Earth, climate and space science careers
Earth, climate and space science are careers that study the planet and what orbits it. You can reach them through IIST, ISRO's own institute, through geology degrees on CUET, or through the earth-science majors at IISc and IISER Mohali.
Earth, climate and space routes at a glance
Each route below starts from a different entrance exam.
| Career | Main exam | Subjects that matter | Example roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space science and engineering at IIST | JEE Advanced | Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry | Space scientist, Satellite engineer, Avionics engineer |
| Geology and earth science | CUET (UG) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology | Geologist, Hydrogeologist, Environmental scientist |
| Earth and environmental science research | IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), JEE Advanced | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology | Climate scientist, Earth scientist, Research fellow |
| Remote sensing and satellite data | Rules vary by college | Physics, Mathematics | Remote sensing analyst, GIS analyst |
Space science and engineering at IIST
IIST, Thiruvananthapuram is under the Department of Space and works closely with ISRO.source: About IIST
What you study
- IIST's dual-degree stream pairs a B.Tech in Engineering Physics with an MS or M.Tech in fields such as Astronomy and Astrophysics or Earth System Science, over ten semesters.source: IIST programmes overview
- Around 440 space technology startups are registered with DPIIT, and investment in Indian space startups reached about USD 618.5 million by 31 March 2026.source: PIB release on space startups
How you get in
- IIST admits undergraduates on JEE (Advanced) marks, through its own online portal and not through JoSAA.source: IIST undergraduate admissions
- It also asks for at least 75% aggregate marks in the Class 12 board exam, with a lower bar for SC, ST and PwD candidates.source: IIST undergraduate admissions
- Graduates are not all absorbed by ISRO. Students with a CGPA of 7.0 or above become eligible for ISRO Scientist/Engineer-SC posts, based on notified vacancies.source: IIST undergraduate admissions — FAQs
| Exam | Conducted by | Leads to | Official site | Prepare on XamBaaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Advanced | The IITs | IITs, and also IIST and IISc's BS (Research) | JEE (Advanced) 2025 result press release | Engineering entrances → |
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Geology and earth science
CUET (UG) offers domain papers in Environmental Science and in Geography/Geology.source: CUET (UG) 2026 syllabus
What you study
- The University of Delhi's BSc (Hons) Geology accepts Physics and Chemistry with Mathematics, with Geography/Geology, or with Biology.source: University of Delhi UG Bulletin of Information 2026-27
How you get in
Admission rules differ by college and state, so check the college's own admission page.
| Exam | Conducted by | Leads to | Official site | Prepare on XamBaaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | National Testing Agency | UG programmes at central and participating universities | CUET (UG), National Testing Agency | Chapter practice below |
Scholarships and stipends
- INSPIRE-SHE covers geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheric sciences and oceanic sciences for students in the top 1% of their Class 12 board.source: INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education — FAQs, DST
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Earth and environmental science research
IISc's BS (Research) offers Earth and Environmental Science as one of its five majors.source: IISc Bachelor of Science (Research)
What you study
- IISER Mohali has added a Geology major to its five-year BS-MS.source: IISER admissions — IISER Aptitude Test
How you get in
- IISc's BS (Research) takes JEE Advanced or IAT scores, and the IISERs admit only through IAT.source: IISc Bachelor of Science (Research): selection process
| Exam | Conducted by | Leads to | Official site | Prepare on XamBaaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) | The IISERs | BS-MS and BS at the seven IISERs, and IISc's BS (Research) | IISER admissions — IISER Aptitude Test | Chapter practice below |
| JEE Advanced | The IITs | IITs, and also IIST and IISc's BS (Research) | JEE (Advanced) 2025 result press release | Engineering entrances → |
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Remote sensing and satellite data
IIRS, part of ISRO, runs online courses open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in any year, free of cost.source: IIRS (ISRO) online course brochure
How you get in
Admission rules differ by college and state, so check the college's own admission page.
Class 11 and 12 subjects that matter most
Which subjects keep these careers open
IIST needs a JEE Advanced score, while geology accepts more combinations.
