Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) is a chain premium research institute in India that has the tag of Institute of National Importance. The rigorous academics and cutting-edge research prepares students to become a world-class researcher. IISER offers a flagship five-year long BS-MS program along with other programs like PhD and Integrated PhD.
One of the main questions that every IISER aspirant has is about the opportunities after IISER. Many are concerned about the salary and packages one can receive after completing the rigorous five-year-long degree program. Others want to know what jobs students are offered upon graduation. So, this article contains all the information on the same.
SciAstra YouTube Video: Salary & placements after IISER, NISER | What after BS-MS by NISER student
How IISER Prepares You for a PhD?
Unlike other colleges, IISERs are not built for placements. IISER is built for students who are passionate about exploring basic science and conducting fundamental research. Hence, many IISERs do not have a dedicated placement cell. So, unlike engineering colleges, you won’t find companies on your campus interviewing you and offering you 9 to 5 jobs.
Instead, most of the IISER students apply for a PhD rather than a job. But Ph. D. is not just another degree program but a work-study program. During your PhD years, you will have to conduct your own research under an established researcher who will be your principal investigator. Doing a Ph. D. at a prestigious institute and lab can earn you a nice stipend.
IISER students have an upper edge in PhD applications and are often preferred over other graduates both in India and Abroad. PhD positions secured after IISER are fully funded – meaning that all your expenses, including tuition fees and living expenses, will be covered by a grant or fellowship.
Ph.D. in Foreign Countries:
Good profile and academics during IISER can land you into Ivy League colleges. Favorite destinations for PhD for IISER students have been MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Max Planck, ETH Zurich, etc.
In the United Kingdom. The average tenure of PhD is around four years. The average stipend is 18,662 pounds or INR 19.36 Lakhs per year. This much is enough to cover your living expenses, and you’ll still be able to save 50k to 80k per month.
In other countries of Europe, the project tenure and funding are the same as in the UK, but the stipend varies with different countries. For example, Denmark offers an average stipend of INR 51.67 Lakhs per year. In Norway, the average annual stipend is INR 49.75 Lakhs per year. In general, students are able to save around 50k to 1 Lakh per month easily.
In the United States, you have to be a Teaching Assistant for a year or two and the actual PhD starts in the third year. The duration of a PhD, on average, can be four or six years. The average stipend is 15,000 to 30,000 USD per year, which translates to INR 12.5 to 25 lakh per year.
PhD in India:
Obtaining a PhD in India is a little more difficult than in foreign countries. IISERs, IITs, IISc, TIFR, and NCBS are popular choices for PhD in India. The average stipend is around 31,000 to 37,000 per month, which is enough, considering the cost of living in India.
Qualifying exams like GATE and CSIR offer an upper edge while applying for a PhD in India. However, many IISER students can secure a PhD position without having qualified GATE and CSIR.
What After PhD?
If you want to remain in academia after your PhD and become a professor, you will have to do a post-doc in a lab or research institute. The duration for Post-Doc varies from one to two years. The average stipend offered abroad is INR 3-5 lakhs per month, whereas in India, you can expect the stipend to be around 57k to 74k per month. After completing your Post-Doc, you can apply for faculty positions at different universities.
You can also join the Industrial Sector after completing your PhD as a Research Scientist and expect an average salary of INR 7.8 lakhs per annum in India. Scientists and Life Scientists in the U.S. and Canada can earn around INR 98.5 lakhs per annum. Depending on your discipline and Industry, the average varies a lot. Following is a table comparing the average salary for different industrial roles.
| Role | India (INR) | Abroad (INR) |
| Data Analyst | 5 lakhs per year | 66.63 lakhs per year |
| Bioinformatician | 4.5 lakhs per year | 25 – 72.4 laksh per year |
| Lab Chemist | 2.5 lakhs per year | 59 – 62 lakhs per year |
| Lab Technician | 2.5 lakhs per year | 53 – 65 lakhs per year |
| Clinical Trials Coordinator | 5.4 lakhs per year | 35.8 – 83.29 lakhs per year |
| Life Sciences Consultant | 5.7 lakhs per year | 82.4 lakhs per year |
MBA-
Many IISER students also appear for exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT to pursue an MBA. Qualifying for these exams can guarantee your admission to premium institutes like IIMs, XLRI, SIBM, or NMIMS. The average package after the completion of an MBA is INR 20-25 lakhs per annum.
Government Jobs-
There are several options for jobs in the public sector after IISER. You can join as a Scientific Officer in government research institutes and labs. In NISER, students with a good CPI can appear for a BARC interview directly, which offers a starting salary of around INR 1 lakh per month, along with multiple amenities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also offers an average salary of INR 1 lakh per month to scientific officers upon entry. In ISRO (Read our blog on how to get into ISRO by clicking here), the starting salary is 85k to 1 lac per month.
Teaching And Coaching-
Ed-tech giants like Physicswallah and Unacademy always hire people with Masters or PhDs with good teaching skills. as their faculty, and being from IISER can give you an upper hand in getting recruited by these companies. You can also join other coaching institutes.
The starting salary over here varies from 40k to 1 lac per month, but there is no upper limit in this sector, and the pay depends on your expertise.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) stands as a beacon for those passionate about fundamental science and research. While not designed for traditional placements, IISER propels its students into a world of possibilities, with a strong emphasis on pursuing Ph.D. opportunities globally. The institute’s graduates find themselves well-prepared for diverse paths, whether it be academia, industry, government jobs, or even the entrepreneurial realm. IISER’s impact extends beyond research, fostering individuals who contribute significantly to education and various sectors, embodying the institute’s commitment to holistic growth and excellence.
FAQs:
- How to get into IISER?
To get into IISER, you need to appear for IAT. IAT is a computer based test which needs preparation. SciAstra offers the best courses that prepare you for the IAT.
- What is the most common career path for IISER graduates?
While many IISER students pursue PhDs, there are diverse options like research scientist roles in the industry, government jobs, teaching, and even entrepreneurship.
- Is it easy to get into an Ivy League PhD program after IISER?
IISER graduates have a strong chance due to their rigorous academics and research experience. However, the application process is competitive.
- What are the funding options for PhD programs abroad?
Most PhD positions are fully funded, meaning tuition and living expenses are covered by fellowships or grants. Stipend amounts in different countries like the UK, Europe, and the US are mentioned in the article.
- What are the salary expectations after a PhD in India vs. abroad?
You can expect significantly higher figures in foreign countries when compared to India.
- Can IISER graduates pursue careers outside academia and research?
Definitely! Options like MBA are open, and securing positions in top institutes like IIMs can help you get packages of INR 20-25 lakhs per annum after an MBA.
- What are some government job opportunities for IISER graduates?
Scientific Officer positions in research institutes and labs, BARC (starting salary INR 1 lakh per month), DRDO (average INR 1 lakh per month), and ISRO (starting salary INR 85k – 1 lac per month) are all mentioned as possibilities.
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