Chemistry Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters/Companies

Updated on Aug 5, 2024 11:36 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

The study of Chemistry has long been essential to the advancement of science and technology. As the world evolves by 2024, chemistry is still at the forefront of innovation and is essential to solving issues like climate change, healthcare, and sustainable energy. Candidates interested in making their careers in Chemistry can choose from a range of courses like BSc Chemistry, MSc Chemistry, Diploma in General Chemistry, and more.

A degree in Chemistry can open doors to jobs in industries like Development, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Research, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Environmental Science, Materials Science, Forensic Science, etc. Students can opt for job profiles including Chemical Engineer, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Environmental Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Biotechnology Researcher, and more. 

Pfizer, Biocon, Moderna, Procter and Gamble, AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, etc., are some of the top recruiters for Chemistry students in India. The average salary of a Chemist is INR 3 LPA in India.

IISER Pune, DHS Kanoi College, Bharathi College, IISc Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, IIT Patna, and Kolhan University are among the colleges with the highest placement records at INR 11 LPA to 1.4 CPA in campus placements. Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more Chemistry career options related details.

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Chemistry Topics for Exam Preparation

Top Emerging Technologies in Chemistry

Throughout the years, Chemists around the globe have suggested remarkable technologies and innovations in their respective fields. These inventions not only help in mankind’s betterment but also generate new career and learning possibilities. Here are some top emerging technologies in the field of Chemistry, every student should know about:

  • Dual-Ion Batteries: These devices have enabled the miniaturisation of energy-storage devices, currently used in laptop computers, mobile phones, and electric vehicles.
  • Liquid Gating Technology: Liquid gates can selectively process mixtures of fluids without clogging. Thus, researchers predict they could be extremely useful for large-scale filtration and separation processes.
  • Macro Monomers: Redesigned monomers and macro monomers are an up-and-coming strategy to craft more sustainable plastics.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Researchers train algorithms to speed up structure elucidation, enhance retrosynthetic analyses, design optimized reaction sequences, discover new drugs, and even run futuristic robotic laboratories.

Relevant Links for Chemistry Scope in Future:

Career as a Chemical Scientist

Top Career Profiles in Chemistry

With the technology advancement, the field of Chemistry has also evolved while integrating new technology and algorithms in research and development creating new possibilities for inventions and jobs. Here are some top job profiles in the field of Chemistry:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary

Chemical Technician

They work in labs assisting Chemists and chemical engineers in conducting experiments, analyzing chemical substances and various materials, and performing technical tasks related to chemical processing, research, or manufacturing to develop new products.

INR 3.3 LPA

Forensic Scientist

They work in crime labs that apply scientific principles using techniques to analyze evidence from crime scenes and aid in solving criminal cases.

INR 3.5 LPA

Chemical Engineer

Their work is to develop and design chemical manufacturing processes.

INR 4.9 LPA

Biochemist

They plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research.

INR 2.6 LPA

Biotechnologist

They create and improve products and processes for agriculture, medicine and conservation using biological organisms.

INR 3 LPA

Lab Technician

They work in a laboratory performing analytical or experimental procedures, and maintaining laboratory equipment.

INR 2.7 LPA

Pharmacist

They are healthcare professionals who specialize in the preparation, dispensing, and management of medications.

INR 2.6 LPA

Associate Professor

They gain funding for their research through grants and write quality research papers. They usually work under the guidance of a professor and try to establish their name by focusing on research.

INR 11.9 LPA

Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Quick Links relevant to Chemistry Career Opportunities:

Top Courses After 12th Science with PCM, PCB & PCMB

Specialisations Wise Salary of Chemistry in India

The average salary of a Chemist is INR 3 LPA in India, however, the salary packages majorly depend on the employers, job positions, relevant experience, and skill set. Chemistry is a field that deals with numerous specializations and students can choose a specific career path following a specialized subject.

The table below offers a brief overview of Specialisations covered under Chemistry and job profiles related to them:

Chemistry Specialisations

Job Profiles

Average Salary

Materials & Textiles

Material Scientist, Materials Engineer, Material Operator, Material Controller, etc.

INR 13.6 LPA

Agriculture & Food

Senior Research Fellow, Supervisor, Lab Chemist, R&D Chemist, Professor, etc.

INR 4.6 LPA

Biotechnology

Biotech Researcher, Biotech Analyst, Research Associate, Biotech Marketing Consultant, Quality Control Executive, etc.

INR 3 LPA

Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Safety Officer, Nuclear Engineer, Piping Engineer, etc.

