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Sciencecomputer-science

AI ML Researcher

AI/ML Researchers develop new algorithms, models and theories in machine learning and artificial intelligence and publish findings or build prototypes. In India this career typically starts with strong computer-science/math undergraduate training (IITs, IIITs, BITS, top universities) followed by industry research roles or M.Tech/PhD at premier institutes.

Salary range
₹8–60 LPA
Job growth
very high
Work type
Hybrid
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Take structured programming and maths courses; practice problem solving
  • Start simple ML projects (classification, regressions) using online notebooks
  • Read popular AI articles and follow research labs (IIT/IIIT/industry blogs)

Your complete path from Grade 10 to AI ML Researcher

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

B.Tech (CS/AI) → M.Tech/MS(Research) → PhD
Science

After B.Tech, apply for M.Tech/PhD via institute exams (GATE) or direct institute admission and pursue research internships/publications.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    JEE Advanced or JEE Main or BITSAT or MHT CET
  3. Degree
    B.Tech (Computer Science / AI) 4 years → M.Tech or MS(Research) 2 years → PhD
  4. Colleges
    IIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · IIIT Hyderabad
  5. Career
    AI ML Researcher
B.Sc (CS/Math) → MSc → PhD / Research roles
Science

Strong maths and programming foundations enable transitions to ML research; seek summer research projects and publications.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    B.Sc (Computer Science/Mathematics/Statistics) 3 years → M.Sc / MS(Research) → PhD
  4. Colleges
    Delhi University · IISc Bengaluru · IIT Kanpur
  5. Career
    AI ML Researcher
Direct Research / Industry Research Scientist
Any Stream

Top industry research roles often hire MS/PhD holders with publications and internships; institute-specific tests and interviews are key.

  1. Now
    Any Stream Stream
  2. Exams
  3. Degree
    Master's or PhD in CS/AI/Statistics or relevant research experience (industry internships, publications)
  4. Colleges
    IIIT Bangalore · IISc Bengaluru · IIT Bombay
  5. Career
    AI ML Researcher

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
JEE Main
NTA
Class 12 PCMVery HardJan & Apr
JEE Advanced
IIT (rotating)
JEE Main top 2.5LVery HardMay
BITSAT
BITS Pilani
Class 12 PCM, 75%+HardMay-Jun
MHT CET
Maharashtra State CET Cell
Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred)MediumApr-May
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay
Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIIT Hyderabad
International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad
AutonomousHyderabad, Telangana
JEE MainUGEE
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
NIT Trichy
NIT Tiruchirappalli
Central GovtTiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
JEE Main + JoSAA
DU
University of Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
CUET UGCUET PGMerit-based
IISc
Indian Institute of Science
Central GovtBengaluru, Karnataka
JEE AdvancedGATEKVPY
IIT Kanpur
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Central GovtKanpur, Uttar Pradesh
JEE AdvancedGATEJAM
IIIT-B
International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore
Deemed UniversityBengaluru, Karnataka
JEE MainCOMEDKKCET
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.