Career In Astronomy: Courses, Admission Jobs, Salary

Are you interested in the study of stars, moons, planets and comets? But not sure where to start!

In this guide, we will explore about career in Astronomy, courses, eligibility criteria, and job opportunities.

Let’s start with What is Astronomy?

“Astronomy is the branch of Physics that deals with the study of celestial bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies. It refers to the study of objects outside the earth’s atmosphere and their physical and chemical properties”.

Career In Astronomy

The astronomy course is divided into:

  • Observational Astronomy: It deals with gathering data using telescopes and instruments.
  • Theoretical Astronomy: Developing models and simulations to explain celestial phenomena.
  • Astrophysics: A branch of Physics relating to celestial bodies.
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What is the job of an Astronomers ?

The Astronomers uses the principles of Mathematics and Physics to carry out research about the celestial objects such as planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, and universe as a whole.

They observe the skies using the telescopes and computer programs to analyze and collect data on the characteristics of planets, moons, stars and celestial objects.

Astronomers are the observers who discovers information about “How the universe works” from the planets in our solar system. The studies and research helps them in developing scientific theories about the functioning of the universe.

There are several branches of astronomy such as Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrobiology, Astrogeology and Astrometry.

Also Check – How to become a Scientist

What is the best thing about astronomer

They discover things that nobody have seen ever. They utilize most of their time in researching activities related to celestial bodies.

The work of astronomer includes traveling, observing, writing research reports, reading, teaching students and conducting experiments.

How to become an Astronomer

  • To become a professional Astronomer, a Ph.D degree is usually required.
  • First, you have to complete your 10+2 examination under the science stream, especially in Mathematics & Physics.
  • After that, you can join an undergraduate course in Astronomy or a BTech program in Electronics & communication engineering.
  • Thereafter, you can join postgraduate degree in Physics or Astronomy.
  • After competing master degree, you can pursue specialization in astronomy leading to Ph.D

Astronomy Courses in India

To pursue a career in Astronomy, candidates have to meet the mandatory education qualifications. Students having interest in Physics and Mathematics can opt various courses at UG and PG level.

Below we have mentioned the educational path to become a astronomer::

Bachelor’s Courses After 12th (Science Stream)

Have you completed your 12th?

Also Check: Engineering Courses After 12th

Master’s Courses

  • M.Sc Astronomy/Physics
  • M.Sc in Astrophysics
  • M.Tech (Astronomy and Space Engineering)

Doctoral Courses

  • PhD. in Astronomy (in a specialized discipline)

Integrated Courses

  • Integrated M.Sc – Ph.D Programme in Physics and Astrophysics
  • Integrated M.Tech – Ph.D (Tech.) programme in Astronomical Instrumentation

In addition to regular UG courses in Astronomy/Astrophysics. Candidates can make career in astronomy after completing B.Tech or B.E. courses such as B.Tech EC and B.Tech Electrical Engineering.

To become an astronomer, you are required to earn Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in astronomy, physics or a related discipline that will be mandatory for researche and academic positions.

Eligibility Criteria

  • For UG courses, candidates must complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
  • For pursuing PG courses, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant disciple

Skills Required in an Astronomer

  • Solid knowledge in Physics and Mathematics.
  • Must have the knowledge of computer programmes and software.
  • Good observation skills are required.
  • Should have the capacity of solving complex problems and conducting research work.
  • Ability to work with a team is required.

Admission Process

To get admission in the undergraduate astronomy courses, candidates have to qualify the entrance exams conducted at National or University level.

For admission in B.Sc programs CUET UG is accepted by the central universities in India. For admission to B.Tech JEE Main/Advanced is considered for admission.

For admission in top Institutes like IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur) JEE Advanced for UG Courses and GATE for PG courses.

Some top Universities/Institutes conduct their own entrance test such as IISC 2025 (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) that provides admission in B.Sc (Research) and various PG programs.

In order to take admission to PhD courses, you have to clear the GATE 2025/ UGC NET 2025 examination. You can also appear the JEST 2025 (Joint Entrance Screening Test) for admission into Ph.D course. After the completion of master’s degree, you can apply for this test.

