In the modern world, science is generally divided into three categories namely, formal sciences (computer science, statistics, mathematics, information science etc), natural sciences (including biology, chemistry, physics, etc), and social sciences (including economics, psychology, sociology, etc). These three categories incorporate a description of a phenomenon and the formulation of a hypothesis to explain it. Apart from the three categories, science courses incorporate three broad academic areas- Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The work of a Chemist revolves around studying the properties of different substances and how they react with other substances. A biologist studies living things (from humans to plants) and finally, a Physicist is the one who studies forces acting in the universe.

Who Can Opt for Science Course?

Studying science courses encourage and inculcates curiosity to find out the reasons behind why things/phenomena happen in a certain way. So, students who have completed their 10+2 from the science stream, are inquisitive and wish to make a science career field can opt for this course for their higher education.

Opting for a degree in science courses opens up a door to a variety of career options. Students can also become specialists or researchers in a specific field, depending on the science branch they opt for their bachelor's or masters. For instance, a degree in chemistry opens up career options in fields like petrochemical, healthcare, forensic science, pharmaceutics, etc. On other hand, any student pursuing a degree in physics can choose to work in fields like aerospace, computing, communication or automotive, so on and so forth.

Science Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for science courses differs across various program levels and depends on criteria set by various SII partner institutes. However, general eligibility criteria for different program levels of science discipline are as follows:

Eligibility for UG Science Course

A bachelor’s degree in science is a full-time course with a duration of 3 years and students can pursue it after completing their 10+2 in the science stream. The undergraduate science courses allow students to explore and choose from a variety of specializations like bio-sciences, biochemistry, health sciences, life sciences, applied physics, applied chemistry so on and so forth.

Eligibility for PG Science Course

A master’s degree in science is a full-time course with a duration of 2 years. Students interested in post-graduate science courses can pursue them after completing their undergraduate degree in any subject of science. Some of the many science branches available under the M.Sc course include environmental science, zoology, computer science, mathematics, physics, geology, geophysics, etc.

Eligibility for PhD Science Course

PhD is a doctorate level degree and the students can pursue it after their post-graduation in the science discipline. It focuses on the research of the science subject chosen by students for a doctorate degree.

**Note: The eligibility for various science courses under this discipline differs across institutes. Therefore, students should check the eligibility requirements through the ‘Courses’ tab at the time of applying.

Science Course

The Study in India partner institutes offer commerce discipline across 3 program levels, namely - Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD wherein the students can pick from a bunch of courses available.

UG Level

There are three undergraduate science courses offered by Indian institutes namely, B.Sc and B.Sc (Honours). The Bachelor of Science degree focuses on the study of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Whereas, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) focuses on in-depth knowledge of the science subject chosen by the student like mathematics, physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, etc.

PG Level

The two-year postgraduate degree in science is suitable for students who wish to specialise in any of the science subjects (like physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, etc). Pursuing master's degree in Science is a valuable addition to a student’s academics and they get access to good career opportunities.

PhD Level

PhD in any science subject is a research-based course wherein the curriculum focuses on thorough observation, experiments or modelling. Once the course of study gets completed generally students are required to submit their thesis work on the chosen concept/topic.

Science Branches

The Study in India partner institutes provide science courses across many areas of specialisation. A comprehensive list of science branches is mentioned below in the table. Students wishing to pursue higher education in Science in India should apply to Study in India Programme.

Science Subjects and Syllabus

The curriculum for different science courses depends on the program level, branch/ specialisation chosen by students for their higher education degree. However, a general overview of science subjects at the UG and PG levels is as follows.

UG Level:

Students opting for Bachelors of Science after their 10+2 are generally taught science subjects such as Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Statistics, Quantum Physics, Computer Programming, Physiology & Anatomy, etc (depending on the subject combination taken).

