Description
Oceanography is for those who love the sea and are fascinated by the multitude of life it supports and affects. A part of life sciences, oceanography includes study of currents, waves, plate tectonics, geology of the sea floor and all the chemical and physical processes related to the oceans. India has about 600 oceanographers, excluding researchers in the industry.
Requirements
Study science (preferably with maths) in Class 11 and Class 12. The entry requirements for masters in oceanography vary. Universities ask for bachelors/masters in various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geology, marine geology, marine geophysics, etc. or associate membership of the Institution of Engineers in specified branches. After masters degree, candidates need to pass the UGC-CSIR national eligibility test (for basic sciences) or the graduate aptitude test in engineering (for engineering) to enroll for a PhD programme
Job Prospects
An entry-level scientist with a masters/or PhD degree earns a gross salary of around Rs. 30,000 per month. The pay can go up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per month at senior levels. In addition, almost all scientific institutions under the Government of India provide additional benefits such as free medical assistance (for the scientist’s family, too), leave travel concession, leave encashment (limited) on retirement etc. In academic institutions, the entry-level salary will be at par with an assistant professor’s pay
Pros & Cons
It is interesting work and can have great impact in solving environmental problems. It can be highly stressful at times.
