Scientific Assistant
Hands-on worker who supports scientists and research teams as they conduct research and develop new products and technologies.
Overview
Scientific Assistants are the hands-on workers in scientific fields. The duty of a Scientific Assistant is to provide support to the scientist or a team of researchers to conduct research, develop new products and technologies.
Where they work
- India Meteorological Department
Work environment
It is a desk job. You will not head a team. Local travel is not a part of the job profile. You will typically work 5 to 6 days a week, 7 to 8 hours per day. Shift system may be applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have an interest in science
- You like to analyse problems/situations
- You like to have clear instructions to follow while working
- You pay attention to details
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.Sc.) in Physics/Computer Science/Information Technology/Computer Applications and then take the SSC IMD Scientific Assistant exam.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and then take the SSC IMD Scientific Assistant exam.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in the same or related discipline and then take the SSC IMD Scientific Assistant exam.
Forms, exams and applications
Scientific Assistant posts in the India Meteorological Department are filled through the Staff Selection Commission's recruitment examination when it is notified. Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and dates are set in each notification — check the official Staff Selection Commission notification.
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
This course is offered by the Department of Science. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC and AICTE before applying.
Government institutes
- St. Stephen's College, New Delhi
- Hindu College, New Delhi
- Miranda House, New Delhi
- Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Nizam College, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Jai Hind College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Indus International University, Bathu, Himachal Pradesh
- Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
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
- 1Scientific Assistant
- 2Senior Scientific Assistant
- 3Scientific Officer I
- 4Scientific Officer II
- 5Scientific Officer III
Expected income
₹35,400 – ₹1,12,000 per month
The figures are indicative and subject to change. The card gives this as the pay range of a Scientific Assistant in IMD, citing an IMD manual; check the current official notification for pay and allowances.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Meteorologist
Studies the atmosphere to forecast weather, and how atmospheric and weather conditions affect the Earth and its people.
Physicist
Studies how matter and energy interact in the physical universe, and plans and runs experiments to test theories.
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.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- 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
Amol Veer — Described in the source as a Scientific Assistant at the India Meteorological Department, Aurangabad. He has a Bachelor's degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from MIT Aurangabad and a Master's degree in Mechatronics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Patna.
Source: a personal interview, as credited on the printed card — no public page to link to.
This 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 845 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://internal.imd.gov.in/section/rti/MANUAL_10.pdf
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 845; the contents list gives 847. Christ University, listed under government institutes, is a private university and is shown under private institutes; Madras Christian College and Jai Hind College, also listed under government institutes, are privately managed colleges. The case-study source is a commercial contact-data directory, so the link is not shown.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.