Updated on Dec 5, 2022 01:18 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Chemical Engineering is one of the most important form of engineering. It aids in progress of the society in whole. Chemical Engineering is the branch of Science that deals with the study of operations and designs connected to chemical plants as well as methods of improving production.  It will not be wrong to say that Chemical Engineers are the ones that help in improving people's lives by involving in processes that provide them with items of daily need. This engineering stream includes a deep study of chemistry, solids, and mechanics, chemical engineering basics, petrochemicals, chemical plant designing, operations, etc. Students learn about the principles and laws of physics and chemistry, mathematics, biology, economics, and the mechanism of converting chemicals or raw components into more useful or valuable forms. After 10+2 in Science, students can opt for an undergraduate course in chemical engineering, such as BSc or BTech in chemical engineering.

Important Facts About Chemical Engineering Syllabus

Some important facts concerned to Chemical Engineering can be read below:

  • BTech in Chemical Engineering is a four-year course: A BTech in chemical engineering focuses more on imparting theoretical and practical knowledge in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of processes involving chemical engineering and technology. It also emphasizes nurturing the innovative ability of students.
  • BSc in Chemical Engineering is an eight-semester course: The chemical engineering degree in BSc equips students with the knowledge of the chemical and engineering aspects of the subject. It consists of subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, etc.
  • Scope in India: Chemical engineering is one of the most valuable undergraduate degrees in India. Students with degrees in chemical engineering may get jobs in private petrochemical companies, petroleum refineries, cement factories, food processing and technology units, the biotechnology sector, etc.
  • Chemical engineering syllabus in NITs: The National Institute of Technology has many branches in India and is the preferred institution for studying chemical engineering. The program objectives are:
    • To produce competent engineers capable of providing industrial solutions
    • To impart adequate knowledge in chemical engineering
    • To apply chemical engineering to design, research, industrial practices, innovation, etc.
  • Chemical engineering syllabus in IITs: Indian Institutes of Technology offer many courses. Some are listed below:
    • Production and Industrial Engineering
    • Atmospheric Oceanic Science and Technology
    • Molecular Engineering
    • Bioengineering
    • Biological Engineering
    • Polymer Science and Engineering
    • Ceramic Engineering
    • Pharmaceutical Engineering
  • General examination pattern: Students follow the same examination pattern and are evaluated based on lab exercises, assignments, small projects, mid-semester examinations, and end-semester examinations.

Chemical Engineering Syllabus

The list of typical core subjects and typical elective subjects of Chemical Engineering can be seen in the tables given below:

Typical Core Subjects for Chemical Engineering

Subject title

Subject details

Communication Skills

Students will learn about the English language that plays an important role in career development. This subject aims to introduce basic concepts of communication and emphasizes developing speaking, listening, reading and other communication skills.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Basics of communication
  • Process of communication
  • Barriers to communication
  • Application of grammar
  • Parts of speech
  • Tenses
  • Active and passive voice
  • Reading skill
  • Writing skill

Engineering Mathematics

Students will learn about the fundamental base of understanding elementary mathematics and its uses in solving engineering problems. This subject enables students to use basic mathematical functions like partial fractions, logarithms, matrices and basic 2D curves in solving various engineering problems of all fields.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Algebra series
  • Application of the binomial theorem
  • Determinants
  • Vector algebra
  • Complex numbers
  • Trigonometry
  • Inverse circular functions
  • Differential calculus
  • Methods of finding derivatives
  • Higher-order derivatives

Engineering Physics

Students learn about the diversified topics related to applied physics. The subject aims to provide knowledge of the world by observation and prediction of how objects behave. It also provides the knowledge of physical laws, analysis and its application in the field of engineering and technology.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Units and dimensions
  • Principle of homogeneity of dimensions
  • Force and motion
  • Work, power and energy
  • Rotational motion
  • The motion of planets and satellites
  • Properties of matter
  • Heat and thermodynamics

Pollution Control and Industrial Safety

Students study the different types of pollution caused by industrialization. This subject helps in creating a balance between the ecosystem and controlling pollution through control devices. A chemical engineer must know about the various types of accidents that can occur in chemical plants and how to safeguard them.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Introduction to pollution control
  • Air pollution
  • Control equipment in industries
  • Water pollution
  • Domestic and industrial wastewater
  • Environmental protection
  • Radioactive pollution
  • Solid waste management
  • Pollution acts
  • Safety in the chemical industry