INR 4.2 LPA

Oil & Petroleum

Production Supervisor, Field Supervisor, Field Superintendent, Exploration Geologist, etc.

INR 3.2 LPA

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Field Chemist, Testing & Monitoring Executive, etc.

INR 4.4 LPA

Industrial Management

Industrial Engineer, Production Manager, Business Controller, Territory Manager, Network Program Manager, etc.

INR 4.4 LPA

Toxicology

Toxicologist, Research Associate, Safety Toxicologist, etc.

INR 8.6 LPA

Water Chemistry

Process Engineer Water Treatment, Quality Chemist, etc.

INR 4.2 LPA

Medicinal Chemistry/Pharmaceuticals

Pharmacist, Medical Representative, Medicinal Writer, Research Associate, Lab Technician, etc.

INR 2.6 LPA

Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Useful Links for Chemistry Career Pathways:

Biochemistry Career Scope

Top Recruiters for Chemistry Students

Hundreds of top companies in various sectors hire Chemistry students for different job roles. These sectors are mainly divided into 4 categories, i.e., Academia, Government, Industry, and Non-Profit organizations.

Academia

Symbiosis International School

Vedantu Innovations

Wellington College International

Vibgyor Group of Schools

Government

Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute

Nuclear Power Corporation of India

Bharathiar University

Hindustan Insecticides Limited

Industry

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.

Dr. Reddy's

Oil and Natural Gas

Cipla

Non-Profit

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

The Royal Society of Chemistry

Siemens Limited

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Suggested Chemistry Career Paths readings:

Job Opportunities & Salary Offered After Completing BSc Degree

Best Chemistry Colleges for Placements (in India)

There are more than 4,600 Chemistry colleges in India, of which around 1,700 are private and 1,100 are government institutions. These colleges, along with providing advanced learning options, provide great placement opportunities. In the table below, candidates can find some great Chemistry colleges for placements in India.

Best Chemistry Colleges

Average Package Offered

IISER Pune Placements

INR 11.4 – 114 LPA

DHS Kanoi College Placements

INR 38.2 LPA

Bharathi College Placements

INR 30 LPA

IISc Bangalore Placements

INR 28 LPA

IIT Kanpur Placements

INR 16.86 – 23 LPA

IIT Patna Placements

INR 11.5 – 20 LPA

Kolhan University Placements

INR 19.8 LPA

IIT Bombay Placements

INR 15 – 19.63 LPA

IIT Roorkee Placements

INR 12 – 19.57 LPA

Sunandan Divatia School of Science Placements

INR 19.2 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

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Skills Required to Get a Job in the Chemistry Field

Chemistry consists of the following sub-fields Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Industrial Chemistry. Development of new products, improvement of the production process, and scientific breakthroughs are some integral operations in the field. To get a job in the Chemistry field, a candidate must have some specific skills required.

  • Strong scientific base,
  • Consistent and good academic record,
  • Sustained interest,
  • Hard work,
  • Commitment,
  • Good grasp of scientific concepts,
  • Analytical mind,
  • Perseverance,
  • Curious bent of mind.

Top Indian Cities for Chemistry Jobs

Most top-tier cities in India offer lucrative job opportunities to Chemistry students in various sectors like Research, Development, Production, etc. Getting a higher salary package and position also depends on the company’s geographical location, considering factors such as Transportation, Housing Allowances, On-Site compensations, etc.

Top Indian Cities

Average Salary Offered

Delhi/NCR

INR 8.6 LPA

Bangalore

INR 22.5 LPA

Kolkata

INR 8 LPA

Hyderabad

INR 7.3 LPA

Mumbai

INR 5.5 LPA

Pune

INR 5 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Recommended Links for Chemistry Scope after MSc:

What are the career options after completing MSc?

Chemistry Career FAQs

Q. Which is the highest-paying job in the field of Chemistry?

A. Due to developments in technology, healthcare, sustainability, and industry demands, some Chemistry-related fields offer high-paying jobs that may be in demand in the future. However, some of the highest-paying Chemistry jobs that are likely to stay in demand in the future include Chemical Technician, Chemical Engineer, Pharmacist, Biotechnologist, etc. However, the average salary of a Chemist is INR 3 LPA.

Q. Can I join ISRO after the BSc Chemistry?

A. Having relevant work experience or expertise in the field of Chemistry may help you stand a better chance of getting hired by ISRO. This could include research projects, internships, or other training initiatives that highlight your skills and potential. You can also appear for the ISRO Centralized Recruitment Board (ICRB) exam for recruitment to various positions.

