What educational path should a high school student with a science background pursue to become a nuclear scientist? Which top technical institutes offer the best programs in this field, and what are their admission criteria?

Having a good grasp over the fundamentals in these subjects (especially Physics) would lay a solid foundation for pursuing topics related to nuclear physics. Most IITs have a dedicated high energy physics group in their respective physics departments, so taking up courses offered by the group and gaining valuable research experience in these groups would help kickstart a career in nuclear science.