Entry Level Qualification 

Graduate

Career Fields 

Mathematics & Science

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

CUET UG, CUET PG

About Career 

1. Astronomy is the natural science that involves studies celestial bodies. Celestial bodies are objects in the universe apart from Earth. Thus, astronomers are the scientist who studies astronomy. They study all the celestial bodies outside earth. As an astronomer, you will observe stars, sun, planets, moons, comets, meteorites, galaxies, black holes, etc.

2. You will be either a theoretical astronomer or observational astronomer.

3. As an observational astronomer, you will directly observe celestial bodies through telescope and analyses the data.

4. As a theoretical astronomer, you would create a probable model of things and then investigate as these objects cannot be directly observed. Many stars are millions of light years away from us so they cannot be directly observed.

5. Astrophysicist is an astronomer who combines physics and chemistry to study the nature of astronomical and celestial bodies. They do not work to find the location of these bodies but rather study density, luminosity (how shiny they are), temperature, physical properties, chemical properties, composition etc.

Key roles and responsibilities

As an astronomer, you will have different roles and responsibilities depending on your specialization. However, the following are the key roles and responsibilities that you would be required to carry:

1. As an astronomer, you would be required to develop scientific theories and models that would enable to understand the physical world properties such as gravitational force, its formation, the formation of sub-atomic particles.

2. As an astrophysicist, you would be required to develop scientific theories that would enable to understand the physical and chemical properties of Celestial bodies.

3. You would plan and conduct several scientific research and experiments to test your theories around matter and energy properties.

4. You would be required to keep applying for funding to complete your research.

5. You would be required to keep observing the universe and keep finding new objects, study them, understand their physical and chemical properties and location in the universe

6. You would work to design new scientific equipment like telescopes and lasers.

7. You would work to design new computer programs and models to study your data.

8. You would be required to do complex mathematical calculations to analyse your collected data for different celestial bodies. This data may be used to study the possible existence of life beyond earth, the scope of water in the universe, understand new properties of materials, etc.

9. You would write and publish your work and research in scientific journals and thus preserve them for future references and use.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– UG in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Honours or specialisation in Physics / Mathematics is an advantage) – PG in Mathematics – Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Honours or specialisation in Physics / Mathematics is an advantage) followed by a master’s degree in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – UG in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Honours or specialisation in Physics / Mathematics is an advantage) – PG in Physics – Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Honours or specialisation in Physics / Mathematics is an advantage) followed by a master’s degree in Physics and Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – UG in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Honours or specialisation in Physics / Mathematics is an advantage) – PG in Astronomy & Astrophysics – Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics followed by a master’s degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – UG in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Honours or specialisation in Physics / Mathematics is an advantage) – UG in Engineering – PG in Engineering – Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in an Engineering followed by a master’s degree in Engineering and Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Diploma in Engineering – UG in Engineering (Lateral Entry) – PG in Engineering – Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies, you can study Diploma in Engineering for three years and then study for an undergraduate degree in Engineering (Lateral entry directly in 2nd year) followed by a master’s degree in Engineering and Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– UG in Engineering - Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in Engineering followed by a Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– UG in Engineering – Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in Engineering followed by an integrated M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– UG in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics – PG in Mathematics – Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics followed by a master’s degree in Mathematics and Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – PG in Physics – Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics followed by a master’s degree in Physics and Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– UG in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics – PG in Astronomy & Astrophysics – Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics followed by a master’s degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Integrated M.Tech. Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– Integrated M.Sc. Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in a Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics followed by Integrated M.Sc. Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies– UG in Engineering – Integrated M.Sc. Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

After Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies and then study for an undergraduate degree in Engineering followed by Integrated M.Sc. PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

Undergraduate studies after school:

1. To become an astronomer and astrophysicist, one need to be a student of Mathematics and Physics. In the undergraduate level you may:

2. Study Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at undergraduate. An Honours or specialisation in Physics/ Mathematics is a must.

