IIT Bombay
- Fees: ₹ 831200
- Exams: JEE Advanced
Chemical Engineering Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
Degrees offered: B.E /B.Tech, Ph.D, M.E /M.Tech., Diploma, BS
What is Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that combines principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to transform raw materials into useful products. Students learn how to design processes for industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food. The field plays an important role in sustainable technologies and large-scale production.
To study chemical engineering at the undergraduate level, students must complete Class 12 in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For postgraduate programmes, candidates need a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Core subjects include Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Reaction Engineering.
Graduates can explore careers as Chemical Engineers, Process Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Plant Managers, and Pharmaceutical Engineers. They are hired by leading companies such as Reliance Industries, ONGC, IOCL, GAIL, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Chemicals, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and L&T. The sector offers strong job opportunities in manufacturing, research, and energy industries.
Chemical Engineering- Highlights
Chemical Engineering is one of the most sought-after fields of engineering, focusing on designing processes that convert raw materials into useful products. The branch plays a vital role in industries like petrochemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, offering diverse career opportunities. Below are the key highlights of the course.
| Particulars | Values |
|---|---|
Branch Name | Chemical Engineering |
Degree | |
Eligibility | UG: Class 12th examinations in the science stream PG: Bachelor's in chemical engineering or related field |
Admission Process | Entrance Based |
Entrance Exam | JEE Main, JEE Advanced, VITEEE, BITSAT, GATE, CUET UG, CUET PG, CUCET, JEECUP, WBJEE |
Course Fees | Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs. 24 Lakhs |
Job Profiles | Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Chemical Process Development Engineer, Biochemical Engineer, Petroleum Engineer, Chemical Plant Manager, and Pharmaceutical Engineer |
Average Salary | Rs. 5.1 LPA |
Recruiting Companies | Reliance Industries, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Unilever, GAIL (India) Limited, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Chemicals, ONGC, Haldia Petrochemicals, and Dr Reddy's Laboratories |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
Chemical Engineering offers various specialisations and related fields focusing on different technologies and industry areas. Each option provides unique opportunities for students to build expertise in production, research, sustainability, or advanced materials. Some similar courses and specialisations include:
Process Engineering | |
Polymer and Plastic Engineering | |
Food Technology and Engineering | |
Top Private Chemical Engineering Colleges in India
India has more than 280 private colleges offering Chemical Engineering. These institutions provide modern infrastructure, industry partnerships, and placement opportunities, though their fees are usually higher than those of government colleges. Many students opt for private colleges for wider exposure and career growth. The table below highlights the top private colleges with NIRF ranking and fees.
| Top Colleges | NIRF Ranking | Fees |
|---|---|---|
11 | Rs. 23.59 Lakhs | |
14 | Rs. 11 Lakhs | |
16 | Rs. 6.92 Lakhs | |
29 | Rs. 18.50 Lakhs | |
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Virudhunagar | 33 | Rs. 4.53 Lakhs |
36 | Rs. 14.75 Lakhs | |
40 | Rs. 7.53 Lakhs | |
47 | Rs. 2 Lakhs | |
48 | Rs. 3 Lakhs | |
51 | Rs. 16.67 Lakhs | |
58 | Rs. 12.46 Lakhs |
Note: The fee structure provided above can be for any particular Chemical Engineering Course (Degree/PGD).
Top Government Chemical Engineering Colleges in India
India has over 208 government colleges offering Chemical Engineering with various specialisations. These institutes provide quality education at affordable fees and maintain strong academic standards. Many students choose government colleges for cost-effective learning and recognised degrees. The table below lists some of the top government chemical engineering colleges.
| Top Colleges | NIRF Ranking | Fees |
|---|---|---|
1 | Rs. 8.74 Lakhs | |
2 | Rs. 8.55 Lakhs | |
3 | Rs. 8.59 Lakhs | |
4 | Rs. 8.93 Lakhs | |
5 | Rs. 8.58 Lakhs | |
6 | Rs. 8.90 Lakhs | |
7 | Rs. 9.37 Lakhs | |
8 | Rs. 8.54 Lakhs | |
NIT Trichy | 9 | Rs. 2.26 Lakhs |
10 | Rs. 8.58 Lakhs |
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Chemical Engineering
The Chemical Engineering eligibility criteria are different for every college. Some of the colleges provide direct admission based on the previous academic marks, while some colleges take entrance examinations. Students must check the course details and eligibility before starting the admission process. This section will discuss both undergraduate and postgraduate chemical engineering eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses
Aspirants who wish to pursue undergraduate courses in Chemical Engineering are recommended to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying for admission. Below are the general eligibility details for the undergraduate Chemical Engineering course.
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board.
