Physicist
Studies how matter and energy interact in the physical universe, and plans and runs experiments to test theories.
Overview
A Physicist is a scientist specialized in the field of physics. His/her field of study includes the interactions of matter and energy in the physical universe. Physicists plan and conduct scientific experiments to test theories.
Where they work
- Research laboratories
- Electronics and electrical manufacturing companies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Colleges/universities
- Defence sector and others
Work environment
You will work in an office or laboratory set up. You may handle a team. Local travel is not a part of the job profile. Organizations usually work 5 or 6 days a week and 8 or 9 hours every day, but this may vary from organization to organization. Overtime may be required. Part-time 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 like physics
- You like to do experiments
- You are good at math
- You like to solve scientific problems
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 Physics.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree (science/math), followed by a Master's degree in Physics and a PhD 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 Physics. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Hindu College, New Delhi
- Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Farook College, Kozhikode, Kerala
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam
- Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
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 Thomas College, Thrissur, Kerala
- 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
- 1Junior Researcher
- 2General Physicist/Teacher
- 3Head of Department
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹70,000 per month
These figures are taken from the National Career Service (NCS) and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Astrophysicist
Scientist who studies space, stars, planets and the universe, analysing data from satellites and telescopes.
Mathematician
Trained in the study of numbers and calculations, and uses that training to analyse data and solve real-world problems.
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.
Example from the field
Indrani Bose — An Indian physicist, described in the source as a senior professor at the Department of Physics, Bose Institute, Kolkata. Her fields of specialisation are theoretical condensed matter, quantum information theory, statistical physics, and biological physics and systems.
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 841 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3kmKG3n
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 841; the contents list gives 843. Government Arts College, Coimbatore is printed as being in Odisha; it is in Tamil Nadu. St Xavier's College (Ahmedabad) and Farook College (Kozhikode), listed under government institutes, are privately managed colleges.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.