I think that sometime between now and when you apply to master’s degree programs it is very, very likely that you will change what subject you intend to focus on for your master’s degree.
However, some combination of physics, mathematics, and computer science can be used in quite a few ways. Just as one example, you could start on this path thinking “quantum computing”, and six or seven years from now (after a bachelor’s degree and some time working on a job) change to “artificial intelligence” or “machine learning” or “operations research” or “particle physics” or “acoustics” (assuming that you take the right math and physics, which is likely for someone aiming for quantum computing), or any one of a very wide range of other fields.
I do not think that you need to be too concerned right now about the specific manner in which you are going to apply interest in some combination of physics, mathematics, and computer science.
My SIL is professor of quantum computing. So I hope I am answer some of your questions about the field.
Yes, physics is very much necessary for quantum computing. Math would be a decent second choice. Knowing some CS is useful but not critical.
Are you more interested in the hardware side of QC or the software side of QC because the graduate pathways are pretty different.
Hardware is still in the developmental stage with 4 or 5 competing designs for quantum storage and circuitry. There will be a shake-out sooner or later, but for right now there is no clear “best” method.
Software is also in the development stage because some types of programming are hardware design dependent. Software generally falls into 3 categories: error correction, scalability and quantum-specific algorithm development. All three are highly math intensive.
Few of SIL’s grad students have quantum computing courses from undergrad and most have no or only a limited amount of computer science.
Hey there, thank you for the lovely advice! But as of now, I’m interested about physics and that’s it. I might/might not lose interest in quantum computing, therefore I’ll not think about it as my aim.
Quantum computing is to quantum physics as electrical engineering is to electromagnetism. Having a deep understanding helps, and most graduate programs will require you to take courses in those areas, but it’s not necessary to get started.
You don’t need much besides linear algebra, which most STEM majors learn.
A different issue entirely is what will make you a competitive applicant for quantum computing graduate programs - for that, Physics, electrical engineering, or math would be your best bet.
Another thing to be aware of if you do apply to US universities is that the State Department has recently been ordered to read the social media of prospective students. They are supposed to look for terrorist sympathies, anti-American sentiment, etc. This is in addition to the existing practice of scrutinizing applicants for their commitment to return to their home countries, as a student visa is a non-immigrant visa. I would suggest that you not post on social media, reddit, etc. that you want to get out of India and move here permanently.