Dear Aspirant,

Astrology has no confirmed career scope if you are planning to do it full time. Currently there are no University courses (degree or diploma) in Astrology in India.

No jobs are available through this career and majority all have self practices.

To be best sure of what suits you for your career, I would suggest you to undergo an online psychometric test from CareerGuide which will help you understand yourself in respect of your strengths, weaknesses, emotional quotient, etc. and will exactly tell you which career is ideal for you.
You can then call counsellors to discuss.

Best wishes!

Thanks for writing to www.CareerGuide.com! I am glad that you are thinking to pursue scientific career in most ignored traditional science. No one can stop you making great career in your area of passion, and interest. Astrology too can also be a good career choice.

Astrology is a science that has been practiced from very ancient times. It is one of the traditional Sanskrit subject. Astrology studies planetary bodies' positions in the universe and make predictions about future events. It is believed that the positions of planetary bodies have great influences on our lives, and an astrologer tries to predict a person's being, depending on their study.

If you are good in mathematics and very much interested in studying astrology, you may pursue as a career. You can do graduation, post-graduation and pursue higher studies (like MPhil, PhD, post-doctoral studies). Post-graduation in the field will have more career scope. Many diploma courses are offered too.

I am sharing a list of some of the UGC recognized universities/colleges who are offering courses in astrology are as follow:

Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, the M.S.University, Baroda (offers BA (Shastri), MA (Acharya) and PhD (visharad) courses in Astrology. Medium of instruction is Sanskrit).

North-Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat (2 years course in Vedic).

Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur, (One year diploma course in Bharatiya Jyotish).

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur (One year B.A./M.A. /Ph.D. in Astrology).

Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University (Courses in Jyotish Shastra known as Vedanga Jyotish).

Department of Vedic Astrology, P.S. Telugu University, Hyderabad (M.A. in Astrology through correspondence)

Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati (B.A.(Jyotish), M.A. (Phalita Jyotish), M.A. (Shidhanta Jyotisha).

Sampuranand Sanskrit Vishwavidhalya, Varanasi

Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi (B.A. Shastri)(Sidant Jyotish, B.A. (Falit Jyotish), M.A. Shastri Sidant Jyotish, M.A. Acharya Falit Jyotish

Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Ernakulam (M.A.Jyotisha)

Uttarakhand Open University (graduate course in Astrology)

Career Prospects
There are career opportunities in academics, temples, and private institutions. One can work as a teacher or assistant professor after qualifying UGC's NET. After studying post-graduation, you can start private practice as astrologer as well. Vedic astrologers can find employment with temples. There are many temples in India and abroad hire astrologers. Many private institutions as well as colleges in India take in professionals of Astrology. Later on, you may start astrology teaching institutes. The remuneration of astrologers will be based upon their experience as well as fame.

Required Skill sets
To become an astrologer, you should be good at mathematical calculations. You need to have good understanding of planetary movements and their relevance to given dates. An understanding of astronomy will be helpful in giving you a good foundation of astrological knowledge. You need to have empathic and compassionate attitude towards your clients, as they may be vulnerable and sensitive regarding their future. You need to be abled communicator. You should be able to translate lunar terms into layman's language so clients can easily understand them. And of course teaching skills are important aspect for making a bright career in astrology field.

Career Path
For academics: There is a scope for astrologers in academics. I recommend you to do BA in Sanskrit and you can do MA in Sanskrit with specialization in Jyotish. Clarify NET and pursue PhD in Astrology. This is help you get into academics.

For private practice as astrologer: Do BA/MA or MSc in astrology from recognized University.

My recommendation:
Before you decide to pursue astrology as a career, I would recommend you to take psychometric assessment, Ideal Career Test from www.CareerGuide.com. Make a career plan and pursue the course.

If you still have a query, feel free to talk to me. I would be happy to guide you.
Wish you all the best for bright future!
Apurva Kumar Pandya, PhD