Tell me if you relate.
3 in 5 people in science around you are preparing for JEE or NEET to become engineers or doctors.
But do you think the world needs so many engineers and doctors?
This year, 11.7 lakh students registered for JEE and over 24 lakh for NEET.
And this number is increasing every year.
Imagine if all these registrants became engineers and doctors. What would the job market look like?
Let’s be honest.
The world does not need 11+ lakh engineers and 24+ lakh doctors being produced every year.
I don’t want you to give up on your dreams, but I do want to show you another booming field in science.
Let’s explore the world of research.
Research - The Need of the Hour
A BSc in any pure or applied science requires as much, if not more, effort as a B.Tech. The world of research is as demanding and rewarding as engineering or medicine.
Ever thought about a burning problem the world is facing? Climate change? The energy crisis?
Who tackles these problems?
It's not just the government; it's the researchers.
Fields like paleoclimate and nanobiology are at the forefront of solving these issues.
A career in research means innovation.
You get to contribute to something tangible for the future of the world. Researchers fall into two categories: academia and industry.
An industry job is similar to what you would expect as an engineer. You work in the R&D department of a firm, designing products, perfecting synthesis methodologies, or designing processes for mass production. Academia tackles similar situations but focuses on spreading knowledge.
If you see yourself creating consumer products to solve current problems, the industry is for you. If you are keen on finding answers and spreading information, academia is for you.
I hope I've shown you the potential of a research career.
But where do you start?
Let me give you a comprehensive list.
1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Research)
Duration: 4 years
Salient Features: Interdisciplinary approach, extensive research opportunities, highly experienced faculty, world-class facilities.
Registration Deadline: Typically in March-April (check the website for current deadlines).
Website: IISc Bangalore
2. Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
Degree: BS-MS Dual Degree
Duration: 5 years
Salient Features: Strong emphasis on research, integrated undergraduate and postgraduate programs, hands-on laboratory experience, opportunities for summer internships.
Registration Deadline: Typically in April-May (check the website for specific IISERs).
Website: IISER Admissions
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
Degree: BS in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.
Duration: 4 years
Salient Features: Rigorous academic curriculum, extensive research facilities, collaborative projects, and strong industry connections.
Registration Deadline: Typically in March-April (via JEE Advanced).
Website: IIT Bombay
4. National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar
Degree: Integrated B.Sc.-M.Sc. Programme
Duration: 5 years
Salient Features: Focus on basic sciences, interdisciplinary curriculum, state-of-the-art laboratories, opportunities for research internships.
Registration Deadline: Typically in April-May.
Website: NISER Bhubaneswar
5. University of Delhi (DU), Delhi
Degree: B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.
Duration: 3 years
Salient Features: Premier university with strong emphasis on research, diverse course offerings, extensive alumni network.
Registration Deadline: Typically in May-June.
Website: University of Delhi
6. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Degree: B.Sc. (Hons) in various science disciplines
Duration: 3 years
Salient Features: One of the oldest universities in India, extensive research facilities, collaborative research opportunities, diverse student community.
Registration Deadline: Typically in February-March.
Website: BHU
7. University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad
Degree: Integrated M.Sc. in Science
Duration: 5 years
Salient Features: Strong emphasis on research, excellent faculty, comprehensive curriculum, vibrant campus life.
Registration Deadline: Typically in May-June.
Website: University of Hyderabad
8. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
Degree: BS in Data Science and Applications (online)
Duration: 4 years
Salient Features: Flexible online format, interdisciplinary curriculum, access to IITM’s resources and faculty.
Registration Deadline: Typically in April-May.
Website: IIT Madras
9. Presidency University, Kolkata
Degree: B.Sc. (Hons) in various science disciplines
Duration: 3 years
Salient Features: Historical significance, research-oriented curriculum, notable alumni, and strong emphasis on academic excellence.
Registration Deadline: Typically in June-July.
Website: Presidency University
10. Interdisciplinary School of Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University
Degree: B.Sc. Blended (Research) - Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Science
Duration: 4 years
Salient Features: Course run in collaboration with UoM, Australia, research-intensive curriculum, highly interdisciplinary, research-focused faculty, research facilities in and around Pune accessible.
Registration Deadline: April-May
Website: IDSS, SPPU
Happy Learning!
Mihir Iyer
