My 14-year-old has a keen interest in space and astronomy. He wants to become an astronaut when he grows up. Can any one advice me how to channelize my son's education in that direction?

Hi meghna,

You can ask your son to pursue Astronomy & Astrophysics. Here are some universities that offer Astronomy & Astrophysics specialization at M.Sc. and, in some cases, a Ph. D. programme are:

* Punjabi University, Patiala
* Banglore University
* Burdwan University
* Calcutta University
* Delhi University
* Gauhati University
* Gujarat University
* Gorakhpur University
* Indian Institute of Science
* Jadavpur University
* Kashmir University
* Kumaon University
* Lucknow University
* Madurai Kamaraj University
* Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
* Pune University
* Punjab University
* Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur
* Roorkee University
* Swami Ramanand Teerth University, Nanded
* Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics; Pune
* Joint Astronomy Programme (JAP), Indian Institute of Science, Banglore

You can contact the university directly or can check their website for more details...

Since your son is still 14, there are some more years to go. Make sure he is interested in Physics and Mathematics. Astronomy & Astrophysics (A &A) is taught as special courses in the M.Sc. programmes of the Physics or Mathematics departments in universities or colleges. It is, therefore , desirable for a student to acquire proficiency in physics and mathematics at the graduate level and then opt for A & A specialization or an engineer with a B.Tech. or B.E. degree, but with aptitude for A & A, can also enter the field as a research scholar.

Your child is too young. Don't rush him. Like already mentioned by others there are lots of courses which you can enroll your son into once he has finished his schooling.
Meanwhile, you can teach him about space in a manner which he’ll enjoy and understand. For instance there’s Space Camp in India. They take kids to the US Space and Rocket Centre at Huntsville. There they are given hands-on astronaut training. They are also taught basic mathematics and physics related to the space. I think your kid will love the experience and this will also help him gain confidence and conviction for his future. They have a group on Facebook, might help you to decide. Anyways here’s their link http://spacecampindia.com/ . Best of luck!

Let your son grow up and get matured to choose the field that he feels would be the best for him. Some field that he has an aptitude for.