Chemical Engineering: Courses, Skills & Job Opportunities

One of the most popular courses at the UG and PG level in India is Engineering, as evidenced by the large number of students who sit for the joint entrance examinations every year. Of course, this is also a career path that is strongly supported by parents and is also associated with substantial societal esteem. The industry is also known for its steadiness and is a very predictable sector. A popular branch of Engineering in our country is Chemical Engineering.

If you are also considering applying for a degree in Chemical Engineering then keep reading to know all the major details, right from education to job opportunities.

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Chemical Engineering: Definition

The creation and manufacture of products using chemical processes is a function of chemical engineering. Designing tools, frameworks, and procedures for processing chemicals; and combining, compounding, and refining raw materials are all included in this. Innovative technologies are used by chemical engineers to improve people's lives in areas that include resource management, environmental protection, and health and safety regulation.

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Chemical Engineering: Education Qualification

Students who are interested in studying Chemical Engineering must have the following educational qualifications:

• You must pass your Class XII board examinations or a test of a similar level with Physics, Chemistry, and Math as required courses. IITs, NITs, and GFTIs need applicants to have at least a 75% average.
• For admission to NITs, CFTIs, and other engineering colleges, you must pass the National Testing Agency's (NTA's) JEE Mains exam. For IITs, one needs to additionally also qualify for JEE Advanced.
• A number of state joint entrance tests are also considered for eligibility to enroll in a degree in chemical engineering.
• GATE certification is required to pursue a master's degree in chemical engineering (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).

Also, read: How To Prepare For JEE/NEET along with class 12 Examination

Chemical Engineering: Courses To Study

Undergraduate level:

• B.Tech in Chemical Engineering; 4 years
• B.E. in Chemical Engineering; 4 years

Postgraduate level:

• M.Tech in Chemical Engineering; 2 years
• M.E. in Chemical Engineering; 2 years

Integrated courses:

• Dual Degree Programmes (B.Tech + M.Tech or B.E. + M.E); 5 years

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Chemical Engineering: Job Opportunities

Chemical engineering has a promising future in terms of employment. According to estimates, the growth in the field of chemical engineering is roughly above average compared to all other careers. Check out the top 5 job opportunities that one can pursue after completing an education in chemical engineering:

• Chemical Engineers: Chemical engineers use the concepts of chemistry and other branches of science to solve issues pertaining to the production of food, fuel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and much more. They create industrial processes, equipment for chemical plants, and safety protocols. Companies such as DRDO, BARC, BPCL and others hire chemical engineers.
• Petroleum Engineers: Petroleum engineers work with processes involving oil and gas extraction from subterranean reserves. To create the most effective procedures for obtaining these resources, they collaborate closely with other engineers and geologists. To work in this domain, one can apply to companies such as Indian Oil, Reliance, Bharat Petroleum and others.
• Nuclear Engineers: Nuclear engineers research, develop, and use the techniques, equipment, and technologies needed to benefit from nuclear energy and radiation. They might work for the government, the medical field, or a company that produces electricity.
• Process Engineers: Process engineers design and manage the procedures that transform raw resources into final goods. They are employed in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, food and beverages, and medicines. Process engineers are frequently in charge of enhancing current processes to boost productivity and efficiency. Companies like Reliance, Cognizant, and Infosys are some of the top recruiters of process engineers.
• Chemical Plant System & Operator: Engineers of chemical plants and systems often operate in manufacturing facilities. They supervise the daily activities involved in producing chemicals, such as mixing, measuring, and testing the chemicals and materials that go into making products. They could also be in charge of checking that machines and equipment are running properly.

Having looked at the industries and roles that are open to a Chemical Engineering graduate, let’s now take a look at what could make you stand out from the crowd as a Chemical Engineer.

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Chemical Engineering: Essential Skills

Chemical engineers need to be able to devise original solutions to challenging issues. Additionally, they must be proficient in speaking with other experts, including chemists, biologists, and other engineers. Here is a list of the essential skills that one must have, to be successful in a career in chemical engineering:

• Research Skills: By assembling information from both direct and indirect sources, research is a process of learning about or comprehending something. These professionals have better information and can prepare more effectively. An engineer who possesses these skills can create innovative concepts and comprehend them from various angles.
• Mathematical Skills: Numerous mathematical ideas are used by chemical engineers to resolve complicated issues. Professionals study thermodynamics using mathematics to better plan and control chemical reactions. Chemical engineers use mathematics to evaluate processing machinery, test instruments, gather data, and judge the quality of processes.
• Computer Skills: Chemical engineers work on specific computer applications and programmes. They employ these abilities when they analyse data and create new designs. As an expert computer user, a chemical engineer creates computer models of large-scale chemical factories and performs in-depth simulations of various plant components, such as reactors.
• Design Skills: Numerous chemical engineers create large-scale, intricate chemical manufacturing plants that produce a wide range of chemical goods. Professionals that have these abilities are better at designing chemicals and spotting lucrative business prospects. Minimizing environmental impact and safeguarding human health are the main goals of an effective design process.

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Chemical engineering careers offer a wide range of choices. You can work in many different sectors, such as the public sector, consulting firms, and private businesses, in addition to the obvious options. Once you have the necessary degree, you can start applying for opportunities at the entry-level and then work your way up to more experienced positions. Working in a formal setting will enable you to acquire the knowledge required for promotions.