B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Beyond Oil and Gas — Careers in the Green Future

Blog / May 27, 2025

Chemical Engineering CoursesB.Tech. Chemical EngineeringOpportunities after B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering

In 2025, as the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, a team of chemical engineers in India pioneered a breakthrough: a carbon-negative biofuel derived from agricultural waste, slashing emissions by 40% while powering rural communities. This isn’t science fiction—it’s the reality of B.Tech. Chemical Engineering, a degree that merges chemistry, physics, and engineering to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges. With India’s chemical industry projected to hit US$300 billion by 2025 itself and global demand for sustainable solutions surging, this program has now become the backbone of industries ranging from renewable energy to pharmaceuticals.

By 2030, the sector will need 1.5 million skilled professionals to drive innovations in green chemistry, nanotechnology, and circular economies. Graduates from top institutes like IITs command average salaries of ₹10–16 LPA, while the global market for chemical engineers grows at 8% annually. Let’s explore how this dynamic program equips students to lead the charge toward a sustainable future.

Source: https://www.rasayanika.com

Table of Contents

• What is B.Tech. Chemical Engineering?
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering Course Details
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering Eligibility
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering Admission Process
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Entrance Exams
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Subjects Overview
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Recommended Books
• How to Get Admission into a Top B.Tech. Chemical Engineering College?
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Job Opportunities
• Job Roles and Salary after B.Tech. Chemical Engineering
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Top Recruiters
• B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Scope
• Higher Education Options After B.Tech. Chemical Engineering
• Shiv Nadar University's B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is B.Tech. Chemical Engineering?

A B.Tech. Chemical Engineering course is designed for 4 years and teaches you to plan ways to convert basic raw materials into useful items such as pharmaceuticals and plastic products that decompose. The course demonstrates how to integrate principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology in order to optimize industrial processes in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable manner.

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering Course Details

Chemical Engineering students, through the B.Tech. program, learn how chemistry is used in engineering to solve problems regarding the production and use of chemicals. The field connects the different parts of production by converting raw materials into valuable goods.

The program teaches students to develop their problem-solving, leadership, and project management abilities to manage projects throughout their entire development cycle.

Course Level	Undergraduate
Duration	4 years
Examination Type	Semester wise
Eligibility	Class 12th or equivalent with a minimum of 60-65% of marks.
Admission Process	National or State Level Entrance Exam, Deemed Universities Entrance Exams, Direct Admission Process
Major Entrance Exams	JEE Main, WBJEE, and other state-level examinations
Average Course Fees	INR 2 to 5 lakhs per year
Average Salary Package	INR 2.5 to 7 LPA
Top Recruiting Companies	ONGC, Coal India, Geological Survey of India, HCL, IPCL, Neyveli Lignite Corp., NALCO, TISCO, TELCO, Reliance
Job Roles	Chemical Engineer, Technical Service Engineer, Professor, Fire & Safety Officer, Manager, Chemical System Coordinator

 

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering Eligibility

To pursue a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Criteria	Requirements
Academic Qualification	Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
Minimum Marks Required	An aggregate of 60-65%, depending on the specific requirements of the institution
Entrance Exams	Scores from exams such as JEE Main or other university-specific entrance tests
Additional Requirements	Some institutes may also conduct interviews or aptitude assessments as part of the admission process

 

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering Admission Process

Applicants who want to enrol in a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering should go through an admission process. Even though requirements can be different at each institution, you should always check for the latest guidelines from the colleges you want to attend. A step-by-step outline is listed below for your reference to help ensure that you have a stress-free admission process:

1. Submit Applications:
   Fill out application forms for the desired colleges or universities before the deadlines.
    
2. Appear for Entrance Exams:
   Take relevant entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or other university/state-specific tests, as required.
    
3. Participate in Counselling:
   Attend counselling sessions conducted by the respective authorities. Candidates are allotted seats based on entrance exam ranks and college preferences.
    
