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Chemical Engineering Scope in India, Average Salary, Jobs

The chemical engineering scope in India is significantly growing. Explore the average salary, top career choices, top recruiters and industry-wise scope of chemical engineering in this detailed guide.
authorImagePratibha Bohra24 Jan, 2024
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chemical engineering scope

Chemical Engineering Scope: Chemical engineering serves as the scientific foundation for transforming raw materials into valuable products, including energy, clothing, food, and more. This process is conducted with a focus on resource management and the preservation of a healthier environment for future generations. Given its significant use across multiple fields, it is fair to say that the chemical engineering scope in India is extensive.

Students interested in studying and researching chemistry can enroll in chemical engineering bachelor's and master's programs. Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that uses ideas from chemistry, applied mathematics, biochemistry, microbiology, economics, and applied physics to efficiently use and convert chemicals, substances, and energy.

Chemical Engineering Scope

The chemical engineering scope is evergreen. Graduates in the chemical engineering discipline are always in demand. While chemical engineering manages resources and ensures human health and safety, they are equally involved in plan design operations and modeling. Chemical engineering subjects include fundamentals from control engineering, chemical reaction engineering, nuclear engineering, biological engineering, and so on. Students interested in pursuing a career in this field must explore the chemical engineering scope and other pertinent details in this article. Read Chemical Engineering, Know Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges

Chemical Engineering Scope in India- Industry Wise

The chemical engineering scope in India is booming at present. Numerous vital industries, such as petrochemicals, food sectors, manufacturing, and energy sectors, among others, are actively recruiting skilled chemical engineers, making it an excellent career choice. Check out the industry-wise chemical engineering scope in India, as outlined below.

Chemical Engineering Scope in India- Industry Wise

Sectors Details
Petrochemical Petrochemical companies like Schlumberger and Reliance, among others, use chemical and petroleum engineers to extract and refine their products. It recruits scholars and specialists to carry out research and provide guidance on improved production and refining procedures.
Energy Sectors The production of energy from natural resources like coal and gas is the primary objective of the energy sector. Graduates of chemical engineering work in the field of producing alternative energy sources and offer creative solutions to the energy dilemma.
Manufacturing Chemical engineering includes manufacturing, which is the large-scale production of fuels, chemicals, food products, fast-moving consumer goods, and other things. To effectively make goods on a large scale, this industry uses additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, along with advanced manufacturing concepts.
Fertilizers Industry Chemical engineers can find jobs in a variety of roles in companies that produce pesticides and fertilizers after graduating. These jobs include management duties in marketing, sales, and human resources, in addition to roles in research and development, process engineering, manufacturing units, safety, and quality assurance.
Food Sciences Chemical engineers are hired by various food industries. They work in various processes, such as adding food additives and preservatives, using fuel, freezing systems, making frozen food, heating food in the microwave, fermenting, pickling, storing, and canning, to name a few.
Read Chemical Engineer Salary, Explore the Experience wise, Skill Wise, Location Wise Salary Details Here

