hey,

if you have a keen interest in astronomy, following are the steps to become an astronomer:

• Earn a bachelor's degree in science with a focus on astronomy or physics
  
• geta master's degree in science 
  
• persue a PhD in astronomy
• complete your PhD dissertion and take the qualifying exam..
  

Hope this helps

all the best!

Hi Apoorva.....

Firstly after 12 th you should complete your graduation in Science/Engineering subjects as a primary step. After completing graduation successfully, U can look for master level courses like M.Sc Astronomy, and M.Tech (Space Technology and Applications), as well. Searching for a rewarding job is the next step. Various Job opportunities exists in firms like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), NASA, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) etc.

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in Science subject

This is the first step required to get in to the field of astronomy. After higher secondary, candidate should obtain a bachelor’s degree in Science subjects such as Physics / chemistry/ Mathematics. Apart from these, some universities offer under graduation course in Astronomy.   If the candidate is interested in doing M.Tech courses related to Astronomy, then he/ she can opt for engineering stream. Engineering courses in streams like Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Computer Science Engineering will help one to have master level courses in the field of Astronomy

Step 2: Obtain a Post Graduate degree

Those who have completed their graduation in Science subjects such as Astronomy or Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics can look for master level courses like M.Sc Astronomy, M.Sc Astronomy and Space Physics, etc. Engineering graduates in any of the above mentioned streams should pursue courses like M.Tech (Space Technology and Applications), and M.Tech. + Ph.D (Tech.) (Astronomical Instrumentation). Reputed institutions like Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Sri Venkateswara University, etc offer this kind of master level courses. M.Sc programs on streams of Astrophysics, Astrometeorology, Astrometry, Astrobiology, Astrogeology, etc are also suitable to build up a career in astronomy.

Step 3: Search for a Career in Astronomy

After completing educational programs related to Astronomy, candidate can search for a lucrative career in the field. At entry level one can get in to the role of Junior Research Fellow, Research Trainee, etc. Job positions exists in firms like NASA, Association of Bangalore Amateur Astronomers (ABAA), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Department of Science and Technology, Government of India also offer enough career openings. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), etc some other firms offering rewarding jobs in this field.

Hope this helps......Thank U