science
Research Scientist
Discover what no one knows yet.
Typical earnings: ₹6–12 LPA (govt scientist scales); academia varies
What is this career?
Research scientists work in physics, chemistry, biology and beyond — at ISRO, DRDO, CSIR labs and universities.
What does this professional do?
Designs experiments, publishes research, develops technologies and mentors junior researchers.
Who may enjoy this career?
Students deeply curious about one subject, patient with slow results, and excited by discovery over salary.
What to do after Class 12
PCB/PCM in Class 11–12, then B.Sc/BS via IISc/IISER/NISER entrances (IAT), followed by Master's and PhD.
Course duration
5 years BS-MS + 4–5 years PhD
Approximate fees
Low at govt institutes; fellowships cover PG/PhD — verify per institute
Further study
PhD, post-doctoral research abroad.
Subjects to consider after Class 10
- Science
Available courses
- BS-MS (IISER/IISc/NISER)
- B.Sc (Hons)
- Integrated PhD
Entrance examinations
College options
- IISc Bangalore
- IISER Pune & others
- NISER Bhubaneswar
- BHU
Career opportunities
- ISRO, DRDO, BARC, CSIR labs
- Universities (India & abroad)
- Corporate R&D
Alternative careers
Data ScientistBiotechnologistProfessor
Step-by-step roadmap
- 1Science stream after Class 10
- 2Olympiads & science fairs
- 3IAT/NEST in Class 12
- 4BS-MS at IISER/IISc
- 5Research internships
- 6PhD
- 7Scientist position