MSc: Course, Admission, Syllabus, Colleges, Jobs, Scope

  • By Sneha Dasgupta
  • 29 December 2021
label

5800 students unlocked their dream jobs with UG/PG programs in top colleges. Apply Now!

Those who have successfully acquired Bachelor's degree in science subjects are eligible to enrol themselves for a Master's degree. Students who have completed the 10+2+3 course can opt for a Master's. Some universities have set 50–55% marks in the undergraduate level as minor eligibility. If you want to enrol yourself for MSc, you must give the admission test and be shortlisted in the merit list based on marks obtained in the exam. The scope of MSc is challenging, and you can get hold of a respectable job in this area after concluding the program with decent grades.

About MSC Course

Master of Science is a postgraduate program offered by universities and colleges in numerous Science fields, such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Food, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, etc.

The MSc degree provides students with scientific and professional entry-level competency, and the course offers advanced knowledge to students in their selected specialization. The MSc specialization opted by students is usually studied by them during graduation.

MSc Course Details

Course Master of Science
Eligibility (10+2) and Bachelors of Science
Period Two years
Mode of course Regular/Distance
Initial Salary 5-6 lakh per annum
Advance Courses M.Phil, PhD
Similar Course MBA, MCA 
Employment prospects   Financial/government sectors, Database Manager, Teacher, External Auditor, etc.

Why an MSc?

Enhancing your qualifications and obtaining an MSc is a perfect means to showcase your potential in front of employers. It also reveals that you are eligible for a reputed position in the company, and you can handle extra responsibilities by adding value to it. Mentioned below are some resourceful points that will help you understand why doing MSc is vital: 

Credibility: Profit-making companies do not need employees who are liabilities; and instead, they need assets that can take their company to new horizons. Therefore, a master's degree is like a feather in the cap to be a valued asset. 

Essential professional expertise: Employees who possess expertise in a specialized segment are always in demand. Hence, one needs to take an extra mile in education to get the best, and a master's degree is a must, along with other short courses. Other skills are also instilled when obtaining a master's degree, such as innovative and inventive thinking, project management, data analysis, information technology, effective communication, problem-resolving, etc.

Significance: Master's graduates hold greater importance in their respective fields. Big business houses would like to hire the best employees with high skills and education to take their companies on the path of growth in this world of competition. 

Enhanced employability: A candidate's employability is one of the critical factors looked upon by employers. Master's graduates go through thesis, course work, and modules, and they develop meticulous skills of meeting stipulated deadlines, managing time, and possess organizational skills. These skills invite various employers.

Niche-based: Master's graduates have a little knowledge of everything and also about a specific segment. They are perfect to be consulted for the resolution of problems.

Who Should do an MSc?

Pursuing an MSc helps students enhance their knowledge and specialize in a particular discipline. It also boosts students' careers and enables them to add a little extra to their CV to help them stand apart in the world of employability. Students with an MSc qualification can crack more productive job prospects than students with a BSc degree.

Therefore, attaining an MSc degree is most advantageous for undergraduate students with a solid background in the science stream and who wish to acquire a competitive edge in the job market.

MSc Eligibility Criteria

As already mentioned above, all students need to hold a bachelor's degree in Science from a reputed college/ university. They should secure minimum marks in graduation, usually 50-60 per cent, to be eligible for an MSc degree. Although, the obligatory percentage might vary depending on the university's policy or institute in which a student is enrolling himself. Besides, there are no age criteria to get into the MSc courses.

MSc Admission Process

Numerous universities/colleges conduct exams for students in MSc programs. However, some universities/colleges also offer direct admission to those students who have performed relatively well in their previous qualifying exams.

Required Skills for an MSc

Choosing the field of Science is vital as it is one of the most competitive fields in academia. In this regard, MSc delves deep into studying the course. Besides, one should also possess soft and hard skills to stand out when pursuing career options apart from the MSc program. Some of these skills are listed below:

  • Innovative and creative thinking
  • Exactness in research
  • Technical and numerical skills
  • Mange time to its optimum
  • Handle work pressure
  • Meet deadlines
  • Resolve problems

MSc Specializations

MSc is an ultimate option for those students looking for specialization in a science or engineering discipline at the advanced level. You can specialize in various fields through an MSc degree. Some of them are listed here:

  • MSc in Physics
  • MSc in Economics
  • MSc in Atmospheric Science
  • MSc in Biological Sciences
  • MSc in Biotechnology
  • MSc in Botany
  • MSc in Chemistry
  • MSc in Clinical Psychology
  • MSc in Electronics
  • MSc in Environmental Science
  • MSc in Geology
  • MSc in Information Technology
  • MSc in Mathematics
  • MSc in Meteorology
  • MSc in Organisational Leadership
  • MSc in Zoology

