I want to pursue research but I don’t know where or how to start. How much knowledge do I need? What skills are required?
I have completed my bachelor’s degree and whenever I learn about a new topic, I feel excited to work on it in the lab. But, as many Indian colleges have limited facilities, it’s been challenging.
I have shared many ideas and keep trying to be part of research by reading journals and putting my thoughts out there. Now that I’ve completed my bachelor’s, I really want to move forward in research.
Can someone please guide me? How do I start? Are there any exams I should prepare for or companies/institutes I should join?
I would be grateful for any advice or suggestions!
The most popular entrance exams for research are the CSIR-NET and UGC-NET, but it takes a lot of dedication to pull through and recieve the opportunity of a lifetime. I think the best way to move forward with your research is to simply cold-email professors who work on subjects that interest you. Know your interests, know your professor, and aim to aid them with ongoing research.
Don’t wait for perfect facilities to start begin with reading, online tools, small-scale projects, and reaching out to labs. Every small research experience builds your profile and opens the next door. Think of it as climbing a staircase not a leap. Each step learning a skill, contacting a mentor, joining a lab, clearing an exam will bring you closer to being a full-fledged researcher. And in research, persistence beats speed.
If you have finished your bachelor’s degree and want to start a research career in India, the first step is to decide your field like life sciences, medicine, healthcare, clinical research etc. and then aim for a master’s degree first or direct Ph.D. program in that area. Many top institutes like IISc, IITs, AIIMS, TIFR, and CSIR labs take students through competitive exams such as CSIR-NET, GATE, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, or JEST depending on the subject. While preparing, you can build important skills like critical thinking, data analysis, scientific writing, and how to use various research tools/software. You can also join research assistant positions/internships in various universities, government labs, or R&D wings of companies to gain hands-on experience. You can start by shortlisting institutes, check the eligibility criteria asked, and exam timelines.
I too want to pursue in research no idea how to start , working on it .
I feel whatever takes through joining the research field may be it may be small step like the small position in research center ,hospitals we need to start . Even small skill in research will bring closure to your dream .
Since you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can start by identifying a niche that excites you most, then look for opportunities like research internships, project assistant roles, or master’s programs that emphasize hands-on lab work. In India, exams like CSIR-NET, GATE, or DBT-BET can open doors to funded research positions and higher studies. Also, don’t underestimate the value of networking—reach out to professors, attend conferences, and join research forums. Even if your college facilities were limited, building skills through online courses (data analysis, lab techniques, bioinformatics) can make you stand out. With consistent effort, you can bridge the gap between passion and opportunity.
I’d go abroad. It has more opportunities than India.
Waiting for perfect conditions only delays growth. Starting small with reading, using free online tools and taking on manageable projects—lays a strong foundation. Research is a journey, not a sprint. Keep climbing—one step at a time.
Absolutely, you’ve got the right mindset! @anjali_pharma
Starting anywhere even a small role in a research center or hospital is still progress. Every little skill you pick up, every experience you gain, moves you closer to your goal.
And yes, going abroad can open even more doors for broader opportunities. Do you have any thoughts on which country might be best for both education and job prospects?
You don’t have to panic. I recently appeared in UGC-NET June 2025 (Social medicine & community health). With almost 60% syllabus covered (with my masters thesis going on) i scored 160 marks. Although i was eligible for PhD only category, my aim was to clear JRF so i’ll be appearing again.
If you breakup the different sections of the exam it will be easier to prepare. There are plenty of free resources available on youtube. Make up your mind, find the resource and begin!
Enjoy this part and you’ll definitely clear the exam.