Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the application of the physical sciences (e.g., chemistry and physics) and the life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology, and biochemistry), along with mathematics and economics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. A chemical engineer translates processes developed in the lab into practical applications for the manufacturing of products such as plastics, medicines, detergents, and fuels. They design plants to maximize productivity and minimize costs. Job opportunities for a chemical engineer are available in various fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, mining process, mineral-based industries, petrochemical, plants, pharmaceuticals, synthetic fibers, and chemical engineering designs. Their work also extends to processes in nuclear energy, materials science, food production, alternative energy development, and even medicine.

Courses and Eligibility:

An individual aspiring for a career in Chemical Engineering can join the 4-year BE or BTech program after successfully completing the 10+2 exam in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. Admissions to these programs are made through an entrance test.

After completing class 10, students can get enrolled in a 3-year diploma course and become junior engineers in this field.

The focus of the BE/BTech programmes in Chemical Engineering is on Industrial Chemistry, Polymer Technology, Polymer Processing, Polymer Testing, Polymer Synthesis, and other such areas.

Career Prospects:

Chemical engineers are of great demand in today’s rapidly growing chemical industries throughout the globe. The field provides tremendous job and career opportunities in both public and private sectors. A chemical engineer can find jobs in industries dealing with food, materials, specialty chemicals, plastics, power production, environmental control, waste management, and biotechnology. They work in areas such as processing, operations or manufacturing, research and development, design and construction, and finance. Graduates can also engage in teaching. A BTech Chemical Engineering degree holder has good prospects in tyre-manufacturing companies.

Remuneration:

The starting salary of a BE/BTech degree holder varies somewhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000 per month, excluding perks and allowances. Diploma holders may get a starting salary that ranges from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,000 per month. Those who are working in the private sector are paid more than those in the public sector. Senior engineers with more than five years of working experience can earn anywhere between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 50,000 per month.