-60% in UG Science or Management from a recognized board.
- To be eligible for admission to the MS program, students must have taken an entrance examination such as GATE, CAT, or similar.
- Students must have a doctorate or PhD in their respective topic, as well as sufficient research and laboratory experience.
Top Master's Colleges with their fees
Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Rs. 1,09,800 |
Rs. 6,245 | |
Rs. 1,00,000 | |
Rs. 3,040 | |
Rs. 20,000 | |
Rs. 1,02,500 | |
Rs. 1,311 | |
Rs. 76,000 | |
Rs. 46,835 | |
Rs. 21,000 | |
Rs. 49,629 | |
Rs. 3,980 | |
University of Hyderabad | Rs. 9,255 |
Rs. 10,985 |
Ph.D. Courses
Ph.D. Science is a research-oriented program. Students do experiments and strive to find new concepts and incorporate them into their theses through observation, questioning, modelling, and research. One of the primary goals of a PhD science course is to equip students to do research on science learning and teaching in various scientific fields. Physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, life sciences, and other subjects are covered in this course.
Top Ph.D. Colleges in India with their Fees
Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
Christ University | Rs. 35,000 |
Rs. 52,000 | |
Rs. 23,235 | |
Rs. 6,000 | |
Rs. 36,000 | |
Rs. 42,000 | |
Rs. 6,970 | |
Stella Maris College | Rs. 85,000 |
St Xavier's College | Rs. 23,000 - 38,000 |
Recruiters for Scientists in India
Scientists will be in high demand in government and corporate organizations as the human population grows and technology advances. Some of the organizations in our nation that hire skilled scientists include-
- Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- Indian Airforce
- Indian Association for Cultivation of Science (IACS)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (InStem)
- International Flavors & Fragrances India Ltd
- Ministry of Mines
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Centre For Cell Science (NCCS)
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
Job Roles and Salary of Scientists in India 2024
The following table gives details about the types of job roles and their salary in India-
Job Profile | Starting Salary (per annum) INR | Mid-Level (per annum) INR | Senior Level (per annum) INR |
Astronomer | Rs. 6,00,000 – 8,00,000 | Rs. 8,00,000 – 10,00,000 | Rs. 10,00,000 – 15,00,000 |
Agronomist | Rs. 1,00,773 | Rs. 5,81,660 | Rs. 7,97,430 |
Botanist | Rs. 2,47,301 | Rs. 5,89,581 | Rs. 11,63,496 |
Epidemiologist | Rs. 1,52,051 | Rs. 6,16,736 | Rs. 12,22,370 |
Microbiologist | Rs. 1,32,819 | Rs. 2,93,865 | Rs. 9,38,883 |
Geologist | Rs. 2,31,402 | Rs. 5,09,972 | Rs. 13,68,460 |
Meteorologist | Rs. 1,20,000 | Rs. 3,00,000 | Rs. 6,00,000 |
Marine Biologist | Rs. 99,550 | Rs. 4,50,000 | Rs. 10,45,437 |
Paleontologist | Rs. 2,00,000 | Rs. 5,00,000 | Rs. 10,00,000 |
Seismologist | Rs. 7,39,000 | Rs. 7,80,000 | Rs. 8,10,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Scientist in India
If one wants to learn how to become a scientist, he or she must first understand the abilities required. These are a few talents and habits one should develop in our daily life-
- Developing Writing Skills- To acquire funds and publish research findings. As a result, outstanding writing abilities are required in this sector.
- Having a Solid Knowledge Foundation- It is critical for students seeking to be scientists to stay current in their field of study. As a result, students must read as many scientific publications as possible to stay current on their subject.
- Curiosity- It is a highly frequent quality among scientists all around the world. Be interested in your surroundings and the world around you. Discovery is only possible if you are interested in understanding what is going on around you and why.
- Locate a Mentor- In such a profession, it is critical to find a mentor who can lead you through research, opportunities, and navigating this path.