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

One of the oldest and most fundamental science is mathematics. Mathematicians tackle economic, scientific, technical, and business problems using mathematical theory, computational approaches, algorithms, and cutting-edge computer technology. Mathematicians are broadly classified two categories: theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. These classes, on the other hand, are not well defined and frequently overlap. Theoretical mathematicians advance mathematical knowledge by discovering previously unknown links between current mathematical principles and establishing new principles. On the other hand, Applied mathematicians formulate and solve real issues in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life, and social sciences using theories and techniques such as mathematical modelling and computational approaches.

In order to become a Mathematician, aspiring candidates must complete Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree in Mathematics Courses. Candidates aspiring to conduct researches can choose to pursue PhD Mathematics from any of the top Mathematics Colleges across the country such as St Stephens College, Hindu College, Lady ShriRam Colleges for Women etc. Admissions to these colleges are usually done on the basis of Entrance Exams, however some colleges grant admissions on the basis of merit as well. 

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An average fees for Mathematics courses usually ranges between INR 3,000 – 1.5 LPA. Post completing a degree in Mathematics, candidates can get placed across various sectors such as Banks, Post Office, 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 upto as much as INR 17.52 LPA. Read More: Career as a Banker

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 degree in mathematics from a recognized university.

  • 10+2 level-75% overall score from a recognized.
  • UG level-65% in a ug degree of mathematics from any recognized university.

Check: MSc Mathematics Admission 2023

Entrance Exam

The schedule for top 5 entrance exams for M.Sc Mathematics course are as follows:-

Entrance Exam Registration Date Exam Date Exam Result
IIT JAM 2023 September 26, 2022 – April 25, 2023 February 12, 2023 March 22, 2023
CUCET 2023 1st week of February May 21, 2023 – May 31, 2023 1st week of July 2023
CMI Entrance Exam 2023 March 1, 2023 – April, 2023  May 7, 2023 June, 2023
NEST 2023 February 23, 2023 – May 21, 2023  June 18, 2023 July 5, 2023
BITSAT 2023 January 31, 2023- April 9, 2023 May – June, 2023 June, 2023

Steps to become a Mathematician

Becoming a mathematician is a lengthy and arduous path that begins with the first and most important requirement: a thorough understanding of the subject. Following which the steps that must be followed in order to become a Mathematician are listed below for your reference,

  • Students must complete their bachelor's degree in mathematics from a reputable institution. In order 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 entrance exam such as the IIT JAM. 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 include Joint M.Sc-PhD, M.Sc-M.tech, and other M.Sc-M.tech.

Types of Mathematicians

There are majorly 2 kinds of mathematiciAns.

  • 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, Engineering. They can also apply their skills in Mathematics to work in other disciplines like Physics and Engineering.

Applied Mathematics vs Pure Mathematics

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

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How to Become Mathematician in India

India has been the epicentre of great Mathematicians over the years.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 the topics like statistics, algebra, linear differential equations, calculations should be focussed the most.

How to Become a Mathematician After 12th

UG Preparation: At this level one must sharpen a particular topic of his/ interest in which he/she wants to pursue higher education, also students tend to prepare for IIT JAM to get the masters done from a top-notch institute.

PG Preparation: Here usually an individual will do the research and also projects and gets a good job if not interested in doing a doctorate in mathematics.

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, abbreviated as MSc, is a 2-years 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 mode. 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 alike.

Students get a host of PhD Jobs after they have completed their PhD Course. Few PhD colleges in India also provide PhD with stipends to the worthy candidates. The average starting salary after Phd is INR 6,00,000 to INR 9,00,000.

Before 2017, Doctor of Philosophy was pursued in a distance education mode, but now as per UGC, PhD distance learning has been revoked and it can be pursued only in full-time or part-time mode.

One can pursue PhD from IGNOU under INR 7,000 annually within a maximum duration of 5 years.

Depending on their educational goals, aspirants can choose any of the available specializations, which have been enlisted below:

  • Pure Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computational Mathematics 
  • Algebra and Number Theory
  • Topology and Foundations
  • Geometric Analysis
  • Analysis 
  • Probability and Statistics

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 masters in mathematics in their universities after graduation. To do a masters in foreign all you need is to crack the GRE for the given university and prepare a good resume to get admission.

  • English proficiency test: IELTS or TOEFL or PTE
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • GRE is however not compulsorily required but is acknowledged at many universities as an advantage.
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • College Transcripts

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

Higher Education: Mathematicians can opt for various courses to enhance their skills and move into advanced studies. There are a wide variety of elective courses available. Some are listed below:

Courses Mechanics Measure Theory
Complex Analysis Fractal Geometry Fluid Dynamics
Discrete Mathematics - -

Start Job: Mathematics graduates are in high demand by employers in many sectors as they are perceived as having proven intellectual rigor, strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to tackle complex tasks. 

Some popular careers with a mathematics degree include:

Accounting Engineering
Banking Actuarial
Research Statistician
Profession Operations

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) : 18 answered questions

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Ques. Should I go for M.Math program at ISI Kolkata?