4. Document Verification:
   Submit all required documents for verification, including academic transcripts, ID proof, and entrance exam scorecards.
    
5. Confirm Admission:
   Pay the required tuition and admission fees to confirm your seat in the allotted college.
    
6. Commence the Program:

Join classes as per the academic calendar and begin your journey in Chemical Engineering.
 

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Entrance Exams

For most institutions, entrance exams are the primary mode of admission into B.Tech. Chemical Engineering programs. Below are some of the key entrance exams accepted by top colleges:

• JEE Main:
  Conducted typically in December and January, this is a national-level entrance exam accepted by numerous engineering institutes across India.
   
• JEE Advanced:
  This exam is specifically for candidates aspiring to secure admission into prestigious institutions. It is conducted online, and eligibility to appear is based on performance in JEE Main.

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Subjects Overview

The B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering program is designed to ensure a good mix of theory and practice. The degree typically consists of eight semesters, covering core engineering disciplines, chemical engineering subjects, and laboratory work. Below is a semester-wise breakdown of commonly taught B.Tech. Chemical Engineering subjects across most universities in India:

First Semester

• Engineering Drawing
• Electrical Sciences
• Communicative English for Engineers
• Mathematics
• Physics and 
• Physics Laboratory

Second Semester

• Biology and Environmental Studies
• Introductory Chemistry
• Chemistry Laboratory
• Programming and Data Structures
• Basic Electronics Laboratory
• Mathematics and 
• Engineering Mechanics

Third Semester

• Mathematics
• Chemical Process Calculations
• Fluid Mechanics and 
• Mechanical Operations

Fourth Semester

• Heat Transfer
• Mass Transfer
• Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
• Process Equipment Design and 
• Mechanical Operations and Fluid Flow Laboratory

Fifth Semester

• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Mass Transfer
• Chemical Process Technology
• Process Equipment Design
• Mass Transfer Laboratory and 
• Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics Laboratory

Sixth Semester

• Chemical Reactor Design
• Chemical Process Modelling and Simulation
• Departmental Elective
• Chemical Process Simulation Laboratory
• Process Control and Instrumentation, and 
• Chemical Reaction Engineering and Environmental Engineering Laboratory

Seventh Semester

• Transport Phenomena
• Summer Training
• Process Control Laboratory and 
• Process Plant Design and Economics

Eighth Semester

• Electives (Specialization-based)
• Major Project and 
• Viva

This curriculum is designed to prepare students with strong chemical engineering principles while equipping them with practical skills relevant to industry standards.

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Recommended Books

Below is a curated list of important reference books that are widely recommended for B.Tech. Chemical Engineering students. These books cover various core concepts and help strengthen theoretical and practical understanding.

Book Title	Author(s)
Objective Type Questions and Answers in Chemical Engineering	Prasad Ram
Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering	Julian Smith & Peter Harriott
Chemical Reaction Engineering (3rd Edition)	Octave Levenspiel
Objective Type Questions and Answers in Chemical Engineering	O. P. Gupta
Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (Indian Edition)	J. M. Smith & H. C. Ness
Dryden’s Outlines of Chemical Technology	M. Gopala Rao & M.S. Rao
Introduction to Chemical Engineering	Pushpavanam S
Handbook on Chemical Industries (Alcohol Based)	H. Panda
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes	Richard M. Felder & Ronald W. Rousseau
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics	Y. V. C. Rao

 

How to Get Admission into a Top B.Tech. Chemical Engineering College?

Securing admission to a reputed B.Tech. Chemical Engineering college involves strategic preparation and timely planning. Here are some key tips to help you enhance your chances of getting into a top institution:

Tips to Get Admission in a Top B.Tech. Chemical Engineering College	Details
Understand the Exam Pattern	Analyze question types and difficulty levels in exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and state-level tests to tailor your preparation.
Revise the 10+2 Syllabus Thoroughly	Focus on core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Classes 11 & 12. Regular revision is key.
Prepare for English and Aptitude Sections	Practice past papers and mock tests to strengthen language and reasoning abilities for exams that include these sections.
Stay Updated on Important Dates	Track application forms, exam schedules, and counselling deadlines through official websites and newspapers.
Stay Informed with Current Affairs	Read news daily to stay updated for interviews and to take effective study breaks while boosting general awareness.

