B.Tech in Chemical Engineering: Course, Subjects, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Career Scope

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering is an undergraduate degree in engineering that studies the principles and laws of physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and economics, to the mechanism of converting chemicals or raw components into more useful or valuable forms. They work in far-ranging industries from biomedical or nanotechnology to food processing and petrochemicals. It mainly involves developing and designing processes to create new products or to improve existing ones. Chemical engineers work to make our lives easier.

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering: Course Highlights

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering is a 4 year program which adorn students with crucial knowledge about physical (physics & chemistry) science, life (biochemistry, microbiology) science and the economical aspect of it.

Below are various fields where chemical engineers are recruited in large numbers:

• Chemical process engineering

• Production engineering

• Plant designing

• Research

• Quality control engineering

How to Get Admission in B.Tech Chemical Engineering?

The admission process to B.Tech in chemical engineering has various stages which need to be completed in order to take admission. This procedure starts with students taking an entrance exam basis which a merit list and a cut-off list is released by the official exam conducting body JOSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority). It is followed by seat allocation and counselling which is also conducted by JOSAA. Seats are allotted on the basis of All India Rank (AIR) of JEE Main. There is always a certain age limit for these exams which varies every year.

Documents required for the admission process:

• Rank card

• Seat allotment letter

• 10th and 12th marksheet

• Birth certificate

• Transfer certificate

• Character certificate

• Income proof certificate

• Admission form filled by the candidate

• Passport size photographs

Top Entrance Exams for B.Tech in Chemical Engineering

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering is one of the most sought after career paths in India. Therefore, it is important to know how many entrance exams there are for this course. To get admission in top B.Tech. chemical engineering colleges candidates need to qualify their respective entrance exams. Below are some top entrance exams:

JEE Main

Previously known as AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Exam) is conducted twice a year by NTA (National Testing Agency). In 2019, the NTA decided that now JEE Main will be conducted twice a year, in January and April. A candidate can give the JEE Main twice a year for three consecutive years which means 6 attempts in a span of 3 years consecutively. This is considered one of the toughest exams in India. It is a gateway for IITs and a qualifying exam for appearing in JEE Advanced. Only a handful of candidates are deemed eligible to appear in JEE Advanced.

JEE Advanced

JEE Advanced is the second phase of JEE only after qualifying JEE Main can you appear for this exam. A merit list is released by NTA (National Testing Agency) on the basis of marks obtained in the JEE Main. Candidates with equal or more marks than cut off are considered eligible to appear for JEE Advanced. Only a few candidates are able to appear for this exam as the cut off is usually very high. This exam is tougher than JEE Main and also slightly different in pattern. Even after qualifying both exams, the candidate must secure 75% or more to be eligible for admission in any IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) across the country. IIT is deemed to be one of the top B.Tech chemical engineering colleges.

BITSAT

The BITSAT is conducted by BITS (Birla Institute of Technology and Science). It is conducted in three states which include Pilani, Hyderabad and Goa and is considered to be one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams. The average number of applications per year is 3 lakh making the admission rate highly low. A degree of B.Tech in chemical engineering awarded by BITS is equivalent to any degree granted by other institutes in the country.

VITEEE

The Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam is held for admission in two campuses, one is located in Chennai and other is located in Vellore. The threshold for educational qualification has been set at a minimum of 60% in physics, chemistry and mathematics/ biology. NRIs (Non-resident Indian Nationals) can also apply for this exam. VIT is considered to be the best for B.Tech in chemical engineering among private engineering institutes.

SRMJEEE

This entrance exam is organized by SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Every year about 2 lakh candidates appear for SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam. The top 1000 IIT JEE rank holders and the top rank holders of central & state board-examinations are qualified for direct admission. As one of the leading colleges offering B.Tech. chemical engineering courses, the education quality is outstanding. Qualified candidates are offered admission to various campuses across the country.