PG Level:

Students opting for a Master’s of Science degree provide a deep understanding of the subject chosen for specialisation and prepare the students with industrial skills. The syllabus and subject taught under the M.Sc course vary across different branches. For instance, students pursuing M.Sc Mathematics study subjects like Real Algebra, Complex Analysis, Mathematical Statistics, Differential Geometry, Electromagnetic Theory, Special Theory of Relativity, etc. Whereas students pursuing M.Sc in Physics are taught subjects like Classical Mechanics, Biophysics, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism & Electronics, etc.

Admission Process for Science Courses in India

The students aspiring to make science careers such as research scientist, Biochemist, food snd drug inspector, chemical analyst, statistician, assistant professor, etc, science courses across three (UG, PG and PhD) disciplines by applying to the Study in India Programme. The process to apply is as follow:

Most Popular Courses in Science

As per the trend from the past couple of years here are some of the most popular branch choices of the science courses under the Study in India Programme:

A. Mathematics

In today’s time, mathematics is one of the most popular science branches involving the study of quantity, shapes, order, quantitative calculations, and logical reasoning. There is no denying that mathematics as a subject is a building block for most of the things we access or use in our daily lives. Some of the specialisations related to it are mathematical sciences, mathematics, applied statistics and informatics, mathematics and computing, etc.

B. Chemistry

Chemistry is the science branch concerned with the study of properties, structure, and composition of matter. It involves the explanation of how different substances interact with other substances and how they undergo transformation. Some of the specialisations related to it include chemical sciences, biochemistry, chemistry research, etc.

C. Physics

Physics is another branch of science courses that involve the study of how gravitational, nuclear force and electromagnetic fields originated and how objects behave under the influence of different types of forces. In a nutshell, it incorporates the understanding of the inorganic world. Some of the specialisations related to it include physical chemistry, physician assistant, physics research, medical physics, etc.

D. Biology

In simple terms, biology is the subject concerned with the study of life and structure, origin, evolution, growth as well as distribution of various living organisms. It helps to understand how living organisms function and interact on multiple levels. Some of the specialisations related to it include bioscience, biotechnology, biomedical genetics, botany, zoology, microbiology, etc.

E. Nursing

Nurses play an exemplary role in the healthcare sector because they take care of the patients. Students choosing nursing courses are trained in skills required of all the nurses such as how to administer medicines to the patients, decent bedside manners, and how to observe the patient’s responses to medications.

F. Computer Science

Computer Science involves the study of data structures, algorithms, computers, network designs, hardware, and software. A few fundamentals of computer science are drawn from mathematics and engineering as well. Some of the specialisations related to it include computer applications, computational science, computer technology, information technology, etc.

G. Geology

Geology is the subject involving the study of the structure of Earth, its constituent materials, and the organisms that have existed on the planet. The work of geologists revolves around understanding the history of Earth and then trying to estimate how events of the past could influence the future.

H. Environmental Science

Environmental Science is concerned with understanding a wide range of topics such as alternative energies, pollution control, management of natural resources, and the effects of global climate change. Therefore, the main area of study revolves around the analysis of environmental problems and solutions.

I. Forensic Science

Forensic Science, also called, is related to the study of applying scientific methods or processes to criminal or civil matters. The work of forensic scientists to find, preserve and investigate the scientific evidence during an ongoing investigation. Most of their work is done in laboratories but they might have to go to the crime scene to collect evidence.

J. Data Science

Data Science is a fast-growing interdisciplinary subject field that focuses on data collection for concluding useful insight and finally use for business growth. The subject curriculum generally consists of three fields of study namely, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Modelling in Data Science covering topics like business intelligence, data structures, mathematics, statistics, algorithms, etc.