● Top Answer By Ritwik Patnayak on 16 Sept 21

Ans. M.Math is quite thorough in different ways, it is best not to end up opting for it without vital information. As a brief interpretation, you really do not require programming skills to further opt for the M.Math course.  A very intensive knowledge of linear algebra, real analysis, and basic abstract algebra is required prior to joining the M.Math course. Despite that, the course is very challenging.  The academic background does not necessarily affect the course you are about to take up. There are students who arrive from an engineering background.  It is best to go through the coursework of Mathematics and decide whether or not you are inclined towards it or not.  M.Math students usually secure placements at a variety of companies, but achieving that howsoever is extremely difficult. Thus, choose only if you are confident. Read more
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Ques. What's the reputation of the South Asian University in Delhi for an MSc in applied mathematics?

● Top Answer By Suhani Kashyap on 23 Jun 21

Ans. South Asian University is a central funded government university. According to my friend studying there, It is not only an exceptional university in India but only one among the records of international universities in the world. This international university was established by a member of the SAARC. It was a dream project of Dr. Man Mohan Singh which he had proposed in the 13th SAARC summit held in Dhaka. It was later in the 14th summit that the establishment of this university was decided to be held in India. It provides courses of Applied Math, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Development Economics, International relations, Sociology, and Legal Studies. Its permanent campus is under construction in Maidan Garhi, Delhi while being operated from Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri. SAARC consists of 8 countries which are India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Therefore, the degree given by the university is recognized by the UGC of all 8 countries. The tag of SAARC attached would benefit your career in foreign countries as well. SAU has its own limitations as it is a new university. SAU is yet to be known among the scholarly and creating its name. Due to its less popularity, the entrance competition is not very tough. However, students prefer IITs, DU, and JNU for their post-graduate studies ignoring the high-level facilities provided at SAU.Read more
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Ques. Should I opt for an M. Sc. Math course in BITS Pilani?

● Top Answer By Trina Saha on 22 Jul 21

Ans. You are perhaps going for one of the most difficult streams of M.Sc, which is, of course, Maths. Few of my friends are studying there and as they have mentioned, by the time you reach your third year, one of the subjects in Maths would have a good number of theorems. The next thing you would have is coordinate geometry as a part of your Maths 1. This would come in handy while solving double/triple integrations. However, this is still the base of things. It gets complicated ahead- although, not sure if that would be in the third year essentially. Perhaps for better clarity, you should try and reach out to someone who is actually doing his/her M.Sc from BITS Pilani Now, when it comes to application and coding Mathematics, the wisest combination to opt for is M.Sc Maths along with CS. By the time you become a pro at coding, these math concepts wherein you studied geometry might come in handy for the applications that you would use. Try and sustain a CGPA of 8+, if you are genuinely serious about carrying along with CS as a second subject option. My friends mentioned that students who are carrying along two degrees at the same time have CS as their ultimate aim. There were a few friends of mine who with a double degree, either ended up slogging into semesters, achieved CS with hardly any effort, and eventually, some of them had to choose chemical/civil out of sheer compulsion.Read more
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Ques. How is the integrated MSc at BIT Mesra?

● Top Answer By Arun Biswas on 12 Apr 23

Ans. If you are interested in pursuing a career in research, the integrated MSc program offered by BIT Mesra is a great option to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind: The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics in mathematics, computing, physics, chemistry, and food technology. This provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of science and prepares them for advanced study and research. One of the unique features of the program is that it offers an exit option after the third year , allowing students to leave with a BSc degree if they choose to do so. This is not available at many other colleges and can be helpful for those who may want to pursue other options after completing their undergraduate studies. If you choose to continue with the program and complete the full five-year integrated MSc, you will have the opportunity to specialize in mathematics and computing , which is equivalent to a computer science degree. This specialization can be particularly useful if you are interested in pursuing a career in software development or data science. While placements should not be the primary focus of a science degree, the mathematics and computing specialization at BIT Mesra has a good placement record . Students who work hard and excel in their studies can expect to have job opportunities available to them after graduation. The Integrated MSc program at BIT Mesra is a rigorous and demanding course of study. It requires a strong commitment to hard work and dedication to succeed. However, for those who are passionate about science and research, it can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience.Read more
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Ques. Will SBI Bank give a education loan to a student of MSc Maths at Bits Goa?

● Top Answer By Vatsal Mishra on 09 Aug 21

Ans. Yes, SBI will give you an education loan irrespective of your choice of course. Most importantly, it is not important whether you are a student or not at BITS Goa. SBI offers loans to all students studying in famous and recognized colleges.  Usually, education loans are provided mostly for Professional courses at post-graduation level. You must check whether BITS Goa is listed or not. You can do so by visiting the nearest SBI Branch. Getting an education loan in BITS Goa isn't that tough. The loan will be sanctioned without any obstacles.Read more
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Ques. Am I eligible to go for a Ph.D. after I do an MSc in Math through distance learning from Annamalai University? Is the Annamalai distance education UGC recognized?

