Students after completing their BS-MS program have the choice to either continue in the research field getting a PhD or prefer to work in R&D or maybe go for an MBA degree. There are preferences that completely depend on interest and passion and also hard work. After earning a BS or MS, let’s examine some well-known career pathways and opportunities. Hence, this blog is advice to all the students studying beyond IISER, looking for a career after their graduation.
Stay tuned to get the details.
Pursuing a PhD:
Pursuing a PhD is frequently the most alluring choice for people who are enthusiastic about research. When applying to famous international universities, students from institutions like IISERs have a big advantage. Therefore, students can more easily find PhD opportunities outside India.
Top PhD Programs Abroad:
MIT, Harvard, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, and Max Planck are among the top institutes.
List of stipends across some countries.
- UK: £18,662 (₹19.36 LPA) per year.
- EU: Norway: $55,000 (₹49.75 LPA), Denmark: €49,800 (₹51.67 LPA) annually
- USA: $15,000 to $30,000 annually (~₹12.5 to 25 LPA)
- Switzerland: CHF 4,000 per month, with annual increment
In India, PhD programs typically offer 6–8 LPA, but students can also get higher scholarships by taking competitive exams like the UGC-JRF.
Opportunities in the Industry (R&D, Tech, Data Science)
- Although getting a PhD is a common option, some students choose to work in technology, data science, or research and development (R&D).
- Only roughly 5–10% of BS–MS graduates, however, choose the placement route; many instead choose off-campus options, especially in fields like chemical engineering, biotechnology, and data science.
- The top employers include Novartis, ZS Associates, Deloitte, and TCS Research.
Pay Insights:
Pay for entry-level jobs at companies like Coriolis Technologies can reach up to 6 LPA, while research-focused companies, particularly those in AI and data science, can pay up to ₹11–12 LPA.
Prominent companies such as Barclays pay between 11 and 22 LPA for data science positions.
How to Become a Research Scientist
The position of a research scientist is very promising for individuals who want to pursue a career in research. Research scientists in India typically make between ₹7-8 LPA, but positions in AI, data science, life sciences, and other fields pay more at companies like TCS (₹11-12 LPA).
Indian Job Roles:
- ₹5 LPA for a data analyst.
- Bioinformatician: LPA ₹4.5.
- Lab Chemist: ₹2.5 LPA.
- Coordinator of Clinical Trials: ₹5.4 LPA.
Jobs Abroad
Research scientists in the U.S. and Canada make much more money. For example, positions in bioinformatics, lab chemistry, and clinical trials can pay between ₹66.63 LPA and ₹82.4 LPA.
MBA Programs for Graduates of BS-MS:
- The number of BS-MS graduates choosing to pursue an MBA has been rising. In order to gain admission to esteemed business schools like IIMs (A/B/C), ISB, and XLRI, many students take tests like the CAT.
- Without a doubt, it’s interesting to note that diversity quotas give science students an advantage over their engineering counterparts, enabling them to be admitted with a lower percentile. Even with scores below the typical cut-off, top business schools find BS-MS graduates more appealing due to this diversity factor.
- Diversity Quota: hence admission may be granted to applicants who place in the 98th percentile on the CAT exam.
- MBA Roles: Graduates can expect to make between 20 and 35 LPA in a range of managerial roles.
In conclusion
In the future, whether a graduate student from IISER chooses to pursue an MBA degree or pursue a PhD or maybe tech and private sectors, it’s going to be fantastic. Therefore, all the students graduating from IISERs have gone through a bunch of filters that have made them sufficiently skilled and talented that excellence is their best friend.
Currently, there are 7 IISERs across India, but IITs have started promoting research in their curriculum as well. So, there is going to be exponential growth in this field in the upcoming years.
Must Watch: A detailed video about the placements, salary, PhD, and jobs.
FAQs (Frequently asked questions):
- Can graduates of BS-MS programs go on to earn an MBA?
Definitely. About 5-10 percent of students choose to pursue an MBA. Diversity quotas give science students an advantage over engineers by enabling them to gain admission with a lower percentile.
- What package does an MBA graduate earn?
The salary depends a lot on the type of business school and the position within the organization. Competitive pay is offered for top positions in management, business development, and consulting. The salary revolves between 20 LPA and 35 LPA.
- Is a PhD after a BS-MS a good decision?
Yes, definitely. IISERs are well known for budding scientists. There are tie-ups of IISERs with prestigious universities outside India like Zurich, Caltech, Max Planck, etc.
- How much do scientists earn outside India?
Definitely, it’s higher than it is in India. Hence, the salary range is between ~ 98.5 LPA. This is a reason why students are attracted to outside India for pursuing their PhDs.
- Is there any career in data science for the BS-MS graduates?
Yes. There are companies that are giving a good entry-level package. Some of the top firms, like Barclays, provide a package of around 11-22 LPA. Sounds like a dream salary.
All About This Platform: Sciastra
SciAstra is a journey, or maybe the first step towards pure science and away from JEE/NEET. This platform was born to direct students and promote them towards research.
SciAstra provides resources, live teaching, mocks, books, study sessions, and also counseling to their students. Additionally, SciAstra facilitates mentorship programs that link students with educators and professionals in the industry. The goal is not just to excel students in exams like IAT/NEST but to excel their dreams and fulfill more hope and motivation.
It has developed into a reliable source that combines academic understanding with real-world application. As SciAstra develops further, education becomes more significant and enriching for everyone. Keep learning and enjoying. All the best.The SciAstra app is available on the Play Store.
