MSc

Master of Science is a two-year post-graduate program which offers advanced knowledge in a number of specialized science fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, botany, mathematics, zoology, nursing, pharmacy etc. MSc degree provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to the students in their respective field.

MSc course is offered by the majority of colleges and universities across the country. Distance learning MSc courses are also offered by various distance learning universities. MSc is a vital degree for those who are planning to go for doctorate programs and research work in the future. MSc course helps students to gain in-depth knowledge of a particular subject which gives a boost to their careers and makes them job-ready. 

MSc Overview

Master of Science is abbreviated as MSc. MSc is a very famous course and is offered in almost all the prestigious colleges and universities in India. MSc course is opted by the students who want to make their career in science stream.

Msc course is offered in many domains such as Engineering, Information Technology, Nursing, Management, etc. MSc syllabus is divided into 4 semesters and the MSc subjects list includes topics like - Applied mechanic, computer science, biotechnology, etc. There are many famous MSc colleges in India in both private and government sectors. MSc fee varies from college to college. The candidates need to check the eligibility criteria for MSc admission as it varies from college to college. There are some entrance exam conducted for MSc admission by some famous universities and colleges.

Master of Science Highlights

Some of the major highlights of MSc course are given below:

In order to pursue the MSc course, the candidates will have to fulfil the eligibility criteria given below:

• The candidate must have passed graduation in Science or equivalent from a recognized board.
• The candidate must have acquired a minimum aggregate of 60% in the qualifying examination.
• The candidates who are in their final year of degree can also apply for admission.
• Candidates will have to choose the MSc specialization based on his/ her subject in BSc.

The MSc course  admission is done in two ways. The candidates can check the MSc admission process given below.

Merit-Based: The merit-based admission to the course is done directly on the basis of score obtained by the candidate in the qualifying examination. Some colleges also prepare a cutoff list based on the qualifying examination for admission.

Entrance Based: The entrance based admission to the course is done on the basis of score obtained by the candidate at a national level, state level or college level entrance exams. The admission is done through the counselling process.

MSc Entrance Exams in India

There are many entrance examinations conducted at national level and university level for taking MSc admission. The students must know about the different types of entrance examination conducted for Master of Science in a variety of streams. Some of the popular entrance examinations required for taking Master of Science admission are listed below. 

JNUEE- Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination is conducted annually and it is a university level examination. This entrance examination is helpful for the students who are willing to pursue any course in Master of Science from prestigious JNU. 

BHU PET- Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test entrance examination is conducted by Banaras Hindi University for postgraduate programs in multiple courses including Master of Science. The entrance examination is conducted in the month of April- May and the results are updated online on the official website along with counseling dates.

BITSAT- It is a national level entrance examination conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test for admission to various courses including Master of Science.  

TISS NET- Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test is conducted annually by the institute for taking admission in postgraduate courses. Master of Science is one of the prominent courses being offered by TISS. The test is conducted online for 100 minutes where students need to attempt 100 questions.  

DUET- Delhi University Entrance Test is conducted by Delhi University to offer admission in different colleges that offer Master of Science courses. Though many colleges in Delhi University take admission on the basis of merit, some colleges grant admission on the basis of DUET. 

MSc Examination Preparation Tips

MSc admission requires effective preparation for getting into reputed MSc colleges like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University. The candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for MSc course in order to fill the application form. 

The candidates must go through the points mentioned below that will help them in preparing for Master in Science entrance examinations. 

• The candidates are expected to start preparing for the MSc entrance examination in advance. They must keep a check on general aptitude and general science. 
• Candidates must solve last few year question papers and solve all the model papers available online and on the official website of the exam conducting body. 
• In case of computer-based entrance tests, candidates must be exposed to mock tests so that they are familiar with the set up and do not make any mistakes while appearing for the paper. 
• The difficulty level of the question is average and more than 60 percent of questions are very simple for the MSC entrance examination. The questions are analytical based and some of the questions around 20 percent are also a little difficult. 

