How to become a Mathematician: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary

Mathematicians tackle economic, scientific, technical, and business problems using mathematical theory, computational approaches, algorithms, and cutting-edge computer technology. Mathematicians are broadly classified into two categories: theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. 

To become a Mathematician, aspiring candidates must complete Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in Mathematics Courses. Candidates aspiring to conduct research can choose to pursue PhD Mathematics from any of the top Mathematics Colleges across the country. Admissions to the top colleges are usually done based on entrance exams, however, some colleges grant admissions based on merit as well. 

The average fees for Mathematics courses usually range between INR 3 K – 1.5 L per year. Post completing a degree in Mathematics, candidates can get placed across various sectors such as Banks, Financial Institutions, etc with an average salary of INR 9.73 LPA. With gradual experience and updated skills, the salary of a Mathematician can go up to as much as INR 17.52 LPA. 

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How to Become a Mathematician: Quick Facts

Industry Education
Eligibility 10+2 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics
Average Starting Salary INR 1.92 Lakhs
Job Opportunity Business analysts, statistician, professor, Researcher, Coder etc.

All About Career as Mathematician

Mathematics provides career opportunities in various sectors and specialized fields. However, most of them are based within science and technology fields.

Eligibility

One must study mathematics at 10+2 level in his/her school. After this, the student needs to do a bachelor’s and master's degree in mathematics from a recognized university. Also, for students who want to pursue research or stay in academia, going for a doctorate degree is preferable. 

Entrance Exam

The schedule for top entrance exams for M.Sc Mathematics course are as follows:-

Entrance Exam Application Deadline Exam Dates
IIT JAM To be Announced To be Announced
CUCET  To be Announced To be Announced
CMI Entrance Exam  To be Announced To be Announced
NEST February  2024 – May 2024 June 2024
BITSAT January 15, 2024 – April 11, 2024 (Session 1)
May 22, 2024 – June 10, 2024 (Session 2)
May 19 to 24, 2024 (Session 1)
June 22 to 26, 2024 (Session 2)

Steps to Become a Mathematician

Becoming a mathematician is a fascinating and ambitious path that begins with the first and most important requirement: a thorough understanding and interest to pursue research on Mathematics. Following which the steps that must be followed to become a Mathematician are listed below for your reference,

  • Students must complete their bachelor's degree in mathematics from a reputable institution. To be able to enroll across top Mathematics colleges one must clear their Class 10+2 board exams with a minimum aggregate of 60% and above.
  • After clearing class 12 board exams one must sit for various Entrance Exams that are conducted across various Colleges and Universities such as IITs, NITs, and IISc.
  • Candidates can also pursue PhD in Mathematics, for which one must clear an entrance exam such as the CSIR NET or GATE. Aspiring candidates can apply for government-funded or autonomously-aided research institutes that specialise in pure research or the IITs for possibilities in applied mathematics. Apart from this one can also pursue additional dual degrees and courses including Joint M.Sc-PhD, M.Sc-M.tech, and other M.Sc-M.tech.

Types of Mathematicians

Although mathematicians can be of multiple types, two of the fundamental types mentioned below are the most demanded – 

  • Pure Mathematicians. - Tends to study the theoretical constructs in math. They focus on the philosophy and study of Mathematics.
  • Applied Mathematicians. - Works in the field of Science and Engineering. They can also apply their skills in Mathematics to work in other disciplines like Physics and Engineering.
Parameters Applied mathematics Pure Mathematics
Definition It is the application of mathematical methods by various fields such as Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Science, etc It is the study of topics like Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, and Mathematical analysis.
Applications Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Differential or Integral Calculus Physics, Biology, Economics
Career Options Accountant, Computer programmer, Engineer, Investment manager, Lawyer, Theoretical mathematician, Numerical analyst, etc. Academic institutions and research institutes, aerospace, and transportation equipment manufacturers or service providers, Analytics and forecasting organizations etc.
Difficulty Level Easy Moderate

How to Become a Mathematician in India

To become a Mathematician in India is easy if one takes the following steps at various education levels:

School Level Preparation: At first you need to study mathematics at 10+2 level topics like statistics, algebra, linear differential equations, and calculations should be focussed the most.

