Meteorology deals with atmospheric studies and its effects on day to day activities of human life. Those concerned with the study the atmosphere and its characteristics are known as Meteorologists or Atmospheric scientists. Global warming, pollution in the environment and deforestation has increased the significance of Meteorologists. Various meteorological and technical institutes in India are imparting courses in meteorology to provide efficient and talented meteorologists to the organizations.
Now, many government and private meteorological organizations are hiring efficient, skilled and talented meteorologists, who can provide appropriate predictions concerning the climatic conditions.
Both technical institutes and universities teach Meteorology Courses which are among the earth sciences. Thus, qualified meteorologists can get employed in meteorological institutes, environment regulatory bodies, and research institutes.
Course Details:
Now, many colleges and universities in India are offering Meteorology courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The eligibility for pursuing UG courses is a pass in 10+2 examination with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), from any recognized State or National Board and for the PG program is a pass in B.Sc, from any recognized University.
Institutes offering Meteorology courses in India:
- Shivaji University (Kolhapur)
- Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore)
- Andhra University (Visakhapatnam)
- IIT Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences
Scope of Meteorology in India:
Various Meteorology jobs exist in the meteorological centers in India. Professionals can get placed as research scholars and scientists in research institutes like Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences. Other research bodies like Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Indian Space Research Organization employs scholars in Meteorology. Even now, many educational institutions offer careers in meteorology in the form of openings for lecturers and professors.
Career Prospects:
After pursuing Meteorology course, depending on the field of specialization, one can specialize in fields such as weather forecasting, aviation meteorology, agricultural meteorology, hydrometeorology, nuclear meteorology and maritime meteorology. Now, Meteorologists are being hired by meteorological department, environment regulatory bodies and research institutes.
Qualified Meteorologists are offered productive placements in:
- Oceanography research academies
- Environment regulatory bodies
- Educational institutes
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Riyal Meteorological Society
Remuneration:
The remuneration for Meteorologist may vary according to the person’s work experience in the field. Fresh graduates may start from their base monthly salaries of Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 per month. When they become more established in this field, they can work their way up to a monthly payment level of Rs. 50,000.
Thus, a meteorologist should be able to make use of various equipments such as rain gauge, anemometer, thermometer, barometer, radiosondes, remote sensing instruments (Radar, Lidar, Satellites etc), to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, rainfall and air quality.