Chemical Engineering Scope- Top Career Choices

The chemical engineering scope and demand for qualified graduates in this discipline are expanding along with the growth of the chemical industry and associated markets. Graduates of chemical engineering can work in a variety of engineering fields, including nanotechnology, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, mineral refinement and processing, biotechnology, and so on. Some of the top career choices that chemical engineers opt for are outlined below. Chemical Engineer: Chemical engineers are responsible for the processing and manufacturing of numerous chemicals and materials used in many sectors.
  • They do significant research on unique materials and suggest new production procedures.
  • Their knowledge is sought after in a variety of industries for both production and research purposes.
  • They also play an important role in supervising assistant engineers and ensuring strict adherence to industry safety regulations.
Petroleum Engineer: Petroleum engineers work in oil fields, refineries, and extraction wells after earning a BTech in Chemical Engineering or specializing in MTech in Petroleum Engineering.
  • Their key responsibilities include project development and implementation for oil drilling and gas extraction.
  • They participate by developing new drilling techniques and overseeing the extraction process as a whole.
  • Furthermore, they are responsible for the upkeep and supervision of oil wells and other locations, as well as the repair of equipment.
Nuclear Engineers: Nuclear engineers operate in nuclear power plants and a variety of research institutions focusing on nuclear energy research and development.
  • They have a solid understanding of the science behind nuclear processes, allowing them to develop risk-mitigation strategies and practical methods for collecting energy from the nucleus of an atom.
  • Their responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety rules and maintaining the overall safety of the nuclear site.
  • They manage and improve existing nuclear energy harnessing systems in collaboration with chemical engineers.
Mining Engineer: Mining engineers are in charge of overseeing extraction operations and mineral extraction procedures to ensure the efficient extraction of minerals and other natural resources from underground deposits.
  • They examine the purity and grade of the mined minerals in collaboration with chemical engineers.
  • Mining engineers must also be skilled in managing excavation sites and mitigating the environmental impact of mining activities on the surrounding environment.
Food Scientist: Chemical engineers play an essential part in the food business as food scientists. Their tasks include enhancing the nutritional content, texture, flavor, and shelf life of food goods.
  • They introduce innovative methods to imbue food with unique properties, addressing nutritional challenges within society.
  • In addition, they undertake extensive evaluations to guarantee that food manufacturing fulfills strict safety and quality criteria.
Environmental Engineer: An environmental engineer is tasked with addressing environmental challenges such as pollution, landslides, waste management, and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.
  • These specialists acquire a holistic understanding of environmental concerns and offer mitigation solutions by integrating information from biology, chemistry, and physics.
Quality Engineers: Quality engineers are essential in the chemical sector for ensuring ethical practices at all stages of production.
  • They are important in ensuring compliance with safety and quality requirements.
  • They analyze and supervise various components of a chemical plant as consultants, guaranteeing compliance with government norms and regulations.
Read Chemical Engineering Subjects for Diploma, B.Tech & M.Tech Courses

Chemical Engineering Scope After Graduation

Chemical engineering offers a diverse range of opportunities for career advancement and development. Numerous leading private and government enterprises actively seek out chemical engineers to engage in chemical production and oversee the upkeep of chemical plants. Chemical engineering is one of the most sought-after branches of engineering, available in various engineering colleges throughout India. Students have the flexibility to opt for either office-based roles or fieldwork based on their preferences. Check out the chemical engineering scope after graduation, as outlined below.
  • Upon completion of their undergraduate program, students have the option to explore placement opportunities provided by their colleges, starting their careers in various private sectors, including pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.
  • They can also choose to pursue an MTech right after finishing their BTech or after getting a few years of job experience. Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Pollution Control Engineering, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Chemical Engineering, and more specializations are among the MTech possibilities.
  • Additionally, students can pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering or a similar field, opening the path for a career in academia or research. This path could lead them to become Assistant Professors at engineering schools or Associate Researchers in petrochemical or pharmaceutical research and development businesses.
  • Alternatively, students can pursue an MBA to advance into management positions in a variety of businesses or private groups. To gain admission to top management schools, students must prepare for management entrance tests such as the CAT and MAT, among others.
Check GATE Chemical Engineering Syllabus 2024

Chemical Engineering Scope- Average Salary in India

The average salary of chemical engineers depends on various factors, such as experience, market growth, and demand. The salaries offered to freshers or entry-level professionals demonstrate the growth of the overall chemical engineering scope in India. Check out the prominent organizations offering competitive salaries to chemical engineers listed below.

Chemical Engineers Average Salary in India

Job Position Average Salary
Environmental Engineer INR 6 LPA, Approximately
Chemical Production Manager INR 7 LPA, Approximately
Development Chemical Engineer INR 5 LPA, Approximately
Analytical Chemist INR 6 LPA, Approximately
Materials Manager INR 7 LPA, Approximately
Energy Manager INR 8 LPA, Approximately
Mining Engineer INR 7.5 LPA, Approximately
Quality Manager INR 6 LPA, Approximately
Read GATE Exam | Career Options After Cracking GATE in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering Scope in Government & Private Sectors

The chemical engineering scope in government and private sectors is also increasing, as it contributes to numerous industries and applications. Some of the highly esteemed government organizations that recruit chemical engineers are the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL), and the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), among others. Check out the detailed overview of chemical engineering scope in the government and private sectors, along with the average salary.