UG Preparation: At this level, students can choose to sharpen a particular topic of their interest in which they want to pursue higher education. Also, students can prepare for IIT JAM/GATE and other entrance examinations to pursue their Master’s degree. 

PG Preparation: In postgraduation, students will pursue research and also submit dissertation projects. They can also publish their research in reputed national or international journals.  

Mathematics Courses

There are different Mathematics courses in India where one can study and progress their career as a Mathematician.

Associate's Degrees

  • The duration of the course is 2-years.
  • The eligibility to get admission into this course is a High School Diploma or GED.
  • The course has a combination of general education with math courses. 
  • An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree is received by the students after the completion of the course.

Bachelor's Degrees

  • BSc fees range from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 depending on the college.
  • BSc admission is done through both Merit and Entrance based conducted by various universities across India.
  • Top BSc Entrance exams include JET, NPAT, CUCET etc.
  • Full-time, Part time and Distant BSc are the most common types of BSc pursued in India.
  • Top Recruiters of BSc graduates are Pharmaceutical Industry, Technical Industry, Research Labs etc.
  • On an average, BSc salary ranges from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum.
  • After BSc, students have the scope of entering the job sector or either pursuing a Master's degree.

Master's Degrees

  • Master of Science is a 2-year PG science course that offers in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge in a wide range of scientific fields such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Pharmacy, and Nursing. 
  • Master of Science degree is offered by some of the top universities and colleges of India via both regular and distance modes. An MSc degree is mandatory for PhD aspirants. 
  • To pursue a Master of Science course, candidates need to have a few skills such as problem-solving skills, Analytical skills, research skills, etc. The MSc syllabus changes according to the MSc Specialization. 
  • The average fees for a Master of Science in India range from INR 6,460 to INR 1.10 Lakhs. MSc distance education is also available in India

Ph.D. in Mathematics

  • Ph.D. in a doctorate level degree can be pursued in a variety of specializations that fall under Engineering, Management, Commerce, Arts, Humanities, and the like.
  • Students get a host of PhD Jobs after they have completed their PhD Course. PhD colleges in India also provide stipends to candidates who clear NET/GATE. The average starting salary after PhD is INR 6,00,000 to INR 9,00,000.
  • Depending on their research goals and advisor, aspirants can choose any of the available specializations.

How to Become Mathematician Abroad

The beauty of Mathematics is that it is a universal language: wherever you are in the world, numbers remain the same, this makes it an easy subject to adapt to when studying abroad.

Educational requirements

Foreign universities usually allow students to do a masters in mathematics in their universities after graduation. To do a masters abroad, students need to meet the eligibilities of that particular country. For instance, in the US, students have to score decent marks on the GRE, must have a valid English language proficiency test score, a good resume, along with academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation to get admission.

Benefits of Becoming a Mathematician

Salary: The average salary of a good Mathematician in India is 30,000 INR per month. The starting salary is 16,000 INR per month. But as a Mathematician, your salary will keep on increasing with experience and you may get more than 100,000 INR per month.

Job Role Early Career (INR) Mid Career (INR) Late Career (INR)
Mathematician 30,000 60,000 2,00,000
Operations Research Analysts 50,000 80,000 1,50,000
Actuary 60,000 90,000 2,00,000
Statistician 30,000 70,000 1,50,000
Professor 25,000 60,000 1,00,000
Financial Analyst 30,000 55,000 1,50,000

Job Security: The job security is solid as mathematicians are playing a pivotal role in the industry also most of them are working for some top-class government bodies such as ISRO DRDO BARC etc.

Higher Studies: Even after doing fine in the industry can do a Phd in various fields of mathematics also one can do various projects while doing a job.

Skills Required for Mathematician

Critical thinking Construct logical arguments and expose illogical arguments
Problem solving Communication
Analytical thinking Time management
Quantitative reasoning Teamwork
Ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas Independence

Top Recruiters

Math majors develop analytical skills, knowledge of concepts and practical applications, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by public and private companies in every industry, including finance, computer and data science, and biotechnology.

Some of the top recruiters are:

Name of the Company Average Annual Salary (INR)
MU Sigma 6.39 L
TCS 9.04 L
Accenture 10 L
Amazon 15 L
EY 8.64 L
Capgemini 9 L
IBM 9.75 L
Deloitte 7 L

Salary of Mathematician in India 

The remuneration of a Mathematician in India generally depends on the number of experiences. As one gets more insights and number of years on his back the salary increases.