Popular Entrance Exams:

Top Universites

The list of the top colleges offering courses in the field of Astronomy/Astrophysics are listed below:

  • Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram
  • The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bangalore
  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
  • Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpu
  • Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
  • Osmania University, Hyderabad
  • Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
  • Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore
  • University of Delhi

Top Institute to pursue Astronomy courses abroad:

  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA
  • Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
  • University of Cambridge, UK
  • Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Germany

Jobs & Career Opportunities

Astronomy offers promising career opportunities for the students, especially for those who want to explore the infinite mysteries of this universe.

A career in Astronomy is broadly divided into Theoretical or Observational domains. The theoretical research career is typically invloves gathering and analyzing data by using instruments like telescopes, cameras, satellites etc.

Candidates can pursue career in theoritical astronomy by pusuing master or PhD in Physics, Astrophysics or Astronomy.

The observational astronomy, deals with developing mathematical models and computer simulations.

Candidates can work as an astronomer or research scientist with space research organizations like ISRO, NASA, ESA and various other space agencies.

The job opportunities are also available in public and private organizations like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), NASA, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) etc.

Candidates can also join research and faculty positions in various universities and colleges across the world. Technical graduates (B.Tech, M.Tech) degree holders can join private companies involved in space exploration.

The professionals can also work as a consultant, advisor and engineer in Space research programs, space device manufacturing companies and educational institutions.

Top Recruiters

  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • NASA
  • SpaceX
  • European Space Agency (ESA)
  • Various Universities and Institutes across the world

Job Areas

  • Research
  • Industry
  • Educational Institutions

Job Profile

  • Research Scientist
  • Astronaut
  • Astronomer
  • University Professor

Salary

What will my Salary be?

Salary in the field of astronomy depends upon your profession, educational qualification and experience.

In research domains, candidates typically starts their career as a research assistant, with a salary package of Rs. 4-5 LPA.

As a junior research fellow (JRF) one can earn an average annual compensation of INR 4-5 LPA.

Candidates starting their career as a scientist/researcher in ISRO, IIA typically make INR 7-9 LPA. The senior scientist having 5-8 years of experience, earn an average of INR 15-25 LPA.

In private sector, the researcher and scientist make anywhere between INR 12-18 LPA. Candidates working abroad, in NASA, ESA, SpaceX earn anywhere between $90,000 to $150,000.

Books & Study Materials

You can refer these books for the preparation of astronomy:

  • Astronomy – A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe – Chaisson, McMillan
  • A Companion to Astronomy and Astrophysics – Kenneth R.Lang
  • Celestial Mechanics: The Waltz of the Planets – Alessandra Celletti, Ettore Perozzi
  • Fundamental Astronomy – H.Karttunen P.Kroger, H.Oja M.Poutanen, K.J. Donne
  • Astronomy Today – Chaisson, McMillan

For more information regarding Career in Astronomy, you may ask your queries below.

46 Comments

  1. I am currently doing III year BE ECE. I want to pursue a career as an astronomer. As said in the article, whether i’ll be able to become a researcher instead of technician or an engineer. Can you tell me about the scope of asttonomy field for women in india.

    1. Yes, to become a researcher Pursue master’s in Astrophysics or Astronomy. Once you are done with it, go for a master’s program, post that clear UGC NET and pursue a PhD program which will align you towards your career goal.

  2. Hi I am a fourth grader can you please suggest some books to me on astronomy how can I get news letters? Is thear any group I can join to learn

    Thank you!

    1. I suggest you to watch Astronomy videos on youtube,Visit websites and subscribe to Astronomy magazines. On your academic front, focus more on Science and Mathematics.
      Some of the recommended books are:
      Astronomy – A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe – Chaisson, McMillan
      Astronomy Today – Chaisson, McMillan

  3. Hey i wished since iwas young to study those bright object above there now i have a last step to make in order for my dreams to come true i wish they will be true

  4. I am also interested in space research from childhood .but friends anyone knows what special we should do for astronomy after 10th class?please comment?