● Top Answer By Harsh Aggrawal on 19 Nov 22

Ans. In December 2012, the Central Government directed that the responsibility for carrying out the regulatory functions of distance education be transferred from the Distance Education Council (DEC) to the University Grants Commission (UGC). Thus, the UGC is the country's sole regulating body for distance education, and it has granted approval to institutes to offer courses that must adhere to certain standards and guidelines. The UGC compiles a list of approved Distance Education universities in India using a three-tiered process:   1. scanning institutional data, such as infrastructure, faculty, delivery systems, and student support systems. 2. expert visits to institutions; and approval of programs based on content, quality, and effectiveness. 3. The course's self-instructional nature. Annamalai University is a distance education learning university. Students who have completed any post-graduate course recognized by the UGC in humanities, social sciences, computer science, electronics, and so on are eligible to apply for the NET/ JRF exam. They must have received a minimum of 55% on their post-graduate exams. So, if the distance learning program is approved by the UGC or the Association of Indian Universities, you can apply for the NET/ JRF exams with confidence.Read more
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Ques. Which is better, BITS Hyderabad for an MSc. in maths or Vasavi College of Engineering for a CSE?

● Top Answer By Jeet Shah on 24 Mar 23

Ans.  If you're trying to decide between pursuing a Master of Science in Mathematics at BITS Hyderabad and a Computer Science Engineering degree at Vasavi College of Engineering, here's some information that may help you make an informed decision. If finances are not a major concern, it may be a good idea to choose BITS Hyderabad's MSc Mathematics program over Vasavi's CSE program. The reason for this is that in the second year of the MSc Mathematics program, you will be allocated a BE degree. If you have a good CGPA in your first year of the MSc program, you may be allocated a good B.E. degree, such as in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) or any circuit branch. This is significant because a B.E. degree from BITS Hyderabad is highly regarded and could provide a good return on investment in terms of career opportunities and earning potential. Additionally, BITS Hyderabad has a reputation for providing quality education and exposure to industry-relevant skills and knowledge. It's important to note that while a good CGPA can increase your chances of getting a desirable B.E. degree at BITS Hyderabad, there is no guarantee. Additionally, pursuing an MSc in Mathematics and a subsequent B.E. degree may require more effort and time commitment than pursuing only a CSE degree at Vasavi College of Engineering. Ultimately, the decision between BITS Hyderabad's MSc Mathematics program and Vasavi's CSE program depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and financial situation. It's recommended that you research and compare the programs, their admission requirements, course curriculum, faculty, and placement records before making a decision.Read more
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Ques. Which is better, Applied Mathematics at IIT Roorkee or Mathematics and Computing at ISM Dhanbad?

● Top Answer By Raghavendra Sachdeva on 14 Apr 23

Ans. Both IIT Roorkee and ISM Dhanbad are reputed Engineering institutions offering excellent education as well as opportunities. Being an IIT, Roorkee does have a slight advantage over ISM, though ISM too is going to be an IIT one day. The infrastructure of both institutes is equally good with IIT Roorkee having a slight advantage over ISM because of its early establishment. However, ISM is fast developing and has a beautiful campus. It’s going to house Asia's largest library soon. Branch-wise, both Applied Mathematics and MNC comprise Mathematical concepts but with a different perspectives. Applied Mathematics has pure math and only those who want to pursue research in the same should go for it. MNC on the other hand is a blend of Maths as well as Computing (coding) and is more in demand than Applied Mathematics. Its scope is also wider than APM and has better placement opportunities. Eventually, it’s a matter of preferences and not the credibility and worth of the branch that you should focus on.Read more
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Ques. How good is Pondicherry University for MSc in Mathematics?

● Top Answer By Ajita Pathak on 28 Sept 21

Ans. I have a few friends from the Mathematics department of Pondicherry University. Here is what they had to say about the department.  The Mathematics block is known as the Ramanujan School of Mathematical Sciences.  The school aims to impart quality academics to students in different sections of Mathematics and Statistics, through different post-graduate study programs in Mathematics and Statistics.  These two departments of the school have an extremely qualified faculty, alongside a well-established infrastructure with the inclusion of decent laboratories. The institute also has excellent computing facilities.  The research activity that’s being carried out as of now is in various emerging disciplines. Students, in addition, also secure placements in several MNCs.  This is everything that you should be aware of about Pondicherry University. Hope this helps answer your question.Read more
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Ques. How is the mathematics department of NIT Jalandhar for MSc students?

● Top Answer By Himanshu Yadav on 08 Dec 22

Ans. The Mathematics department of NIT Jalandhar is newly established and so not at par with the M.Tech. department. The faculty is not that experienced either and you will find assistant teachers more. Most of the NITs don't have faculties of varied expertise for the MSc program. Moreover, placements are also just average. Most of the students apply for teaching jobs or Ph.D. So opt MSc in Mathematics only if it is your last choice. But if you have already joined it or are adamant about joining it then these tips will help you make the most of the course: Keep in touch with the Mathematics fraternity around the world Attend Mathematics seminars and conferences which will give you a better understanding of the subject and its applications. Initiate things on your own during college seminars, departmental events, or technical fests. Lastly, focus on your academics You can make the most out of the resources of this department even if it is lacking in many aspects.Read more
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