How to Become a Meteorologist

About Meteorologist

Meteorology is a branch of earth science that deals with the monitoring and study of the atmosphere in order to forecast conditions for the benefit of people. Meteorologists are in high demand across a range of government sectors, including mining departments, weather forecasting divisions, and space and defence research and development organizations. In class twelve, students who want to be meteorologists should take science. After that, they can pursue IITs in India's BTech in Atmospheric Sciences or BSc in Meteorology programs, for which admission is based on JEE Main scores. In addition to BTech or BSc, students can pursue a diploma in meteorology after completing their 12th grade coursework. They can also apply for lateral entry admission to the second year of the BTech in meteorology. For better job prospects and research-based positions, MTech or MSc in Meteorology can also be pursued after BTech or BSc. There are numerous government job openings for meteorologists, for which students can sit for SSC/UPSC/Government exams. A meteorologist can start out earning around INR 3,60,000 by working for a Meteorological Research Centre, Meteorology Departments in States and Centres, Agricultural Planning Divisions, Aircraft and Missile Manufacturers, Weather Consulting Organizations, and so on. With years of experience, the monthly salary can reach INR 1,50,000.

In a nutshell, Meteorology is a sub-discipline of Atmospheric Science that majorly focuses on weather processes and forecasting. Meteorology includes both climate and weather and is concerned with the physical, chemical and dynamical state of the Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions between the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. The major responsibility of the meteorologist is to monitor and analyse its changes to make predictions and interpretations about weather conditions for the benefit of the man.

Eligibility to become Meteorologist

A student desiring to become a Meteorologist must take up Science stream in Class 12. After completing Class 12 in science stream, students can take up B.Tech course in Meteorology. In India, most IITs offer this course. Students can also take up Diploma in Engineering course in Meteorology in Class and get direct second-year admission in B.Tech Meteorology course through lateral entry.

After B.Tech, students can take up M.Tech or M.Sc in Meteorology for higher level jobs or research positions. Students can also appear for recruitment exam conducted by Staff Selection Commission or Government of India/ UPSC for the posts of meteorologists.

Subjects Combination: If students want to take up B.Sc or B.Tech in Meteorology, they should have passed Class 12 in Science stream.

Eligibility: -

• For pursuing a Diploma in Meteorology, Class 10 is the major qualification.
• For pursuing B.Sc or B.Tech on Meteorology, Class 12 in Science stream/ Diploma in Meteorology is the major qualification. Candidates need to quality national-level entrance tests like JEE Main/ JEE Advanced or state-level engineering entrance exams to get admission.
• For M.Tech or M.Sc in Meteorology, B.Tech/ B.Sc in Meteorology is the major qualification.
• For taking up M.Phil or Ph.D., M.Tech/ M.Sc is the major qualification.
• Many institutes offer admission to M.Tech/ M.Sc through a valid GATE score.

How to Become a Meteorologist

Students interested in pursuing a career in meteorology must have a degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.Students must complete their 12th grade with a focus on science and computers. After completing the 12th grade, students must graduate with a BTech or BSc in atmospheric science. Students with a bachelor's degree in another research discipline who want to pursue a career in meteorology can do so by enrolling in an MTech or MSc in meteorology program. Candidates pursuing a master's degree would be qualified to teach Meteorology at any reputable university or college.Students with a strong interest in meteorology research and development who want to contribute to future studies will enroll in the PhD programme in atmospheric science. This course will give them a broad understanding of the relevant category as well as the opportunity to learn about new aspects of atmospheric science through experimental research.

Courses to Become a Meteorologist

In general, there are few meteorology courses in India, such as BTech/BSc/MTech/MSc in Meteorology. The following courses are described in detail:

BTech in Atmospheric Sciences 

• BTech Atmospheric Sciences is a four-year undergraduate programme that studies the earth's atmosphere, including its physical properties, motions, and ecosystems, as well as how these affect the climate and human life
• Students must have completed the 10+2 level with PCM from a recognised board to be eligible
• This course is only available at IIT Delhi and Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kerala. Admission is based on the JEE Main 2022 score
• The average BTech Atmospheric Sciences course fee in top colleges ranges between INR 1,00,000 and 4,00,000
• After completing a BTech in Atmospheric Sciences, you can work as a Meteorologist, Atmospheric Scientist, Climatologist, or Environmental Meteorologist in both government and private organisations such as the Indian Meteorological Department, INCOIS Hyderabad, TERI, Siemens, Intel, and others

BSc Meteorology 

• BSc Meteorology is a three-year undergraduate Meteorology course that deals with the study of various atmospheric phenomena as well as weather forecasting
• A candidate with a 10+2 grade point average of 50% is eligible to pursue a BSc in meteorology. Some colleges require entrance exams for admission
• A BSc in meteorology is available at ABV Government Degree College in Warangal

