PhD Chemistry: Admission, Top Colleges, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Jobs and Salary

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry or PhD Chemistry is a 3-6 years doctorate course for candidates who want to pursue research in various domains of Chemistry.

In PhD Chemistry some research domains are Physical biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic synthesis, advanced analytical chemistry, physical organic chemistry, and others.

The basic eligibility for PhD Chemistry is MSc Chemistry with minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university. As per latest UGC guidelines now a student can join PhD after four years Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.

Admission to PhD Chemistry is either based on entrance or performance in various entrance exams namely CSIR NET and GATE etc.

There are verities of job profiles available after completing PhD Chemistry such as Scientist, Professor or Lecturer, Researcher, Pharma companies, food and drink industry, plastic and polymer companies etc. The average salary offered to candidates holding PhD Chemistry ranges between INR 3-20 Lakhs per annum in various sectors like Education, Research, and Lab etc.

The top recruiters for PhD Chemistry include companies like TATA Chemicals, ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance, Dr. Reddy, P&G etc.

PhD Chemistry: Course Highlights

About PhD Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry is a doctoral degree in chemistry related domains that spans over a period of 3-6 years. It is a detailed academic study and research on the chosen topic.

Some topics for PhD in chemistry are Physical biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic synthesis, advanced analytical chemistry, quantum mechanics etc.

In doctorate programmes focus will be on the overall development of the student’s laboratory skills, as well as research, along with enhancing the student’s knowledge.

PhD Chemistry Top Institutes

Some of the top institutes in India providing PhD in Chemistry are:

PhD Chemistry: Distance Education

PhD in Chemistry distance education is not valid as per the UGC Guidelines. You can go for part time PhD if you are employed. There are many institutes including the top ones which offer part time PhD programs.

PhD Chemistry Syllabus

Student admitted into PhD in Chemistry course has to do coursework before starting their research works.

Some Common Papers in PhD Chemistry Coursework

• Research Methodology
• Research and Technical Communication
• Review of Literature in the Area of Research
• Departmental Elective (Depends on institutes)
• Research field related Subjects (As per your field of research)

After Coursework candidates has to do research work on their area of interest.

PhD Chemistry Admission Process

Most of the universities conduct their own PhD entrance exam or they shortlist candidates based on performance in entrance examinations namely CSIR NET or GATE etc.

Shortlisted candidates have to appear for interview for PhD in Chemistry selection.

Steps for Merit-Based Admission or Entrance Exempted Catgory:

• Colleges publish notice of admission on their website.
• Candidates satisfying the minimum eligibility criteria must visit the respective college website and fill the application form online.
• Colleges declare and publish merit lists based on cut-off marks in various National Exams like CSIR NET and GATE etc. on their website.
• Shortlisted candidates would have a personal round of interviews based on subject specialization.
• Candidates who clear the interview must visit the respective college and complete the necessary formalities for final admission.

Steps for Entrance Based Admission:

• The university/college publish dates of entrance examination, application form submission dates, dates of admit card download on their respective websites.
• Candidates satisfying minimum eligibility criteria must fill up the online application form of the entrance exam by sharing essential information followed by paying the requisite application fee.
• The exam conducting body publishes the list of successful candidates with their respective marks on the website.
• Successful candidates are called for interview for further selection process.
• After that they publish list for final admission.

Eligibility

Every institute/university may have different eligibility criteria, some common are

• Candidates who have completed their post-graduation in Chemistry or relevant subjects from a recognized university.
• Candidates with M.Phil. in Chemistry or related subjects are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must hold a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.

Every institute/university releases their eligibility criteria when the admission notification is released.

PhD Chemistry Entrance Exams

Some of the important PhD in Chemistry Entrance Exams are –

• CSIR NET
• GATE
• TIFR GS

PhD Chemistry Admission Notifications

Latest PhD Chemistry Admission Notifications –

Check More – PhD Chemistry Admission Notifications

Career Options after PhD Chemistry

After PhD in Chemistry candidate can work with different chemical research centres, forensic labs, industries such as plastic and polymer factories, food packaging and processing firms. Candidate can also make a career in Medicinal Chemistry and work in finding new cures and medical testing and manufacturing. After PhD student can join as Lecturer or Assistant professor.  

You can consider the following profiles after pursuing a PhD in Chemistry:

• Scientist 
• Professor 
• Medical Technologist 
• Research Instructor 
• Cytologist
• Product Officer
• Scientific Data Entry Specialist
• Safety Health and Environment Specialist
• Research & Development Manager
• Quality Controller
• Pharma Assistant
• Biochemist
• Agricultural Chemist
• Clinical Research Specialist
• Medical Technologist
• Toxicologist 
• Food and Flavor Chemist
• Radiologist
• Water Quality Chemist
• Production Chemist

Some of the major job profiles associated with the PhD in Chemistry, along with the average salary are as follows: