News

What to do after MSC. In Physics? Best Career Opportunities!!

by IBNS 22 Nov 2017, 02:23 pm

What actually makes physics so interesting are its widely used applications, when you think about it Physics is applicable in nearly all areas of science and research such as space research, nuclear energy, electronics, development engineering etc.

Moreover, the skills developed while studying Physics, particularly the ability to analyze and apply information, gives one a good head start, in any field, one wishes to get in. As these skills are useful even in the management disciplines.

Through this article, we will be discussing Masters of Science in Physics (M.Sc. Physics) program. This course gives physics enthusiasts a chance to develop their mathematical, problem solving, communication skills and critical thinking, that helps to interpret rich scientific data and that is always a boon to scientific researchers.

Sure, makes one increase his/her employability in this field. Most colleges and universities ask for 50% marks in a bachelor's degree in Physics or Mathematics for admissions to this postgraduate program.

Now if you are wondering about the best colleges or universities to pursue this degree? We have got some of the best names: Loyola College; St.Xavier's College, Mumbai; Christ University; Madras Christian college; Fergusson College, Pune;  Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; Presidency College, Kolkata, St. Stephens College, Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur etc. to name a few.

Let’s Discuss Career Prospects!!

Career Options after M.Sc. Physics

Our next section in this blog is going to be a vibrant mix of interesting career options for all physics lovers. Check it out!

Graduates in M.Sc Physics can easily avail of technical jobs, both in the private and public sector. Some of the common job positions or profiles for a physics enthusiast are Online tutor, College lecturer, Assistant Professor, Observation Scientist, Laboratory Technician, School Science Technician or Research Analyst, Assistant Scientist, Physics Training Manager, Software Engineer, Network Administrator, IT Consultant, Security Expert, Java Developer, Systems Support Administrator, Interface Engineer etc.

They can apply for jobs in Aerospace and Defence, Automobile, IT and Software, Railways, Nuclear and Renewable energy, Oil and Gas, Electronics and Telecommunications and the  Manufacturing sector.

Few Other Options:

Þ    Firstly, as physicists, one can be involved in research and development in specialized branches such as elementary particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics, biotechnology, biophysics, chemical physics, radio physics etc. So, choose your pick wisely based on your specific interests. Because specialized goals go a long way!

Þ    You can pursue an M.Tech degree in a variety of engineering or technology disciplines such as aeronautical, automobile, instrumentation, electronics and communication, or computer sciences. But, make sure you crack the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam first, before going down this road. Do you wish to have a long career in the field of research? Then, it is advisable to pursue your M.Phil or Ph.D. in Physics, after completing M.Sc. Physics and join any science research center.

Þ    Next, if you have a passion for teaching, you could also apply in government or private colleges and universities; polytechnic institutes, degree colleges, engineering colleges, IITs, IISc etc. The minimum requirement is M.Sc. Physics and UGC-CSIR NET exam for lectureship and JRF.  Moving on, an M.Sc. Physics followed by a BEd can also land you a job in higher secondary schools. And then, there is the option of physics tutor, at the convenience of one's homes.

Þ    One can also be a consultant, in this field. And a Ph.D. degree plus M.Sc. Physics, sure spices up that resume, if you want to try your hand as a consultant.

Þ    Some of the prominent national organizations, that one can try aim for, include Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), BARC, SSPL, Space Application Centres, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Centre, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and National Atmospheric Research Laboratory of Department of Space.

Þ    Noted research institutes in India such as Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata and Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi also recruit M.Sc. Physics graduates, for technical jobs. 

Þ    At the same time, you can also look out for the national laboratories and institutes like National Geographical Research Institute, Regional Research Laboratories, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Sources etc. These are some of the leading names to be associated with the field of science.

Þ    Moving further, you can try your luck in public sector banking, as well. Why? Because many banks recruit M.Sc. Physics graduates to the post of Probationary Officers.

Lastly, how about foreign countries? And the answer is yes. Physics graduates have ample of opportunities, be it, in healthcare, manufacturing and electronics companies in most foreign countries.

Those with exceptional academic excellence, can go a step further and apply in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the best space research organization there is!

Salary and Perks

Digging a bit deeper into the pros of being an M.Sc. Physics graduate. The salary and perks!

A qualified fresher can get paid Rs.12,000 to Rs.18,000 p.m.or more in good research organizations. Salaries in private organization can vary depending upon skills and experiences. In case of teaching jobs, a decent salary of Rs. 40,000 (approx) in a government college, is possible.

Usually, the starting average salary package, from campus placements would be Rs. 9-10 Lakhs p.a. (approx.) and it increases up to 30 Lakhs p.a., on gaining rapid experiences in the field along with yearly bonuses.

Just as an example, below we have provided possible salary structures at National Physical Laboratory, UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, wherein M.Sc Physics graduates are quite often recruited for research etc.

As a Research Associate, one can earn about Rs.16,000 p.m. plus HRA. Then a Junior Research Fellow earns about Rs.12,000 plus HRA. On the other hand, a

Research Intern would get about Rs.11,500.

Next, as a Scientist and Scientific Officer in Radiological Physics and Technical Officer,  the normal pay would range between Rs.15,600 - 39,100 with Grade Pay Rs.6,600. But Grade Pay is  Rs. 7,600 in case of Technical Officer.

So, endless possibilities in the world of physics wait for those serious physics lovers. It's not just about researching and finding out things in a lab, that will benefit your employer and put in a bigger amount in your pocket, at the end of the month. Embarking in the world of Physics is also about a personal journey and discovery of the meaning of one’s own life.