- Candidates must have Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry as their compulsory subjects.
- Students must score at least an aggregate of 50 per cent marks in the 10+2 class.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Courses
The universities and colleges offering UG courses in Chemical Engineering require candidates to qualify for a certain entrance examination. Below are the details of some of the entrance exams required by the candidates:
| Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
National | NTA | ||
National | IIT Bombay | ||
University | BITS | ||
University | SRM University | ||
State | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board | ||
State | State Common Entrance Test Cell - Maharashtra State | ||
University | VIT | ||
National | NTA | ||
University | Chandigarh University | ||
State | Joint Entrance Examination Council Uttar Pradesh | - |
Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
Candidates interested in pursuing postgraduate courses in Chemical Engineering should ensure they fulfil the necessary eligibility criteria. It is essential to meet these criteria before applying for the course. The eligibility criteria for postgraduate-level Chemical Engineering are detailed below:
- Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fields.
- Candidates must have 45 per cent marks in their aggregate percentage in their graduation.
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
Colleges offering PG courses in Chemical Engineering also require candidates to qualify for a certain entrance examination. Below are the details of some of the entrance exams required by the candidates:
| Exam Name | Level | Conducting Body | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
National | IITs | ||
National | NTA | ||
State | Karnataka Examinations Authority | - | |
State | Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati | - |
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Chemical Engineering in India and Abroad
Chemical Engineering offers wide-ranging career opportunities in industries like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, energy, and environmental management. Graduates can take roles in research, production, safety, and process optimisation. With India’s chemical sector growing rapidly, skilled chemical engineers are in high demand, making it a promising and rewarding career path.
Chemical Engineering is a vital field that focuses on converting raw materials into valuable products. In India, the chemical industry contributes approximately 7 per cent to the nation's GDP and ranks third in Asia. The sector is expected to grow significantly, reaching nearly Rs. 88.7 lakh crore ($1 trillion) by 2040. (Source- Shiv Nadar University)
Course Fees Chemical Engineering
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
---
Data not available
|
---
Data not available
|
25.26 Lakhs
B.E /B.Tech in Chemical Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
|
13.02 Lakhs
B.Tech M.Tech in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
|
| PG |
56.00 K
M.E /M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering at PK University, Shivpuri
|
---
Data not available
|
13.20 Lakhs
Dual Degree in Chemical Engineering at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai
|
10.75 Lakhs
Dual Degree in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
|
| DOCTORAL |
27.20 K
Ph.D in Chemical Engineering at Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad
|
---
Data not available
|
15.98 Lakhs
Ph.D in Chemical Engineering at Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Sciences, Sehore
|
4.04 Lakhs
Ph.D in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal
|
| DIPLOMA |
3.00 K
Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad
|
1.80 K
Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Contai Polytechnic, Contai
|
2.58 Lakhs
Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Bharati Vidyapeeth's Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Technology Polytechnic, Pune
|
1.35 Lakhs
Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi
|
Course Subjects
The Chemical Engineering syllabus for UG and PG courses combines theory and practical learning. UG students study subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Process Engineering, while PG students focus on advanced topics such as Process Modelling, Reactor Design, and Project Work. Below are the syllabus details for the UG and PG Chemical Engineering courses.
Chemical Engineering Syllabus for UG Courses
The UG Chemical Engineering syllabus combines theory and practical learning. Students study subjects like Applied Mechanics, Chemistry, Physics, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, while gaining hands-on experience in labs and projects. This prepares them for industrial and research work. The table below is the syllabus of B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Patna.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Electrical Sciences | Biology and Environmental Studies |
Engineering Drawing | Introductory Chemistry |
Communicative English for Engineers | Chemistry Laboratory |
Mathematics | Programming and Data Structures |
Workshop | Programming and Data Structures Laboratory |
Physics | Basic Electronics Laboratory |
Physics Laboratory | Mathematics – II |
- | Engineering Mechanics |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Mathematics – III | Heat Transfer |
Chemical Process Calculations | Mass Transfer – I |
Fluid Mechanics | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics |
Mechanical Operations | Process Equipment Design |
HSS Elective – I | Mechanical Operations and Fluid Flow Lab |
- | Open Elective – I |
- | HSS Elective – II |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Chemical Reaction Engineering | Chemical Reactor Design |
Mass Transfer – II | Chemical Process Modelling and Simulation |
Chemical Process Technology | Departmental Elective – I |
Process Equipment Design | Chemical Process Simulation Lab |
Mass Transfer Lab | Chemical Reaction Engineering and Environmental Engineering Lab |
Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics Lab | Process Control and Instrumentation |
Open Elective – II | HSS Elective – III |
Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
Transport Phenomena | Departmental Elective – II |
Summer Training | Departmental Elective – III |
Process Control Lab | Departmental Elective – IV |
Open Elective – III | Project – II |
Process Plant Design and Economics | - |
Grand Viva | - |
Project – I | - |
Chemical Engineering Syllabus for PG Courses
Students pursuing postgraduate courses will focus mainly on the advanced and sophisticated topics of chemical engineering. Some of the topics covered in postgraduate courses are process control, modelling and simulation, and chemical engineering lab. In the table below, we have mentioned the PG syllabus, which is taken from the NIT Trichy.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Advanced Process Control | Advances in Fluidisation Engineering |
Elective I | Elective IV |
Process Modelling & Simulation | Chemical Process Design |
Elective II | Elective V |
Chemical Reactor Analysis & Design | Advanced Transport Phenomena |
Chemical Engineering Lab | Elective VI |
Elective III | - |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Project Work | Project Work |
Careers in Chemical Engineering
After completing a Chemical Engineering course, graduates can find numerous job opportunities in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing. They can work in technical, management, or research roles. Below is a description of some common career options available for Chemical Engineering graduates:
| Job Profiles | Description |
|---|---|
Chemical Engineers design and optimise chemical processes. They work on production efficiency and safety in various industries. | |
Site Engineers | Site Engineers manage on-site operations in chemical plants and refineries. They ensure the smooth execution of engineering projects. |
Biochemical Engineers develop and improve biological processes for industries like pharmaceuticals and biotech. They handle experiments and process scaling. | |
Petroleum Engineers work on the extraction and production of oil and gas. They manage exploration, drilling, and production processes. | |
Chemical Plant Managers | Chemical Plant Managers oversee the daily operations of chemical plants. They manage teams and ensure production meets safety and quality standards. |
Pharmaceutical Engineers | Pharmaceutical Engineers design and operate production processes in the pharmaceutical industry. They ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards. |
QA Managers supervise quality control processes in the chemical and pharma industries. They develop procedures to maintain product standards. |
Upcoming trends
With the rapid growth of the chemical industry, processes and technologies are evolving continuously, creating new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Some of the current and upcoming trends in Chemical Engineering are:
- Green and Sustainable Chemistry
- Process Intensification
- Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering
- Advanced Material Development
- Digitalisation and Process Automation
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
After completing a Chemical Engineering course, graduates can pursue diverse roles in the chemical process industries and related sectors. They are employed in manufacturing, research, energy, and pharmaceuticals. Some of the top recruiters in the field of Chemical Engineering are listed below:
Top Recruiters
- Reliance Industries
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Hindustan Unilever
- GAIL (India) Limited
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Tata Chemicals
- ONGC
- Haldia Petrochemicals
- Dr Reddy's Laboratories
Average Salary
The salary for Chemical Engineering graduates varies based on individual performance, interview outcomes, and skills. Factors like job role, location, and experience also influence compensation. Graduates can earn competitive packages in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and process engineering. The table below shows the average salaries for common job roles.
| Job Profiles | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
Chemical Engineer | Rs. 5.1 LPA |
Site Engineer | Rs. 3.8 LPA |
Biochemical Engineer | Rs. 13.4 LPA |
Petroleum Engineer | Rs. 9.9 LPA |
Chemical Plant Manager | Rs. 14 LPA |
Pharmaceutical Engineer | Rs. 3.5 LPA |
QA Manager | Rs. 19.9 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox and Glassdoor
Required Skillset for Chemical Engineering
Success in Chemical Engineering demands strong knowledge, attention, and alertness, especially when conducting experiments and handling industrial processes. Graduates need a balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills to excel in their careers. Developing both technical expertise and problem-solving abilities is essential for growth in this dynamic field.
- Interest and Aptitude for Chemistry
- Analytical Skills
- Numeracy Skills
- Teamwork
- Commercial Awareness
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Project Management
- Mathematical Proficiency
Course Curriculum for Chemical Engineering
The Chemical Engineering curriculum combines theory, practicals, and assignments to give students a thorough understanding of chemicals, processes, and their industrial applications. Students learn about chemical plant operations, process design, and safety measures. This knowledge prepares them to pursue careers in manufacturing, research, pharmaceuticals, energy, and environmental sectors.
Popular Chemical Engineering Entrance Exams in India
GATE
Exam Date: 07 Feb, 2026 - 08 Feb, 2026
CSIR UGC NET
Application Process: 25 Sep, 2025 - 24 Oct, 2025
Popular Chemical Engineering Colleges in India VIEW ALL
MSU Baroda
- Fees: ₹ 33360
- Exams: GUJCET
VIT Vellore
- Fees: ₹ 692000
- Exams: VITEEE
RVCE Bangalore
- Fees: ₹ 386296
- Exams: COMEDK UGET , KCET
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What is the average salary for Chemical Engineering graduates?