MSc Top Colleges in India

MSc courses are extremely popular in India as there is a basket of science courses that gets covered as part of Master of Science. If the students have the knowledge about the best MSc colleges, it will be easy for them to prepare for entrance examinations and apply to different MSc colleges of their choice. The students can check the list of top MSc colleges in India.

Types of MSc Courses

MSc course is an evergreen popular course that is liked by the students. The increased demand for higher studies by the recruiter and better salary packages after doing MSc degree in several streams has resulted in various types of courses being offered at postgraduate level. The common ways to do MSc by the students are mentioned below. 

MSc Full Time Regular Course- Master of Science in any stream is offered as a regular full time course by most of the colleges in India and abroad. The full time course is usually of 2 years duration but some colleges also offer MSc course for up to 4 years. The full time course is a preferred mode as most of the science related courses require practical exposure also. 

MSc Distance Education- MSc in distance education is offered by many prestigious colleges and universities and the duration off the course may range from 2 to 5 years and that depends upon the offering institute. Even though MSc in a distance mode is not a very good option, it is still opted by working professionals and those who want to do such a course but cannot afford the fee structure. The MSc admission to distance mode is taken on the basis of merit as well as entrance based. 

MSc Online- Master of Science is also available in an online mode to the students. The online mode of education at postgraduate level is mainly offered by the colleges and universities from outside India. MSc online courses are also available for a duration of 2-4 years which depends on the college where the students have planned to take MSc admission. The MSc admission process is mainly merit based for online courses. As MSc online is mainly offered by foreign universities, the average MSc course fee structure varies from 6 Lakhs to 10 Lakhs per annum. 

Difference between MSc Distance and MSc Online

Master of Science is usually opted by the students in regular full time mode. However, the students can also choose to study MSc Distance or MSc Online depending upon the availability of the desired courses. While MSc Distance is available to students by Indian universities, MSc Online is offered only by foreign universities. The students can check the basic difference between MSc Distance and MSc Online as given below. 

MSc Specialisation

MSc course is versatile and there are multiple specializations under MSc course. The students who have completed Bachelor in Science are eligible to choose from a wide range of specializations offered at Master’s level. The lists of popular specializations at MSc level are mentioned below. 

MSc Course Main Domains

There are many famous MSc degree domains but these are few important ones that are opted by the maximum students.

Master of Science in Engineering 

Master of Science in Engineering domain is a poplar course and is often abbreviated as MSc or MSE. It is a postgraduate degree also known as Master of Engineering. The course is offered as a full time course and the average duration of this course is 2 years. The duration also varies from college to college and it from 1.5 years to 4 years. 

The average MSc course fee in Engineering domain for ranges from 1 lakh to 3 lakh. The average salary of the students who does Master of Science ranges from 3 lakh to 8 lakh per annum. Some of the top colleges and universities that offer MSc course in Engineering are IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, etc. 

Master of Science in Information Technology 

MSc in information technology is a popular course in Master of Science. MSc in IT domain is offered in different modes like full time regular, part time and distance learning mode. The duration of the MSc course in IT is 2-4 years depending upon colleges that offer MSc Information Technology. The candidates must obtain a minimum of 60% marks in BSc in order to get MSc admission in  Information Technology. 

The average MSc course fee for doing IT ranges from 19,000 to 50,000 in different colleges. The students who complete their Master’s in Information Technology get respected jobs like Information Technologist, Computer Information Specialist, Application Programmer, Information System Manager, and many similar jobs. The salary structure is also very decent after completing MSc IT. Some of the popular colleges for doing MSc IT are IIT Delhi, IIT Mumbai, IIT Bangalore, RVCE Bangalore, etc. 

Master of Science in Management 

MSc Management courses are popular stream among students. The students explore different management techniques and principles during their MSc course in management domain. The management courses at master’s level are for 1-3 years duration. The students must have scored a minimum of 60% marks in their bachelors in order to be eligible to take admission in MSc course in Management domain. The admission to MSc Management is based on merit and personal interview. Some colleges also take admission through entrance examination. The management courses usually costs more than the other courses in Master of Science stream. 

