Teentalk

Careers in Astrophysics and Astronomy are both research-oriented and related to Mathematics, Physics and Quantum Physics. To pursue a career in these streams, you will need to study BSc, MSc in Physics after studying 12th Science with PCM.

Careers in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A) can be broadly divided as Theoretical or Observational. Theoretical research career in A&A typically involves doing a Masters in Physics, or Bachelors in Engineering or Technology with thorough basic knowledge in Physics and Mathematics, joining a suitable institution or university for a Ph.D programme in A&A, following it up with one or two postdoctoral positions and - finally - obtaining a permanent job.

Among the leading institutes in our country which have graduate students programmes in A&A leading to a Ph.D, are :

• Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore (IIA),
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc),
• National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Pune (NCRA-TIFR),
• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune (IUCAA),
• Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad (PRL),
• Raman Research Institute, Bangalore (RRI)
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai (TIFR)
• Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
• Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA)

Institutions like these are actively expanding into this area and will certainly encourage theoretical research in A&A :

• Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad (HRI)
• The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai (IMSc)

There are also several universities, which have faculty members working on A&A, not to mention the Indian Institute(s) of Technology.

On the observational side, the scope is somewhat wider because even students with Engineering degrees (or knowledge of computer systems and electronics) are also encouraged to apply for the graduate student's programme in many of the above places. For example, IUCAA takes BE and B.Tech students for its graduate school and allows them to do an M.Sc by research prior to doing a Ph.D.

The scope for Experimental Astronomy in this country is somewhat limited compared to theory, but this situation is likely to change within the next 5 years or so.

The key point to remember is that A&A is a branch of Physics and you need to have a strong foundation in Physics and Mathematics in order to pursue a successful career in A&A.

To summarize, how to become an Astronomer :

• First, you need to complete your 10+2 examination under the Science stream, especially in Mathematics and Physics.
• After that, you can join an undergraduate course in Astronomy. You can join for an honors/major in Physics with Mathematics as a secondary subject. Or you can pursue BSc with Physics / Maths in college nearby.
• Thereafter, you can join a postgraduate degree course in Physics or Astronomy.
• After completing a Master's degree, you can specialize in Astronomy leading to Ph.D.
• Ph.D degree is compulsory.

You will also need to prepare and clear Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) For Ph.D Programmes in Physics / Mathematics / Theoretical Computer Science

In India, every millions of people apply for government jobs. Job security and work life balance are far better as compared to corporate jobs. A government job will not just take care of your financial stability while you work, it will also do so after you retire. That is the reason; thousands of candidates sit for government exams every year. Our Teentalkindia expert gives a brief overview of the highest paying Government jobs in India:

1. Indian Foreign Services (IFS): Here officers are selected through Civil services exam conducted by UPSC. These diplomats represent the country in Foreign countries. IFS officers spend two third of their tenure outside India, with a maximum stay of 3 years in one country. They get all the salaries and perks of Grade A employees, they do get an addition foreign allowance calculated on the cost of living index issued by United Nations. Salaries and perks offered:

• Starting salary: USD 3000-4000
• Free education in International schools for children
• Official luxury car
• Free medical facilities and air travel to India

2. IAS and IPS officers:  These are the most sought after Government jobs. They get an opportunity to work in diversified fields and are a part of policy making in India. Perks, job security and power make it an appealing job. Salaries and perks offered:

• Entry levels pay of Rs.50000 with DA.
• Official vehicle, big bungalow and electricity on a subsidized rate
• Government sponsorship in foreign universities for higher education

3. Defense services: They are offered a salary and perks more than their civil counterparts. Though their work involves a lot of risk and adventure. One needs to crack NDA, CDS, AFCAT to qualify for this job. A general overview of salaries and perks offered

• Entry level pay of Rs.50000 plus DA.
• Free accommodation, ration, and uniform allowance
• High altitude and child education allowance.
• Pension post retirement.

4. Scientists/Engineers in DRDO and ISRO: Young engineering graduates with a keen interest in Research and development can be a part of India’s growth story. Working in these organizations can earn a lot of respect also. Salaries and perks offered:

• House rental and transport allowance
• Entry level salary of Rs.55000-60000
• Bonus after 6 months
• Many other perks

5. PSU job: The most preferred way to get into a PSU is through GATE. Engineers who do not prefer corporate jobs can prefer companies like BHEL, HCL, IOCL ONGC, HP, etc. They offer job security and a competitive salary. The estimated CTC is around 10-12 LPA. Few other perks are:

• Company accommodation or HRA and shift allowance.
• Special compensatory off for plant based location.
• In hand salary excluding all allowances Rs. 50000 plus DA.

6. Lecturers/Professors in Government colleges: Teaching jobs are quite peaceful jobs. It gives you ample time to enjoy your vacations and a good work life balance too. The institutes like IIT’s, NIT’s, provide a higher pay bands. Salaries and perks offered:

• Entry level pay to Asst. Professor varies from Rs.40000-50000
• Medical facilities, Accommodation, laptop allowance,etc.
• Ph.d degree holders are paid more. For eg, in a technical college, an assistant professor gets Rs.75000-80000 as an initial salary.

Today government jobs are the best option if you are looking forward for a financially secure and stable life. However, if you want to land one of these jobs, then you will have to make sure that your competitive exam preparation is nothing short of the best. It is advisable to begin right from your teen age. Sarkari naukri comes with a huge pack of advantages like towering pay scales, various amenities, lots of holidays, etc. There would be rather anyone who didn’t want to settle their career in public sector.

If you have any career query, connect with our Teentalkindia expert at: https://www.teentalkindia.com/contact-us