Events in the sky have always been tough to study. Thankfully, the seemingly impossible to apprehend phenomena of nature have been studied gradually with time. Majorly, when the world shifted from astrology to meteorology.
Today, we barely rely on forecasting weather by just looking at the sky. Instead, Meteorologists tend to apply a perfect blend of weather literacy, prediction & analyses to make it more reliable.
So, if being analytical comes to you naturally accompanied by enthusiasm to contribute to meteorology, you may find yourself at an intersection point where your inner self urges you to keep exploring and digging as to why weather changes and take up the challenge of predicting it with every passing moment.
Curiosity alone could get you initiated, but to opt for it as a career, you may ask for an in-depth analysis. To serve your purpose, the article gives insight into meteorology courses, meteorology colleges in India, and the average salary of a Meteorologist.
What is Meteorology?
Meteorology is the domain that introduces us formally to the study of weather, among other aspects of the atmosphere. Unlike before when predicting weather depended on historical data, today we tend to apply laws of physics and chemistry and solve mathematical equations.
The phenomena or weather events that call for an explanation by meteorological science involve development that results from interactions between atmospheric forces like temperatures, pressure, air, and vapour. The events formed and which establish significant impact include cyclones, hurricanes, tornados, extreme temperatures, precipitation, and floods. And, in such cases, prediction could be invaluable in saving lives.
Meteorology Courses, Eligibility Criteria & Fee Structure:
A bachelor's or a master's degree in meteorology could be a gateway to become a Meteorologist. Besides, one must fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned below:
- 10+2 in science stream. A diploma in meteorology could be an added advantage.
- B.Sc or B.Tech in Meteorology from a recognized college/ university. JEE Main/ JEE Advanced, state-level entrance examination, or a college/ university-specific entrance exam could get you admitted into colleges/ universities offering B.Sc/ B.Tech in Meteorology.
- M.Sc/ M.Tech in Meteorology is a step further in studying Meteorology. B.Sc/ B.Tech in Meteorology, with the minimum passing score, is compulsory for pursuing a master's degree. Besides, a valid GATE score is accepted by a few institutions offering meteorology courses.
- A further step in the meteorological world could be a Ph.D in meteorology post-M.Sc/ M.Tech.
The yearly fee for Meteorology degree courses usually falls in the range of INR 1.5 to 2 LPA.
Top Meteorology Colleges in India:
Top colleges in India offering Meteorology courses include:
| College Name | Place |
| India Institute of Technology | Delhi |
| Indian Institute of Technology | Kharagpur |
| Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology | Pune |
| Andhra University | Visakhapatnam |
| Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences | Nainital |
| Savitri Phule University | Pune |
| Cochin University of Science and Technology | Kochi |
| Shivaji University | Kolhapur |
| Centre for Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, IISc | Bengaluru |
Role of a Meteorologist:
The role of a Meteorologist is to analyze relevant data, apply atmospheric science and other relevant studies to predict weather and climatic changes. Specialization in meteorology and the respective role of a Meteorologist can be divided as:
- Industrial - The role of a Meteorologist is to make the best use of weather forecasts, data, and analyses to the benefit of a business.
- Physical - Study physical forces affecting the atmosphere, mainly radiation, precipitation, and cloud behavior.
- Research - Remember, a shift from relying on historical data to solving mathematical equations for near to accurate prediction. Well, this is the job of a Research Meteorologist.They develop new methods of collecting and analyzing data and innovative methods of forecasting.
Pros & Cons of being a Meteorologist:
Like every other domain, Meteorology comes with its own list of benefits and shortcomings:
Pros:
- Fun for an environment enthusiast
- Travel opportunities for the explorer in you
- Studying weather patterns could be exciting
Cons:
- Timings could be flexible but may have to work for long hours
- May involve fieldwork even during natural calamities
- Limited opportunities in case you lose interest mid-way
Meteorologist Salary in India:
A fresher Meteorologist's salary in India ranges from INR 1.5 LPA to 2.5 LPA. A Meteorologist at the mid-senior level earns an average salary of INR 4 LPA.
Exceptionally, the salary of a senior-level Meteorologist in the research department may go up to INR 12 LPA.
Conclusion:
Making a career choice is never an easy task, especially when a plethora of options are available to choose from. Consequently, it is important to discover yourself as to what role you could best fit to where your interests lie.
Besides, it is always advisable that interests be preserved. So, irrespective of how limited the scope is, if changing weather excites you, we recommend you to go ahead and pursue a career as a Meteorologist.