The average MSc fee ranges from 25,000 to 8, 00,000 for Management domain. The salary structure after doing Master of Science in Management is also good and the students get up to 10 lakh per annum. The prominent colleges for doing MSc Management are GD Goenka World Institute, Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Mangalru, etc. 

Master of Science in  Data Science 

MSc Data Science is one of the demanding courses in the current scenario. In MSc Data Sience, the students learn the importance of data science, mathematics, and statistics. The students must have completed their graduation in BCA or BSc in Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science in order to be eligible for taking MSc admission for Data Science course.  

The average MSc course fee for Data Science differs from college to college and it ranges from 1.7 Lakh to 3.5 Lakh per annum. The salary structure after doing MSc Data Science is worth the effort put in for doing this course and it ranges from 10-12 lakh per annum. The renowned colleges for doing MSc Data Science in India are Vellore Institute of Technology, Loyola College, etc. 

Master of Science in Chemistry 

MSc Chemistry courses are popular because of the rise in pharmaceutical companies all over the world. The students of MSc Chemistry are taught all the aspects of Chemistry in detail such as physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. MSc Chemistry is two year postgraduate course that is job oriented in most cases as this course is curated in such a way that it opens opportunities for youngsters. In order to be eligible for taking MSc  admission in Chemistry domain, the students must have completed their graduation in Chemistry. The students must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in their graduation. 

The average MSc course fee for Chemistry domain ranges from 20,000 to 2 Lakh per annum. The average salary structure for the students who do MSc Chemistry ranges from 4 lakh to 10 lakh per annum. The top colleges offering MSc Chemistry in India are Hansraj College, Hindu College, Miranda House, etc. 

Master of Science in Nursing 

Master of Science in Nursing is a regular 2 year program at postgraduate level. It is a practical oriented course and the students learn about the application of nursing techniques. The candidates must possess a bachelor degree nursing in order to MSc Nursing. The course fee for doing Master of Science in Nursing ranges from 1.25 Lakh to 1.5 Lakh per annum. The admission to MSc Nursing is done on the basis of both merit and entrance based. The prospects after doing MSc courses are good as students are able to work in several sectors such as Healthcare centres, Nursing Homes, Medical Hospitals, Medical Colleges and Universities. 

The average salary of the students after doing MSc Nursing ranges from 2.5 Lakh to 4 Lakhs per annum. The top colleges that the students can target after doing MSc Nursing are AIIMS, New Delhi, JIPMER Pondicherry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, etc. 

MSc Syllabus will vary on the basis of specialization opted by the student. As there are many specializations under Master of Science, the MSc syllabus for the same will be dependent on the selection of the MSc subjects under a particular specialization. The syllabus of MSc normally includes core MSc subject list and elective subjects related to the course opted. The core MSc subject list are compulsory subjects and add value to the specialization while elective MSc subjects list include the important aspects of any specialization. All the compulsory core MSc subjects have both theoretical and practical aspects. 

MSc Required Skill

The students must possess these skills for pursuing an MSc course.

• Team building qualities
• Patience
• Problem solving qualities
• Hard working
• Observation skill
• Scientific skill
• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills

MSc degree opens many job opportunities for candidates both in the private and public sector. Students who have a keen interest in the research work can opt for a doctorate and research programs for jobs in colleges and universities. The suitable employment areas for MSc graduates are following:

• Agricultural Industry
• Chemical Industry
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Hospitals
• Research and Industrial Laboratories
• Testing Laboratories
• Geological Survey Departments
• Colleges/Universities
• Oil Industry

The demand for MSc graduates is on the rise because of various innovations in the field of science as it requires people with advanced skills and an eye for critical evolution. The salary package for the graduates differs from organisation to organisation. The entry-level salary of a fresher is between Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh. Listed below are the job roles for MSc graduates.

