Quick answer
To become a scientist in India: study science or engineering at a research-focused institute after Class 12 (IISER, NISER, IISc, an IIT or a good university), do a master’s if your first degree is 3–4 years, then a PhD with a fellowship (through exams such as CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or JEST, or institute interviews). After the PhD, scientists work at research labs such as CSIR, DRDO, ISRO and BARC, at universities and IITs, or in industry R&D. It takes about 10 years after Class 12, and scholarships pay much of the way.
Step 1: the right undergraduate course
| Route | Entrance | Why it suits future scientists |
|---|---|---|
| BS-MS at the 7 IISERs | IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) | 5-year integrated science with research from early years |
| Integrated M.Sc at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai | NEST | Research-oriented science under the Department of Atomic Energy |
| BS (Research) at IISc Bengaluru | IISc’s own admission rules (see iisc.ac.in) | India’s top research institute |
| B.Tech or BS at IITs, NITs and IIITs | JEE Advanced / JEE Main through JoSAA | Engineering research, or a switch to science through an M.Sc or PhD |
| B.Sc at central and state universities | CUET-UG or university admissions | The most common route; follow with an M.Sc |
Step 2: master’s and PhD
- M.Sc at IITs and IISc: through IIT JAM after a B.Sc.
- M.Tech: through GATE after a B.Tech.
- PhD with a fellowship: CSIR-UGC NET (JRF) for sciences, GATE for engineering and some sciences, JEST for physics and theoretical computer science, plus institute interviews. BS-MS and integrated M.Sc graduates can apply for PhDs directly.
Scholarships along the way
- INSPIRE-SHE (Department of Science and Technology): ₹80,000 a year for students in natural and basic science degrees (B.Sc, BS, BS-MS, integrated M.Sc) who are in the top 1% of their Class 12 board or meet the other merit criteria in the current guidelines. Engineering and medicine are not covered. Apply on online-inspire.gov.in.
- Fellowships during a PhD are paid monthly by the funding agency or institute.
- For engineering students, see fee waivers, scholarships and loans.
Step 3: where scientists work
- Government research labs: CSIR laboratories, DRDO, ISRO, BARC and other Department of Atomic Energy units, ICMR and ICAR institutes. See government careers for how DRDO, ISRO and BARC recruit.
- Teaching and research: IISERs, IITs, IISc, NITs and universities, usually after a PhD and postdoctoral research.
- Industry R&D: semiconductors, pharma, energy, AI and materials companies.
How can I become a scientist after Class 12 PCM?
Join a research-focused science or engineering programme (IISER through IAT, NISER through NEST, an IIT through JEE Advanced, or a good university), then a master’s if needed and a PhD with a fellowship. Most scientists join labs or universities after their PhD.
Is JEE needed to become a scientist?
Not always. IISERs use IAT and NISER uses NEST. JEE helps if you want an IIT or NIT degree in engineering or science before research.
What happened to KVPY?
KVPY was discontinued and merged with the INSPIRE scheme in 2022. Science students now apply for INSPIRE-SHE instead.
How long does it take to become a scientist?
Typically about 10 years after Class 12: 4–5 years of undergraduate and master’s study, then 5–6 years of PhD.