Material and Energy Balance

This subject equips students with the basic knowledge of chemical engineering calculations. Students learn the fundamental concepts on which chemical engineering design is based.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Scope of material and energy balance in chemical industries
  • Unit conservation of units
  • Gases and gas mixture
  • Material balance without chemical reaction
  • Material balance with chemical reaction
  • Energy balance
  • Combustion process

Fluid Mechanics

Students will learn about the measurement of fluid flow and various fluid transportation machinery. They can apply the same knowledge to different subjects of chemical engineering. They will also learn how to install different fluid flow and transportation machinery.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Introduction to fluids
  • Flow of fluids
  • Pipe, fittings and valves
  • Transportation of fluids
  • Equation of continuity
  • Reynolds experiment and its significance
  • Measurement in fluid flow
  • Fluid flow phenomena
  • Types of fluids

Mechanical Operations and Solid Handling

This subject talks about the workings of individual mechanical operations, handling of solids and their significance in chemical industries. Students will learn to control the operations of equipment and regulate production.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Concepts and role of unit operations in process industries
  • Characterization of solid particles
  • Size reduction
  • Energy and power requirements in crushing
  • Crushing laws
  • Mechanical separation
  • Filtrations and their classification
  • Conveying of solid particles
  • Mixing of solids

 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Students learn basic concepts, thermodynamics properties of fluid and performance of thermal systems used in industry. Students will also learn about the application of the laws of thermodynamics and its phase equilibrium.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Introduction and basic concepts
  • The first law of thermodynamics for an open and closed system
  • The second law of thermodynamics
  • Statement of the second law of thermodynamics
  • Third law of thermodynamics
  • Entropy
  • Application of second law of thermodynamics
  • Chemical reaction equilibrium and vapour-liquid equilibrium

Pollution Control and Industrial Safety

This subject talks about the different types of pollution caused by industrialization and how to balance ecosystems and control pollution. Students also learn about the different acts and rules about environmental protection.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Introduction of pollution
  • Air pollution
  • Water pollution
  • Environment pollution
  • Radioactive pollution
  • Solid waste management
  • Pollution acts
  • Safety in the chemical industry

Typical Elective Subjects for Chemical Engineering

Subject title

Subject details

Material Science

It talks about a lot of developments that have taken place in the field of materials. Students learn about using different materials for various applications. It is necessary to teach them the basics of metal structure, properties, usage, testing, and various heat treatment processes as well.

Renewable Energy Resources

Students will learn about the direct use of renewable energy sources used in chemical production. Chemical industries use heat to run operations and electrical energy to drive operations.

Computer Applications in Chemical Engineering

This subject defines most of the chemical processes that industries require computers to operate and control different types of operations. Students will learn about the use of computers in chemical engineering.

Fertiliser Technology

Students will learn about the different types of fertilisers used in agriculture and also about the processes involved in their manufacturing process.

Chemical Engineering Detailed Syllabus

The syllabus of BTech in Chemical Engineering may be different in different universities. However, the subjects are quite similar. Here is an overview of the core or elective subjects taught from the first to the eighth semester in BTech in Chemical Engineering.

Semester

Subject title

Subject Details

1&2

Mathematics I & II

This subject talks about the ideas and techniques of linear algebra and its applications in chemical engineering. Students also learn about probability distribution, statistical parameters, statistical hypotheses, regression, ANOVA principles, methods, etc.

1

Engineering Mechanics

Engineering mechanics focuses on the analysis of statically determinate structures and includes trusses using equations of equilibrium. It also finds space-time relationships between particles. This subject explains the dynamic problems of particles using Newton’s laws.

2

Computer Programming

Students will learn about the concepts of structured programming. They will also study concepts of program flow, functions, etc. This course ensures a firm foundation for the programming concepts and problem-solving techniques required in general engineering methods.

3

Chemical Technology

Students will understand the objectives of chemical process engineers in the chemical industry. They will also learn about different process industries and their unit operations. This subject also teaches chronological developments in the chemical process industries in the global scenario.

4

Organic Chemistry

This subject talks about the role of organic chemistry in solving problems related to chemical engineering. Students also learn the fundamental aspects of physical organic chemistry in understanding the chemical engineering process.