SITEEE

Conducted by SIU (Symbiosis International University), this exam is not mandatory as SIT also admits students based on their ranks in JEE (Main). For candidates appearing in the entrance exam a merit list will be prepared on the basis of marks secured in this exam which is followed by the university. The minimum percentage required to be eligible for this exam is 45% on Intermediate level (10+2) in physics, chemistry, mathematics. SIT also offers scholarships to meritorious students in major courses such as B.Tech. in chemical engineering, computer science, and in many more.

AMUEEE

Aligarh Muslims University Engineering Entrance Exam is conducted by AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) to provide the admission in engineering courses and architecture courses. The students qualifying AMUEEE will be granted admission in Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology. More details such as exam mechanism and level, subjects, time duration for exam, number of questions, types of questions, required eligibility to appear for the exam, total marks and marking scheme are given in the below table.

Eligibility Criteria for B.Tech in Chemical Engineering

The B.Tech chemical engineering eligibility criteria is mentioned below:

Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Science stream or its equivalent from any recognized board

• Candidates must have 50% marks in their aggregate percentage

• Reserved categories such as SC/ ST have relaxation upto 5%

• The qualifying examination should be with Physics, Maths, Chemistry and an extra subject of the students choice.

Candidates must have these above mentioned credentials to meet the B.Tech. chemical engineering eligibility criteria.

Top Institutes for B.Tech in Chemical Engineering

There are various institutes which offer B.Tech in chemical engineering but choosing a good one is as important for your career as choosing your stream. Below are some of the top institutes which offer this course:

• IIT Mumbai (Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai)

• IIT Delhi (Indian Institute of Technology Delhi)

• IIT Madras (Indian Institute of Technology Madras)

• IIT Kharagpur (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur)

• IIT BHU (Indian Institute of Technology Varanasi)

• IIT Guwahati (Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati)

• ICT Mumbai (Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai)

• BITS Pilani (Birla Institute of Science and Technology)

• NIT Surathkal (National Institute of Technology Surathkal)

• NIT Trichy (National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli)

The fees for B.Tech chemical engineering programme slightly alters from college to college. Candidates should always do thorough research on institutes before getting into the admission process. Some colleges award scholarships to students in courses such as B.Tech. in chemical engineering. The average B.Tech. chemical engineering fees is 4 lakh to 20 lakh.

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering: Career Prospects

Chemical engineers generally work in the petroleum industry, large scale productions, overviewing or designing of plants as chemical process engineer, production and quality engineer, etc. One of the most prevalent job profiles in this field is chemical process engineer. It is an innovative job in which they develop new industrial processes, design process plants or enhance existing ones. A second job profile similar to this would be production engineer which makes sure that all products are manufactured with efficiency and they are on par with company quality standards. Apart from private industries, there are also numerous opportunities in the government sector. Mentioned below are some of the top job profiles from both private & government sectors.

• Chemical process engineer

• Production engineer

• Quality engineer

• Plant designer and manager

• Process design engineer

• Safety management officer

• Researcher

B.Tech in Chemical Engineering: Salary Trends

The remuneration in the chemical engineering domain varies from individual to individual depending upon their capabilities and tenure. An entry level employee would get a package around 5 lakh p.a. (approx) and a mid-level employee earns more than the new employee, however less than a senior employee. The earnings of a senior level employee is much more than other employees depending upon work experience and numerous other factors. The comprehensive salary is estimated to be about 5 lakh to 25 lakh p.a. Enclosed below are general figures and not definite percentages, please treat them as references.

B.Tech in chemical engineering has lost a little traction after the rise of the IT industry, however, an increase in foreign investments have brought a new surge of opportunities. Being a chemical engineering graduate you can work in petroleum industry, pharmaceuticals industry, food processing, microelectronics and biotechnology. You can also do masters after graduation as it also opens new opportunities to pursue doctorate studies.

Other Relevant Links

• B.Tech in Petrochemical Engineering
• B.Tech in Petrochemical Technology
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• B.Tech Chemical Engineering Syllabus