3. Study Engineering at undergraduate level.

4. Study Astrophysics and Astronomy at undergraduate level offered by a few colleges in India and Abroad.

Post Graduate Studies:

1. Institutes in India and abroad that offer a specialized course in Astronomy and Astrophysics. You can specialise in Astrochemistry, Astrophysics, Astronomy or Space Science, Galactic Astronomy, Extragalactic Astronomy, Solar Astronomy, Steller Astronomy, Planetary Science, Physical Cosmology, etc.

2. You may also study for a Master's degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering.

Doctoral Studies:

After completing masters in Physics or Mathematics or Astronomy or engineering, you will need to do a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics to become an astronomer. It is a research-based career, and thus Ph.D. is a pre-requisite to enter into this career.  You can study Astrochemistry, Astrophysics, Astronomy and Space Science, Space Science, Galactic Astronomy, Extragalactic Astronomy, Solar Astronomy, Steller Astronomy, Planetary Science, Physical Cosmology, etc. at the research level.

Compentencies Required

You should have the following occupational interests:

1. Investigative - You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve the use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem-solving.

2. Artistic - Artistic career involves working around design, patterns, shapes, forms, colours, etc. Artistic work need not follow the rules sometimes.

3. Realistic - You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.

Following personality attributes are required:

1. You are always or mostly care about your actions and behaviour.

2. You are always or mostly disciplined in your action and behaviour.

3. You don't trust others easily.

4. You are always practical or in most situations.

5. You can always act independently or could do so in most situations.

6. You always prefer to experience new things and have new experiences, or you mostly do.

You should have the following skills and knowledge:

1. Active Learning - Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.

2. Critical Thinking - Skills in the analysis of complex situations, using logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

3. Reading Comprehension - Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

4. Scientific - Skills in using various scientific rules and methods to get things done or solve problems.

5. Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, and other mathematical disciplines and their applications.

6. Physical Science - Knowledge of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understand fluid, material, earth, ocean, atmosphere, and space dynamics, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic and subatomic structures, properties and processes.

7. Computers – Knowledge of computer hardware and software, computer programming, computer networks, computer and mobile applications.

You should have the following aptitudes and abilities:

1. Deductive reasoning – The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic.

2. Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information from various sources, concepts, and theories to form general rules or conclusions. For example, analysing various events or situations to come out with a set of rules or conclusions.

3. Oral Comprehension – The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4. Mathematical Reasoning – The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

5. Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

1. As an astronomer, there are three major career opportunities for you, i.e. academic institutes, government agencies and laboratories. However, there are a few private companies too venturing into space research like SpaceX.

2. You can begin your career in research as a Research Associate after M.Sc. or as a Doctoral Research Fellow (Junior Research Fellow and then Senior Research Fellow in India). After your Ph.D., you can get opportunities as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow.

3. Most of the universities and college will hire you as a professor at the position of Junior Professor or Assistant Professor. 

4. Research laboratories will hire you as a scientist (Grade SD in ISRO)/ scientist officer with the lowest grade.

5. Private Industries will hire you are a controller, Research Scientist, Technical Consultant, etc.

You will find job opportunities at the following facilities:

1. Government run space agencies like ISRO in India and NASA in USA, The European Space Agency in Paris, etc. (Remember that working for Nasa or European Space Agency is extremely difficult and work opportunities are only for a few super accomplished individuals from premier universities. In all cases, you have to study in a premier University in USA or Europe and perform brilliantly in research.)

2. Government observatories situated at different locations like DIHAR.

3. Research institutions engaged in research in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, Space Science and Technologies, etc. like Indian Institute of Astronomy, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Harish Chandra Research Institute, Indian Institute of Science, ISRO, etc.

4. Private space programmes companies like SpaceX, One Space, Orbex, Orbital, Blue Origin, etc.

Specialisation Tracks In This Career

Astrochemist

Astrochemists study the reactions of molecules in the universe (in both solar systems and in interstellar space). Interstellar space is the space between star galaxies. They also study the reaction of molecules with radiation.

Astrometrist

Astrometrists work to find the exact positions of stars and other celestial bodies. Have you wondered how in the planetarium, we can see the positions of stars so precisely? It is because astronomers from the field of astrometry continually study, and find the exact location of stars.