Q. What is the scope of Organic Chemistry in India?

A. The study of molecules that contain carbon is known as Organic Chemistry. The very foundation of all life is carbon. Thus, studies in organic chemistry cover a broad spectrum of fields, including industrial, pharmaceutical, environmental, and medical. In the scientific community, an Organic Chemist has many profitable career options in both industry and academia.

Q. Which branch of Chemistry is the best?

A. Biochemistry, one of the most significant areas of Chemistry, examines the composition, structure, and chemical processes of living things at the molecular and cellular levels. This includes a wide variety of living things, including bacteria, viruses, plants, and insects.

Popular Exams

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

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Dec '24 - Feb '25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

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14 Oct ' 24

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11 Oct ' 24

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6 Jan ' 25 - 10 Jan ' 25

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15 Jan ' 25 - 16 Jan ' 25

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Popular Chemistry Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Chemistry Colleges in India. Learn more about these Chemistry colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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#203 QS World University Rankings

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6 - 9.25 LPA

#188 QS World University Rankings

3 Courses
432 - 540
7 LPA

#12 NIRF

4 Courses
480 - 55.41 K
5.5 - 16 LPA

#94 QS World University Rankings

3 Courses
51.8 K - 88.41 K
9.24 - 9.5 LPA

#1 NIRF

1.6 L - 5.52 L
4.1

#151 NIRF

Popular Private Chemistry Colleges in India

1.45 L - 2.75 L
5.0
1.8 L - 1.9 L
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4.2

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4.39 L
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2.06 L - 3.98 L
4.5 - 6 LPA

#46 NIRF

Popular Chemistry UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Chemistry PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some of the best internet platforms you can go for if you want to online Certificate courses in Chemistry:

  • Coursera
  • eDX
  • Alison
  • Class Central
  • Khan Academy

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some top certificate courses in Chemistry you can pursue after completing your BSc in Chemistry:

  • Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry
  • Coordination Chemistry States of Matter and Chemical Kinetics
  • Advanced Transition Metal Organometallic Chemistry
  • Essentials of Biomolecules: Nucleic Acids and P

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, a few documents are required for admission to Certificate Courses in Chemistry such as:

  • Class 12 mark sheet or equivalent
  • Valid ID Proof
  • Passport-sized photo

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some basic subjects covered in online Chemistry certificate courses:

  • Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of spectroscopy
  • Atomic structure
  • Material Science
  • Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
  • Industrial Unit Processes

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some top Chemistry books recommended for students:

  • Handbook of Chemistry by Arihant Experts.
  • Short History Of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.
  • Organic Chemistry by Morrison Boyd & Bhattacharjee.
  • BIOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS by G. K. Suraishkumar.
  • Modern Methods Of Organic Synthesis by William Carruthe

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some top college options for online Certificate Courses in Chemistry:

Online Certificate Courses in Chemistry CollegeTuition Fee
Tamil Nadu Open UniversityINR 2,000
Gratisol Labs, HyderabadINR 12,500

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Hello greetings!

A chemistry degree can lead to many career paths, including:
Chemical engineer: Designs and optimizes chemical manufacturing to ensure environmental compliance and safe production of chemicals and materials 
Toxicologist: Works in forensic departments, crime laboratories, medical labor

...more

79332420
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 6 days ago

Mount Carmel College, which has a pretty good history of placements, caters to B.Sc. students from all divisions, including Biotechnology and Chemistry. Students completed from these disciplines would have found placement in companies like Biocon, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the like, as well as i

...more

M

Mehjabeen Hussain

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

There are many career options after completing a B.Sc in Chemistry, including:
Research: Academic researcher, junior research associate, biotechnology researcher, environmental chemist, forensic scientist 
Teaching: Chemistry teacher, tutor, professor 
Laboratory: Laboratory technician, lab assistant,

...more

70819927
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

WBCHSE 12th Chemistry syllabus 2025 includes topics like Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of elements and Periodicity in properties, Chemical bonding and Molecular structure, States of matter, s-block, p-block elements, Thermodynamics, Equillibrium, Redox reactions

...more

13844819
Jasleen Taneja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The eligibility criteria for B.Tech in Computer Science (CS) typically require students to have a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for several reasons:

  • Physics and Chemistry help develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Understanding concepts from these subjects

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

There are constant changes and updates in the field of chemistry with the ever changing world we live in, accompanied by discoveries and topics every year through research. Many new trends and topics are expected in the course of study for the future. Research and experimental lab studies are taking

