Career as a Meteorologist in India: Salary, Courses and How to Begin

Renewable Energy & Environment Aviation & Aerospace Engineering

Updated 8 Nov 2026

At a glance

A meteorologist observes, studies and forecasts the weather and atmosphere; in India most enter through a BSc or BTech in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science after Class 12 science.

A meteorologist is a physical scientist who observes, studies and forecasts the weather and the atmosphere. In India, most people enter through a BSc or BTech in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science after Class 12 science, and an MSc helps with better posts.

The work matters most when conditions turn dangerous. Forecasters issue warnings for cyclones, heavy rain, floods, heatwaves and high winds, while climate scientists study long-term change. Farmers, airlines, shipping firms, disaster managers and the public all depend on this information.

Pay starts modest, with an average starting salary of about ₹4 Lakh a year, but experienced meteorologists in research, climate and forecasting roles can earn more. The India Meteorological Department is the biggest employer, and private weather and environmental firms also hire.

Minimum Qualification: Class 12 with science stream
Typical Degree: BSc or BTech in Meteorology / Atmospheric Science
Expected Entry Salary: About ₹4 Lakh/annum (average starting)
Entry-level to Senior: ₹4 Lakh to ₹16 Lakh/annum (by designation)
Job Demand Growth: Steady; government and research hiring
Work Hours: Shift work, including nights and weekends
Places of Work: Weather offices, labs, airports, agencies

What Does a Meteorologist Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Collect and analyse data from weather stations, radar and satellites to understand current conditions.
Prepare daily, city-level and extended forecasts and bulletins for the public, farms, highways and airports.
Issue warnings for severe weather such as cyclones, heavy rain, flash floods, high winds and heatwaves, and update them as conditions change.
Advise government agencies, disaster managers, aviation and shipping firms and state authorities on weather risks.
Verify past forecasts against observed data to check accuracy and improve models.
Research climate patterns and develop or improve forecasting models and remote sensing methods.
Support emergency and field operations, such as flood or wildfire response, sometimes with travel.

Where They Work

In India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the largest employer, running forecast offices and services across the country, including city, district, agriculture, highway and tourism forecasts. Research and national science bodies also recruit meteorology graduates, including the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, INCOIS in Hyderabad, ISRO, DRDO, CSIR laboratories and the National Aerospace Laboratory.

Private and commercial employers include environmental consultancies, aviation and shipping companies, media houses with weather desks, and private weather and analytics firms. Some meteorologists join the armed forces, universities offer teaching and research roles, and some technology and energy companies hire atmospheric science graduates for data and modelling work.

How to Become a Meteorologist in India?

After Class 10

Optional. A diploma in meteorology needs only a Class 10 pass and suits observation and support roles. Students sure about science can simply continue with Class 11 and 12 science.

After Class 12

Complete Class 12 in the science stream from a recognised board. If you aim at top colleges, prepare for entrance exams such as JEE Main, which is used for BTech Atmospheric Sciences routes.

Undergraduate

Take a BSc in Meteorology (typically three years) or a BTech in Atmospheric Sciences (typically four years). Strong physics and mathematics help, and internships at recognised meteorological institutes build practical experience.

Postgraduate and Specialisation

An MSc in Meteorology or a related discipline improves prospects for forecasting and research posts; entry is often through exams such as CUET PG or IIT JAM. MTech, MPhil and PhD suit research and climate science careers.

Recruitment Exams

Government jobs at the IMD and national science bodies are filled through recruitment notices, including UPSC exams such as Scientist B. Check each notice for qualification and age limits.

First Job

Start in an entry-level role such as weather analyst or environmental scientist, then move up with experience and further study.

AgTech & Precision Farming

Remote Sensing Analyst

Forestry & Ecosystem Restoration

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

Class 12 in the science stream from a recognised board.
Physics and Mathematics are the core subjects for most BSc and BTech meteorology routes (typical; confirm with each college).
Diploma courses in meteorology accept a Class 10 pass.