MTech Meteorology 

• MTech Meteorology is a two-year postgraduate Meteorology course. It is a branch of atmospheric science that studies the physical, dynamical (a force that causes change or motion), and chemical states of the Earth's atmosphere and surface
• Students conduct Meteorology research throughout the course curriculum and present their findings at conferences and scientific publications
• Students must have a BE/BTech degree in a relevant subject from a recognised institute with a minimum of 60% marks. GATE 2022 scores are used to determine admission
• The most well-known institute that offers MTech in meteorology is the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune

Meteorology Master's Degree

• MSc Meteorology is a two-year postgraduate course in weather and climate research. It combines science and weather to understand the underlying principles of weather forecasting, soil condition, and other dimensions
• To be eligible, students must hold a BSc degree in the relevant field with Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics as the main subject and a minimum of 50% marks from a reputable university. Admission to the course is based on merit
• The top colleges that offer MSc meteorology are Cochin University of Science and Technology, Andhra University, Kalinga University, Jain University, and Chandigarh University. The typical fee ranges from INR 4,950 - INR 24 Lakhs

Types of Job Roles Meteorologist

Meteorologists are required for diverse jobs. The following are some of the job profiles that Meteorologists can take up after obtaining the necessary skills.

Industrial Meteorologist:The major responsibility of the industrial meteorologist is to study and solve problems associated with industrial pollution and emissions.

Physical Meteorologist: The major responsibility of the physical meteorologist is to study the physical nature of the atmosphere, its chemical composition and optical, acoustical and electrical properties. They also study environmental problems and figure out solutions for the same.

Research Meteorologist: These meteorologists study the patterns of climate and weather. They analyse and interpret the data relating to precipitation, humidity, wind, temperature etc. They also study phenomena such as the greenhouse effect.    

Professor or Lecturer: After qualifying UGC NET, the eligible candidates can up teaching jobs in Meteorology at colleges that offer a course in Meteorology.

Employment Opportunities for Meteorologists

Meteorologists get employment mostly in the government sector, and there is limited to zero scope for employment in the private sector. A person with required skills and qualification can get employment in the following departments. However, they will have to clear a written test or recruitment process for jobs in these sectors or areas or departments: -

• Meteorological Research Centre
• Meteorology Department in States and Centre
• Agricultural Planning Divisions
• Air Crafts and Missile Manufacturers
• Weather Consulting Organisations
• Navy
• Air Force

Top Recruiting Agencies for Meteorologists

Meteorologists can find employment in government sector after clearing a written test and interview: -

• Indian Meteorology Department (IMD)
• Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• National Remote Sensing Agency
• Space Application Centre
• Indian Air Force
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
• Department of Science and Technology
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Department of Agriculture Organisation
• Universities and Colleges
• Agricultural Universities

Skills Required to be a Meteorologist 

Meteorologists must be adaptable in their work. Professional meteorologists' responsibilities are extremely flexible, and they must perform their duties in both indoor and outdoor environments. Because meteorologists must deal with data from the atmosphere, long working hours have become an accepted part of the job. Meteorological departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which makes this job extremely difficult. In order to perform their duties, meteorological experts must coordinate with professionals from various departments, which is why teamwork skills are required.

• Strong analytical skills
• Practical skills
• Ability to work with details
• Computer & interpretative skills
• Accuracy
• Patience
• Power of observation
• Good communication skill

Pay Scale/Salary of Meteorologist

Meteorologists in diverse sectors earn a satisfactory salary. Most companies pay more for highly skilled and experienced Meteorologists and researchers. The average salary structure of Meteorologists is detailed below.

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual.

Career Path for a Meteorologist

Meteorologists are hired by both government and non-government organizations. DRDO, ISRO, and NABARD are a few examples of government organisations that employ meteorologists. Reliance, Mahinda, and Tata are a few private employers. There is a sudden increase in demand for professionally qualified meteorologists as more private entities have the chance to enter the natural resource-related industry. However, a person's performance and educational background determine how far they can advance in their profession. Working professionals need to pursue higher education to improve their professional capabilities in order to experience faster career growth.

Books & Study Material to Become Meteorologist

Students preparing for entrance exams and for jobs in Meteorology can refer to the below books for enhancing knowledge: -

• Fundamentals of Weather and Climate by Robin Mcllveen
• Glossary of Meteorology by Todd S Glickman
• The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology by Frederick K Lutgens
• Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment by Donald Ahrens
• Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey by John M Wallace

Pros of becoming a Meteorologist

• Permanent jobs with fixed working hours and salary
• Challenging career

Cons of becoming a Meteorologist

• Work pressure during natural calamities
• Meteorologists must be careful while forecasting or predicting the climatic and weather conditions