Average Annual Salary

Job Role  Average Annual Salary (INR)
Data Scientist 8.12 L
Machine Learning 6.91 L
Business Analyst 6.07 L
Blockchain Developer 8.01 L
Actuary 9.72 L
Economist 7.90 L
Statistician 5.08 L
Mathematician 9 L

Experience Wise 

Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
Fresher 1.92 L
Experienced 9.60 L

Scope for Mathematicians

Mathematics graduates have multiple scopes in various fields. Also, they can find job opportunities in various sectors. A few of the emerging sectors include – 

  • Academia
  • Industry
  • Banking and Finance
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Consulting
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Education and Outreach
  • Government and Research Organizations 

How to Become Mathematician: FAQs

Ques. Can a student from a commerce background apply to be a mathematician?

Ans. Yes, if you have studied mathematics at 10+2 level then you can apply to be a mathematician.

Ques. Can I do coding if I have a degree in mathematics?

Ans. Yes you can do coding and help in devolving computational codes for various codes.

Ques. Which is the best college for a degree in mathematics in India?

Ans. The best college for a degree in mathematics in India is ISI Kolkata.

Ques. Can I do an MBA after my UG degree in Mathematics?

Ans. Yes you can do an MBA after completing your UG degree.

Ques. What does it take to become a mathematician?

Ans. A Bachelor's degree in Mathematics is required to become a Mathematician. A Masters or Doctorate increases the employability.

Ques. Is being a mathematician a good career?

Ans. Math professions are becoming increasingly attractive. Jobs like Mathematician, Actuary, and Statistician jobs are among the most promising career paths.

Ques. How do I become a NASA mathematician?

Ans. Mathematical modelers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in mathematics, followed by a master's or Ph. D. degree in applied mathematics. Industry software certifications are also essential.

Ques. Are mathematicians in demand?

Ans. The overall employability of Mathematicians is projected to grow at 33%. Businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.

Ques. What are the top 5 math careers?

Ans. Top careers in Mathematics are Statistician, Actuary, Operation Research Analyst, Professor etc.

Ques.Is a PhD in math worth it?

Ans. Math PhD does have some value in the industry. PhD in mathematics allows in any sort of job that requires analytical thinking.

Master of Science [M.Sc] (Mathematics) : 28 answered questions

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Ques. Should I take MSc Maths at BITS Pilani?

● Top Answer By Shruti Dasgupta on 03 Jul 23

Ans. Let me clear the general misconception that the level of MSc Maths at BITS Pilani is similar to the 10+2 level. Class 12th Maths is highly analytical while MSc Maths is full of definitions, theories, and proofs. The pedagogy adopted is poor and the majority of students study this subject despite a lack of interest. For someone who has no interest in Analytical stuff, courses such as ERA, Topology, and Functional Analysis can be very challenging. Some courses which will intrigue you will be of no use because BITS follows the relative grading system where you are graded according to how well you perform as compared to others. Overall, if you like complex theories and expressions then go for it, but if you too have no interest in complex theories it’s better to not take it.  While many claims that Maths+CS is the best combo, let me tell you that you can take 3–4 Maths courses that help in CS as electives in your CS degree. MSc in Maths is a suitable option only if you are willing to pursue a career in Mathematical research, else the best dual degree option is MSc in Economics. The curriculum is light and knowledgeable. Read more
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Ques. Is there Msc maths in IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Pratik Chauhan on 10 Nov 20

