What does a Research Scientist do?
Research scientists plan and run experiments to discover new knowledge or solve practical problems. In India most enter research through a master’s degree, a fellowship such as UGC-NET JRF and a PhD.
A research scientist reads past studies, designs experiments, collects and analyses data, writes papers and applies for research grants. Work happens in labs, in the field or on computers.
In India research scientists work in national laboratories, ICAR and other government research institutes, universities, IITs and IISERs, and in pharma, biotech and technology companies.
How to get there
- Class 10Build curiosity and a strong base in Science and Mathematics
- Class 11–12Take Science
- UGComplete a B.Sc, B.Tech or another science degree
- PGComplete an M.Sc or M.Tech and qualify NET-JRF or a similar fellowship
- First roleJoin a PhD programme or work as a project scientist or research associate
- Subjects in Classes 11–12
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
- Streams
- Science (PCM), Science (PCB), Science (PCMB)
- Minimum education
- PG
Courses that lead here
Bachelor of Science
B.Sc is an undergraduate science degree in subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, computer science and statistics. It leads to research,…
Master of Science
M.Sc is a postgraduate science degree in subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, life sciences, agriculture or nursing. It builds the base…
Master of Planning
M.Plan is a two-year postgraduate degree in planning with specialisations such as urban, regional, transport, housing and environmental planning.
Master of Pharmacy
M.Pharm is a two-year postgraduate degree after B.Pharm, with specialisations such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry and quality assurance.
Bachelor of Pharmacy
B.Pharm is a four-year degree after Class 12 that trains pharmacists in medicines, their making, testing and safe use. A B.Pharm from…
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture is a four-year degree in crop science, soil, plant protection, animal husbandry and agricultural economics. It leads to careers…
Doctor of Philosophy
PhD is the highest research degree. Under UGC's 2022 regulations it takes at least three years, including coursework, and up to six…
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MBBS is the basic medical degree that leads to registration as a doctor in India. It is followed by a compulsory rotating…
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
BDS is the professional degree for dentists in India. It has four academic years of study followed by a one-year paid rotating…
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
B.Sc Nursing is an eight-semester degree that trains professional nurses and midwives. The Indian Nursing Council sets its curriculum and eligibility.
Diploma in Pharmacy
D.Pharm is a two-year diploma after Class 12, with 500 hours of practical training, that qualifies you to register as a pharmacist…
Bachelor of Architecture
B.Arch is a five-year professional degree in architecture. The Council of Architecture sets minimum standards, and graduates register with it to practise…
Bachelor of Education
B.Ed is a two-year professional teacher-training degree taken after graduation. It is the standard qualification for school teaching jobs in India.
Master of Architecture
M.Arch is a two-year postgraduate degree for architects who want to specialise in areas such as urban design, landscape, conservation or sustainable…
Master of Laws
LLM is a postgraduate law degree for LLB holders. At national law universities it is usually a one-year course with a research…
Doctor of Medicine
MD is a three-year postgraduate medical degree for MBBS doctors in broad specialities such as general medicine, paediatrics, pathology and radiodiagnosis.
Master of Surgery
MS is a three-year postgraduate medical degree for MBBS doctors in surgical specialities such as general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ENT and obstetrics.
Master of Arts
MA is a postgraduate degree in a humanities or social science subject such as English, History, Economics, Political Science or Sociology.
Master of Technology
M.Tech is a two-year postgraduate engineering degree for deeper specialisation and research. It is taken after a B.E. or B.Tech, usually with…
Further study
Colleges for these courses
Dharma Samaj College
Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala Cantt
Government College for Girls, Ludhiana
Government Ripudaman College, Nabha
Institute of Home Economics
Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences
Skills you need
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
- Lab and field techniques
- Research design
- Scientific writing
It suits people who are
- Curious
- Patient
- Persistent
- Methodical
Where you work and how you grow
Where people work
- National laboratories
- Universities and IITs
- Government research institutes
- Pharma and technology R&D
Growth path
- Research fellow → Research associate or postdoc → Scientist → Senior or principal scientist → Lab director
Frequently asked questions
What support is there for PhD research?
UGC's Junior Research Fellowship supports NET-JRF qualified candidates doing research toward a PhD for five years or until thesis submission, whichever is earlier.
Who can join a PhD?
UGC's 2022 regulations allow a master's with at least 55% or a four-year bachelor's with at least 75%, with 5% relaxation for specified categories.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- Junior Research Fellowship - UGC · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2022 · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- College/University Teaching & Fellowship Exam - National Testing Agency · Official site, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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