How to become a Mathematician: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary

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Bhaskar Nandi

Updated 3+ months ago

Mathematicians tackle economic, scientific, technical, and business problems using mathematical theory, computational approaches, algorithms, and cutting-edge computer technology. Mathematicians are broadly classified into two categories: theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. 

To become a Mathematician, aspiring candidates must complete Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in Mathematics Courses. Candidates aspiring to conduct research can choose to pursue PhD Mathematics from any of the top Mathematics Colleges across the country. Admissions to the top colleges are usually done based on entrance exams, however, some colleges grant admissions based on merit as well. 

The average fees for Mathematics courses usually range between INR 3 K – 1.5 L per year. Post completing a degree in Mathematics, candidates can get placed across various sectors such as Banks, Financial Institutions, etc with an average salary of INR 9.73 LPA. With gradual experience and updated skills, the salary of a Mathematician can go up to as much as INR 17.52 LPA. 

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How to Become a Mathematician: Quick Facts

Industry Education
Eligibility 10+2 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics
Average Starting Salary INR 1.92 Lakhs
Job Opportunity Business analysts, statistician, professor, Researcher, Coder etc.

All About Career as Mathematician

Mathematics provides career opportunities in various sectors and specialized fields. However, most of them are based within science and technology fields.

Eligibility

One must study mathematics at 10+2 level in his/her school. After this, the student needs to do a bachelor’s and master's degree in mathematics from a recognized university. Also, for students who want to pursue research or stay in academia, going for a doctorate degree is preferable. 

Entrance Exam

The schedule for top entrance exams for M.Sc Mathematics course are as follows:-

Entrance Exam Application Deadline Exam Dates
IIT JAM To be Announced To be Announced
CUCET  To be Announced To be Announced
CMI Entrance Exam  To be Announced To be Announced
NEST February  2024 – May 2024 June 2024
BITSAT January 15, 2024 – April 11, 2024 (Session 1)
May 22, 2024 – June 10, 2024 (Session 2)
May 19 to 24, 2024 (Session 1)
June 22 to 26, 2024 (Session 2)

Steps to Become a Mathematician

Becoming a mathematician is a fascinating and ambitious path that begins with the first and most important requirement: a thorough understanding and interest to pursue research on Mathematics. Following which the steps that must be followed to become a Mathematician are listed below for your reference,

  • Students must complete their bachelor's degree in mathematics from a reputable institution. To be able to enroll across top Mathematics colleges one must clear their Class 10+2 board exams with a minimum aggregate of 60% and above.
  • After clearing class 12 board exams one must sit for various Entrance Exams that are conducted across various Colleges and Universities such as IITs, NITs, and IISc.
  • Candidates can also pursue PhD in Mathematics, for which one must clear an entrance exam such as the CSIR NET or GATE. Aspiring candidates can apply for government-funded or autonomously-aided research institutes that specialise in pure research or the IITs for possibilities in applied mathematics. Apart from this one can also pursue additional dual degrees and courses including Joint M.Sc-PhD, M.Sc-M.tech, and other M.Sc-M.tech.

Types of Mathematicians

Although mathematicians can be of multiple types, two of the fundamental types mentioned below are the most demanded – 

  • Pure Mathematicians. - Tends to study the theoretical constructs in math. They focus on the philosophy and study of Mathematics.
  • Applied Mathematicians. - Works in the field of Science and Engineering. They can also apply their skills in Mathematics to work in other disciplines like Physics and Engineering.
Parameters Applied mathematics Pure Mathematics
Definition It is the application of mathematical methods by various fields such as Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Science, etc It is the study of topics like Number Theory, Algebra, Geometry, and Mathematical analysis.
Applications Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Differential or Integral Calculus Physics, Biology, Economics
Career Options Accountant, Computer programmer, Engineer, Investment manager, Lawyer, Theoretical mathematician, Numerical analyst, etc. Academic institutions and research institutes, aerospace, and transportation equipment manufacturers or service providers, Analytics and forecasting organizations etc.
Difficulty Level Easy Moderate

How to Become a Mathematician in India

To become a Mathematician in India is easy if one takes the following steps at various education levels:

School Level Preparation: At first you need to study mathematics at 10+2 level topics like statistics, algebra, linear differential equations, and calculations should be focussed the most.

UG Preparation: At this level, students can choose to sharpen a particular topic of their interest in which they want to pursue higher education. Also, students can prepare for IIT JAM/GATE and other entrance examinations to pursue their Master’s degree. 

PG Preparation: In postgraduation, students will pursue research and also submit dissertation projects. They can also publish their research in reputed national or international journals.  

