How to Become a Meteorologist?

Meteorologists are scientists who study and research in the field of meteorology. They use their skills and knowledge to predict and prepare weather reports. Meteorologists are in high demand across the globe in different fields. These include government industries, research agencies, space research and development organizations, defence research, weather forecasting, and many other departments. Let’s discover the step-wise career guide on how to become a Meteorologist.

Also Read: Courses after B.Sc. Physics

How to Become a Meteorologist?

Becoming a meteorologist is not an overnight miracle. It takes a lot of time and determination to become a Meteorologist. Here is your guide on how to become a Meteorologist:

Eligibility 

• For a diploma in meteorology, the applicant must have secured 55% in class 10th
• For pursuing B.Sc or B.Tech degree in atmospheric science, students must be from the science stream in class 12th or diploma in meteorology
• Applicants also have to clear JEE Main examination
• For obtaining MTech or MSc in meteorology, BTech or BSC in metrology is the minimum requirement
• BTech candidates can appear for the GATE exam for MTech or MSc programs

Here are the requirements for students interested in pursuing a career abroad in meteorology:

• B.Sc. or B.Tech from a recognized university
• TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for securing admission 
• Having knowledge of English or native language

Entrance Exams

Students have to clear entrance exams for admission in meteorology courses. Here are some of the popular exams:

• JEE and college entrance examinations for graduation course
• GATE for M.Tech or M.Sc. course
• TOEFL or IELTS for admission in foreign universities

Courses 

Undergraduate courses

The students must take maths in class 12 Science to pursue B.Tech Atmospheric sciences. It is a four-year program that includes the earth’s atmosphere and physical properties. The admission is given on the basis of JEE Main score. The students with biology in class 12 can pursue B.Sc. Meteorology. It is a three-year program based on weather forecasting and atmospheric phenomena. 

Also Read: B.Tech Courses

Postgraduate Courses

The students with a degree in B.Tech in atmospheric sciences with 60% marks are eligible to apply for M.Tech Meteorology. It is a two-year program that focuses on different physical phenomena in detail. Students carry out intensive research on scientific publications. It is based on the GATE score. The students with a degree in BSC in meteorology with 50% marks are eligible to apply for M.Sc. Meteorology. It is also a two-year post-graduate study program on weather and climate. You can also pursue higher studies such as PhD programs. 

Subjects

Wondering what you will study after securing admission to top universities for meteorology? Here is the list of some of the common subjects in this career:

• Atmosphere and ocean
• Dynamic earth
• Forces of nature
• Global environmental challenges
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Mechanics and modeling
• Resource and field skill

Also Read: Astronomy Careers 

Top Colleges in India for Meteorology Courses 

Some of the finest colleges in India offer meteorology courses are:

1. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
2. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal
3. Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala
4. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
5. Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Maharashtra
6. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
7. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Uttarakhand
8. Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin, Kerala
9. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal
10. Sri Ram Engineering College, Tamil Nadu

Universities for Meteorology Courses Abroad

Wondering about the top universities globally that offer meteorology courses? We have curated a list of top universities from around the world for you that will help you in the process of how to become a Meteorologist:

1. Virginia Tech
2. University of Reading
3. Durham University
4. Iowa State University
5. Victoria University of Wellington
6. Florida Institute of Technology
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
8. Harvard University 
9. National University of Singapore (NUS)
10. ETH Zurich

Job Profiles & Salary

Becoming a meteorologist is a perfect choice for students who are interested in learning about atmosphere and climate. Many environmental engineering and mining industry jobs are also available for meteorologists.

A fresher earns about Rs.40,000 per month. A post-graduate student’s salary will range between Rs.80,000 per month. For experienced meteorologists, it can go up from Rs.60,000 to Rs.150,000 per month in research and defense centers. Some of the popular job profiles are as follows:

• Junior scientists
• Senior Meteorologists
• Broadcast meteorologists
• Researchers
• Military and airline forecasters
• Teachers
• Professors and lecturers

Also Read: 50 Highest Paying Government Jobs in India

Top Recruiters

The scope in meteorology in India and abroad is bright. People with degrees in meteorology are hired by the following companies and firms:

• Space Application Centre
• Department of Science and Technology
• Agricultural Universities
• Indian Space Research Organisation
• Indian Air Force
• National Remote Sensing Agency
• Universities and Colleges
• Defence Research and Development Organisation
• Indian Meteorology Department and many more.

A meteorologist’s job is a fascinating one with amazing experiences in the field. The career opportunities are at their best. The jobs available at space and research centers are the best for any meteorologist. This is your go-to guide for how to become a meteorologist. Planning to pursue a course in meteorology but confused about where to start from? Get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts today and start your study abroad journey today.