Nanoscientist
Manipulates atoms and molecules to create new materials, with work spanning medicine, electronics and energy.
Overview
A nanoscientist meticulously manipulates atoms and molecules to create revolutionary materials. Their work spans medicine, electronics, and energy, driving atomic-scale innovations, transforming technology, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in science and engineering.
Where they work
- Public and private research organisations
Work environment
You have to work for at least 8 to 9 hours and for 5 to 6 days a week. Shift duties may be there. Overtime is common.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy science and maths
- You like to do experiments
- You like to build things
- You are good with computers
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 (B.Sc.) in Physics/Mathematics.
Alternative route 2
- 1The card's second route — a Master's degree and Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics/Applied Mathematics — repeats the Space Scientist card and is not reproduced. Verify postgraduate nanoscience programmes on the official website of the institute.
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
The card says the course is offered by the Department of Mathematics/Astrophysics, which repeats the Space Scientist card — check the physics, chemistry, materials science or nanotechnology departments of the institutes listed. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand
- Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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
- 2Scientist
- 3Head of Department
Expected income
₹25,000 – ₹2,09,000 per month
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The card gives no source, and the range is identical to the Space Scientist card's, so treat it with caution.
Related careers to explore
Physicist
Studies how matter and energy interact in the physical universe, and plans and runs experiments to test theories.
Engineering Physicist
Combines engineering, physics and maths to bridge theory and practice, developing new processes, products and technologies.
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 Science, Maths.
- 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.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 837 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 837; the contents list gives 839. Apart from its description and institute list, it reprints the Space Scientist card (printed page 851): the same personality traits, course fee, pathway, workplaces, work environment, growth path, salary and example from the field. The parts that plainly belong to space science — the second pathway route (a Master's and Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics/Applied Mathematics), observatories as a workplace, the Mathematics/Astrophysics department note and an ISRO satellite scientist as the example from the field — are not reproduced. Nanoscience is usually studied through physics, chemistry, materials science or nanotechnology programmes; verify on the official website. Amity Institute of Nanotechnology and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, listed under government institutes, are private, so they are shown under private institutes. The University of Hyderabad is in Telangana (printed as Karnataka).
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.