- IIST admits undergraduates on JEE (Advanced) marks.source: IIST undergraduate admissions
- The University of Delhi's BSc (Hons) Geology accepts Physics and Chemistry with Mathematics, with Geography/Geology, or with Biology.source: University of Delhi UG Bulletin of Information 2026-27
Choosing your stream now? See which stream to take after Class 10 →
Practise Physics, Maths and Chemistry
JEE Advanced, the route into IIST, tests Physics, Chemistry and Maths. Each chapter below opens with free Key Concepts notes and practice questions.
Class 11 Physics23 chapters
- Physical World
- Units and Measurements
- Motion in a Straight Line
- Motion in a Plane
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy and Power
- System of Particles and Rotational Motion
- Gravitation
- Mechanical Properties of Solids
- Mechanical Properties of Fluids
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetic Theory
- Oscillations
- Waves
- Mathematical Methods
- Sound
- Optics
- Electrostatics
- Electric Current Through Conductors
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Waves and Communication System
- Semiconductors
Class 11 Mathematics16 chapters
- Sets
- Relations and Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
- Principle of Mathematical Induction
- Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
- Linear Inequalities
- Permutations and Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Sequences and Series
- Straight Lines
- Conic Sections
- Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry
- Limits and Derivatives
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Statistics
- Probability
Class 11 Chemistry17 chapters
- Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Structure of Atom
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions
- Organic Chemistry — Basic Principles and Techniques
- Hydrocarbons
- Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
- Basic Analytical Techniques
- Elements of Group 1 and 2
- Elements of Group 13, 14 and 15
- States of Matter
- Adsorption and Colloids
- Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
Class 12 Physics14 chapters
- Electric Charges and Fields
- Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
- Current Electricity
- Moving Charges and Magnetism
- Magnetism and Matter
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Alternating Current
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
- Wave Optics
- Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
- Atoms
- Nuclei
- Semiconductor Electronics
Class 12 Mathematics13 chapters
- Relations and Functions
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Matrices
- Determinants
- Continuity and Differentiability
- Application of Derivatives
- Integrals
- Application of Integrals
- Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Three Dimensional Geometry
- Linear Programming
- Probability
Earth, climate and space — frequently asked questions
How do I join ISRO's own institute?
IIST, Thiruvananthapuram is under the Department of Space. It admits undergraduates on JEE (Advanced) marks, through its own portal rather than JoSAA.
Does every IIST graduate get an ISRO job?
No. Students with a CGPA of 7.0 or above become eligible for ISRO Scientist/Engineer-SC posts, based on the vacancies ISRO notifies.
Can I study geology after PCB?
At some universities, yes. The University of Delhi's BSc (Hons) Geology accepts Physics and Chemistry with Biology, as well as with Mathematics or Geography/Geology.
Is there a scholarship for earth sciences?
INSPIRE-SHE covers geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheric sciences and oceanic sciences, for students in the top 1% of their Class 12 board.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these official pages. Rules change each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply.
- About IIST · iist.ac.in
- IIST undergraduate admissions · iist.ac.in
- CUET (UG) 2026 syllabus · cuet.nta.nic.in
- IISc Bachelor of Science (Research) · bs-ug.iisc.ac.in
- IISER admissions — IISER Aptitude Test · iiseradmission.in
- IIST programmes overview · iist.ac.in
- PIB release on space startups · pib.gov.in
- IIST undergraduate admissions — FAQs · iist.ac.in
- University of Delhi UG Bulletin of Information 2026-27 · du.ac.in
- INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education — FAQs, DST · online-inspire.gov.in
- IISc Bachelor of Science (Research): selection process · bs-ug.iisc.ac.in
- IIRS (ISRO) online course brochure · iirs.gov.in
- IIRS (ISRO) outreach courses · iirs.gov.in
- JEE (Advanced) 2025 result press release · jeeadv.ac.in
- CUET (UG), National Testing Agency · cuet.nta.nic.in
Read next
Other science career routes, each checked against official sources.
Prepare for the exam that leads there
Chapter-wise practice for Class 8 to 12, with free Key Concepts notes and full-length mock tests. It runs in any browser.