MSc Entrance Exams in India

  • Indian Institute of Technology – Joint Admission Test 
  • Indira Gandhi National Open University Entrance Exam
  • Indian School of Mines Entrance Exam
  • Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology 
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences exam
  • University of Pune Entrance Exam
  • Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Entrance Exam 
  • Delhi University Entrance Test 

MSc Entrance Exam Syllabus

Here is a brief overview of the MSc entrance exams syllabus: 

Exam Syllabus
AGRIC  The AGRICET syllabus comprises three topics, i.e., Seed Technology, Agriculture, and Organic Farming. 
MCATEER PG CET The syllabus encapsulates theoretical topics covered in the UG courses for different streams. 
NEST The NEST syllabus comprises five sections: Biology, General Ability, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. A fair idea of the precise syllabus is essential to crack the exam. 
IIT JAM Syllabus. The IIT JAM exam syllabus is crucial in the preparation of the exam. Besides, it helps candidates apprehend the overview of questions asked in the exam and comprises of seven subjects, namely Mathematics, Geology Chemistry, Mathematical Statistics, Physics, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology. 
UPCATET The UPCATET syllabus is vital in preparing for the entrance exam for MSc. The questions from various topics are based on the course. 
OUT The OUAT syllabus is enormous and primarily based on the subjects candidates have studied at their undergraduate level, respective to their chosen field.
ICAO AIEEA The ICAR AIEEA syllabus is different for each course and categorically mentioned.

Top Colleges for an MSc in India

MSc colleges are always in demand as these are the institutions of the country providing a wide range of MSc degree specializations and job opportunities to the students. Mentioned below is the list of top MSc colleges in India and their fee structure:

S. No. Name of the College Fees  Address Hangout Packages
1 Jawaharlal Nehru University INR4,086 New Mehrauli Road, JNU Ring Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110067
Get Directions
Devi Kamakshi Mandir
B9 park
Qutub Minar
The average package offered: Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
2 St. Thomas College INR 3,980 St.Thomas College,
Thrissur - 680001, Kerala, India
Get Directions
Puravasthu Museum
Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple Thrissur
The average package offered: Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum.
3 Mumbai University INR22,650 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mantralay, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032
Get Directions
Marine Drive
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Gateway of India
Kanheri Caves
Global Vipassana Pagoda
Shree Siddhivinayak
Nariman Point
Elephanta Caves
The average package offered: Rs. 3-5 lakh per annum.
4 Savitribai Phule Pune University INR 21,000 Shivaji Nagar, Ganeshkhind, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra.
Get Directions
Phone: 0202-25696061, 25690062.
Pashan Lake
Pune University Chowk
University Circle
Modern College
Shivaji Putala (statue) University
The average package offered: Rs. 6.5 lakh per annum
5 Chandigarh University INR 1,00,000 NH-95, Ludhian, Chandigarh State Hwy, Punjab 140413
Get Directions
Parwanoo
Morni Hills Paradise
Nalagarh Fort
Kasauli Barog
Bharatgarh Fort
DorahaSolan
The average package offered: Rs. 7.5 lakh per annum
6 Kalinga University INR 76,000 Village Kotni, near Mantralay, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492101
Get Directions
Maa Sikhar Chandi Temple
Bajrang Vihar Talaab
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Indira Gandhi Park
Biju Patnaik Park
Lingaraj Temple
Udayagiri Caves
The average package offered: Rs. 6.5 lakh per annum
7 Jain University INR 1,02,500 #44/4, District Fund Road, Behind Big Bazaar, Jayanagara 9th Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069
Get Directions
Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneyaswamy Temple
Park - J.P Nagar
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
The average package offered: Rs. 7 lakh per annum
8 Wilson College INR 10,985 Chowpatty Seaface, Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
Get Directions
Chowpatty Beach
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
Sarovar Farmhouse
Hanging Garden
Mahalakshmi Temple
Mumbadevi Temple
Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir
-NA-
9 St. Mira’s College for Girls INR 49,629 6, Koregaon Road, Near Hotel Blue Diamond, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Get Directions
Osho Garden
ISKCON Pune Camp
Osho Teerth Park
The average package offered: Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum
10 Gaya College INR 3,040 Jail Rd, Ram Pur, A P Colony, Gaya, Bihar 823001
Get Directions
Vishnupad Temple
Kendui Ghat
Ratnaghara
Dungeshwari Hills
Tekari Raj Kila
Dungeshwari Cave Temples
Mukul Fort
Rajmandir Palace
The average package offered: Rs. 4 lakh per annum
11 University of Hyderabad  INR 9,255 India Post Lingampally CR Rao Road, Hyderabad Central University Rd, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046
Get Directions
Charminar Fort
Golconda Fort
Nehru Zoological Park
Ntr Gardens
C. Salar Jung Museum
C. Chowmahalla Palace
Indira Park
Krishna Kanth Park
The average package offered: Rs. 6-7 lakh per annum
12 Jadavpur University INR20,000 Jadavpur University188, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Rd ·
033 2457 2227
Get Directions
Victoria Memorial Hall
Mother House
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Park Street
Eco-Tourism Park
Howrah Bridge
Eden Gardens
Science City
The average package offered: Rs. 6-7 lakh per annum
13 Banaras Hindu University INR6,245 Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Get Directions
Panchganga Ghat
Nepali Temple
Scindia Ghat
Yoga Training Centre
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Ganesh Mandir Ghat
Beni Mahadev Temple
Alamgir Mosque
The average package offered: Rs. 7.4 lakh per annum
14 Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham INR 1,09,800 Amritanagar Ettimadai, Tamil Nadu 641112
Get Directions
Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple
Eachanari Vinayagar Temple
Gedee Car Museum
Brookefields Mall
Malampuzha Dam
Vellingiri Hill Temple
Wisdom Getaway Holiday Planner
Vaidyagrama Healing Village
The average package offered: Rs. 3.5 lakh per annum

