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Explorer
ScienceAtmospheric & Oceanic Sciences

Meteorologist (IMD)

Meteorologists analyze atmospheric data, run numerical models and issue forecasts and warnings used by government, agriculture, aviation and disaster management agencies across India. Many work with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) or research institutes and combine field observations, satellite/radar data and modelling to predict weather and climate impacts.

Salary range
₹6–18 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Field / Office / Remote
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Continue with maths and science; aim for high marks in board exams
  • Participate in science fairs or small weather-monitoring projects
  • Start learning basic programming (Python) and statistics

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Meteorologist (IMD)

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

B.Sc → M.Sc → IMD / Research
Science

Enter B.Sc via CUET UG where offered; follow with an M.Sc and research internships to qualify for IMD scientist posts.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    B.Sc (Honours) in Atmospheric Sciences / Physics (3 years) → M.Sc in Meteorology/Atmospheric Science (2 years)
  4. Colleges
    University of Delhi · Banaras Hindu University · Calcutta University
  5. Career
    Meteorologist (IMD)
Engineering route (Numerical Modelling / Instrumentation)
Science

Engineering background helps with numerical modelling, instrumentation and remote-sensing; follow with M.Tech or M.Sc for specialist roles.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    JEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT
  3. Degree
    B.Tech / B.E. in Atmospheric / Applied Physics / Earth Sciences (4 years)
  4. Colleges
    IIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · BITS Pilani
  5. Career
    Meteorologist (IMD)
Direct M.Sc / Research institute entry
Science

Research institutes and national labs offer projects and training fellowships; M.Sc plus project experience is valuable for IMD recruitment.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    M.Sc in Atmospheric Science / Meteorology (2 years) — for graduates with relevant B.Sc/B.Tech
  4. Colleges
    IISc Bengaluru · Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune · Punjab University
  5. Career
    Meteorologist (IMD)

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
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

University of Delhi
Banaras Hindu University
Calcutta University
IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay
Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
IISc Bengaluru
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune
Punjab University
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.