  5. After completing M.TECH.we have to take the course of Astronomy . After Astronomy which course we have to take ?

  6. Im in 12th and I love to know how light in other planet atmosphere I love to know that any civilizais tion is in reality in this vast universe or we are alone here

  7. Can I become astronomer from arts stream(geography), we are poor to take science stream,fees are too high for poor people’s, can I become astromer without core science subject… Please i really need answer, I hope that someday I could be astronomer

  8. Still l was studying 10th class I was interested for being astronomer I have some knowledge about these and I have some knowledge about astrophysics l think you will support to bee succeed l want step by step instructions for being astronomer please support me

  9. I also want to become astronomer right now I am in 10th std, and have great knowledge about all these.

    1. Hey lakshya!
      If you know well about this field could you please help?
      Can we become an astronomer even after doing electrical engineering from any Iit or a specific institute is required?

      1. Yes. You can still be an astronomer. Pursue Master’s and then enroll in a Phd program.

  10. Hiiii everyone I’m clz 10 due to this current pandemic I couldn’t attend my clz from last year I felt sorry for that.But time to research about my life goals was given thanks
    Reply to me so that we can share our thoughts

  11. I like the study for starts then I am studying plus two last . I don’t no which subject choose in degree level , please help me in next course

  12. Hy i am studying at 9th standard.In my small age i like to study about space.i would like to become a isro officer .What course can I study???

  13. I’m studying in class 10, so can somebody pursue me to how or what should I get prepared for becoming an astronomer.

  14. Sir , I am studying in 11th ..and I have curiosity in space ..so I want to join ISRO as a Astronaut..so I want to know that ..is JEE is necessary for joining B.Sc in astronomy..? Please help..!

  15. I am in 8th grade and I am reading books related to astrophysics to be an astronomer.I just wants to say thank you to Sarvgyan.com to give this important information to us and keep sending ahead also. Ones again thank you.

  16. I am a dreamer to became a astronaut. Nowadays my thinking all about space. So I decided to became a astronaut or work in NASA or isro.

  17. I’m a 11th student now…i was very intrested in space and science and astronamy from my childhood..i want to become both astronaut and astronamer..could u help me..to achieve my aim..?

  18. I love to study about space and universe but i dont want to read everything about physics. Im now in class 11. After 12th can i just take B.Sc in astrophysics ?

  19. I love to study about space and universe but i dont want to read everything about physics. Im now in class 11. After 12th can i just take astrophysics in B.Sc?

  20. I am in 8th standard and I like observe star and sky .
    I am very curious to study about them hope I become a resecher of stars And space

  21. Astronomy is my life dream. I am studying in class 11 please help me to how studied in feature. Am in little poor family but I want to achieve brief in the world.

  22. Iam in class7.Iam in Andaman and Nicobar islands.My ambition is to become an astronomer.what kind of classes should I join to reach my goal?

  23. its my passion to become an astronomer.I am dreaming it from an age of 8.Now i am a student of 10th standard.The informations that i got from this website is very very useful.Now i got a small idea about what can i do after my +2 studies…Thank you so much..thank you very much for helping me to make a way for my journey to the misterious universe….THANK YOU..

  24. I am student of class 10 of w.B.B.S.C Board. I want to become a astronomer. It is my dream & I want to achieve it . please help me what should I do after complete 12th? and what is the process of this study by steps? please help me…

  25. hi,I am in 12th class and actually i had to pass my 11th class through compartment exam and is it possible to become astronomer

  26. I’m 11th grade student from tamilnadu..(currently studying 11th)
    I took biomaths ..
    Is this possible to become an astronomer by taking biomaths group

  27. I am studying in 11th science .I want to study in the field of ccosmology.to become good cosmologist,researcher which degree should I pursue after 10+2.can I get job in isro,nasa

  28. Hello Sir,

    I have done engineering in Electronics and communication and further worked in Networking, security and communication streams for almost 7 years.
    I want to switch my career to astronomy, as you understand the more we grow up its even difficult to chose an entirely different path, But i believe its worth taking the path.
    Can you guide me.

  29. This filed is so interesting for many students who’s dream is astronomer keep hard work and I hope your dreams came real one day definately. Thanks??

  30. im in 12th i got 79% mark can i become a astrophysist

    pls answer me i really love space

    im just cufused

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