How to Become a Space Scientist?

ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 was a proud moment for every Indian, leaving millions of kids inspired and curious about the unsolved mysteries of science. Are you someone who is always gazing at stars and moons at night, wondering if life is possible on other planets? Then, a space scientist is your perfect fit. In this blog, we shall discuss how to become a space scientist and the courses, eligibility in India, as well as abroad.

How to Become a Space Scientist: Step-by-Step Guide!

If you are interested in initiating a career as a space scientist, we have paved the way for you in the following steps:

Step 1: Choosing Science Stream

The first step towards becoming a Space Scientist starts with selecting a stream after class 10. After clearing class 10, if you are interested in building a career as a space scientist, it is mandatory to choose a stream that has Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (preferably MPC Subjects). Without these subjects, you won’t be able to apply for a degree that is compulsory for working in a space agency. Applicants won’t be able to pursue a degree related to pure science, engineering, etc. It is advised that students choose the Non-Medical or Medical stream after class 10.

Step 2: Entrance Exams

There are two subject fields you can pursue – Engineering or Pure Science. The next step is the entrance exam after the Class 12th boards. To apply for jobs as a space scientist, you have to get a bachelor’s degree first. A bachelor’s degree can be B.Sc. in physics, chemistry, Mathematics, or B.E./ B.TechThen you have to get a master’s degree. You can pursue a master’s in the same field or a related field, and finally get a Ph.D. in a related field. The entrance exams you can appear for are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, AIEEE, BITSAT, and IIST. 

Step 3: Selecting the Right College/University

Selecting the right colleges is important because ISRO recruits students from college placements as well. IIT Bombay and IISC students have a chance to get direct placement in ISRO. You can also study at universities abroad. Select the university that offers the course you wish to pursue and prepare for that entrance exam. For master’s, GMAT & GRE scores are required.

Step 4: Recruitment of Space Scientists

In India, space scientists are hired by VSSC, ISRO, and DRDO. Applicants are hired at different grades based on their educational qualifications, experience, and academic records. The applicant with excellent academic performance and a master’s or Ph.D. will be hired at a higher grade, whereas the applicants with less experience and qualifications will be hired at a lower grade. 

Also Read: How to Become an Astronaut?

How to Become a Space Scientist in ISRO?

Every student aspiring to be a space scientist in India has a dream to get hired in ISRO, which is the national space agency of India. You can get a chance to work at ISRO in three ways. Students who have completed their graduation from IIST and have scored 7.5 CGPA are eligible, and ISRO will contact them on their own for recruitment.

Next is through placements. In the top NITs and IITs, ISRO hires qualified and talented students for different job profiles. There are rounds of personal interviews and group discussions as well.

Lastly, you can appear for the ICRB ISRO exam. It is a recruitment process can candidates with 65% marks in graduation are qualified to appear. The exam is an objective type, and the syllabus is related to the applicant’s educational background. Students of only limited courses are eligible to apply. Here is the list of qualifications to become a scientist in ISRO:

• BE
• B.Tech
• B.Sc. + B.E./B.Tech (Lateral Entry)
• B.Sc. (Engineering)
• Diploma + B.E./B.Tech. (Lateral Entry)

Also Read: 6 Innovative Careers in Engineering

How to Become a Space Scientist at NASA?

NASA is a space agency in the USA that is responsible for civilian space programs, aeronautics, and space research. Every aspiring scientist aims to be part of this esteemed organisation, but every applicant is eligible.

The first eligibility criterion to become a space scientist at NASA is that if you are not a citizen of the USA, you can’t work at NASA, but you can be a part of other International space partners if you match the criteria. Applicants must have a master’s degree in STEM courses, 2 years of professional experience in related fields, and the ability to pass NASA’s long-duration flight astronaut’s physical. Additional skills like Leadership, teamwork, and communication are a bonus. Your application is reviewed by NASA’s Astronaut Selection Board.

If chosen, applicants are called into small groups for interviews at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. Based on the interview performance, many applicants are called back for the second round of interviews, and then the final applicants are selected. While non-US citizens can’t work at NASA, here are NASA’s International Space Partners:

• Agencia Espacial Brasileira (AEB)
• Italian Space Agency
• Brazilian Space Agency
• Canadian Space Agency 
• Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales
• German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• European Space Agency 
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) 
• Russian Federal Space Agency

How to Become a Space Scientist after 10th

The foundation for becoming a space scientist is laid immediately after qualifying for class 10th. In order to become a space scientist, whether in ISRO or in NASA, you will be required to opt for the Science stream, in which Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics shall be the compulsory subjects.

Once you qualify for your 12th-class examination with these subjects, you immediately become eligible to pursue a career in this field. Later, you can select the institution of your choice offering space science courses by qualifying for the required exams.