Minimum Qualification

A bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or a related discipline such as environmental science is the minimum for most professional roles.
Minimum Class 12 marks differ by college and entrance exam; cut-offs are not confirmed in our research, so check each notice.
A master's degree is optional but advisable for better posts, and a PhD or MPhil is suited to research roles.

Courses and Degrees for Meteorologist

Undergraduate Degrees	Postgraduate Degrees	Doctoral Degrees
BSc Meteorology (typically 3 years) BTech in Atmospheric Sciences (typically 4 years)	MSc Meteorology (typically 2 years) MTech in Meteorology or a related discipline (typically 2 years)	PhD in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science (duration varies by university) MPhil in Meteorology (duration varies by university)

Undergraduate Degrees
- BSc Meteorology (typically 3 years)
- BTech in Atmospheric Sciences (typically 4 years)
Postgraduate Degrees
- MSc Meteorology (typically 2 years)
- MTech in Meteorology or a related discipline (typically 2 years)
Doctoral Degrees
- PhD in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science (duration varies by university)
- MPhil in Meteorology (duration varies by university)

Entrance Exams for Meteorologist

Exam	Level	Held	For Course
JEE Main	National	Twice a year (two sessions; verify current schedule)	BTech in Atmospheric Sciences (including IIT Delhi)
CUET PG	National (central and participating universities)	Once a year (NTA)	MSc Meteorology
IIT JAM	National	Once a year	MSc programmes in meteorology and related sciences at IITs
GATE	National	Once a year (usually February)	MTech and PhD admissions in meteorology and atmospheric science

Exam
JEE Main
Level
National
Held
Twice a year (two sessions; verify current schedule)
For Course
BTech in Atmospheric Sciences (including IIT Delhi)
Exam
CUET PG
Level
National (central and participating universities)
Held
Once a year (NTA)
For Course
MSc Meteorology
Exam
IIT JAM
Level
National
Held
Once a year
For Course
MSc programmes in meteorology and related sciences at IITs
Exam
GATE
Level
National
Held
Once a year (usually February)
For Course
MTech and PhD admissions in meteorology and atmospheric science

Top Colleges for Meteorologist

Government Institutes

College	Location
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)	Pune, Maharashtra
Shivaji University	Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Andhra University	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)	Kochi, Kerala
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University	Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
IIT Delhi	New Delhi, Delhi

College
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
Location
Pune, Maharashtra
College
Shivaji University
Location
Kolhapur, Maharashtra
College
Andhra University
Location
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
College
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)
Location
Kochi, Kerala
College
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Location
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
College
IIT Delhi
Location
New Delhi, Delhi

Skills Required to Become a Meteorologist

Technical Skills

Atmospheric science and weather systems knowledge
Mathematics and statistical analysis
Physics of atmospheric processes
Computer and programming skills for data work
Forecasting models and numerical weather prediction
Reading radar and satellite data
Interpreting weather bulletins and warning systems

Soft Skills

Communication, including explaining warnings clearly to the public
Decision-making under time pressure
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Continuous learning

Meteorologist Salary in India

0 to 3 years (typical)

Entry Level

₹2.4 - ₹4 Lakh/annum

Typical job titles: Weather Analyst, Environmental Scientist, Air Quality Specialist
Work: observing and recording data, preparing bulletins under supervision, verifying forecasts

3 to 8 years (typical)

Mid Level

₹6 - ₹10 Lakh/annum

Typical job titles: Atmospheric Scientist, Remote Sensing Scientist, Weather Forecaster
Work: issuing forecasts and warnings, running model-based analysis, supporting aviation and agriculture clients

8+ years (typical)

Senior Level

₹10 - ₹16 Lakh/annum

Typical job titles: Climatologist, Climate Change Analyst, Senior Forecaster or Meteorologist-in-Charge
Work: leading forecast offices or research programmes, advising government bodies, designing climate studies

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Weather Forecaster

Prepares and issues daily, city-level and warning forecasts for the public and agencies.

Climatologist

Studies long-term climate records and patterns to guide planning and policy.

Atmospheric Scientist

Researches the physics of the atmosphere and helps improve weather models.

