Academic Researcher
Carries out original, high-level research that generates new knowledge in a field of expertise.
Overview
Academic Researchers are experts who carry out original, high-level research that generates new knowledge and progresses current understanding. Regardless of their area of expertise, researchers use objective approaches to collect data and publish their findings. As an Academic Researcher you'll apply your expertise and skills developed through study and research.
Where they work
- Public and Private Universities
- Academic Institutions for Higher Education
Work environment
You can have research-only positions at universities or you can choose to teach and serve as advisers to graduate students. Working hours are fixed and there is scope for both full time and part-time work.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You pay attention to details
- You like to analyse things
- You have strong writing skills
- You like to discuss about issues
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in any subject of your choice followed by a Master's degree in the same or related subject
- 3Complete a Ph.D in the same or related subject
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
Government institutes
- Assam University, Silchar, Assam
- Nalanda University, Nalanda, Bihar
- Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka
- Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala
- University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- SRM University, Amravati, Andhra Pradesh
- Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam
- K. K. University, Beraunti, Bihar
- Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana
- Jharkhand University, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Sandeep University, Nashik, Maharashtra
- Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Researcher
- 2Senior Researcher
Related careers to explore
Assistant Professor
Teaches undergraduate and graduate students, and guides research students in their projects.
Curriculum Developer
Creates the instructional and learning materials that teachers use in classrooms.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Venkat Padmanabhan — Deputy Managing Director at Microsoft Research India in Bengaluru. He was previously with Microsoft Research Redmond, USA for nearly 9 years. Venkat's research interests are broadly in networked and mobile systems, and his work over the years has led to highly-cited papers and paper awards, technology transfers within Microsoft, and also industry impact. He received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 2016, the ACM SIGMOBILE Test-of-Time paper award in 2016 and 2019, and the ACM SenSys Test-of-Time paper award in 2019.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 261 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/academic-researcher-salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.