 

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Job Opportunities

Chemical Engineering remains one of the widely recognized branches of Engineering in India, with a number of opportunities for a career in the area of Chemical Engineering in both the private and public sectors. B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering students are in high demand with a starting salary of approximately INR 3 to 7 LPA, depending on the sector and profile.

Professionals in this field can choose between on-site roles and office-based positions:

• Professionals in Chemical Engineering can make choices between working on-site and office-based. On-site engineers may work at industrial plants, refineries, petrochemical complexes, or thermal power plants and focus on the monitoring and optimization of production processes.
   
• Office-based Engineers may focus on process design, quality-based assurance, project management, and/or research and development.

Job Roles and Salary after B.Tech. Chemical Engineering

Candidates have plenty of options available for choosing their career after earning a B.Tech. degree in Chemical Engineering. The following are some common job roles, their descriptions, and their average annual salaries:

Job Role	Job Description	Average Salary (INR)
Chemical Engineer	Chemical Engineers create new chemical compounds or improve existing compounds. They optimize industrial processes using chemical systems and conduct research and experimentation for product improvement or creation.	4.87 LPA
Process Engineer	Process Engineers evaluate and improve industrial processes to enhance productivity and efficiency. They analyze the impact of process modifications, troubleshoot equipment, and implement solutions to reduce costs and operational delays.	4.58 LPA
Senior Process Engineer	Responsible for reviewing product specifications to develop process and design alternatives. They help transition projects from development to production; they assist in the scale-up of prototypes while executing the quality and manufacturing specifications.	6.46 LPA
Assistant Professor	Assistant Professors teach undergraduate or postgraduate students, conduct research, and support senior faculty. They may also participate in academic committees and help in curriculum development.	4.07 LPA
Professor / Lecturer	Senior faculty and research personnel who engage in high-level research activities and further publish their findings as scholarly papers while mentoring students and keeping up with academic advancements. Their major duties would include curriculum planning and the leadership of research projects..	10.00 LPA
Chemical Process Engineer	These engineers monitor plant operations, optimize chemical processes, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. They design solutions to process-related issues and track parameters like flow rate, temperature, and energy consumption.	4.91 LPA
Food Scientist	Monitors the entire food production, ensures safety and enough nutrition, along with working on processes to improve food quality.	7.5 LPA

 

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Top Recruiters

B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering offers excellent placement opportunities across the public and private sectors. Reputed companies actively recruit chemical engineers, offering attractive salary packages and career growth prospects. 

Top Public Sector Recruiters (PSUs)

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) play a significant role in hiring chemical engineers. These government-owned organizations offer lucrative salary packages and benefits:

Public Sector Company (PSU)

Gas Authority of India Ltd.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

Indian Oil Corporation Limited

Coal India Limited

National Thermal Power Corporation Limited

Bharat Electronics Limited

National Aluminium Company Ltd.

Steel Authority of India Limited

 

Top Private Sector Recruiters

The private sector also offers vast opportunities with multinational corporations and industry leaders hiring chemical engineers for diverse manufacturing, research, quality control, and process optimization roles.

Schlumberger Limited	Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
Indian Oil Corporation	GlaxoSmithKline
Reliance Industries Ltd.	Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd
Johnson Matthey	Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd
Essar Oil Limited	Arofine Polymers Ltd
Gazprom Industries	Nippon Paints

Whether in the public or private sectors, chemical engineers are in high demand, especially from reputed institutions. These opportunities offer not only strong financial returns but also the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and global projects.

B.Tech. Chemical Engineering: Scope

A B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering provides access to many career paths in several industries. After graduation, individuals may choose to become Chemical Engineers, Process Engineers, Senior Process Engineers, Chemical Process Engineers, Assistant Professors, or Lecturers. In addition, many choose to work in healthcare research, the pharmaceutical sector, or pursue further studies.