• Researcher
• Clinical Research Specialist
• Professor/ Teacher
• Lab Researcher
• Science Adviser
• Taxonomist
• Pharmacist
• Plant Biochemist

MSc Job Profiles in India and Salary Structure

MSc course is very significant as it provides jobs to the students who complete their postgraduate in Master of Science. There are several job opportunities with good salary packages in different areas of Master of Science. Some of the common jobs along with their profile and salary are mentioned below.  

Research Assistant- The job of the research assistant is to collect data and experiment in several medical and scientific learning. They assist the senior engineers and academicians in the laboratory. One of the key roles is to do lots of experiments and reach a conclusion with the help of collected data. The average salary structure of a research assistant is 3-4 Lakhs per annum. 

Scientist- MSc students also get an opportunity to work as scientists. The job of the scientist is to explore and experiment in different fields and make discoveries that will benefit mankind. Scientists make hypotheses, conduct tests on several items and reach a conclusion that is based on the proof. The average salary structure of scientists ranges between 9 lakhs to 12 lakhs per annum. 

Lab Technician- Lab technicians are accountable for all technicalities related to labs such as collecting of samples, conducting tests on teeth, body fluids, chemical compounds, biological specimens, etc. They also take support of various lab equipment, computer programs, and all other machinery to regulate their work. 

Professor- MSc students develop in-depth knowledge about science subjects and make their career in teaching. The job of the professor is to interact with young minds and impart knowledge to the students at colleges and universities. The professors have plenty of knowledge about the subjects that they teach. The average salary of the Professor is between 12-18 lakhs per annum. 

Field Officer- The main job of the field officer is to collect data for research purposes. The field officers are also responsible for making questionnaires and doing surveys among varied audiences for different kinds of projects. The salary of the field officer is 2.5 lakh to 3 lakhs per annum. 

Statistician- Their job is to apply statistical tools in all the data collected through different means. They analyze data via different means and derive a tentative conclusion based on the observed data. They also assist in decision making processes for many businesses. Their salary ranges between 3.5 Lakh to 4 Lakh per annum. 

Junior Software Engineer- They are responsible for fixing all the bugs related to the software. They enable smooth processing of all the systems that are used in an organization. The salary of a junior software engineer is between 4-5 Lakhs per annum. 

Quantitative Developer- The job profile includes developing financial modeling solutions that are related to quantitative finance and quantitative trading industry. They also prepare mathematical models to keep a check on stocks and trading. The salary structure of Quantitative developer ranges between 11- 12 lakhs per annum. 

MSc Jobs Options in Abroad

There are certain jobs that are available in different countries after pursuing Master of Science courses. The nature of the jobs varies from country to country and subsequently the salary structure also differs. The students can check the list of some of the job profiles that they can do in different countries and the average salary that they will get after doing Master of Science in different streams. 

MSc Scope 

There are multiple scope after pursuing Master of Science in both private and government sector in various departments such as Medical Laboratories, Biotechnology Firms, Academicians, Researchers, Food Institutes, Scientists, etc. With the advancement of science and technology and its application in various fields, the candidates after pursuing Master of Science apply for many top companies of the world for different positions in the area of research and innovation. Some of the popular organizations offering jobs to the students of Master of Science are ICAR, CSIR, ICMR, DRDO, BARC, ISRO, TIFR, NIF, etc. 

MSc Advance Courses

The candidates can check the options to pursue advanced courses after pursuing an MSc course.

Double Masters- In order to enhance better job opportunities and salary packages, many students opt for double masters and they mostly go for either a management program or opt for Masters in Technology as there are more job opportunities after doing MTech.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)- The students who are keen on doing research and get an additional degree post-graduation often look out for Master in Philosophy after doing Master of Science. MPhil enables better career opportunities in academics and research. Earlier, students used to complete their MPhil before pursuing Ph.D. 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)-After completing Master of Science, many students want to pursue PhD as it enables them to make their career as professor and they can teach in leading colleges and universities of India and the world against the vacancies announced by all the colleges and the universities. Ph.D. can be pursued in various fields of science and technology. 

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