Ans. Indira Gandhi National Open University is the only university that provides open, distance, and online modes of learning in the country. It basically has extended its affiliation to 21 schools. It is known as People’s University as it provides access to higher education to all segments of society. The university offers a network of 56 regional centers, 11 recognized regional centers, and approximately 2000 support centers across the country. It offers 21 different school education to its individuals across the country. The MSC course is provided in 3 different streams. It is also provided in Mathematics with Computer Science. The other details are described below. Admission: It is a distance course with a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. The fees for students in the general category stand at Rs. 33,600 while for the scheduled caste category it is Rs. Rs. 26,400. Eligibility: The mandatory criterion stands around being a graduate with Honours in Mathematics. The minimum score should be at least 50%. BA/BS.C. degree is also acceptable with mathematics one of three main subjects. Program Structure: The course curriculum consists of both core and elective courses. The program follows the credit system, providing credits at the completion of different elements. The credits distribution can be divided into three parts, i.e. Core courses- 34 credits, Elective Courses- 26 credits, Projects- 4 credits Core courses are taught during the first two semesters to gain hands-on knowledge of the subject. Elective courses are more inclined towards the application of mathematical sciences. Program Resources: The university provides study material in various formats to the students due to the distance pattern of examinations. It can include self-instructional print material, wrap-around material, assignments, counseling sessions, projects, and practical work. The print material is provided to candidates through the post to access detailed mechanisms. On the whole, the entire program is designed to make learners properly trained with the core mathematicaladmi knowledge. The fee range is also not very high making it an advantage plus a distance course is always preferable if you are doing a job or pursuing some other regular courses from any institute.Read more
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Ques. Should I go for M.Math program at ISI Kolkata?

● Top Answer By Ritwik Patnayak on 16 Sept 21

Ans. M.Math is quite thorough in different ways, it is best not to end up opting for it without vital information. As a brief interpretation, you really do not require programming skills to further opt for the M.Math course.  A very intensive knowledge of linear algebra, real analysis, and basic abstract algebra is required prior to joining the M.Math course. Despite that, the course is very challenging.  The academic background does not necessarily affect the course you are about to take up. There are students who arrive from an engineering background.  It is best to go through the coursework of Mathematics and decide whether or not you are inclined towards it or not.  M.Math students usually secure placements at a variety of companies, but achieving that howsoever is extremely difficult. Thus, choose only if you are confident. Read more
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Ques. Am I eligible to go for a Ph.D. after I do an MSc in Math through distance learning from Annamalai University? Is the Annamalai distance education UGC recognized?

● Top Answer By Singdha Bnerjee on 27 Jun 23

Ans. You can most certainly pursue your Ph.D. after completing your MSc through distance learning mode from Annamalai University. Annamalai University distance education is UGC recognized.You can contact University DDE for further details. Annamalai University is a reputed public university in Tamil Nadu. Its regular and distance education programs both are recognized by the UGC and DEC. The university offers a well-established distance education program. A wide range of courses are offered through distance learning mode.Read more
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Ques. How are the placements for Msc maths students in NIT WARANGAL?

● Top Answer By Muktesh Shukla on 18 Aug 23

Ans. The job opportunities of an MSc Maths student at NIT Warangal depend solely on his own inclinations and goals. For instance, if you want to go for an IT job, you might receive some offers. However, because of the intense competition between MSc and MTech students, it will be hard to get a great package.  Here are the statistics that might give you a slight idea of the placement scenario of MSc Maths at NIT Warangal Particulars Mathematics & Scientific Computing Applied Mathematics Placements Percentage 95.6% 50% Highest Package INR 16 LPA INR 12 LPA Lowest Package INR 5 LPA INR 4.2 LPA Median Package INR 12 LPA INR 10.5 LPA Average Package INR 10.2 LPA INR 10.65 LPA If you want to enter Academica, you can ask one of your professors to write a letter of recommendation. So, the availability of job opportunities at NIT Warangal directly depends on you alone. Read more
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Ques. Should I do MSc in Mathematics from IIT Guwahati, or should I take a drop? Will life be good after doing MSc from IIT Guwahati?

● Top Answer By Nived Tripathi on 03 May 23

Ans. IIT Guwahati is the best choice for those interested in either mathematics or a corporate job. IIT Guwahati gives you a chance to major in mathematics and computing. The combined curriculum makes the MSc students of IIT Guwahati more employable than students of other IITs. For those who are true Math lovers, IIT Guwahati is the perfect choice for them. The teachers help you pursue mathematics seriously and guide you toward higher studies. They deliver the true essence of the concepts and not every student just mug up the concepts.  It’s best to figure out what you want quickly and make the right decision without any further delay.Read more
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Ques. Should I opt for an M. Sc. Math course in BITS Pilani?