Higher Education Options after B.Tech. Chemical Engineering

1. Master’s Programs in Chemical Engineering

For those interested in gaining deeper technical knowledge and exploring advanced topics in energy systems, process design, chemicals, and metallurgy, a master’s degree is an ideal next step.

• Duration: 2 years
• Entrance Exams: GATE, PGCET, TANCET (varies by state and institution)
• Key Subjects Covered:
  • Advanced Process Control
  • Chemical Reactor Analysis and Design
  • Fluidization Engineering and 
  • Advanced Reaction Engineering
• Average Salary Post-Graduation: ₹7,00,000 per annum

2. Doctoral Programs in Chemical Engineering

For those passionate about research, a PhD in Chemical Engineering offers a path into academia, high-level industry R&D, and leadership roles.

• Duration: 3 to 5 years (based on specialization and research area)
• Focus Areas:
  • Disease research and pharmaceutical applications
  • Advanced process engineering and environmental safety and 
  • Regulatory compliance and case evaluations
     
• Career Prospects:
  • High-ranking research roles in the public and private sectors
  • Academic positions such as Professors or Department Heads and 
  • Industry consultants and policy advisors
     
• Salary Range: Attractive, with significant increases based on expertise and sector
   

Transform Tomorrow with Shiv Nadar University’s (Institution of Eminence) B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering

At Shiv Nadar University, the B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering program is designed for aspiring engineers who want to revolutionize industries, drive sustainability, and push the boundaries of innovation. Blending core chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics principles with cutting-edge research, the program equips students with the tools to design, optimize, and lead complex chemical processes and systems.

Why Choose Shiv Nadar University for Chemical Engineering?

Future-Focused Curriculum

• A comprehensive 8-semester program spanning 160 credits
• Combines engineering fundamentals, core chemical subjects, and industry-driven electives
• Specialized electives in Petroleum Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Paint Formulation, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and more

World-Class Labs & Research

• State-of-the-art undergraduate laboratories
• 8 funded research labs supported by SERB, Dassault, CST-UP, and FIST
• Active research in Bioenergy, Microreactors, Waste-to-Wealth, and Polymer Science

Exceptional Faculty & Learning Environment

• Expert faculty engaged in groundbreaking research and innovation
• Encourages interdisciplinary exploration and entrepreneurship

Global Exposure & Industry Connections

• Strong record of placements in top-tier companies like Deloitte, Capgemini, and Uflex Chemicals
• Alumni pursuing higher education at NYU, TU Delft, IIT BHU, and more
• Active industry collaboration through internships, research projects, and seminars

Career-Ready Graduates

• 73%+ graduates placed in diverse industries
• Graduates working in chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, R&D, academia, and startups
• Alumni have launched ventures in sustainability and technology

 Dynamic Student Life

• Home to “The House of Habers” the department’s student club promoting environmental sustainability and innovation
• Regular technical workshops, expert talks, and peer activities to boost professional growth

Conclusion

B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering isn’t just a degree, it’s a powerful toolkit to transform industries and tackle global challenges. From innovating in bioreactors to optimizing mega-refineries, chemical engineers are at the forefront of driving sustainable solutions and fueling the green revolution.

As India advances toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and net-zero carbon goals, skilled chemical engineers will play a critical role in shaping a cleaner, more self-reliant future. This is your opportunity to be part of that change. At Shiv Nadar University, you'll gain an education and an edge in the ever-evolving world of chemical engineering. Apply Now!

FAQs

• What is the scope of B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering?

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

• Is B.Tech. Chemical Engineering good?

Yes, a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering is generally considered a good and promising career choice. It offers diverse career opportunities, good earning potential, and a stable career path in various industries. The chemical industry and related sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and energy, constantly expand, creating demand for chemical engineers.

• Are chemical engineers in high demand?

Yes, chemical engineers are in huge demand as employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 10 per cent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.