How to Become a Physicist after 12th: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Skills, Benefits, Salary

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Physicists are scientists who explore the fundamental principles governing the behaviour of matter and energy in the universe. They use mathematical models, experiments, and observations to understand natural phenomena like subatomic particles and the cosmos.

A candidate can become a Physicist after Class 12th himself with a bachelor's degree related to Physics. The more advanced job profiles can be grabbed by getting a master's or doctorate degree in Physics. Some of the programs to become a Physicist are B.Sc Physics, B.Sc (Hons) Physics, M.Sc Physics, and PhD. Physics.

The average annual salary of a Physicist is around INR 5.76 LPA. The starting salary is estimated at INR 2.88 LPA and the highest package at INR 11.16 LPA. The scope of this field extends to the government as well as to the non-government sectors. Nuclear Power Plants, Space stations, Research and development, Universities, etc. are some of the top recruiters of Physicists in India.

Table of Contents

How to Become a Physicist after 12th: Quick Facts
Eligibility to Become a Physicist after 12th
Steps to Become a Physicist after 12th
Physicist Courses

4.1 Entrance Exams

Top Physicist Colleges
Skills required to become a Physicist
Benefits of Becoming a Physicist
Salary of a Physicist
How to become a Physicist after 12th: FAQs

How to Become a Physicist after 12th: Quick Facts

Eligibility	Class 12 with science or maths stream
Qualifications	Graduation in physics or allied Physics with at least 60% marks.
Starting Salary	INR 2.88 LPA
Average Salary	INR 11.16 LPA
Highest Salary	INR 25.64 LPA & above
Top Recruiters	Nuclear Power Plants, Space stations, research and development, Tata Industries, Reliance Industries, Maruti Udyog, TCS, Infosys

Eligibility to Become a Physicist after 12th

To become a Physicist, one must meet certain eligibility criteria. General eligibility criteria are given below.

Candidate must have passed 10+2 in Science Stream with Mathematics with at least 60% marks.
Candidates must possess a degree in Physics with a minimum of 60% marks. Ph.D. is preferred however, a bachelor's or master’s degree may also help the candidate to become a junior Physicist and grab an entry-level physicist job.

Steps to Become a Physicist after 12th

To become a Physicist, candidates must follow certain steps in sequential order after completing their 10+2.

Candidates must clear their Class 12 exam having Physics as the major subject with at least 60% marks.
Candidates must enroll themselves for a bachelor's degree in Physics or applied physics and complete it with at least 60% marks.
Candidates must pursue internships and develop research and analytical skills.
Candidates can also pursue Masters's degree in Physics and complete it with at least 60% marks.
Candidates can apply for an entry-level job in the field of physics.
Candidates should clear JRF from UGC or CSIR.
Candidates must join and complete some research projects during their studies.
Candidates can also consider pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics and start working as a researcher in various organizations like BARC, ISRO, DRDO, etc.

Physicist Courses

There are certain courses that a student can choose to become a Physicist. Those have been mentioned in the table below.

Degree	B.Sc in Applied Physics	B.Sc. Hons. in Physics	B.Sc. in Physics	M.Sc. Nuclear Physics
Eligibility	Class 12 with Physics	Class 12 with Physics	Class 12 with Physics	Class 12 with Physics
Entrance Exams	CUET	CUET	CUET	University Exams
Top Colleges	Adaikala Matha College, Bharathidasan University, etc.	Miranda House, Christ University, etc.	Alagappa University, St. Stephens College, Hindu College, etc.	MSRUAS Bangalore, University of Madras, Andhra University, etc.
Course Fees	INR 50,000 to INR 4,00,000	INR 80,000 to INR 5,00,000	INR 30,000 to INR 1,20,000	INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000
Top Recruiters	Tata Industries, Reliance Industries, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, etc.	BARC, DRDO, NIO, etc.	ISRO, DRDO, etc.	Nuclear Power Plants, Space stations, research and development, Universities, etc.