Remote Sensing Scientist

Interprets satellite and radar data for weather, land and water monitoring.

Climate Change Analyst

Assesses climate risks and impacts for government bodies and companies.

Aviation Meteorologist

Gives weather briefings and forecasts for airports, flight planning and air traffic.

Air Quality Specialist

Monitors weather and pollution data to study air quality and its causes.

Scope and Future of Meteorologist in India

Demand is steady because weather and climate information shapes decisions in farming, aviation, shipping, power, water and disaster management. News reports in 2026 covered IMD seasonal outlooks and a World Meteorological Organization warning about a strong El Niño, which keeps seasonal forecasting in the spotlight.

Growth areas include climate services, agricultural advisories, aviation weather, forecasting for renewable energy such as solar and wind power, and disaster early warning. Public agencies depend on early warnings for floods, cyclones and heatwaves, which sustains recruitment. Recent notices, including a UPSC Scientist B drive in 2026 and an IMD exam schedule for 134 posts in late 2025, show that hiring happens in waves, so check the IMD and UPSC websites regularly.

Meteorology is a global field. The US National Weather Service, for example, employs over 2,000 meteorologists and technicians across more than 150 offices, so experienced Indian meteorologists can look at overseas agencies and international research collaborations, subject to each country's rules.

Is Meteorologist
the Right Career for You?

Meteorologist can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

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Meteorologist: Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a meteorologist in India?

You need Class 12 in the science stream from a recognised board, followed by a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or a related field such as environmental science. Most professional roles ask for at least a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in meteorology improves your chances of forecasting, research and senior posts, and a PhD or MPhil suits research careers.

Do I need a master's degree to become a meteorologist?

Not always. A bachelor's degree can open entry-level roles such as weather analyst or environmental scientist. A master's degree is advisable for better career prospects, advanced forecasting work and research posts, and it is often the route to higher salary tiers. Internships at recognised meteorological institutes also help, because they build the practical experience employers look for in fresh graduates.

Which entrance exams are needed for meteorology courses?

It depends on the course. BTech in Atmospheric Sciences routes use JEE Main, while MSc in Meteorology programmes commonly use CUET PG and IIT JAM. GATE is useful for MTech and PhD admissions. Some colleges also run their own tests. Check eligibility and exam dates on each official website before you apply, because schedules change every year.

How much does a meteorologist earn in India?

Pay varies by designation and experience. Freshers typically start at about ₹4 Lakh a year on average, while mid-level scientists and forecasters earn roughly ₹6 to ₹10 Lakh a year. Senior climatologists and climate analysts can earn up to ₹16 Lakh a year in some listed roles. Government pay depends on the pay level of the post, so check the recruitment notice.

Which colleges offer meteorology courses in India?

Well-known options include the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, Shivaji University in Kolhapur, Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kochi, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, and IIT Delhi for atmospheric sciences. Admission is usually through entrance exams or merit lists. Confirm course details, fees and seats on each college's official website.

Can I become a meteorologist after Class 12 arts or commerce?

Most meteorology routes ask for Class 12 in the science stream, so arts or commerce students usually need a bridge course. Our research did not confirm an arts or commerce entry route for BSc or BTech meteorology. Check each college's eligibility rules, and consider speaking to a career counsellor to compare related options such as environmental science.

Is there job demand for meteorologists in India?

Yes, demand is steady. The India Meteorological Department is the largest employer and hires through periodic recruitment notices. Research institutes, defence and aerospace organisations, aviation and shipping companies, environmental consultancies and media weather desks also employ meteorology graduates. Demand becomes more visible during extreme weather seasons, when warnings and climate analysis matter most.

Can meteorologists work abroad?

Yes, meteorology is a global field. The US National Weather Service, for example, employs over 2,000 meteorologists and technicians across more than 150 offices. Indian graduates can also join international research and collaborative projects. Overseas jobs need local qualifications and work permits, so check each country's rules before you apply.

Sources and Further Reading

Official and published pages this guide was researched from (facts last checked 8 Nov 2026). Fees, dates and cut-offs change every year, so confirm them on the official websites.