MPC → BSc (Physics / Maths / Chemistry) → MSc → Research Scientist / Professor
MPC students who love the fundamentals of Physics, Mathematics, or Chemistry — not just their applications — can pursue B.Sc in these subjects from top central universities or IIT 5-year integrated programmes. Followed by M.Sc and a PhD or CSIR-NET/GATE qualification, this path leads to careers in scientific research at institutions like ISRO, DRDO, TIFR, BARC, and universities. It is a long but intellectually rewarding path — research stipends start at ₹31,000/month for JRF and scale significantly for senior scientists.
Duration after Class 10: 7-12
Qualification path
- 1
Class 11-12 MPC
2 yrs
- 2
BSc (Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / Statistics / Computer Science)
3 yrs
Entry exam: Merit-based or state entrance
- 3
MSc via IIT JAM (IITs/NITs) or University MSc
2 yrs
- 4
PhD / CSIR NET / UGC NET → Research Scientist / Professor / ISRO / DRDO
3-5
Key exams
Joint Admission Test for MSc
After: After BSc (Physics / Chemistry / Maths / Statistics / Computer Science)
Difficulty: High
Unlocks: MSc at IITs and NITs, Integrated PhD programs at IITs
CSIR — UGC National Eligibility Test for JRF and Lectureship
After: After MSc in Science (Physics / Chemistry / Maths / Life Sciences)
Difficulty: Very High
Unlocks: JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) for PhD funding, Lectureship eligibility in colleges
University Grants Commission — National Eligibility Test
After: After Master's degree in any subject
Difficulty: High
Unlocks: Assistant Professor eligibility in all Indian universities, JRF for PhD funding
International English Language Testing System
After: After any graduation degree
Difficulty: easy
Unlocks: Proof of English proficiency for study/work in UK, Australia, Canada, NZ
Test of English as a Foreign Language
After: After any graduation degree
Difficulty: easy
Unlocks: Proof of English proficiency mainly for US/Canada universities
Graduate Record Examinations
After: After any graduation degree
Difficulty: hard
Unlocks: Admission to MS/PhD programmes at US, UK, European universities