courses to become a Astronomer

Hi Deepanshi,
I am having something for you, go through it, it will help you. In India, you will have to start focusing on your career once you pass 10th grade. One should choose Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects in 12th. After you are done with 12th grade and you have gotten good grades, you need to focus on a good Bachelors degree from a recognised university. One could choose a course in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, or Aerospace Engineering. To be able to get a post graduation degree and a doctorate, you need to do well in your undergraduate degree. Post graduation and doctorate will basically be specialisation in your stream. After you are done with graduation, you can sit for the exam, which is held by NASA for the recruitment of scientists and astronauts. Or in order to join ISRO, one needs to clear the Joint Entrance Exam which is held by the IITs. And in order to be a mission specialist, you will need 3 years of related and responsible experience. There are a couple of qualities and skills that a person needs to possess in order to make sure he can think of becoming an astronaut, some of them are-
1) You need to be physically fit, there are examinations, mentally strong and should have great stamina. You should qualify the criterion of height, a particular level of height is required for people to become an astronaut.
2) You should possess great mathematical skills, and I am not talking about addition, multiplication etc. You should have good communication skills, you must be good at English because there are very high chances that people you will be working with will not even be from your own country.
3) You should have a good academic career and team spirit because all the space missions are done in teams, and you should be able to work under high pressure and in the cramped environment.

Hi Rohith,
First of all, you have to study advanced physics and mathematics. Now, you can either sit in competitive exams and get a good rank, or pursue higher education in reputed institutes until you get a Ph.D. Your current course won't be an obstacle. By first year, I think you mean intermediate or class XI. If yes, then it's perfect. If you mean B.Sc., then it's still cool, you have a lot of time left.
Having a creative mind and good grip on subjects of astrophysics, particle physics, quantum mechanics, cosmology, and basic Newtonian physics will be very helpful. For that, I would recommend reading books on the subject. I'm going to give a recommendation list in the end.
Don't think that only good numbers, good ranks, or tags of top institutes can make you an astrophysicist. There are many research centres and organisations, even ISRO, who don't take these criteria too seriously.
Believe in yourself. If you have the brain of an astrophysicist, you will be recognised just with good knowledge, good percentage, and interest. No need for excellent marks.
It's a very technical field, and I'm myself very interested in this, so I would recommend having a good grasp on interesting topics like string framework, spacetime, nothingness, symmetry, inflation, entropy, etc. After this, make sure you have enough qualifications and marks. You'll have to pay attention to supplementary subjects like maths because they can dampen your overall prospects.
Recommended books:
The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene: must read, general-level, would explain most complicated topics with the least hassle like about time, quantum mechanics, inflation, etc.
Stardust by John Gribbin: a very beautiful book that's more literature than Science.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawkins: somewhat advanced but needed once you're serious about being an astrophysicist.
You might also try The Theory of Everything and An Elegant Universe.
I hope this helps.
All the best.