Mathematics Courses

There are different Mathematics courses in India where one can study and progress their career as a Mathematician.

Associate's Degrees

  • The duration of the course is 2-years.
  • The eligibility to get admission into this course is a High School Diploma or GED.
  • The course has a combination of general education with math courses. 
  • An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree is received by the students after the completion of the course.

Bachelor's Degrees

  • BSc fees range from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 depending on the college.
  • BSc admission is done through both Merit and Entrance based conducted by various universities across India.
  • Top BSc Entrance exams include JET, NPAT, CUCET etc.
  • Full-time, Part time and Distant BSc are the most common types of BSc pursued in India.
  • Top Recruiters of BSc graduates are Pharmaceutical Industry, Technical Industry, Research Labs etc.
  • On an average, BSc salary ranges from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum.
  • After BSc, students have the scope of entering the job sector or either pursuing a Master's degree.

Master's Degrees

  • Master of Science is a 2-year PG science course that offers in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge in a wide range of scientific fields such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Pharmacy, and Nursing. 
  • Master of Science degree is offered by some of the top universities and colleges of India via both regular and distance modes. An MSc degree is mandatory for PhD aspirants. 
  • To pursue a Master of Science course, candidates need to have a few skills such as problem-solving skills, Analytical skills, research skills, etc. The MSc syllabus changes according to the MSc Specialization. 
  • The average fees for a Master of Science in India range from INR 6,460 to INR 1.10 Lakhs. MSc distance education is also available in India

Ph.D. in Mathematics

  • Ph.D. in a doctorate level degree can be pursued in a variety of specializations that fall under Engineering, Management, Commerce, Arts, Humanities, and the like.
  • Students get a host of PhD Jobs after they have completed their PhD Course. PhD colleges in India also provide stipends to candidates who clear NET/GATE. The average starting salary after PhD is INR 6,00,000 to INR 9,00,000.
  • Depending on their research goals and advisor, aspirants can choose any of the available specializations.

How to Become Mathematician Abroad

The beauty of Mathematics is that it is a universal language: wherever you are in the world, numbers remain the same, this makes it an easy subject to adapt to when studying abroad.

Educational requirements

Foreign universities usually allow students to do a masters in mathematics in their universities after graduation. To do a masters abroad, students need to meet the eligibilities of that particular country. For instance, in the US, students have to score decent marks on the GRE, must have a valid English language proficiency test score, a good resume, along with academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation to get admission.

Benefits of Becoming a Mathematician

Salary: The average salary of a good Mathematician in India is 30,000 INR per month. The starting salary is 16,000 INR per month. But as a Mathematician, your salary will keep on increasing with experience and you may get more than 100,000 INR per month.

Job Role Early Career (INR) Mid Career (INR) Late Career (INR)
Mathematician 30,000 60,000 2,00,000
Operations Research Analysts 50,000 80,000 1,50,000
Actuary 60,000 90,000 2,00,000
Statistician 30,000 70,000 1,50,000
Professor 25,000 60,000 1,00,000
Financial Analyst 30,000 55,000 1,50,000

Job Security: The job security is solid as mathematicians are playing a pivotal role in the industry also most of them are working for some top-class government bodies such as ISRO DRDO BARC etc.

Higher Studies: Even after doing fine in the industry can do a Phd in various fields of mathematics also one can do various projects while doing a job.

Skills Required for Mathematician

Critical thinking Construct logical arguments and expose illogical arguments
Problem solving Communication
Analytical thinking Time management
Quantitative reasoning Teamwork
Ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas Independence

Top Recruiters

Math majors develop analytical skills, knowledge of concepts and practical applications, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by public and private companies in every industry, including finance, computer and data science, and biotechnology.

Some of the top recruiters are:

Name of the Company Average Annual Salary (INR)
MU Sigma 6.39 L
TCS 9.04 L
Accenture 10 L
Amazon 15 L
EY 8.64 L
Capgemini 9 L
IBM 9.75 L
Deloitte 7 L

Salary of Mathematician in India 

The remuneration of a Mathematician in India generally depends on the number of experiences. As one gets more insights and number of years on his back the salary increases.

Average Annual Salary

Job Role  Average Annual Salary (INR)
Data Scientist 8.12 L
Machine Learning 6.91 L
Business Analyst 6.07 L
Blockchain Developer 8.01 L
Actuary 9.72 L
Economist 7.90 L
Statistician 5.08 L
Mathematician 9 L

Experience Wise 

Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
Fresher 1.92 L
Experienced 9.60 L

Scope for Mathematicians

Mathematics graduates have multiple scopes in various fields. Also, they can find job opportunities in various sectors. A few of the emerging sectors include – 

  • Academia
  • Industry
  • Banking and Finance
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Consulting
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Education and Outreach
  • Government and Research Organizations 

How to Become Mathematician: FAQs

Ques. Can a student from a commerce background apply to be a mathematician?

