Hey Chirag,

I must say it is commendable that at your age, you have such remarkable career options in your mind. Now talking about your career preferences-

ASTROPHYSICIST

Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that employs the principles of physics and chemistry "to ascertain the nature of the astronomical objects, rather than their positions or motions in space". Among the objects studied are the Sun, other stars, galaxies, extrasolar planets, the interstellar medium, and the cosmic microwave background.

To be an astrophysicist, make sure you understand each and every concept of physics, chemistry, and maths of class 11th and 12th because they are the very basics. Then after 12th, you can join the following undergraduate programme-

• B.Sc Astrophysics

• B.Sc Astronomy

• B.Sc Physics

• B.Tech or B.E of relevant field (with an aptitude for Astronomy and Astrophysics)

After your bachelors, you can then apply for various Masters programme available in the reputed astronomy institutes in India such as-

1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore

2. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital

3. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram

4. Radio Astronomy Center, Ooty

5. National Centre for Radio Astronomy, Pune etc.

On acquiring the Master's degree, you can then apply for Ph.D. and do research in your field or you can associate with the space organizations.

CHEMIST

A chemist is a scientist trained in the study of chemistry. Chemists study the composition of matter and its properties. Chemists carefully describe the properties they study in terms of quantities, with detail on the level of molecules and their component atoms. Chemists carefully measure substance proportions, reaction rates, and other chemical properties.

To be a chemist, again make sure you are getting everything related to physics, chemistry, and maths. There are various entrance exams you can give after 12th to get into this field and admission is also based on merit. These following UG programmes you can join-

• B.Tech Chemical Engineering

• B.Sc Chemistry

• B.Sc (Research) from IISc, Bangalore

After Bachelors, you can opt for either M.Sc or M.Tech in the field of chemistry. And then you can further do a Ph.D. and go for research. 

Best Chemistry institutes in India 

• Indian Institute of Science

• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi etc.

So, now that you know the career paths in both the fields, decide amongst them which one is better. Also, for now just concentrate on your studies in order to be clear with the basics and also to score well!

I hope this helps you. if you have any other doubt or query, feel free to ask or comment.

All the best!

Hi Chirag, 

Being an astrophysicst , studying celestial bodies will be  awesome experience , but now try to focus on Physics , Chemistry and Mathematics as they are mandatory for you to pass in those subjects in your STD 12 th. 

Then , you have to do B.Sc in astrophysics from your desired college , where you will alloted seat on the basis of your 10+2 marks in PCM and the relevant national, state or institute level entrance exam .

Whereas to become a Astrochemist you have to take admission in astronomy course. Astrochemistry by itself isn't a grad program; it is a concentration involves in the astronomy department. 

Hope , your queries were answered.

Thank you