Entrance Exams

Admission to the courses specific to Physicist is usually based on the entrance exam. Some of the basic entrance exams that are cleared by students are JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, JEST, and GATE.

Exams	Application Deadlines	Exam Dates	Results Declaration
JEE MAINS	March 16, 2022	24 - 31 January, 2023	25 April, 2023
JEE ADVANCED	May 07, 2023	June 04, 2023	June 18, 2023
JEST	March 03, 2023	March 26, 2023	April 26, 2023
GATE	September 29, 2023	February 3 - 11, 2024	To be notified

Top Physicist Colleges

There are numerous colleges and institutions that provide courses in Physics. Some of the top colleges are listed below in the table.

Colleges	Location	Average fees
St Stephen's College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 74,000
Hindu College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 74,000
Miranda House	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 57,500
Loyola College	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	INR 40,000
Hansraj College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 74,000
Presidency College	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	INR 3,810
Fergusson College	Pune, Maharashtra	INR 34,000
St. Xavier's College	Kolkata, West Bengal	INR 1,81,500
RKMVCC	Kolkata, West Bengal	INR 40,000
KMC	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 44,000
St. Xavier's College	Mumbai, Maharashtra	INR 21,570
Ramjas College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 46,000

Skills Required to Become a Physicist

Candidates aspiring to become a Physicist must possess a combination of certain technical as well as soft skills. Some of the most prominent skills needed for this job profile are listed below in the table.

Computer simulation	knowledge of physics	Knowledge of engineering science and technology
Research skills	Data analytics	Thinking and reasoning
Mathematical modelling techniques	Knowledge to work in publishing, broadcasting or journalism	Communication skills
Scientific reasoning	Technical knowledge	Teamwork

Benefits of Becoming a Physicist after 12th

Some of the key benefits that come along after becoming a Physicist are listed below.

Potential for international collaboration and networking with esteemed researchers and opportunity to explore diverse areas within physics, such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and particle physics.
High demand for physicists in various industries, including technology, research centres, healthcare, and energy.
Potential to make a positive impact on society through advancements in technology and healthcare by having access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
Possibility of receiving prestigious awards and recognition for significant contributions to the field and a chance to inspire and educate future generations of scientists and researchers.

Salary of a Physicist

Physicist salaries in India vary based on experience, location, and sector. The average annual salary of a Physicist is around INR 48,000 per month.

Designation	Average Annual Salary
Junior Physicist	INR 2.88 L
Senior Physicist	INR 11.16 L
Medical Physicist	INR 5.64 L

How to Become a Physicist after 12th: FAQs

Ques. What are the educational requirements to become a physicist?

Ans. The candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in Physics or a related field at the earliest stage and can proceed in his career to the doctorate level.

Ques. What is the age limit for becoming a physicist?

Ans. There is no age limit for becoming a physicist however, the earlier you step into this field, you will be able to get more benefits.

Ques. What skills are required to become a physicist?

Ans. Becoming a physicist demands an upgraded level of research and analytical skills along with mathematical reasoning.

Ques. How can I outstand in this career?

Ans. Internships and additional Certification courses can help you outstand in this field.

Ques. What is the average annual salary of a physicist?

Ans. A physicist can earn up to INR 48,000 per month on average.

Ques. Can a physicist gain global identification?

Ans. Yes, In every research field you can gain global identification with your hard work and dedication.

Ques. Is it necessary to pursue a PhD for becoming a physicist?

Ans. A physicist doesn't need to have a Ph.D. in general but it is preferred if you want to go in the research field.

Ques. Can I transition from a different field to become a physicist?

Ans. Yes, it is possible to transition, but it may require additional coursework and dedication to gain the necessary physics knowledge and experience.

Ques. What are some career options for physicists?

Ans. Physicists can work in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private industries such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.

Ques. Is there any specific math knowledge required for studying physics?

Ans. Yes, a strong grasp of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, and differential equations, is essential for success in physics.

Ques. How can I prepare for a career in physics while still in high school?

Ans. Focus on taking advanced math and science courses, participate in science fairs, and consider internships or programs at local research institutions.