Ans. Yes, if you have studied mathematics at 10+2 level then you can apply to be a mathematician.

Ques. Can I do coding if I have a degree in mathematics?

Ans. Yes you can do coding and help in devolving computational codes for various codes.

Ques. Which is the best college for a degree in mathematics in India?

Ans. The best college for a degree in mathematics in India is ISI Kolkata.

Ques. Can I do an MBA after my UG degree in Mathematics?

Ans. Yes you can do an MBA after completing your UG degree.

Ques. What does it take to become a mathematician?

Ans. A Bachelor's degree in Mathematics is required to become a Mathematician. A Masters or Doctorate increases the employability.

Ques. Is being a mathematician a good career?

Ans. Math professions are becoming increasingly attractive. Jobs like Mathematician, Actuary, and Statistician jobs are among the most promising career paths.

Ques. How do I become a NASA mathematician?

Ans. Mathematical modelers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in mathematics, followed by a master's or Ph. D. degree in applied mathematics. Industry software certifications are also essential.

Ques. Are mathematicians in demand?

Ans. The overall employability of Mathematicians is projected to grow at 33%. Businesses will need these workers to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.

Ques. What are the top 5 math careers?

Ans. Top careers in Mathematics are Statistician, Actuary, Operation Research Analyst, Professor etc.

Ques.Is a PhD in math worth it?

Ans. Math PhD does have some value in the industry. PhD in mathematics allows in any sort of job that requires analytical thinking.

Master of Science [M.Sc] (Mathematics) : 32 answered questions

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Ques. How to apply for msc maths in iit madras.

● Top Answer By Meghna Das on 31 May 24

Ans. IIT Madras accepts IIT JAM scores for MSc Mathematics admissions.  Here are the steps to register for IIT JAM- Register at the JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS)-  https://joaps.iitm.ac.in/  . After successful registration, you’ll be sent an email and SMS containing your enrollment ID. You can then log in to your account using your enrollment ID and password. Choose your Test Paper and Exam City. Upload Photo, Signature, 10th standard (SSC) Marksheet, PwD & Category Certificate (if applicable). Fill out the application form and pay the IIT JAM application fee. After the payment is made, a dialogue box will appear to confirm that the application form has been received successfully. Once the JAM results are declared, if your name is in the merit list of IITM MSc. Mathematics admission, you can fill out the admission form on-  https://jam.iitm.ac.in/mscadm.php You can visit  https://jam.iitm.ac.in/mscadm.php  for all the details related to the entire MSc. Mathematics admission process at IIT Madras. Read more
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Ques. Is it worth pursuing an online MSc. in Mathematics from Lovely Professional University in terms of placements?

● Top Answer By Divya on 22 May 24

Ans. The Online M.Sc. in Mathematics is a 2-year (4 semester) program offered by Lovely Professional University at the PG level. This program provides students with cutting-edge mathematical training.  To gain admission in this course, candidates need to pass a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with mathematics as a subject OR they need to pass B.Tech., B.E., B.Sc.(Engineering) or equivalent UG program. The fee for online M.Sc. in Mathematics from LPU is INR 20,000 per semester.  The online M.Sc. in Mathematics at LPU is excellent in terms of placements. Top recruiters offer jobs to graduates from this program. Some top companies which offer placements for this course are  IndiGo Airlines, Kotak Bank, LIC, Oyo Rooms, Pantaloon, PayTM, Videocon, Vistara,  and many more.Read more
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Ques. How can I get a seat at LPU for MSc (Hons) Mathematics? What is the fee structure and are there any scholarships?

● Top Answer By Anmol Pundir on 14 May 24

Ans. MSc (Hons) Mathematics is one of the most rigorous programs at LPU. The program equips students with advanced mathematical skills and analytical thinking. They also have to undergo a dissertation according to the research centricity they have opted for.  Admission to the MSc (Hons) Mathematics course at LPU is entrance-based. To secure a seat, you have to appear in the LPUNEST or CUET entrance exam.  Apart from the entrance exam, you have to also meet the eligibility criteria which is 55% marks in a bachelor’s degree with mathematics as a subject or BE, BTech or BSc Engineering degree. The per semester fee is INR 50,000, making the total course fee to be INR 2 Lakhs. You can also avail scholarship through your performance in the LPUNEST exam.  The university takes care of up to 38% of the course fee through the scholarship based on your score.Read more
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Ques. How good is the course of MSc Maths from NIT Jamshedpur?

