how to become a new great scientist after 12th
If you’ve
just completed your 12th grade and have dreams of making ground breaking
discoveries, creating innovative technologies, or making a real difference
through research, you’re already on the right track to becoming an exceptional
scientist. Sure, the journey might seem long and a bit daunting, but with a
sprinkle of passion, a solid plan, and a good dose of perseverance, you can
absolutely make it happen.
In this
guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to becoming a great scientist after
12th, from picking the right stream to finding the best colleges, degrees,
specializations, salaries, and so much more.
1. Grasping the Essence of Being a Scientist
A
scientist is
someone who dives into the wonders of the natural or physical world, conducting
experiments and investigations to uncover new knowledge and craft innovative
solutions. They can be found in various fields, including physics, biology,
chemistry, space science, environmental science, computer science, and medical
research, just to name a few.
To truly
excel, it takes more than just hitting the books—you need a spark of curiosity,
sharp critical thinking skills, and a passion for tackling real-world
challenges.
2. Selecting the Right Subjects in Class 11 and 12
If you’re
currently in Class 12 or have just completed it, the subjects you chose in
Class 11 are incredibly important. If you’re aiming for a career in
science, consider these paths:
• PCM
(Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) – ideal for careers in physics, space
science, computer science, engineering, and more.
• PCB (Physics,
Chemistry, Biology) – perfect for those looking to enter biology, medicine,
biotechnology, genetics, and similar fields.
For those
intrigued by interdisciplinary areas like bioinformatics or cognitive science,
a mix of both PCM and PCB can be quite beneficial.
3. Top Courses After 12th to Become a Scientist
If you're
aiming to become a scientist, your educational journey should ideally include a
bachelor's degree, followed by a master's, and perhaps even a PhD in
your chosen area of expertise. Here are some of the most sought-after
undergraduate courses:
• B.Sc.
(Bachelor of Science) in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics,
Biotechnology, Microbiology, or Environmental Science
• B.Tech
in fields such as Computer Science, Aerospace, Biotechnology, or Chemical
Engineering, especially if you're interested in applied sciences
• Integrated
M.Sc. or M.S. Programs available at prestigious institutes like IISER,
NISER, and IITs
These
courses lay the groundwork for advanced research in the scientific realm.
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4. Top Institutions to Study Science in India and Abroad
Getting
into a well-respected institution can provide you with better research
facilities, mentorship, and a chance to gain global exposure. Here are some of
the top colleges to consider:
In India:
• Indian
Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
• Indian
Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
• National
Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
• Indian
Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• Delhi
University (DU)
•
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Internationally:
• Harvard
University (USA)
• Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford
University
•
University of Oxford (UK)
•
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
5. How
to Get Ready for Entrance Exams
If you're
looking to dive into science courses and institutes in India, you'll need to
tackle some competitive entrance exams. Here’s a handy list to keep in mind:
• IISER
Aptitude Test (IAT) –
for admissions to IISER
• NEST
(National Entrance Screening Test) – for NISER
• JEE
Advanced – for IITs
• CUET –
for central
universities
• NEET –
for life sciences
research (especially if you have an MBBS/BDS background)
• KVPY
(now part of IAT) – for
research scholarships
Start your
preparation early, focus on building solid concepts in Classes 11-12, and make
it a habit to solve mock tests regularly.
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6. Degrees Needed to Become a Scientist
If you want
to be recognized as a scientist, here’s the usual academic route you’ll take:
1.
Bachelor’s Degree (3–4 years) – either a B.Sc. or B.Tech
2.
Master’s Degree (2 years) – M.Sc. or M.Tech
3. PhD
(3–6 years) – specializing
in a research topic
4.
Postdoctoral Fellowship (Optional) – for further specialization
Throughout
your academic journey, try to get involved in research internships, science
fairs, publications, and conferences to enrich your experience.
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7. Specialization Areas for Aspiring Scientists
Here are
some exciting and emerging fields where you can carve out a career as a
scientist:
•
Astrophysics
•
Genetics and Molecular Biology
•
Quantum Mechanics
•
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
•
Climate Science and Environmental Studies
•
Neuroscience
•
Robotics and Nanotechnology
•
Virology and Immunology
Choose a
field that sparks your interest and plays to your strengths.
8.
Websites and Portals to Follow
If you want
to keep up with the latest in science and discover new opportunities, make sure
to check out these websites regularly:
•
https://www.iisc.ac.in
•
https://www.iiseradmission.in
•
https://www.niser.ac.in
• https://dst.gov.in – Department of Science &
Technology (Govt. of India)
• https://www.csir.res.in – Council of Scientific &
Industrial Research
•
https://www.nature.com – A leading global scientific journal
•
https://www.sciencemag.org – Your go-to for scientific breakthroughs and papers
•
https://www.researchgate.net – A platform to connect with researchers from around the globe
These
portals are great resources for news, research papers, internships, and
scholarship updates.
9.
Salary of a Scientist in India and Abroad
In India:
• Junior
Research Fellow (JRF): ₹31,000–₹35,000/month
• Senior
Research Fellow (SRF): ₹35,000–₹42,000/month
•
Scientists at ISRO/DRDO/BARC: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000/month
•
Professors/Researchers at Institutes: ₹1,00,000–₹2,00,000/month
Abroad:
• Postdoctoral
Fellow: $40,000–$60,000/year
• Industry
Scientists/Researchers: $70,000–$120,000/year
•
Professors and Principal Scientists: $100,000+ annually
Keep in
mind that salaries can vary based on experience, field, and location.
Conclusion
Becoming an exceptional scientist after finishing 12th grade isn’t just a dream—it’s a well-planned journey. With the right education, a curious mindset, and a passion for learning, you can carve out a career that not only brings you personal satisfaction but also helps advance humanity.
Stay committed to continuous learning, keep yourself updated on the latest scientific breakthroughs, and always be curious—never hesitate to ask “why.” That’s your first step toward leaving a lasting impact as the next great scientist in the world.
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can
I become a scientist without a PhD?
A:
Absolutely! You can work in various science-related fields without a PhD, but
if you're aiming for research-focused roles and want to be recognized as a
scientist, a PhD is typically necessary.
Q2: Is
NEET required to become a scientist?
A: Not at
all! NEET is specifically for medical education. If you're looking to become a
scientist in biology or life sciences, you can pursue a B.Sc. in Biology or
Biotechnology without needing NEET.
Q3:
Which is better – B.Sc. or B.Tech – for becoming a scientist?
A: Both
options are valid. B.Sc. is typically a better fit for those interested in pure
sciences and research, while B.Tech is geared more towards applied sciences and
roles in technology development.
Q4: Can
I become a scientist after B.Sc.?
A:
Absolutely! After completing your B.Sc., you can go on to pursue an M.Sc. and
then a PhD. Many successful scientists have taken this path.
Q5: What
is the role of a scientist in India?
A:
Scientists in India play a crucial role in research, innovation, and technology
development across various sectors, including healthcare, space, agriculture,
defense, and the environment.
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