5

Environmental Studies

Students learn the importance of the individual in environmental conservation. This subject talks about natural resources like forests, minerals, water, and classified energy resources and their needs.

6

Process Dynamics & Control

Process Dynamics & Control teaches applications of optimization in the chemical industry. Students learn about the gradient method, its optimization of stages and dynamic programming. They also learn about the simplex method of solving linear programming problems. 

7

Transport Phenomena

Students learn about the mechanisms of momentum, heat and mass, and levels of mass transformation. This subject talks about the application of transport phenomena in the development of allied processes.

8

Engineering Economics

Students evaluate the economics of management, operation, growth, and profitability of engineering firms and analyse operations of the market through this subject. Students also analyse the cost and revenue data and make economic analyses in decision-making.

Specialisations offered in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers are considered to be the most versatile engineers. They can easily fit into fields such as bioengineering, microelectronics, environmental engineering,  biochemical engineering, ceramics, engineering in economics, chemical technology and more. Studying chemical engineering presents opportunities not only for engineering but also for biochemical science, modelling, and simulations.

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Biochemical Engineering

  • Engineering Mathematics
  • English
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Engineering Chemistry
  • Computer Programming and Utilisation
  • Engineering Physics
  • Elements of Engineering Studies
  • Communication and Life Skills

Students who want to study this branch of chemical engineering can choose this specialisation. Biochemical engineering is the study of chemical engineering that applies technological advancements to biological materials. This specialised field combines the knowledge of biology, chemistry and engineering to create products from raw materials.

Ceramics

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Solid-state Physics & Chemistry
  • Chemical Thermo & Kinetics
  • Introduction to Ceramics
  • Geology
  • Physical Analysis of Ceramic Raw Materials
  • Chemical Analysis of Cer Raw Mats & Products
  • Engineering Material Science

Ceramic engineering is the study of science and technology of creating objects from inorganic and non-metallic materials. Students who want to pursue their career in this field can opt for this specialisation.

Economics

  • Equipment Cost Estimating
  • Plant Cost Estimates
  • Manufacturing Cost
  • Interest Calculations
  • Profitability Analysis; Discounted Cash Flow
  • The Economy of the Chemical Industry
  • Accounting and Budgets
  • Corporate Annual Reports
  • Project Management

Chemical engineering in economics involves formulating, estimating and evaluating economic outcomes that help in accomplishing a purpose. It is also concerned with the study of cash flow, interest rates, taxes, etc.

Chemical Technology

  • Basic Chemical Engineering
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Electrical & Electronics Engineering
  • Engineering Material
  • Mechanical Operations
  • Thermodynamics
  • Industrial Stoichiometry
  • Processing Instrumentation

Students who want to make their career in the field of laboratory setting can opt for this specialisation. The duty of a laboratory in charge includes preparation of chemical solutions, raw material, product, and environmental sampling, testing with the help of wet chemistry and instrumental techniques.

Popular Books and Authors for Chemical Engineering 

As chemical engineering is a highly versatile field with many specialisations, students can access a variety of books during their graduation or post-graduation course. The students can refer to the following set of books:

Book title

Author

Book description

Engineering Mechanics

SS Bhavikatti

The application of mechanics to solve problems involving common engineering elements.

The Art of Computer Programming

Donald E. Knuth

The process that professionals use to write code that instructs how a program performs.

Chemical Technology an Integral Textbook

Andreas Jess

Helps develop knowledge in testing and manufacturing chemical products.

Advanced Organic Chemistry

FA Carey

A study of the structure, properties, composition and preparation of carbon-containing compounds

Textbook of Environmental Studies

DK Asthana

A study of human interaction with the environment

Process Dynamics and Control

Dale E. Seborg

This book provides full coverage for process control courses in chemical engineering.

Entrance Exams for Chemical Engineering

Below is a list of the central and state-level entrance exams held every year to secure seats in chemical engineering graduation and post-graduation courses at premier institutes in India. The minimum eligibility is 10+2 in science from a recognized board. Every exam has its own cutoff requirement for those scores.

The difficulty level of JEE Mains and GATE ranges from moderate to high, while the remaining exams listed belong to the moderate level. For scoring good marks in these examinations, you must study mathematics, applied physics, chemistry and many other engineering subjects. Almost all the examinations conducted only carry multiple-choice questions. These tests can get you to the best colleges for BTech in Chemical Engineering, like IIT Bombay, MIT Manipal, IIT Madras, etc.