● Top Answer By Mayank Patel on 04 Sept 23

Ans. The Mathematics department of NIT Jamshedpur offers premium education in the field of Mathematics. It provides several courses like  MSc Mathematics hons.(pure & applied)  PhD program (part & full time). The department has around 12 highly qualified permanent faculty most of them being Ph.D. holders with a good knack for research knowledge. The faculty members are amicable and students can often be seen playing cricket with them on weekends. A few courses covered under this program are Introduction to Computer and Programming Numerical Analysis Complex Analysis Cryptography and number theory Real Analysis Fluid Mechanics Differential Equation Topology Linear Algebra A few companies that have recruited MSc Maths Students of NIT Jamshedpur are Resonance, Career Point, Awanti Pvt., Axis Institute, Fiitjee, Arka Jain University, Rao IIT, Infosys, etcRead more
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Ques. How are the placements for Msc maths students in NIT WARANGAL?

● Top Answer By Muktesh Shukla on 18 Aug 23

Ans. The job opportunities of an MSc Maths student at NIT Warangal depend solely on his own inclinations and goals. For instance, if you want to go for an IT job, you might receive some offers. However, because of the intense competition between MSc and MTech students, it will be hard to get a great package.  Here are the statistics that might give you a slight idea of the placement scenario of MSc Maths at NIT Warangal Particulars Mathematics & Scientific Computing Applied Mathematics Placements Percentage 95.6% 50% Highest Package INR 16 LPA INR 12 LPA Lowest Package INR 5 LPA INR 4.2 LPA Median Package INR 12 LPA INR 10.5 LPA Average Package INR 10.2 LPA INR 10.65 LPA If you want to enter Academica, you can ask one of your professors to write a letter of recommendation. So, the availability of job opportunities at NIT Warangal directly depends on you alone. Read more
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Ques. What are the questions asked in an interview for an integrated PhD (maths) at IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Monika Saha on 18 Jul 23

Ans. One of my friends appeared for the integrated Ph.D. Math at IISc Bangalore and shared her experience of the same. A total of 72 students had been shortlisted for the interview and her interview took place on the last day. As she entered the room, they asked for her introduction and her interest to which she told them it was analysis. She was asked the following questions Construct a differential function satisfying the following conditions, f(1)=f(-1)=o; f(0)=1, and f(x) is zero everywhere except (-1, 1) Group theory question wherein they gave her an order of the group and asked to check the elements of some order The entire interview was based on the above questions which my friend was not able to answer most of the time and thus did not get selected. However, she learned a lot from that interview and summed the entire experience in these points She learned a new problem-solving approach that requires breaking the problem into small cases. The panelists here are very friendly and you can even postpone your interview till the last day if you are not comfortable. The questions asked to a candidate are never repeated for other candidates.  So, overall the experience was very knowledgeable and I hope it's so for you too. Read more
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Ques. What is the admission process at Master of Science [M.Sc] BITS Goa?

● Top Answer By Yash Jain on 10 Jun 24

Ans. Eligibility for not just the course but the college in general is 65+ in PCM each in 12th boards and 75+ aggregate in PCM. The application form is available on the BITS Pilani website. BITS Pilani has no caste reservations at all. However, there is direct entry to boards state toppers. Exams are held in two sessions every year. There have been recent improvements in the exam process. I think increasing the number of centres for the exam could be an improvement.Read more
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Ques. What is the fees for Master of Science [M.Sc] in BITS Goa?

● Top Answer By Yash Jain on 10 Jun 24

Ans. Not sure about the increase policy but I guess it's like 5% each year. Complete cost of education is about 35-40 lacs. There are various scholarships. Some are Merit Scholarships and Merit-cum-need Scholarships.Read more
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Ques. How are the placements for Master of Science [M.Sc] (Mathematics) at BITS Goa?

● Top Answer By Yash Jain on 10 Jun 24

Ans. The placement is great. The average package is 30 lacs and the median is 30 lacs too. We have Practice School 1 and Practice School 2 which are basically internships, after 2nd and 3rd year respectively.Read more
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Ques. How is the course curriculum of Master of Science [M.Sc] (Mathematics) in BITS Goa?

● Top Answer By Yash Jain on 10 Jun 24

Ans. I have been very interested in mathematics from the start. That's what led me to choose the course. Of course, the placements are great too. The courses have been perfected by experienced and knowledgeable faculties over the last 60 years.Read more
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