Popular UG Science Courses in India

Students who have completed their 10+2 from the science stream with a subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or Computer Science can choose from a variety of UG science courses for their higher education in India. From science branches like computer science, physics, and chemistry, to environmental sciences or biotechnology, students can choose from a wide range of courses. Apart from these B.Sc (General) course is also quite popular wherein students have to opt for 3 science subject combination (like PCB, ZBC, etc) for their bachelors. Some popular UG science courses available in India are mentioned in the table below:

Popular PG Science Courses in India

A master’s degree in a science branch helps to give a boost to the professional careers of students. It focuses on extensive learning of a particular subject/field. For example, a student can pursue master's in Botony, Zoology, Genetics, Molecular and Cell Biology, etc after completing a bachelor's degree in Biology. While there is a number of subject-specific PG courses available under the science discipline, students should opt for the course that fits their respective academic and professional goals. Some of the popular PG science courses available in India are mentioned in the table below:

**Note: Before applying to the SII Programme, students must confirm if the concerned science course of their choice is offered in the current academic year or not.

Career Options

Since there are many science branches/specialisation, pursuing a science course opens door to a multitude of career options for students. Some of the science careers are mentioned in the table below.

Science: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the eligibility for taking admission in Science courses?

The minimum requirement for pursuing an undergraduate degree in Science is 10+2 (higher secondary), for pursuing a postgraduate degree it is graduation, and for pursuing a PhD degree, it is a master's degree (in a science subject). However, you should check the specific eligibility criteria for different science courses at the time of applying.

2. Top 10 career options after pursuing a Science course?

• Scientist
• Physicist
• Data Analyst
• Teachers / Lecturers
• Chemist
• Nutritionist
• Researcher
• Nurse
• Ecologist
• Laboratory Technician

3. How can I get admitted to a science course in India?

International students looking to apply for science courses in India can register themselves with the Study in India Programme and follow the application process.

4. What are the popular Science branches?

Some of the popular science branches offered by Indian institutes are-

• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Computer Science
• Nursing
• Geology
• Environmental Science
• Data Science
• Biotechnology

5. Do I need to be from the Science stream to apply for a Bachelor of Science course?

Yes, you need to be from the Science stream to apply for a B.Sc degree.

6. Are the Science courses theoretical in nature?

No, most of the science courses are both theoretical and practical in nature.

7. I like Science, what career should I pick?

The choice of science career depends on the subject you choose for pursuing your undergraduate degree. For instance, if you pursue graduation from biotechnology then you have multiple options to choose from in the pharmaceutical industry like Biomedical Engineer, Biochemist, Medical Scientist, Clinical Technician, Microbiologist, Biopharma, Biotechnological Technician, Microbiologist, etc

8. Is Science a difficult stream?

The science courses are not difficult and it depends on your interest as well. Moreover, Science courses create a sense of curiosity, and excitement and prove helpful if you wish to take up research in different fields.

9. Which science career will be in demand in future?

A list of some science career options that will be in demand in future includes the Medical field, Research and Food Industries, Agriculture and Food Industries, Biomedical Engineering, Solar and Wind Industries, Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics and Cyber Security, etc.

10. What are the eligibility criteria for admission in B.Sc.?

The minimum eligibility criteria for taking admission in B.Sc is 10+2 (preferably in the Science stream). However, you should check the specific eligibility criteria at the time of applying.

11. What are the eligibility criteria for admission in M.Sc.?

The minimum eligibility criteria for admission in M.Sc is a graduate degree in any subject of science. However, you should check the specific eligibility criteria at the time of applying.

12. Can I do a B.Sc in Mathematics as a student from a commerce background?

A few of the Study in India partner institutes provide B.Sc in Mathematics to a student from a Commerce background. But, it is advisable to check the specific eligibility for science courses at the time of applying.

13. Can I do an MBA after BSc?

Yes, you may pursue an MBA after B.Sc.

14. Which is better, BSc or Engineering?

The choice between B.Sc and Engineering depend on your personal interest i.e if you are more inclined towards non-technical aspects of Science then you may opt for B.Sc whereas if you are more inclined towards technical aspects of Science then opting for Engineering is a good option.

15. Is there any difference between a B.Sc degree and a B.Sc (Hons) degree?

Yes, the main difference between B.Sc degree and B.Sc (Hons) lies in the syllabus of the courses. Additionally, B.Sc (Hons) is more specialised compared to a B.Sc degree.