Is an MSc in Physics after BTech a better option for research career in India?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of pursuing an MSc in Physics after completing a BTech degree in India, particularly in the context of research career aspirations. Participants explore the implications of choosing between established institutions like IITs and newer ones like IISER, as well as the eligibility criteria for MSc programs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the value of pursuing an MSc after a BTech, citing limited options for Physics programs in India and questioning whether a BTech provides a strong enough foundation for further studies.
  • Another participant notes that the eligibility of a BTech for MSc programs depends on the specific prerequisites required by the institutions, mentioning that engineering students are often accepted if they have the necessary courses.
  • Some participants assert that a BTech from a respected Indian university qualifies for MSc programs, referencing the Indian Institute of Science as a reliable source of information.
  • Concerns are raised about IISER's accreditation status, with some participants suggesting that its newness should not deter applicants if it aligns with their academic goals.
  • One participant claims that many esteemed institutes in India do not allow MSc after BTech, suggesting that a BTech may be considered equivalent to an MSc, thus allowing direct entry into PhD programs through exams like NET-JRF or GATE.
  • A participant inquires about the specific eligibility criteria for MSc programs, expressing confusion about how to determine if their coursework meets the requirements.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about the reputation of IITs and the successful transition of Indian engineering graduates to graduate programs in the U.S.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of pursuing an MSc after a BTech, with some asserting it is a valid path while others argue that it may not be necessary or accepted by all institutions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best course of action and the implications of choosing between different educational paths.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the accreditation status of IISER and the specific eligibility requirements for MSc programs, which may depend on individual institutions and their recognition of engineering degrees.

Chairman Lmao
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Hi everyone.

I am in a big dilemma. I want to do a PhD andtake up research in Physics as a career. The trouble is there are not many good colleges for Physics in India apart from the IITs(I qualified, but couldn't get a Physics seat). The next best option for Physics for me is the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research(IISER)( a Govt. college established only about 2 years ago). One career counsellors told me that doing a BTech from an established college(I have got an Electrical Engineering seat in NIT- a famous college in India) and then going for MSc will be better than joining a new institutue like IISER, because of the amount of exposure I get. Is that really true? Will a Btech give me a strong enough foundation? Pls reply asap.

Regards,
 
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What this really depends on is whether or not the B. Tech. will qualify you as a pre-requisite for the M.Sc. program you're interested in. Where I'm from (Canada), technology "degrees" are really just community college diplomas and won't qualify you for graduate school. However, by the way you're describing it, it sounds like B.Tech. from a respected Indian university is basically an undergradute engineering degree. This may or may not qualify you for a master's program in physics. At my institution, I know we generally accept engineering students (and historically they do quite well), so long as they have the necessary prerequisite courses.

If the IISER college is an accredited university, (i.e. will be recognized by the M.Sc. programs you're interested in), I wouldn't let the fact that it's new discourage you from going that route - especially if that's the program you really want to take.
 
Choppy said:
What this really depends on is whether or not the B. Tech. will qualify you as a pre-requisite for the M.Sc. program you're interested in. Where I'm from (Canada), technology "degrees" are really just community college diplomas and won't qualify you for graduate school. However, by the way you're describing it, it sounds like B.Tech. from a respected Indian university is basically an undergradute engineering degree. This may or may not qualify you for a master's program in physics. At my institution, I know we generally accept engineering students (and historically they do quite well), so long as they have the necessary prerequisite courses.

If the IISER college is an accredited university, (i.e. will be recognized by the M.Sc. programs you're interested in), I wouldn't let the fact that it's new discourage you from going that route - especially if that's the program you really want to take.


Yeah, a BTech in India will make you eligible for MSc programmes; I have checked it up with Indian Institute of Science which is the best place in India for research.

IISER is not an accredited university yet, but it will soon be coz the Govt is really determined to improve Science ducation in India. They have earmarked Rs. 5 billion for IISER for the next five years. Also, IISER only offers 5-year "Integrated MS" courses that will qualify you for a PhD direstly. The last year of the 5-year course will be totally dedicated to research. You will have to go to one of the premier research institutes(IISc, TIFR) and do a research project.
 
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simply no way if you are opting for specialization in fields related to pure physics...MSc after BTech is not allowed in most of the esteemed institutes of india...as many of them consider a BTech degree to be equivalent to a MSc. so u have the choice of directly opting for a PhD...through exams like NET-JRF, GATE...but obviously u can go for MSC(eng) at IISc...check out the sites of the institutes...here goes the link for IISc:
http://www.iisc.ernet.in/admissions/research.htm
 
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I'm doing B.Tech in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. I checked out the website for eligibility of admission through JAM. They say that one should have a "Bachelor's degree with Physics as a subject for at least two years/ four semesters and Mathematics for at least one year/ two semesters." How would I know if I've studied physics as a main subject or not? I mean how would I know if that's what they wanted? Please help me out!
 
Chairman Lmao said:
Yeah, a BTech in India will make you eligible for MSc programmes; I have checked it up with Indian Institute of Science which is the best place in India for research.

IISER is not an accredited university yet, but it will soon be coz the Govt is really determined to improve Science ducation in India. They have earmarked Rs. 5 billion for IISER for the next five years. Also, IISER only offers 5-year "Integrated MS" courses that will qualify you for a PhD direstly. The last year of the 5-year course will be totally dedicated to research. You will have to go to one of the premier research institutes(IISc, TIFR) and do a research project.


Are you sure that IISc considers engineering graduates for their MSc physics course?
 
the IITs has a very reputable undergrad program. one of my professors here got an engineering degree in India and transferred to the U.S. for grad school where there are many good grad programs for physics.
 

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