Answer :
Salary varies based on skills, experience, and location. On average, graduates earn around Rs. 4-5 lakh per annum, with higher packages in multinational companies and specialised roles.
Question: Can I do a Diploma in Chemical Engineering?
Answer :
Yes, you can do a Diploma in Chemical Engineering if you have qualified for your 10th standard with a minimum average of 45 per cent mark. The admission is done on the entrance exam basis and the marks that they have scored in the examination.
Question: What are the top entrance exams in the field of Chemical Engineering?
Answer :
Popular exams for UG admission include JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, VITEEE, and CUET. For PG courses, exams like GATE, CUET PG, and CUCET are often required.
Question: What are the career options available after the Chemical Engineering course?
Answer :
Graduates can work as Chemical Engineers, Process Engineers, Biochemical Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Plant Managers, or QA Managers in industries like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
Question: Are chemical engineers in demand?
Answer :
Yes, chemical engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and environmental management. With India’s chemical sector expanding rapidly, skilled professionals are sought after for roles in research, process design, safety, and production management.
Question: What are the eligibility criteria for admission to B.Tech in chemical engineering?
Answer :
Candidates must have completed their 12th grade (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as main subjects. Admission is usually based on entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, or state-level engineering entrance tests.
Questions related to Chemical Engineering
Showing 2654 out of 2654 Questions
32 Views
Is there any private college available in kerala for chemical engineering?
8th Mar, 2024
Hello aspirant,
Here below I am providing you with the name of some of the top private colleges for chemical engineering in Kerala:
- Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kottayam
- GEC Kozhikode - Government Engineering College, Kozhikode
- GEC Thrissur - Government Engineering College, Thrissur
- Indira Gandhi Polytechnic College, Asamannoor
For more information you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.
https://engineering.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-chemical-engineering-colleges-in-kerala
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Answer later 1 View
My question is I am currently studying diploma in chemical engg. in Marwadi University from rajkot and have a cgpa of 9.63 and I went to study bachlor in chemical engineering abroad or in a good college so what are the necessary merit for both of the option and can you suggest some college for it
11th Oct, 2025
Hi there,
A majority of universities will consider your academic record, assessment scores of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL, (and sometimes SAT scores). Besides this, you will need a strong statement of purpose, a couple of recommendation letters, and your transcripts. The countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany are very attractive to chemical engineering students. The University of Toronto, Monash University, the University of Manchester, RWTH Aachen, or the University of British Columbia are some of the great options you can choose, as they all have good research and lab facilities.
If you want to stay in India, you can file a lateral entry (direct 2nd year admission) application in top colleges such as BITS Pilani, VIT Vellore, SRM University, or Manipal Institute of Technology. These institutes are the ones that allow diploma holders to join B.Tech programs by conducting entrance exams or merit-based admission.
Hope it helps!!!!
Thank you.
336 Views
sir my percentile is 82 in january attempt 2024 and am obc candidate wanting chemical engineering....is it possible to get nit
Hello Student ,
With 82 percentile considering you as obc category candidate you do have chances to get admission according to last year cutoff in NIT Agartala with Chemical engineering and in some GFTIs as well .
On the bais of percentile it is not possible to perdict your exact category rank so I will suggest you to prepare well for April session.
To know about your admission chances in colleges through JoSAA Counselling use JEE College Predictor . The link is given below -
JEE College Predictor
35 Views
my aim is to take over my fathers fertlizer company, which course should i opt for in college (VIT vellore), bsc agriculture or b.tech in chemical engineering, which would be better?
26th Feb, 2024
Hello,
Opting for a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering at VIT Vellore would likely be more beneficial if your aim is to take over your father's fertilizer company. Chemical engineering covers a broader range of topics related to the production, processing, and optimization of chemicals and chemical processes, which aligns well with the fertilizer manufacturing industry. You'll gain knowledge and skills relevant to the operations, design, and management aspects of chemical processes, which are essential for running a fertilizer company efficiently. So according to me you should choose B tech in chemical engineering.
Hope this helps you,
Thank you
35 Views
chemical engineering cutoff 2023 for top NITs
21st Jan, 2024
Hello aspirant,
The JoSAA authorities will post the NIT B.Tech cutoff for Chemical Engineering online at josaa.nic.in. The NITs 2024 cutoff for B.Tech Chemical Engineering will be updated online following each round of JoSAA counselling. Candidates can check the NITs 2024 B.Tech Chemical Engineering cutoff to learn the minimum score required to be admitted into their chosen course at various NITs.
To know 2023 cutoff, you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
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