● Top Answer By Trina Saha on 22 Jul 21

Ans. You are perhaps going for one of the most difficult streams of M.Sc, which is, of course, Maths. Few of my friends are studying there and as they have mentioned, by the time you reach your third year, one of the subjects in Maths would have a good number of theorems. The next thing you would have is coordinate geometry as a part of your Maths 1. This would come in handy while solving double/triple integrations. However, this is still the base of things. It gets complicated ahead- although, not sure if that would be in the third year essentially. Perhaps for better clarity, you should try and reach out to someone who is actually doing his/her M.Sc from BITS Pilani Now, when it comes to application and coding Mathematics, the wisest combination to opt for is M.Sc Maths along with CS. By the time you become a pro at coding, these math concepts wherein you studied geometry might come in handy for the applications that you would use. Try and sustain a CGPA of 8+, if you are genuinely serious about carrying along with CS as a second subject option. My friends mentioned that students who are carrying along two degrees at the same time have CS as their ultimate aim. There were a few friends of mine who with a double degree, either ended up slogging into semesters, achieved CS with hardly any effort, and eventually, some of them had to choose chemical/civil out of sheer compulsion.Read more
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Ques. What are the questions asked in an interview for an integrated PhD (maths) at IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Monika Saha on 18 Jul 23

Ans. One of my friends appeared for the integrated Ph.D. Math at IISc Bangalore and shared her experience of the same. A total of 72 students had been shortlisted for the interview and her interview took place on the last day. As she entered the room, they asked for her introduction and her interest to which she told them it was analysis. She was asked the following questions Construct a differential function satisfying the following conditions, f(1)=f(-1)=o; f(0)=1, and f(x) is zero everywhere except (-1, 1) Group theory question wherein they gave her an order of the group and asked to check the elements of some order The entire interview was based on the above questions which my friend was not able to answer most of the time and thus did not get selected. However, she learned a lot from that interview and summed the entire experience in these points She learned a new problem-solving approach that requires breaking the problem into small cases. The panelists here are very friendly and you can even postpone your interview till the last day if you are not comfortable. The questions asked to a candidate are never repeated for other candidates.  So, overall the experience was very knowledgeable and I hope it's so for you too. Read more
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Ques. What's the reputation of the South Asian University in Delhi for an MSc in applied mathematics?

● Top Answer By Suhani Kashyap on 23 Jun 21

Ans. South Asian University is a central funded government university. According to my friend studying there, It is not only an exceptional university in India but only one among the records of international universities in the world. This international university was established by a member of the SAARC. It was a dream project of Dr. Man Mohan Singh which he had proposed in the 13th SAARC summit held in Dhaka. It was later in the 14th summit that the establishment of this university was decided to be held in India. It provides courses of Applied Math, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Development Economics, International relations, Sociology, and Legal Studies. Its permanent campus is under construction in Maidan Garhi, Delhi while being operated from Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri. SAARC consists of 8 countries which are India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Therefore, the degree given by the university is recognized by the UGC of all 8 countries. The tag of SAARC attached would benefit your career in foreign countries as well. SAU has its own limitations as it is a new university. SAU is yet to be known among the scholarly and creating its name. Due to its less popularity, the entrance competition is not very tough. However, students prefer IITs, DU, and JNU for their post-graduate studies ignoring the high-level facilities provided at SAU.Read more
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Ques. How is the integrated MSc at BIT Mesra?

● Top Answer By Arun Biswas on 12 Apr 23

Ans. If you are interested in pursuing a career in research, the integrated MSc program offered by BIT Mesra is a great option to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind: The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics in mathematics, computing, physics, chemistry, and food technology. This provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of science and prepares them for advanced study and research. One of the unique features of the program is that it offers an exit option after the third year , allowing students to leave with a BSc degree if they choose to do so. This is not available at many other colleges and can be helpful for those who may want to pursue other options after completing their undergraduate studies. If you choose to continue with the program and complete the full five-year integrated MSc, you will have the opportunity to specialize in mathematics and computing , which is equivalent to a computer science degree. This specialization can be particularly useful if you are interested in pursuing a career in software development or data science. While placements should not be the primary focus of a science degree, the mathematics and computing specialization at BIT Mesra has a good placement record . Students who work hard and excel in their studies can expect to have job opportunities available to them after graduation. The Integrated MSc program at BIT Mesra is a rigorous and demanding course of study. It requires a strong commitment to hard work and dedication to succeed. However, for those who are passionate about science and research, it can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience.Read more
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