Qualifications to Become a Space Scientist

To become a space scientist, you must have the required qualification, just like journalism graduates are not qualified to become a Civil Engineer; similarly, not all courses are qualified to become a space scientist. It is necessary to select the right course; you can pursue a course in STEM subjects, Engineering, etc.

You can either pursue a BSc, Btech, or BE degree and then pursue a Master’s and PhD or choose an integrated course as well.  Here is a list of popular courses for a career as a Space Scientist:

• B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering
•  B.Tech in Avionics Engineering
• B.Tech+M.S/M.Tech 
• B.Tech. in Engineering Physics + M.S. in Physics, Astronomy, or related field.
•  M.Tech. in Optical Engineering
• M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Science
•  Ph.D. in relevant disciplines

Courses to Become a Space Scientist After 12th

Here are some of the top courses to become a space scientist after the 12th class: 

Course Name	Duration	Eligibility
BSc in Physics/ Astronomy/ Astrophysics	3 Years	12th PCM
BTech in Aerospace/ Mechanical/ CSE	4 Years	12th PCM + JEE
MSc in Astrophysics/ Space Science	2 Years	BSc Degree
MTech in Aerospace/Remote Sensing	2 Years	BTech Degree
Ph.D in Space Science	3-5 Years	Master’s Degree

Top Colleges in India for Space Scientist Courses

India has some of the finest institutions offering the courses that are required to become a space scientist. Graduates from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology with marvellous academics are contacted by ISRO, while IIT graduates are hired in a placement drive by ISRO.

Here is the list of the top 10 colleges for Space scientist courses in India:

1. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
2.  Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
3. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Kerala
4. University of Hyderabad –  Centre for Earth and Space Sciences
5. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences
6. Nainital Indian Institute of Astrophysics
7.  Bangalore Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
8.  Pune National Centre for Radio Astronomy
9.  Pune Physical Research Laboratory
10.  Ahmedabad Radio Astronomy Centre

Top Institutions for Space Scientist Courses Abroad

You can also be a part of top institutions from around the globe, offering courses that will help you become a space scientist. Studying in the UK, USA, Australia, and Ireland has been among the Top Institutions for Space Scientist Courses Abroad. Here is a list of the courses:

Institution	Courses
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA	Bachelor of Science in Space Physics
University of Leicester, UK	Physics with Space Science MPhys (Hons)Physics with Space Science BSc (Hons)
University College Dublin, Ireland	BSc (Hons) in Physics with Astronomy and Space ScienceMSc in Space Science and Technology
University of New South Wales, Australia	Master of Space Operations
University of Bath, UK	Electronic Engineering with Space Science Technology BEng (Hons)Electronic Engineering with Space Science Technology MEng (Hons)
Temple University, USA	Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science with Teaching
University of Southampton, UK	Physics with Space Science MPhys
RMIT University, Australia	Bachelor of Space Science
Stevens Institute of Technology, USA	Master of Engineering in Space Systems Engineering
University of Kent, UK	Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics BSc (Hons)

Average Salary of a Space Scientist Abroad

Here is an average salary for a space scientist abroad. The salary structure includes the country-wise salary based on experience level: 

Country	Entry Level Salary	Experienced Salary
India (ISRO)	INR 600,000- INR 10,00,000	INR 1,500,000- INR 2,500,000
USA (NASA)	USD 70,000- USD 100,000	USD 130,000+
United Kingdom	GBP 30,000- GBP 50,000	GBP 65,000
Germany	EUR 45,000- EUR 80,000	EUR 100,000

Also Read: How to be ASO in MEA?

Space Scientist Salary in ISRO

If you go on to take up a job as a Space Scientist in ISRO, your average salary would be like-

Profiles	Average Salary
Distinguished Scientist	INR 75,500 -INR 80,000
Outstanding Scientist	INR 67,000 -INR 79,000
Scientist/ Engineer – H & G	INR 37,400 -INR 67,000
Scientist/ Engineer – SG	INR 37,400 -INR 67,000
Scientist/ Engineer- SF	INR 37,400 -INR 67,000
Scientist/ Engineer- SE & SD	INR 15,600 -INR 39,100

Popular Related Roles For Space Scientists

Here are some popular roles for space scientists. These positions are not only a job title, but come with major roles and responsibilities: 

• Astrophysicist
• Satellite Data Analyst
• Mission Scientist 
• Space Engineer 
• Research Associate 
• Instrumentation Engineer 
• Space Weather Specialist

FAQs

Related Reads

How to Become a Scientist in NASA?	A Complete Guide to Become Bio Scientist in India
Become A Pharmaceutical Scientist Abroad	How to Become an Astrophysicist In India? [Career in ISRO]
7 In-Demand Data Scientist Jobs in 2025	How to Become a Medical Researcher Internationally?

This was all about How to Become a Space Scientist. For more such helpful and informative articles, stay connected with Leverage Edu. And if you’re planning to study at a top university abroad, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today.