Mathematician
Trained in the study of numbers and calculations, and uses that training to analyse data and solve real-world problems.
Overview
A Mathematician is someone who is trained in the study of numbers and calculations. He or she uses this training to analyze data to solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.
Where they work
- Universities
- Colleges
- Government and private research centres among others
Work environment
It is a desk job. You are likely to work in a team. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day. This may vary from organization to organization. Shift system may be available. Overtime may be required. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good at maths
- You like to work with numbers or charts
- You are good at working independently
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Maths).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Mathematics.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (MSc) in the same or related field.
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
This course is offered by the Department of Mathematics. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Government Arts College, Karur, Tamil Nadu
- Government Arts College, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Hindu College, New Delhi
- Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- Any recognised university in India
- Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- St Joseph's College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- KJ Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Dr DY Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College, Pune, Maharashtra
- St Teresa's College, Ernakulam, Kerala
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
- 1Intern
- 2Mathematician
- 3Senior Mathematician
- 4Head of the Department
Expected income
₹39,000 – ₹65,000 per month or more
These figures are taken from the National Career Service (NCS) and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Statistician
Gathers, analyses and interprets numerical data, helping companies make sense of it to spot trends and make predictions.
Physicist
Studies how matter and energy interact in the physical universe, and plans and runs experiments to test theories.
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 Maths, Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- 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
Professor Neena Gupta — A mathematician at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. The source says she received the Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians in 2022 and the 2022 Nari Shakti Puraskar. She did her Bachelor's at Bethune College in 2006, her post-graduation in Mathematics at the Indian Statistical Institute in 2008, and her Ph.D. in 2011.
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 2, printed page 831 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://shorturl.at/WvXCT
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 831; the contents list gives 833. States misprinted on the card are corrected: Government Arts College and PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore (printed as Odisha) are in Tamil Nadu; IIT Kharagpur (printed as Uttar Pradesh) is in West Bengal; and Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram (printed as Tamil Nadu) is in Kerala. Presidency University, Kolkata, printed under private institutes as being in Tamil Nadu, is a West Bengal State university and is shown under government institutes.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.