Chemical Engineering Syllabus for Distance Program

Distance learning is an option for students who cannot afford full-time courses in chemical engineering. Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for full-time courses can select part-time or distance courses for BTech in Chemical Engineering. The syllabus and evaluation format for distance education programs are similar to those of the regular courses.

Top colleges for distance education in chemical engineering are Aligarh Muslim University, Institute of Engineering and Management Studies, Aryabhatta Degree College, Jyothis Academy, International Institute of Management and Engineering, Study and Lead Education and Welfare Society, Pune, and so on.

Top Colleges for Chemical Engineering

Based on the curriculum, choice of electives and in-house placement opportunities, listed below are the top colleges for chemical engineering in India.

College/University/Institution

Links

KIIT University

To be Uploaded Soon.

Edith Cowan University

To be Uploaded Soon.

IIT Bombay

To be Uploaded Soon.

MIT Manipal

To be Uploaded Soon.

Vellore Institute of Technology

To be Uploaded Soon.

SRM University Chennai

To be Uploaded Soon.

DSCE Bangalore

To be Uploaded Soon.

IIT Madras

To be Uploaded Soon.

IIT Kharagpur

To be Uploaded Soon.

IIT Delhi

To be Uploaded Soon.

Chemical Engineering Syllabus: FAQs

Q. Which are the popular entrance exams for Chemical Engineering courses?

   A. Some of the common entrance tests for admission to Chemical Engineering courses are JEE Main, GATE, MHTCET, WBJEE, AP EAMCET and AEEE.

Q. What is the duration of BE/BTech in Chemical Engineering?

A. The duration of BE/BTech in Chemical Engineering is four years, including eight semesters, each being six months long.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing BE in Chemical Engineering?

A. Candidates need to have at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 from a recognised board. For detailed information on the eligibility criteria, aspiring students can check the above-mentioned information in the article.

Q. What is the average fee for admission to a BE in Chemical Engineering course?

A. The average fee for admission to a BE in Chemical Engineering course is around INR 2.5 lakhs. This fee changes depending on the institute.

Q. What is the expected growth in demand for Chemical Engineers in the coming years?

A. Chemical engineering is considered to be an evergreen field. The demand for Chemical Engineers in the coming years is likely to grow by 6%.

Q. What is the syllabus of distance learning for Chemical engineering?

A. Distance learning is an option for students who cannot afford full-time courses in chemical engineering. Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for full-time courses can select part-time or distance courses for BTech in Chemical Engineering. The syllabus and evaluation format for distance education programs are similar to those of the regular courses.

Q. Which are some of the top companies to offer internships after completing a BE in Chemical Engineering?

A. The top companies include Reliance, Shell, ONGC and GAIL.

Q. What are some of the common sectors for chemical engineers?

A. Fertiliser companies, coal companies, oil & gas exploration companies, etc. are some of the common employment sectors for chemical engineers.

Q. Which are some of the top colleges for BE in Chemical Engineering courses?

A. Some of the top colleges or universities for BE in Chemical Engineering are IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, BITS Pilani, NIT Delhi, NIT Warangal, etc.

Q. Which certificates are required for admission to a BE in Chemical Engineering course?

A. Some documents required include the class 10 mark sheet, class 12 mark sheet, migration certificate and aadhaar card.

Q. How can you apply for a PSU job after a BTech in Chemical Engineering?

A. A chemical engineer will be required to qualify for GATE with good marks in order to get a job at a PSU.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Chemical Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Chemical Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

22 Jan ' 25 - 31 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1

31 Jan ' 25 - 24 Feb ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Session 2 Registration

2 Jan ' 25

GATE 2025 Admit Card

1 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CS1 | AG | MA | CS2 | NM | MT | T...

