Computer Scientist
Works on the theoretical side of computation — the study of computing itself, not the hardware.
Overview
Computer Scientists work on the theoretical side of computation, as opposed to the hardware side which is the focus of hardware engineers. Although computer scientists can also focus their work and research on specific areas (such as software engineering, computer graphics and so on), their foundation is the theoretical study of computing.
Where they work
- Health Care Technology
- Scientific Research Firms
- Educational institutions
- Social Media Companies
- Software and Computer Manufacturing Companies
- Government Sectors
- Financial Service Providers and so on
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can pursue freelancing in this domain.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You demonstrate strong analytical skills.
- You possess programming proficiency in Python, Java, C++, etc.
- You apply problem-solving ability effectively.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.Sc./BCA/B.E.) in Computer Science/Information System
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.Sc./MCA/M.E.) in the same field
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Computer Science. This list of Institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
- Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, New Delhi
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, New Delhi
- College of Applied Science, Kundara, Kollam, Kerala
- Government Engineering College, Bikaner, Rajasthan
- East Calcutta Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Annai College of Arts and Science, Valathur, Tamil Nadu
- AD Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Nagar, Gujarat
- All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bangalore City College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
- Bonnie Foi College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Computer Scientist
- 2Senior Computer Scientist
Related careers to explore
Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Uses AI and machine learning techniques to build applications and systems for organisations.
Data Scientist
Collects, analyses and interprets data to help an organisation make decisions.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths, Computer Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to coding.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Geetha Manjunath — An Entrepreneur and Computer Scientist. She is the founder and CEO of NIRAMAI Health Analytix, a Bengaluru based start-up that provides non-invasive, radiation free breast cancer screening through AI. She has a BE in Computer Science and Engineering and a PhD in Data Mining, Semantic Web from IISc. She was awarded the Computer Society of India Gold Medal, TR Shamanna State Award from Karnataka and was named as one of the top 50 NASSCOM IT Innovators in 2009 and was also the winner of 2010 MIT Tech Review Grand Challenges for Technologists in Healthcare category.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 631 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Computer_Scientist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The contents page lists this career on printed page 633, but the card is on 631.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.