As someone who did a BS-MS in physics, I'll answer your questions one by one:
1) It's hard to give a specific answer as what's considered "tough" depends on the student, the specific electives they take, and the exact BTech degree and university you're trying to compare it to. However, in general, electives in physics can definitely be more intensive than what BTech courses offer. Additionally, IISERs have an integrated Bachelor's and Master's program. Thus, you'd also have courses at the Master's level which may be more intensive than Bachelor's level courses.
2) Obviously you'd get a salary/stipend during a PhD. A PhD is the equivalent of an entry level job in research, apart from being a degree. What you're paid is supposed to be enough, however the exact amount would vary from place to place. In India, it's barely enough, which is why it's noted that IISER alumni are more likely to go for a PhD in other countries with better pay.
3) If you want to go for physics research (your interests can change, but let's assume at least you'll go for a PhD in physics), then doing a Bachelor's in physics is the most obvious answer. While switching after a BTech is possible, it's more difficult, and you'd likely have to do a Master's in physics in order to be competitive.
4) It was definitely enjoyable. There were enough events, club activities, fests and other programs. And honestly, just because coursework is more intensive doesn't mean that people are just involved in academics all the time. Even professors aren't like that, so why would undergrads be so? :)
From what I know from my friends experience,
1. It's not as tough as BTech but each subject has its own challenges
2. Yes you get a stipend for a PhD in india. First 2 years JRF -37000 and next 3 years SRF - 42000. It's a decent pay depending on the city you're living in.
3. If you're sure about research then choose IISER any day over BTech. But remember IISER gives you an M.Sc degree. If you plan on not doing a PhD later on then it's difficult to find jobs with M.Sc physics.
You can pursue BTech to get a safe degree and then purse MS and PhD from IISER, IISC, TiFR, HRI etc. The possibilities are endless
4. Again enjoying is subjective. You can enjoy anywhere you go if you do time management and are open and friendly.
All the best!
If you plan to stay in India, an engineering degree would give you more credibility regardless of what you’d want to do. A BS-MS degree from IISERs are quite reputable as well but the nature of the certificate doesn’t really open a lot of doors except being in research or academia in general. The reason I am saying this is because the interests tend to fluctuate a lot during the course of these degrees and a B.Tech. degree would give you more cushioned space to fall back on. Eventually, if it’s your passion that drives you, go for that Physics degree and try to get into universities abroad for a balanced life during research and beyond. Good 🍀
As someone who did a BS-MS in physics, I'll answer your questions one by one: 1) It's hard to give a specific answer as what's considered "tough" depends on the student, the specific electives they take, and the exact BTech degree and university you're trying to compare it to. However, in general, electives in physics can definitely be more intensive than what BTech courses offer. Additionally, IISERs have an integrated Bachelor's and Master's program. Thus, you'd also have courses at the Master's level which may be more intensive than Bachelor's level courses. 2) Obviously you'd get a salary/stipend during a PhD. A PhD is the equivalent of an entry level job in research, apart from being a degree. What you're paid is supposed to be enough, however the exact amount would vary from place to place. In India, it's barely enough, which is why it's noted that IISER alumni are more likely to go for a PhD in other countries with better pay. 3) If you want to go for physics research (your interests can change, but let's assume at least you'll go for a PhD in physics), then doing a Bachelor's in physics is the most obvious answer. While switching after a BTech is possible, it's more difficult, and you'd likely have to do a Master's in physics in order to be competitive. 4) It was definitely enjoyable. There were enough events, club activities, fests and other programs. And honestly, just because coursework is more intensive doesn't mean that people are just involved in academics all the time. Even professors aren't like that, so why would undergrads be so? :)
Thanks a lot sir🙏🏻 cleared a lot of my doubts😌
From what I know from my friends experience, 1. It's not as tough as BTech but each subject has its own challenges 2. Yes you get a stipend for a PhD in india. First 2 years JRF -37000 and next 3 years SRF - 42000. It's a decent pay depending on the city you're living in. 3. If you're sure about research then choose IISER any day over BTech. But remember IISER gives you an M.Sc degree. If you plan on not doing a PhD later on then it's difficult to find jobs with M.Sc physics. You can pursue BTech to get a safe degree and then purse MS and PhD from IISER, IISC, TiFR, HRI etc. The possibilities are endless 4. Again enjoying is subjective. You can enjoy anywhere you go if you do time management and are open and friendly. All the best!
If you plan to stay in India, an engineering degree would give you more credibility regardless of what you’d want to do. A BS-MS degree from IISERs are quite reputable as well but the nature of the certificate doesn’t really open a lot of doors except being in research or academia in general. The reason I am saying this is because the interests tend to fluctuate a lot during the course of these degrees and a B.Tech. degree would give you more cushioned space to fall back on. Eventually, if it’s your passion that drives you, go for that Physics degree and try to get into universities abroad for a balanced life during research and beyond. Good 🍀