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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
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
NIT Trichy
NIT Tiruchirappalli
Central GovtTiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
JEE Main + JoSAA
Delhi University
IISc Bengaluru
IIT Kanpur
IIIT Bangalore
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.