PhD Chemistry: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary

PhD Chemistry is a research based degree programme that can be pursued after MSc Chemistry. It takes 3 to 5 years to complete a PhD in Chemistry, depending on the institute, research area, facilities, and learning ability of the aspirant. While pursuing the course, one has to do academic duties and present the research output in conferences.

• The course fee ranges between INR 10,000 to 40,000 for government institutes and INR 2 to 4 Lakhs for private ones.
• Some universities may not charge the fees to the aspirant receiving fellowship from government agencies.
• One can also work on government funded projects and register for PhD in that research area.
• Admission is strictly based on entrance exam score and presentation of research proposals.

PhD in Chemistry: Course Highlights

PhD in chemistry is a doctorate degree programme specialised in research and development in the area like Organic chemistry, Analytical chemistry, Industrial chemistry, etc. The course imparts skills like analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, observational, scientific writing, and presenting.

During the course, students have to publish their research work in reputed journals. As per the new UGC guidelines, publication is not mandatory for PhD completion but some private institutes ask to publish in Scopus indexed journals.

PhD in Organic Chemistry

PhD in Organic chemistry is an advanced study of the structure, properties, preparation, and reactions of organic compounds. It involves following aspects.

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Biochemistry

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

PhD in Analytical Chemistry is about the in-depth research and development of analytical methodologies. It includes identification, quantification, and characterization of chemical compounds. Some of the specialization areas are as follows

• Environmental Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Food Chemistry
• Materials Science

Why Pursue PhD Chemistry

Pursuing PhD in Chemistry offers a well paid and reputed career in Research and Education.

• After completing PhD Chemistry, one may find a job in university, college, or industry dealing with chemical analysis.
• In Pharmaceutical industries, there is always demand for chemistry experts for developing medicines.
• While pursuing the PhD Chemistry, aspirants also get the prestigious fellowship worth INR 15,000 to 60,000 from various government schemes.
• Doing a PhD offers an opportunity to publish research papers, book chapters, and review papers in well reputed journals, adding extra credits to the profile.

PhD Chemistry Eligibility

To register for PhD in Chemistry, one has to clear the entrance exam either conducted at national, state, or university level.

1. Candidates must have obtained at least second class (55%) in MSc Chemistry
2. Along with that, one must clear any of the entrance exam and subsequent interview round.
3. Selection is based on performance in exams and research proposals given during the interview.

PhD Chemistry Admission

PhD Chemistry admission is based on entrance exam scores, performance in interview, potential of research proposal, and vacancy in specific institutes.

Aspirants have to follow below mentioned steps to apply for the course.

1. Check the admission guidelines and selection process for the chosen university.
2. Fill out the application form with required information and supportive documents like educational and identity proofs.
3. Appear in the exam and subsequent interview round.
4. University will send the confirmation if the applicant is selected.
5. Selected candidates will be asked for selection of supervisor.

It is important to visit the institute personally before finalizing admission as knowing about research culture, approach, and facilities in the institute is necessary. 

PhD Chemistry Syllabus

As PhD Chemistry is a research-oriented programme, there is no defined syllabus for it. According to the UGC policy, it must include coursework, presentation, and academic duties.

Coursework depends on an individual's research requirements and domain related electives. One can also undertake NPTEL online courses. Coursework subjects and duration vary among the institutes.

Some common coursework subjects are as mentioned below.

• Research Methodology
• Techniques in Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Research Specific Course
• Research writing and Publication
• Research ethics
• Good Laboratory Practice
• Academic Writing
• Literature review & Seminar/conference/workshops
• Organic Chemistry 

PhD Chemistry Best Colleges in India

There are many colleges offering PhD Chemistry with different specializations. Some of the best colleges/universities are tabulated below.

PhD Chemistry Fellowship Schemes

Students pursuing PhD in Chemistry can apply for government fellowship schemes based on the category they belong to. For instance, JRF/SRF categories or Gold medalist categories.

Some of the popular fellowship schemes are mentioned below.

• Single Girl Child Fellowship (for female candidates)
• Lady Tata Memorial
• ICMR JRF
• SHODH
• DST JRF
• PMFDR
• CSIR NET/JRF
• University-level fellowship
• DST-WISE Fellowship (for female candidates)
• INSPIRE (for gold medalists)

Those who are qualified for CSIR NET JRF get a fellowship for 5 years.

Eligibility and selection process vary among the different schemes. In general, it includes 60% at 10+2 level, submitting an application with SOP or Research Project/Proposal, Funding requirements/Details if have funding, and Work Plan.

PhD Chemistry Jobs

Person with a PhD in Chemistry can work either in Research, Industry or Academia. There is also an option to work in government agencies such as Safety office, chemical engineer, or project manager.

1. Research Scientist: They conduct fundamental and applied research in various areas of chemistry. 
2. Chemistry Faculty: They teach and conduct research at universities and colleges. 
3. Postdoctoral Fellow: Their job is to engage in advanced research under the supervision of a faculty member. 
4. Junior/Senior Research Fellow (JRF/SRF): To conduct research projects under the guidance of senior researchers. 
5. Research Associate: They assist in research projects and contribute to data analysis and interpretation. 
6. Project Manager: They manage and oversee the ongoing research projects and ensure the compliance of safety and ethical policies.

PhD Chemistry Salary

Salary of a PhD Chemistry holder depends on the job profile, industry type, government policies, funding agencies, and location.

• A junior research fellow or Jr. scientist in India, can earn up to INR 4 to 6 LPA while a senior fellow earns up to INR 15 LPA, depending on the project and industry type.
• An Assistant Professor earns around INR 4 to 7 LPA that further increases with promotions. Assistant professor promoted to Associate professor, Professor, Principal, Dean, and Advisor. In this ladder, salary ranges between INR 8 to 12 LPA.
• A project Manager working with private organizations can earn up to INR 10 to 12 LPA whereas government employee’s salary ranges between INR 12 to 14 LPA.

FAQs