Institutions such as CSIR, ICMR, and DBT are still driving scientific advancement in India—however, numerous researchers encounter obstacles like insufficient funding, lengthy hiring processes, or temporary contracts.
Do you see a long-term career in Indian research institutions (like CSIR, ICMR, and DBT), or do you feel the private sector or opportunities abroad are more appealing?
challenges like low funding and job insecurity make long term careers tough. Many young researchers feel discouraged by delays in hiring and short term contracts.
The roles are temporary and what’s after this role is a big question……
I feel Indian research has good potential, but the lack of job security and funding makes it tough. That’s why many prefer private jobs or going abroad for better growth and stability
In my opinion, pursuing a research role in India nowadays is becoming increasingly challenging. Even after completing a PhD, there’s no guarantee of a stable or well-paying future, and many researchers still struggle to build a good career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
I believe there may be better opportunities for research outside India, where funding, infrastructure, and long-term prospects are often stronger. This is just my personal view and not meant to hurt anyone; I truly respect those who choose to stay and contribute to Indian research despite the challenges.
That’s very difficult. Because after a PhD, how do you sustain with the job or pay? Is it all worth the years you have spent. There are no proper response and channels in India to guide a PhD degree candidate. And publications on the other side. It’s all a collapsed structure.
There is no fixed opportunities after qualifying high level entrance exam like CSIR GATE for pursuing research in India.
May be abroad is better.
The obstacles that you mentioned were really true that the researching people are facing. Greater opportunities will only attract the people mostly into the research field, if not then, they will choose some other path or will prefer abroad -where opportunities are more.
I personally feel that private jobs or opportunities would provide a greater stability and good career growth in the current era as government institutions hire mostly based on temporary contracts.
In India researcher has to face many problems like proper and highly efficacious equipment, funding and advanced technologies. Instead of India abroad is better option for research.
I feel Indian research has good potential, but the lack of job security and funding makes it tough. That’s why many prefer private jobs or going abroad for better growth and stability
According to me , currently pursuing a research role in India is not worthy. First of all freshers are not hired. Secondly, the experienced ones are not paid enough.
As someone who did internship in one of these big institute, The question of "What after this" still lingers. There so much to it beside gaining practical knowledge like making connection holds importance. During this time, networking often leads to long-term career pathways and opens up important opportunities.
Institution’s like ICMR , DBT and CSIR are dream for many researchers to get in but International research program looks tempting with more stable job , quick hiring process with well funded environment , which Indian government institutions are unable to provide. I still believe ICMR , DBT and CSIR have great potential, if systemic issues improves with funding and job security.
With the way things are right now in the Research field I believe it will be difficult to sustain a long term career. Most researchers are underpayed,overloaded with work. It is essential to improve the working conditions and to provide necessary funding only then this field may attract traction.
Pursuing a research in India has become quiet challenging, mainly in terms of funding and resource limitations, delay in hiring process and limited career opportunities. This would be the reasons majority finds abroad to be a better alternative. I think proper support by the Government in funding and resource allocations and improving career opportunities and compensation would help the situation.
That’s a very relevant point, Institutions like CSIR, ICMR, and DBT are crucial for India’s scientific growth, but the challenges you mentioned funding gaps, long hiring processes, and temporary contracts make it hard for young researchers to plan a stable career. Balancing passion with security is the real struggle.
Pursuing meaningful and funded research in India is definitely challenging, since India has not yet quite developed an interest in prioritizing it as much as we should. While this is slowly changing, and significant improvements have been made towards encouraging research, we still have a long way to go, and only the best of the best are encouraged to keep the ball rolling.
So right now, in my opinion, the best options in regards to research still lie outside the country. But hopefully not for much longer!
In India, the major problem is all about budgets approval for researchers. It is ver less than any other de
Mostly yes, if the area of research you are doing has potential in India and is also backed by a strong government organisation, with a valued demand for it, and whose outcome is certain, you may earn along with gaining the benefit of the society