How To Become A Scientist in India- Complete Guide
Becoming a scientist is an inspiring and rewarding career path for students passionate about discovering and exploring the unknown. Here’s a guide for Indian students who aspire to become scientists, covering educational paths, exams, and tips for a successful scientific career.
—
1. Develop a Passion for Science Early On
Start exploring science in school by paying extra attention in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Participate in science fairs, join school science clubs, and read books on famous scientists and their discoveries. This foundation builds curiosity, which is crucial for a scientific career.
2. Choose the Right Subjects in High School
In India, to pursue a career as a scientist, choosing the science stream after Class 10 is essential. You can opt for either:
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM): Good for careers in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, and space sciences.
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB): Suitable for careers in biology, life sciences, and medical research.
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB): Ideal for students who want to keep all options open in both physical and biological sciences.
3. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Science
After Class 12, enroll in a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program in the field you’re passionate about, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Science, or Computer Science. You can pursue these degrees from top Indian universities or research-focused institutes like the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), or the University of Delhi.
For engineering aspirants who wish to delve into scientific research later, a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) from top institutions like IITs, NITs, or other reputed engineering colleges is also a viable option.
4. Take Competitive Exams
There are many exams and scholarships available to aspiring scientists at various stages. Here are some to consider:
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY): A national-level fellowship for students with an interest in science, providing scholarships and opportunities for research projects.
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE): Useful if you aim to join IITs for B.Tech. and later pursue research.
National Entrance Screening Test (NEST): Required for admission to the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) and the Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (DAE-CBS).
Indian National Olympiad (INO): Participating in Olympiads in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology can strengthen your research foundation.
5. Pursue a Master’s Degree (M.Sc. or M.Tech.)
After a Bachelor’s degree, pursuing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Technology (M.Tech.) helps deepen your understanding of your chosen field. During your postgraduate studies, focus on specialization areas like Astrophysics, Molecular Biology, Data Science, Material Science, etc., based on your interests.
Top institutions for M.Sc. or M.Tech. in India include IISc, IITs, IISERs, NISER, and TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research).
6. Apply for Ph.D. Programs
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is essential for becoming a research scientist. Ph.D. programs focus on advanced research in a specific area of science, often leading to original discoveries. In India, you can apply for Ph.D. programs at institutions like:
IISc
IITs
TIFR
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)
Entrance exams like GATE, CSIR-NET, or JEST are often required for Ph.D. admissions in science and engineering.
7. Consider Fellowships and Research Opportunities
During your Ph.D., you can apply for research fellowships provided by organizations like CSIR, DST (Department of Science and Technology), and UGC (University Grants Commission).
Some well-known fellowships include:
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by CSIR or UGC
INSPIRE Fellowship by DST for young researchers
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) for researchers in IITs and IISc
8. Gain Research Experience and Publish Papers
Building a research profile is crucial to advancing in science. This includes:
Publishing papers in reputable scientific journals.
Attending conferences and seminars to present your work and network with other scientists.
Participating in collaborative research or interning at research labs to gain hands-on experience.
9. Career Paths After Ph.D.
After completing your Ph.D., there are various career paths within science, including:
Research Scientist: You can work in academic or government research labs, such as CSIR, ISRO, DRDO, BARC, or in international research institutes.
Professor or Lecturer: Teaching and researching in universities or colleges.
Industry Scientist: Many private companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and engineering hire research scientists.
Postdoctoral Fellow: Often pursued after a Ph.D., postdoc positions in India or abroad provide advanced research experience.
10. Continue Lifelong Learning and Stay Updated
Science is a continuously evolving field. Attend conferences, take online courses, collaborate on global research, and stay updated with the latest scientific publications. Lifelong learning keeps you ahead and opens doors to innovative discoveries and new research opportunities.
—
Key Institutions for Scientific Research in India
IISc Bangalore
IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)
IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research)
NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research)
TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research)
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre)
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
—
Final Thoughts
Becoming a scientist requires dedication, curiosity, and resilience. Following these steps can lead you to a successful scientific career. The journey may be challenging, but the opportunity to contribute to new discoveries and innovations is profoundly rewarding. With patience, hard work, and a passion for exploring the unknown, you can make a meaningful impact as a scientist in India and beyond.