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Chemistry scope are very broad both in India and overseas. It offers a variety of employment options in the fields of biology, chemical engineering, research, and all other areas of work pertaining to science. They typically study and analyze different chemical reactions, their characteristics, and

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi yes, you can pursue a variety of online certifications and degree programs in Chemistry. Here are some college options in India offering Chemistry courses online:

Online Chemistry CollegesTuition Fee
Netaji Subhas Open UniversityINR 30,000
Karnataka State Open UniversityINR 65,600
Tamil Nadu Open UniversityINR 2,000
Sree Pashmi Institute of Management and Science-
Centre for Distance and Online Education, Andhra University-

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here are some of the top Chemistry college options offering the best placement opportunities in India:

Chemistry CollegesAverage Package Offered
IISER PuneINR 11.4 LPA - 1.14 CPA
Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi CollegeINR 38.2 LPA
IISc BangaloreINR 22.5 - 28 LPA
IIT KanpurINR 16.86 - 23 LPA
IIT PatnaINR 11.5 - 20 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

NIT Durgapur and NIT Rourkela offer a full-time Integrated BSc + MSc in Chemistry. If a candidate manages to clear the cut-off for both the mentioned NITs, they must compare their rankings, students reviews & ratings, placement data, etc. and choose the one that suits their preference. The following

...more

H

Himanshi Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

There will be 65 questions in total, divided into two sections. Section I includes 10 questions on general aptitude, and section II comprises 55 questions on the core chemistry syllabus.

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The total weightage of the GATE chemistry paper syllabus is as follows -

  • Core GATE chemistry paper - 85%

  • General Aptitude  - 15%

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates can download the GATE 2025 Chemistry (CY) syllabus from the GATE's official website- gate2025.iitr.ac.in. The syllabus is also available in PDF format and can be downloaded for free. Read more about GATE 2025 syllabus - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam-syllabus

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The exam paper code for GATE 2025 Chemistry is CY. Candidates can check the code on the GATE's official website and information brochure and must fill it out carefully. Read more about GATE 2025 here - https://www.shiksha.com/engineering/gate-exam

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The GATE 2025 chemistry paper will be held online for three hours on Saturday, February 15, 2025, during the forenoon session (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

In most education systems, especially in India, the combination of subjects in Class 11 is typically determined by the board and the institution's policies. If you are planning to take Physics and Chemistry along with Information Technology (IT), you can generally do so in schools that offer IT as a

...more

T

Tejas Bodhankar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The placements for M.Pharma in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology are relatively very good. The average domestic package that was commanded by the graduating students was about ?4.08 Lacs per annum and, indeed, the highest reported being also 4.

...more

d

divya goel

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The AJEE Chemistry Syllabus is as follows -

  • Physical Chemistry - states of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, solutions, equilibrium, redox reactions and electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, and surface chemistry. 

  • Organic Chemistry - purificat

...more

U

UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can check the chemistry syllabus for CUSAT CAT 2025. Candidates can find the topics below;

  • Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry
  • States of Matter
  • Atomic Structure 
  • Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure 
  • Chemical Thermodynamics
  • Solutions
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Electrochemistry
  • Hydrogen 
  • Block Elements (Alk

...more

n

nitesh singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, a student with a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) group in 12th grade can pursue a BSc in Chemistry. Most universities and colleges allow students from various science backgrounds, including those who studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, to enrol in a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry progr

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

After BSc in Chemistry, you can pursue a variety of career paths, such as:

  • Analytical Chemist: Analyze substances to identify their components, how they behave, and how they react with each other. This can include analyzing medicines, food, and other products to determine their quality and effective

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top BSc Chemistry college options with the highest placement records in India:

BSc Chemistry CollegesAverage Package Offered
IISER PuneINR 11.4 - 1.4 Crore PA
Dibrugarh Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi CollegeINR 38.2 LPA
IISc BangaloreINR 28 LPA
IIT KanpurINR 23 LPA
IIT BombayINR 19.63 LPA
BITS PilaniINR 18 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, despite being one of the best BSc specializations, in comparison to other subjects, some of its topics demand more work. Certain topics like Organic Chemistry, might be difficult for some. However, the difficulty of a subject also depends on the interest and skills of a student. 

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are a lot of options for graduates after BSc Chemistry. If you wish to pursue a post-graduation course after completing BSc Chemistry, here are some good options you can opt for:

  • MSc in Applied Chemistry  
  • MSc in Inorganic Chemistry  
  • MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry  
  • MSc Bio-Chemistry  
  • MTech in Chem

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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