PHD in Chemistry (Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry)- Course Details, Admissions, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary and Scope

Updated October 18, 2022

PhD in Chemistry, or Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, is a doctoral degree in science that spans three to six years. According to the UGC, 3 years is the shortest, and 6 years is the most prolonged duration to be awarded with the degree. It is a detailed academic study and research completed with the submission of an academic thesis on the subject. Ph.D. in Chemistry essentially involves studying inorganic chemistry, physical biochemistry, organic chemistry, advanced analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, quantum mechanics, etc.

Students who aspire to pursue Ph.D. in Chemistry must have passed a master’s degree in chemistry from a recognized university. Some institutions ask for a minimum aggregate of 55 percent; however, it may vary from institution to institution. The essential thing aspirants need to remember is that admissions to the program are strictly made based on UGC NET or GATE scores. So, aspirants need to qualify in these exams to get admitted to a Ph.D. Chemistry program.

Average fee expenses of the PhD Chemistry courses range from INR 0.8 to 3 Lakh Per Annum, depending on the university/colleges candidates get admitted to. And post pursuing the program, Students can aspire to job roles like Staff scientist, Chemist, Chemistry Professor, Research specialist, etc. Their average starting salary can stand around INR 15 – 20 Lakh Per Annum, depending on their experience after completing the program.

PhD in Chemistry Course Details

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry is a doctoral degree in science domain that spans over a period of three to six years. The table below presents the highlights of Ph.D. in Chemistry.

PhD in Chemistry Admission Process

Appearing and qualifying in the entrance examination such as UGC NET or GATE is mandatory for the students to get admitted into reputed institution for the PhD Chemistry program. A personal interview is also an essential part of the admissions process; if the aspirants do well, they are enrolled.

Besides these standard entrance test, some universities have their own entrance exam. So, students must pass the entrance exams to progress further in the admissions process and get their offer letter. The admissions procedure continues after the exam results have been announced and publicized, which includes examining other eligibility criteria and topic selection of the candidates. And if the candidates perform well in the interview and meet the required criteria, they are awarded admission to the program.

PhD in Chemistry Eligibility criteria

Below are the eligibility criteria that candidates must meet for admission to the Ph.D. in Chemistry program.

• Aspirants must be a master’s degree holder in chemistry or relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• Most universities ask for a minimum aggregate of 55% marks, so they are also required to score accordingly.
• Entrance tests are mandatory for admission to the Ph.D. program. So, students also have to qualify for the entrance exams, which can be conducted by the university, or national exams like the UGC-NET and GATE.

Ph.D. Chemistry Entrance Examinations

When someone wants admission to the Ph.D. in chemistry in India, it is mandatory that they qualify for the required entrance exam. The national level entrance exams are conducted for this course, like UGC-NET and GATE. However, some universities have their own exam, like Lovely Professional University has LPUNEST. Besides that, there is also the CUCET which is a common entrance test for central universities. Some of the mandatory entrance exams for PHD in chemistry are as follows.

• CUCET
• LPUNEST
• UGC-NET for JRF
• CSIR-UGC NET for JRF                   
• NBHM Entrance Exam

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry Syllabus

In the Ph.D. program, the college faculty usually assists the candidates with independent research work. However, students can also work under their professors as assistants to gain more experience, which helps them better understand what they will have to do if they become a professor after completing the program. The Ph.D. course syllabus can vary depending on the college in which students enroll because the course is based on research and learning through experience. Following is a Ph.D. chemistry syllabus followed in most institutes offering the program.

Particulars of PhD in Chemistry Syllabus

Top Ph.D. in Chemistry Colleges

Several reputed institutes across India offer the Ph.D. Chemistry. Listed below are some of India’s top colleges providing Ph.D. Chemistry.   

• Amity University, Noida
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur                  
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay 
• Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
• Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli
• Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
• Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
• PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore      
• National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli

Future Scope of PhD in Chemistry

Chemistry is a vast domain that includes a variety of other fields and has a vast scope. The scope of a PHD Chemistry relies upon candidates and their interests. After completing PhD degree in Chemistry, one can make a career in organic chemistry, natural chemistry, chemistry engineering, analytic chemistry, etc.

After completing the program, one can choose to continue in the field mentioned above, be a part of a faculty of their choice in any university, or go to a foreign university to work on research projects. Further study options are also offered nationwide for a Ph.D. Chemistry candidate, with plenty of research and other training programs. Candidates can further research chemistry or other related fields they are interested in, like organic chemistry, inorganic synthesis, etc.

PhD in Chemistry Jobs and Career Options

Numerous Ph.D. Chemistry Jobs in India are available in various industries like research labs, pharma companies, food and drink, educational organizations, etc.                        

• Junior Scientist                
• Forensic Chemist
• College Professor
• Research Chemist
• Chemical Researcher      
• Medical Technologist     
• Government Regulator

Salary after Completing PhD in Chemistry

After completing PhD in Chemistry, the average starting salary for the candidates can be around INR 15 – 20 LPA, depending on their profile and organization of work. Their salaries can variably hike up according to the experience they have gained in the field. Listed below are some of the top Ph.D. chemistry job profiles with their average salary structure.

• Junior Scientist:- INR 11 Lakh Per Annum
• Forensic Chemist:- INR 16 Lakh Per Annum
• College Professor:- INR 10 Lakh Per Annum
• Research Chemist:- INR 14 Lakh Per Annum
• Chemical Researcher:- INR 14 Lakh Per Annum
• Medical Technologist:- INR 10 Lakh Per Annum
• Government Regulator:- INR 20 Lakh Per Annum

FAQs on Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

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