Chemical Engineering Scope in Government & Private Sector (Average Salary)

Government Organizations

Company Name Average Monthly Salary Offered (in INR)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) INR 25,000 to INR  50,000
Coal India Limited (CIL) INR 20,000 to INR 46,000
Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) INR 25,000 to INR 50,000
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) INR 25,000 to INR 50,000
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) INR 20,000 to INR 46,000
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) INR 25,000 to INR 50,000

Private Organizations

Organization Name Average Salary
Piramal Healthcare Limited INR 5 LPA to 6 LPA
Pfizer Inc. INR 12 LPA to 15 LPA
Schlumberger Limited INR 15 LPA to 20 LPA
GlaxoSmithKline INR 7 LPA to 9 LPA
Also Read GATE Frequently Asked Questions 2024, IISc GATE FAQs

Chemical Engineering Top Recruiters

The chemical engineering scope is vast, and graduates can find rewarding jobs with prestigious employers in medium- to large-scale businesses as well as private enterprises. These businesses have sites distributed across several cities and operate on a large scale. Many top recruiters actively seek chemical engineering students, selecting them through campus placements or through an open recruitment process. Check out the top chemical engineering recruiters tabulated below.

Chemical Engineering Top Recruiters

Type of Industry Recruiters
PSUs IOCL, BPCL, NPCIL, HPCL, and ONGC
Pharmaceutical Companies Cipla, Sun Pharma, Bayer, Glenmark, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson
Plastic Industry Exxonmobil, LyondellBasell, Hanwool Corporation, Dow Chemicals, Supreme Industries, Astral Pipes, and Nilkamal Ltd
Oil and Gas Companies Exxonmobil, Reliance Ltd., Schlumberger, Shell, and British Petroleum
Chemical Manufacturers Atul, UPL, Sudarshan, Aditya Birla, Nirma, Pidilite, and Alkyl amines
Cement Industries Ultra Tech, Dalmia, ACC, RAMCO, and Ambuja
Check 8 Best Tips to Prepare for GATE Chemical Engineering 2024 Exam

Chemical Engineering Scope in Top Indian Cities

The majority of petroleum refineries and excavation sites are located far from major cities. However, there are a lot of managerial opportunities in big multinational companies headquartered in major cities. Salary packages for positions that operate on-site and off-site vary depending on a number of factors, including housing allowances, transportation, and on-site salary. Some of the top Indian cities with extensive chemical engineering scope are:

Chemical Engineering Scope in Top Indian Cities

Name of City Job Scope Average Salary
Digboi Project Engineer, Chemical Engineer INR 7 LPA
New Delhi Chemical Engineer,Project Head INR 8 LPA
Gurgaon Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineer INR 9 LPA
Mumbai Project Engineer, Chemical Engineer INR 8.5 LPA
Bangalore Research Associate, Project Lead INR 9.5 LPA

Chemical Engineering Scope FAQs

What is the chemical engineering scope in India?

The scope of chemical engineering in India is good, as they can work in multiple sectors, including the pharmaceutical industries, fertilizer factories, petroleum refineries, food processing units, and petrochemicals, among others.

Is chemical engineering a better career choice?

Yes, it is. The chemical engineering scope is booming and is expected to grow by 6 percent in the upcoming years due to the increasing population and demand for chemical engineers.

Will the scope of chemical engineering grow in the future?

Yes, chemical engineering scope and career opportunities are expected to rise 14 percent by 2031.

Will pursuing chemical engineering be worth it in 2024?

Yes, certainly it will be worth it to pursue chemical engineering in 2024 because chemical engineers benefit from stable, well-paying careers due to ongoing demand for their expertise in chemical processes, sustainability, and environmental compliance.
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