The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) are a chain of research institutes in India that focus on fostering a scientific temperament among students. Known for their rigorous academic curriculum and cutting-edge research opportunities, IISERs prepare students for diverse career paths. Although many IISER aspirants do not know the diverse career paths that are available to an IISER graduate. In this blog, SciAstra has explained the various career opportunities available to IISER graduates, including potential salaries and placements.
Do you want to know what Life is like at an IISER? Click here.
Academic and Research Careers:
Pursuing a Phd.
A significant number of IISER graduates opt for further studies, primarily PhD programs. IISER’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in research, making them ideal candidates for doctoral studies. The choice of institution for a Ph.D. is limitless. Some of the prestigious universities where IISER students have gone for PhD include MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Max Planck, and ETH Zurich.
The details of different PhD programs and the average stipend for different countries are given below:
- United Kingdom: PhD programs in the UK typically last four years, with an average stipend of 18,662 pounds per year (INR 19.36 lakhs). This stipend is sufficient to cover living expenses, with potential savings of 50k to 80k per month.
- Europe: Countries like Denmark offer an average stipend of INR 51.67 lakhs per year, and Norway offers INR 49.75 lakhs annually.
- United States: In the US, PhD students often serve as Teaching Assistants for the first two years, earning stipends ranging from USD 15,000 to 30,000 per year (INR 12.5 to 25 lakhs).
- PhD in India: In India, PhD opportunities at institutions like IISERs, IITs, IISc, TIFR, and NCBS offer stipends between INR 31,000 to 37,000 per month. Qualifying exams like GATE and CSIR can provide an advantage, although many IISER students secure PhD positions without these qualifications.
Post-Doctoral Research-
PostPh.D., those wishing to continue in academia often undertake postdoctoral research. The duration for postdoctoral positions varies, typically lasting from one to two years. Average stipends are given below:
- Abroad: Postdoc stipends range from INR 35 lakhs per month.
- India: Stipends are around INR 57,000 to 74,000 per month.
Industrial Research and Development-
Graduates interested in industrial research can pursue careers as research scientists, data analysts, or roles in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Here are some average salary expectations:
- Data Analyst: INR 5 lakhs per year in India; INR 66.63 lakhs per year abroad.
- Bioinformatician: INR 4.5 lakhs per year in India; INR 25 72.4 lakhs per year abroad.
- Lab Chemist: INR 2.5 lakhs per year in India; INR 59 62 lakhs per year abroad.
- Lab Technician: INR 2.5 lakhs per year in India; INR 53 65 lakhs per year abroad.
Government Jobs-
Several government job opportunities are available for IISER graduates. These include positions as scientific officers in research institutes and labs. Average salary expectations are listed below:
- BARC: Starting salary of INR 1 lakh per month.
- DRDO: Average salary of INR 1 lakh per month.
- ISRO: Starting salary ranges from INR 85,000 to 1 lakh per month.
Teaching and Coaching-
Educational technology (ed-tech) companies and coaching institutes highly value IISER graduates for their teaching expertise. Starting Salary in this sector ranges from INR 40,000 to 1 lakh per month. There is no upper limit in this sector, with pay depending on expertise.
Science Communication and Writing-
Graduates with strong writing and communication skills can explore careers in scientific communication, editing, or writing for scientific journals and magazines. These roles require a portfolio of writing samples and may benefit from additional courses in scientific communication.
How Can I Get More And Latest Information on IISER?
Are you an IISERite or an IISER aspirant? You must have realised that there is an information gap about IISER, NISER and other research-related queries on the internet. Do not worry. SciAstra is here to keep you updated about different news related to not just IISER but also NISER, IISc, CEBS, and other institutes and exams for research students. To keep connected with us, simply follow the following steps:
- Subscribe to us on YouTube.
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How Can I Get Into IISER?
Now, after reading this blog, if you are convinced that there exist good career opportunities after IISER, you must plan to get into IISER. So, how can you get into IISER? You don’t need to worry much because SciAstra has the answer. To get into IISER, you must appear for a competitive exam called IAT. Preparing for an exam as competitive as the IAT requires dedicated study and a clear understanding of concepts. SciAstra offers comprehensive courses designed to help IAT aspirants excel. These courses include:
- Expert Faculty: Most of the faculty members at SciAstra are IISER and NISER graduates. They, themselves, have cracked these exams and, hence, know it better than anyone.
- Practice Tests: SciAstra courses consist of regular mock tests that simulate the actual exam environment and help improve time management and accuracy.
- Personalised Mentorship: SciAstra provides unique one-on-one sessions to address individual doubts and customise learning plans.
Which SciAstra Course Should I Choose For IAT 2025 and IAT 2026?
If you are an IAT aspirant who is looking for a program, SciAstra has recently launched two courses that can help you excel in IAT. These two courses are Vikram 1.0 and HOMI 2026. Details of these courses are given below:
Vikram 1.0 Batch 2025-
Key Features of Vikram 1.0 Batch 2025:
- Comprehensive Curriculum:
- Detailed coverage of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
- All SciAstra books are provided in PDF format.
- The complete syllabus of the 12th will be covered along with the revision of the 11th syllabus.
- Personalised Mentorship:
- One-on-one mentorship sessions to address individual learning needs
- Continuous guidance and motivation from mentors throughout the course.
- Private telegram group of the course
- Special doubt-clearing groups
- Resource Accessibility:
- Access to research study materials, question papers from previous years, and practice questions.
- SciAstra app for easy access to course content and additional resources.
- Focused Preparation for NonMath and NonBio Students:
- Emphasis on non-maths and bio students
- Strategies and tips for tackling complex questions and improving performance.
HOMI 2026 Batch-
Key Features of Homi 2026 Batch:
- Curriculum:
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- Complete Syllabus of 11th
- Best course for IISc, NISER, IISER, etc
- Special guidance for non-biology and non-mathematics students to excel in competitive exams
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- HighQuality Study Materials:
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- Best research-level study materials
- All 8 SciAstra Books in PDF format, featuring the best theory and question bank
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- Interactive Learning and Support:
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- Weekly interaction sessions with flexible timings
- Private Telegram group for course participants
- Special doubt-clearing groups for each subject (PCMB)
- Interaction and seminar talks with top researchers and scientists
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- Holistic Development:
- Meditation and stress buster sessions to help cope with exam pressure
Enroll Now! Click here to learn more about these courses.
Conclusion:
IISER offers a detailed and intense education, making its graduates ready for many careers, whether in higher education, industry, government, or starting their own businesses. Alumni are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen areas, thanks to the broad opportunities available that match their skills and passions.
IISER is ideal for those serious about science and research, focusing more on preparing students for global Ph.D. programs rather than direct job placements. Its graduates are ready for a variety of paths, including academic, industrial, government jobs, or entrepreneurship, reflecting the institute’s goal of overall growth and excellence.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world, like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI, ISI, IISC Bangalore, etc., teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!