Courses after an MSc

MSc is a foundation course for those students who wish to specialize in their respective Science subject areas. After successfully concluding their MSc program, such students can opt for Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Hence, they can shape their career in the research segment.

On the other hand, career prospects for those students who wish to acquire their jobs primarily depend on the MSc specialization they select. Nevertheless, such students can get a decent job in the private and government sectors. Furthermore, students can look for lab work positions and take up teaching as their career after finishing their MSc courses.

Jobs & Salary after an MSc

After graduation, job prospects for MSc students are available in both the public and the private sectors. With ongoing research and infrastructural development led by various public and private companies in India, the job opportunities are diverse, offering endless scopes. Options may differ for candidates who opt for higher studies, such as MBA, MPhil, or PhD.

Junior Research Fellow: Junior Research Fellow conducts research and analysis, publishes scientific work and its outcomes, and so on. Candidates are also usually involved in pursuing a PhD program and Junior Research Fellowship.    

Research Scientist: A Scientist designs, undertakes, and analyses information acquired from lab-based investigations and experiments. He can work in an environmental organization or a government laboratory, etc. 

Teacher: An MSc graduate can also opt to be a teacher in their respective Science subject. However, candidates need to pursue BEd after their post-graduation for the same.

Food & Drug Inspector: The food and drug inspector ensures the safety of humans' food products. He is also known as the quality control inspector, who examines food or pharmaceuticals at various phases of the manufacturing process and certifies quality standards.

Mathematician: A mathematician develops and understands mathematical philosophies and solves real-world problems in government, engineering, social sciences, business, etc.    

Biochemist: A biochemist plays a vital role in developing medicines to fight diverse diseases. He examines DNA, enzymes, and other molecules to study the effects of drugs and food on biological procedures.

Chemical Analyst: A chemical analyst gathers information about the composition of chemical substances and processes and converses this information through the mediums of Science, maths, and engineering. 

An MSc degree holder can get an average salary of Rs.30k to Rs.40k every month. Many companies in the public and private sectors offer a decent salary package to MSc degree holders. However, salaries also depend upon the working areas of the company, its size, location, qualification, etc. You will get a good salary package in this field through the requisite expertise.

Top Recruiters for an MSc Graduate

  • Deutsche Bank
  • HSBC
  • Credit Suisse
  • Barclays Capital
  • Goldman Sachs
  • BlackRock
  • BNP Paribas
  • Boston Consulting Group

Conclusion

Obtaining an MSc degree aims to attain further qualifications, knowledge, and skills to advance a career in a specific field. Another importance of holding it allows the candidate to shift career from one area to another.

Frequently Asked Questions About an MSc

Which MSc specialization is the best?

It is very challenging to select a particular subject for specialization. However, I consider MSc physics with astrophysics a great option. When you go for MSc physics, you will find various exciting concepts and discover fantastic subjects, such as condensed matter physics, quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, etc. 

What is the eligibility for MSc?

The candidate should have cleared Graduation in Science or alike from a reputed board/university.
The candidate must have scored a minimum of 60 per cent in the qualifying exam.
The candidates in the final year of their degree can also enrol in the MSc program.

What is the process of admission for an MSc?

Students must appear in and clear the entrance test to obtain MSc admission. Some universities give access without entrance exams, i.e., personal interviews and educational performance.

What is the duration of an MSc?

The duration of an MSc is two years, divided into four semesters.

What are MSc Courses?

Master of Science is a postgraduate program presented by colleges and universities for a duration of two years in numerous Science fields, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Food Sciences, Life Sciences, etc. 

Take the first step towards your dream job.

Enter a world of

Possibilities

Apply for graduate or postgraduate program and shape your career now!

Full Name
Mobile Number
I want to pursue