Jan '25 - Mar '25

MHT CET 2024 Application Form

TENTATIVE

9 Apr ' 25 - 17 Apr ' 25

MHT CET 2024 Admit Card PCB Group

Popular Chemical Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Chemical Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Chemical Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
2.69 L - 10 L
17.92 LPA

#2 India Today

5 Courses
3 L - 10 L
14 - 20 LPA

#1 India Today

2 Courses
1 L - 6.92 L
3.9

Top 25 in India

Chemical Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

3 Courses
2.97 L - 6.87 L
4.4

#7 India Today

5 Courses
10 K - 8 L
9.85 - 17 LPA

#3 The Week

5 Courses
20 K - 10 L
21.28 LPA

#4 India Today

Popular Private Chemical Engineering Colleges in India

2 Courses
1.15 L - 3.55 L
3 - 3.25 LPA
2 Courses
2.13 L - 2.89 L
3.3 LPA
2 Courses
2.42 L - 3.18 L
3.25 LPA
2 Courses
1.81 L - 2.4 L
2.8 LPA
3 Courses
1.59 L - 4 L
3.0

Popular Chemical Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Chemical Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Chemical Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Chemical Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

Choosing Colorado School of Mines (CSM) over Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) for a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering depends on specific factors that align with your career goals and preferences. Here's why CSM might be a better fit:

  1. Specialized Focus: CSM is renowned for its strong empha

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Hi, hope you are doing well.

A degree in Chemical Engineering will open up a wide range of employment avenues for you. You could go into manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, and environmental health and safety, among others. There is huge demand

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

See, if you look at the current market situation and shift towards safe and energy-efficient trends, the future of Chemical Engineering looks quite promising. After pursuing a BTech degree in this field, you can easily get a job in oil refineries, the fertilizer industry, food processing, and energy

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, not at all. Biology is not required for admission in Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering or any Engineering.  You just need to have Maths, Physics and Chemistry as the major subjects in 12th standard.  So, you don't need biology in class 12th to secure admission to Pharmaceutical Chemical Engine

...more

56716329
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Jiwaji University BTech in Chemical Engineering is a 4 year programme. The University offers it iin full-time mode with an annual intake of 40 students. Jiwaji Gwalior fee structure for BTech in Chemical Engineering includes a total tuition fees of INR 93.14 K for the duration of 4 year. The Univers

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N

Nishtha Gupta

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 3 weeks ago

The course curriculum include semester-wise topics. In the third semester of the course, students have to undergo an internship. The four-year course is divided into eight semesters. Mentioned below are the topics covered in the first semester of the programme:

  • Matrices and Calculus
  • Engineering Physic

...more

M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Hi,

Both of the degrees offer career opportunities that candidates can grab and pursue their career goals. But there are some differences between them which is given in the table below:

FeatureBiochemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
FocusApplying biological principles to chemical and industrial processes
Designing and optimizing chemical and physical processes
Core disciplinesBiochemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Thermodynamics
Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics
Main applicationsProduction of drugs, food, biofuels, bioremediation
Production of chemicals, fuels, materials, polymers, environmental engineering
Work environmentChemical plants, food processing facilities, biotechnology companies
Chemical plants, refineries, energy companies, environmental consulting firms
Job titlesFermentation Engineer, Bioprocess Engineer, Food Product Developer
Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Materials Engineer, Environmental Engineer
Skill emphasisProcess design, mass transfer, fermentation, biocatalysis
Mass transfer, thermodynamics, reactor design, equipment operation

Hope this helps !

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Many PSUs recruit applicants for various designations every year based on their GATE scores and academic performance. Here are some of the top PSUs that recruit candidates appearing for the chemical engineering paper -

  • POWERGRID

  • Engineers India Limited

  • Airports Authority of India

  • Indian Oil Corporation

...more

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The paper code for the GATE chemical engineering subject is CH. Candidates must check the syllabus and exam pattern before opting for the test paper.

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The subject-specific syllabus for GATE Chemical Engineering (CH) is as follows -

  • Engineering Mathematics

  • Process calculations and thermodynamics

  • Fluid mechanics and mechanical operations

  • Heat transfer

  • Mass transfer

  • Chemical reaction engineering

  • Instrumentation and process control

  • Plant design and economics

  • C

...more

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The GATE 2025 examination will be conducted in two sessions on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025. The GATE 2025 Chemical Engineering exam will be conducted on February 16, 2025 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm). Candidates can also check the schedule of their papers on the GATE 2025 admit card or on the website.

...more

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There is no internship facility on campus and placements are also with very low packages and the average package is Rs 4 to 5 lacs per annum.

Our college placement is around 50 to 60 percent. The average package goes up to INR 7 LPA, and the highest package goes up to 22 LPA, which is offered by Gold

...more

59781325
Abhishek singh

Contributor-Level 9