Passionate about Physics? Do aspects of matter, energy, and space fascinate you from an early age? Here's how to become a successful physicist after completing high school. In this detailed guide, learn more about the educational requirements, job profiles, and career prospects.
Delve into the science behind things that constitute the physical world. Solve theoretical abstractions and test those theories repeatedly to excel in research and academia. Read this article to learn how to become a physicist and succeed in this career path.
Who is a Physicist?
A physicist is a Physics enthusiast or someone who specialises in Physics. A physicist does research connected with Physics and explores the laws governing space, energy and matter.
What Physicists do?
Before learning how to become a physicist, you must know what they do. Here are some examples of what physicists do in their day-to-day jobs:
- They research and analyse data.
- They construct models to understand the workings of instruments or equipment.
- They teach and help in applying theoretical concepts in real-world situations.
- They work on research and development experiments to test theories and models.
- They design and build equipment to gather data.
How to Become a Physicist - A complete guide Step-By-Step
The following steps will explain how to go about your career path as a physicist right after school:
- Choose PCM in 12th standard and pass the exams with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.
- Prepare well for entrance examinations to get admission for a BSc or BTech degree from a recognised university/college.
- For specialisation, you can pursue an MSc in any Physics discipline after passing the entrance tests.
- Doing a doctorate after an MSc will open up more job opportunities and enable you to enter the research field.
- If you want to work as a physicist abroad, you must clear some mandatory entrance tests like GATE after completing your higher education. Having work/research experience also helps. To explore your career as a physicist, sign up to our physics courses.
Skills Required to Become a Physicist
How to become a physicist and achieve a sense of accomplishment? For this:
- You must be able to solve complex problems.
- You must have advanced mathematical skills to do calculations and test theories.
- You should have extensive knowledge of software tools to design and test data.
- You should communicate and collaborate with other researchers.
- Your research and writing skills should be exemplary.
- You should be able to stay dedicated for long hours, analysing and interpreting data.
- You should be curious and open to new ideas.
- To test your skills for a physicist, sign up for our skill assessment test.
Eligibility, Career and Job Opportunities for Physicists
The following sections tell you if you are eligible to enrol for courses to become a physicist. It also explores the career opportunities and projected salary in this field.
Educational Qualifications to Become a Physicist
- 10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) combination
- Undergraduate (BSc) degree majoring in Physics
- A post-graduate degree in any branch of physics, such as classical, quantum, or statistical Physics
- A PhD in Physics to get into research and academia
Expected Salary of a Physicist
The average salary of a physicist in India ranges from ₹7,00,000 to ₹15,00,000. It depends on the years of experience, publications, and educational qualifications.
Job Opportunities as a Physicist
In addition to an attractive salary, a physicist's job (especially in government sectors) grants security. The job demand is increasing continuously since the world is undergoing constant innovation. Physicists provide the basis for testing and researching these innovations.
Some job avenues for physicists include academic researchers, professors, meteorologists, engineers, astronomers, data analysts, and technical writers.
Career Progression in Physics
Physics finds wide applications in research, development, academics, law, medicine, military, and business. According to studies conducted by Ohio State University, the demand for physicists is projected to increase annually by 8%. From tackling climate change to improving artificial intelligence, the role of a physicist will only grow.
Certifications, Exams and Fees for Physicists
Learn more about the exams and certification courses that will help you become a physicist.
Certification Courses
Apart from the regular, mandatory degree courses, some certification programmes for additional qualifications help with upskilling. Examples of some certification courses for physicists include ones in mechanical unit operations, fluid dynamics, spectroscopy, and electromagnetism.
Entrance Examinations
Some entrance examinations that you can appear in to get into the required courses include UGC-NET, JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test), CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test), IIT-JAM (Joint Admission Test for Masters), and GATE.
Exam Fees
The fees will depend on the gender and category of the applicant. The above entrance exam fees range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 on average.
Importance of Research and Academia in the Field of Physics
Continuous research and academic collaborations in Physics help make technological advancements in private and government sectors. Investing time and research in Physics have resulted in some iconic manufacturing and design techniques.
Exploring Proof of Life Through Physics
The driving force behind a physicist's fascination for the universe and its mysteries. Rarely do physicists take up the job for the money. It is more about following your passion and curiosity to learn about the interactions between matter and energy. In due course, job opportunities will present themselves, resonating with your interests and making it a fulfilling career.
Explore courses through WIZR and sign up for one to become a physicist. Connect with our career experts at WIZR to learn about the avenues in this field. Take our skill assessment test to determine your suitability for this career path. If you are already pursuing this career, upskill with the help of additional courses and stay ahead of the competition.
FAQs
1. Do IITs offer courses to help you become physicists?
Yes, IITs have programmes that help in your career path as a physicist. However, they provide integrated Bachelor's and Master's courses for five years. Post-graduate and PhD courses are also available.
2. Why do NASA and ISRO hire physicists?
Organisations like NASA and ISRO hire physicists to oversee the instrumentation development for their exploration programmes. Physicists design, develop and modify experiments and also conduct research.
3. Is math required to become a physicist?
Most research in Physics is not possible without mathematical computations. Theories and formulae in Physics use mathematical language. Therefore, a physicist must be proficient in math.
4. What is the difference between Physics and Applied Physics?
Physics is the broader spectrum used to study matter, energy and their interactions. In applied physics, you would be applying Physics theories to solve real-world problems and make technological advancements.
