Chemical Engineering course, scope, jobs, eligibility and salary details

Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

In this article, we will have an in-depth analysis of B.E./B.Tech. Chemical Engineering program. Chemical Engineering can be said to be one of the older, traditional branch of Engineering. Here, I will provide you with information such as basic course details, course duration, eligibility criteria, scope and job opportunities associated with this branch of Engineering.

B.E./B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Basic course details

B.E./B.Tech. Chemical Engineering is a 4 years long Undergraduate Level program. The 4 years’ duration is divided into 8 semesters, each lasting 6 months.

Broadly speaking, Chemical Engineering program revolves around the concept of application of Chemistry in day to day lives as well as Industrial processes. Some important topics present in B.E./B.Tech. program are- chemical reactions, material science, energy, chemical technology, biochemistry, molecular chemistry etc.

To get a better idea about what the course is like, let us take a look at some of the important subjects present in B.E./B.Tech. Chemical Engineering program-

B.E./B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Important subjects present

Please note that I’ve listed only the important subjects present in the program. And it has been done with the aim of giving a better idea to readers about how the course is actually like. During the first year, Common Engineering subjects are taught, when it comes to this program.

• Engineering Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Engineering Graphics
• Communication Skills
• Mechanics of Solids
• Elements of Electrical Engineering
• Computer Programming and Utilization
• Basics of Civil Engineering
• Environment Science
• Physics

After first year, subjects focusing on Chemistry are introduced.

• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Fluid Mechanics
• Chemical Processes
• Thermodynamics
• Biochemistry
• Process Control
• Process Automation
• Safety Technology and Management
• Equipment Design and CAD
• Energy Sources
• Chemical Plant Designing and Operations
• Pollution Control
• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Petrochemicals
• Fertilizers
• Pharmaceutical Processes and Products

Many of the above mentioned subjects are recurring ones. They will appear in more than one semester. For instance, Engineering Mathematics is present in first year as well as third semester. Similarly, number of other subjects too are recurring ones.

Also, along with theoretical knowledge, practical sessions are also present, in case of many subjects. Workshops and Industrial training also forms an integral part of Chemical Engineering program. In the final semester, group project work is also present.

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 Science stream students, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects, who have passed 12th board examinations from a recognized board, are eligible to pursue this course. Minimum marks criteria may exist in case of many Institutes. Generally, it is between 40-50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects. Students must also have appeared for State Level Entrance examination for getting admission in reputed Institutes.

Courses to do after B.E./B.Tech. Chemical Engineering

Graduates may pursue job oriented, short term courses like Piping Technology, Safety Management, Maritime training course or other technical courses to improve their skill set and qualification. Here are some relevant entrance exams – JEE Main, JEE Advanced, Assam CEE, KEAM & MHT CET.

They may also go for more advanced programs like M.Tech. or M.B.A.

Scope, Salary and Job opportunities

Chemical Engineering branch has many characteristics of a Core branch of Engineering. It is more or less an evergreen branch. Chemical Industry is showing no signs of slowing down. Actually, it is expanding and with this expansion, new job opportunities are also being generated.

Government and Private sector jobs are available for graduates in ample amounts! Talking about Government sector jobs, Graduates may land job in firms like ONGC, BPCL, DRDO, Indian Oil Corporation, State owned Fertilizer manufacturing units, Food and Drug Department, IOCL etc.

Talking about Private Sector jobs, students may find jobs in sectors like- Petrochemical sector, Petroleum refineries like Reliance and Essar, Cement Factories, Fertilizer Factories, Food Processing and Technology sector, Pharmaceutical sector, Biotechnology Sector etc. Salary specifics vary, when talking about Private and Government sectors. The average starting salary is generally between 3-5 Lakh Rupees per year.

Graduates may bag following roles in the above mentioned sectors-

• Plant Managers
• Production Engineer
• Purchase and Quality Control Executive
• Safety Management Officer
• Chemical Engineer
• Plant Designer

One may even take up a teaching job after completing M.Tech. program in Chemical Engineering. Research and Development field related to Chemical sector is also a thriving one. After PhD, one may build a rewarding career in this sector also! Starting a Consultancy firm is also possible, after gaining sufficient Industry experience.

Popular Chemical Engineering colleges in India –

Here’s a list of popular engineering colleges offering chemical engineering courses in India –

• IIT-B, Powai
• IIT Delhi
• National Institute of Technology, Calicut
• Government Engineering College, Calicut
• College of Engineering, Trivandrum
• IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• University Departments of Anna University, Chennai – CEG Campus, Tamil Nadu
• University Departments of Anna University, Chennai – ACT Campus, Tamil Nadu
• University Departments of Anna University, Chennai – SAP Campus, Tamil Nadu
• IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal
• NIT Durgapur, West Bengal
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
• LD College of Engineering, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad
• Vishwakarma Government Engineering College, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad
• Faculty of Technology and Engineering, MSU, Vadodara
• SVIT, Surat
• IIT, Patna, Bihar
• NIT, Patna, Bihar
• CIPET, Hajipur, Bihar
• IIT, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
• NIT, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
• IIT Hyderabad, Telangana
• NIT Warangal, Telangana
• IIT, Ropar, Punjab
• Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab
• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab
• MRSPTU, Bathinda, Punjab
• CIPET, Amritsar, Punjab
• CIPET, Odisha
• IIT Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• NIT Rourkela, Odisha
• College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Check out this post for an even bigger list of relevant colleges – Best engineering colleges in India.

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.