Physics — careers, salary and study routes
The study of matter, energy and the rules underneath everything else — and one of the most portable training grounds for problem solvers.
Check your fit for Physics →What Physics is about
Physics tries to explain how the universe works, from subatomic particles to galaxies, using mathematics and careful experiment. A degree trains you to model messy problems, reason from first principles and handle data — skills that travel well beyond the lab.
It suits students who enjoy mathematics and ask why, not just how. The honest trade-off: jobs with the title “physicist” mostly need a PhD and are few. Many graduates move into teaching, research labs, engineering, data and software work, finance, or a master’s in a specialised area such as electronics, photonics or materials.
What you'll study
- Classical mechanics and mathematical methods
- Electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic waves
- Thermodynamics and statistical physics
- Quantum mechanics
- Optics, atomic and nuclear physics
- Solid-state and condensed-matter physics
- Electronics and laboratory practicals
- Computational physics and programming
Studying Physics in India
You need PCM in Class 12. Central and many state universities admit to B.Sc programmes through CUET-UG, while IISERs use the IISER Aptitude Test and NISER and UM-DAE CEBS use NEST. IITs offer physics-based BS and engineering physics programmes through JEE Advanced. For research careers, plan on an M.Sc followed by a PhD; exams such as JAM help with M.Sc admission at IITs.
Typical degrees
- B.Sc / B.Sc (Hons) in Physics (three years, or four with honours/research under NEP)
- BS-MS dual degree at IISERs and NISER (five years)
- BS in Physics or Engineering Physics at some IITs (four years)
- M.Sc Physics after graduation (two years)
Entrance exams
- CUET-UG
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
- NEST
- JEE Advanced
Routes in the US and UK
United States
A four-year BS or BA in Physics is standard. Research and university careers need a PhD, usually entered straight after the bachelor’s with funding; many graduates instead go into engineering, data or teaching.
United Kingdom
A three-year BSc or a four-year integrated MPhys/MSci, ideally accredited by the Institute of Physics. A PhD follows for research careers.
Frequently asked questions
Is physics a good choice if I don’t want to do a PhD?
Yes, if you build practical skills alongside it — programming, electronics or data analysis. Employers value physics graduates for problem solving, but you will usually compete for roles such as analyst, engineer or teacher rather than “physicist”.
B.Sc Physics or B.Tech Engineering Physics?
B.Sc is broader and more theoretical, and leads naturally to M.Sc and research. Engineering Physics adds engineering subjects and suits students who want to work on devices, instruments or technology.
Careers this major opens
The US Department of Education maps Physics, General (CIP 40.0801) to 4 Standard Occupational Classification codes. Salary and employment figures come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics via O*NET; the AI-durability signal is our own composite score.
Sources: NCES CIP-2020 → SOC-2018 crosswalk · US Bureau of Labor Statistics (via O*NET) · WhatTNext Ai AI-durability score. Careers ranked by US employment volume.