Astrophysicist

Astrophysicist combine physics and chemistry to study the nature of astronomical and celestial bodies. They do not work to find the location of these bodies but rather study density, luminosity (how shiny they are), temperature, physical properties, chemical properties, composition etc. They study stars, sun, planets, meteorites, interstellar medium, etc.

Extragalactic Astronomer

Extragalactic Astronomers study al the objects that are not part of our Milky Way galaxy. With the help of high-end instruments like a telescope, they are able to see and examine galaxies, stars, planets, etc. far away from our galaxy.

Galactic Astronomer

Galactic Astronomers study Milky Way and all of its content including interstellar space. They do not do the general study of the formation of the galaxy but rather under understand its formation, its center, the location of elements in it, its evolution, etc.

Physical Cosmologist

Physical Cosmologists study the large-scale objects in the cosmos (the universe). The objects could be planets, stars, galaxies, meteorites, supernova, black hole, etc. They also study the dynamics of these objects in the universe and their origin, evolution, and possible ultimate fate.

Steller Astronomer

Steller Astronomer study the stars from the universe. They study the variable stars to understand their brightness. Variable stars are stars with continual change in rightness. This helps them to understand the distances in the Universe.

Planetary Scientist

Planetary Scientist study the plants specially earth and solar system planets. They study to understand the processes that led to formation of planets.

Solar Astronomer

Solar Astronomers study the sun, its formation, changes occurring in sun, its radiations, etc.

Space Scientist

Space science is a vast study of all disciplines of space. A Space scientist, covers everything in the space from stars, to moons, to planets, to interstellar space, space exploration, etc.

Career Growth

1. As a scientist at ISRO, you will move up the organization as per fixed grades. You will start at the grade of SD Scientist and with tenure move to SE grade, SF Grade, SG Grade, G Grade and H Grade. Later you will become an outstanding scientist and finally distinguished scientist. Senior level scientist can also get into administrative positions like Principal Scientist, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Director, etc.

2. The career growth in university and college states from Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor, Professor and Professor Emeritus. Professors can also get administrative positions such as Director/Dean/Vice Chancellor, etc.

3. If you are hired as a Research Associate, then Doctoral Research Fellow, Post-doctoral Research Fellow and then scientist in progressive grades. 

4. If you join a private organization as a research scientist, then you will move to senior research scientist and principal scientist with work experience.

Salary Offered  

1. At the entry level, you can join as a research associate with a basic salary of Rs. 25,000 to 30,000. As a doctoral research fellow (junior research fellow) you would be earning around Rs. 35,000 to 38,000 per month. At the entry level, as a Scientist (grade C) you would be earning around Rs. 80,000 to 100,000 per month. As an assistant professor, you would be earning anything between Rs. 65,000 to 70,000 per month. All these salaries are inclusive of some allowances.

2. At the junior level with a work experience of 2-6 years, you would be earning anything between Rs. 1, 20,000 to 1, 40,000 per month.

3. At the middle level with an experience of 10-12 years, you would be earning anything between Rs. 1, 40,000 to 1, 90,000 per month as a scientist and Rs. 1, 20,000 to 1,60,000 as a professor.

4. At the senior level of over 15 years of work experience, you would be earning anything between Rs. 1,60,000 to 2,00,000 per month as a professor and Rs. 2,10,000 to 2,50,000 per month as a Scientist.

Monthly Earnings In Indian Rupee

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience 

3. Mid-Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience 

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Information not available.

Work Activities 

Here are few of the common work activities of an Astronomer:

1. Creative thinking- Developing new ideas, concepts, innovative solutions to problems, newer ways of getting things done, designing products and services, creating work of art and craft, etc.

2. Analysis and interpretation of data and information- Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision making.

3. Getting Information and learning- Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it. Information can be in any form.

4. Working with computers, programming and performing technical tasks- Using computers and computer systems, both hardware and software for programming, developing software and / or hardware, developing computer applications, systems, and networks; developing mobile applications.

5. Processing Information - Searching, compiling, tabulating, calculating, auditing, verifying or otherwise dealing with information processing including data entry, transcription, recording, storing and maintaining databases.