How to Become a Chemical Engineer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Top Colleges, Jobs, Scope, Salary 2023

Qualifications Required to Become a Chemical Engineer

The major qualifications required in order to become a Chemical Engineering are listed below for your reference,

• The candidates must have passed class 12th with a combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Math as their Core Courses.
• The aspiring candidates must appear in various entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, etc
• Aspiring candidates must have acquired an Undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering with a minimum aggregate of 60% and above.
• For admission in Post Graduate Course, the aspiring candidate must have done a B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, or B.E. in Chemical Engineering.

Types of Chemical Engineers

The different types of Chemical Engineers roles available in the job market are as follows:

• Petroleum Processors- They develop or improve techniques to transform crude oil into different usable products. They follow a series of procedures to transform crude oil. Chemical Engineers work with different raw materials and are also involved with the development of new equipment to streamline the process.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers-Chemical engineers in the Pharmaceutical industry ensure accuracy, precision, efficiency, quality, and safety of the manufacturing processes. By applying advanced knowledge of Chemistry, biology, physics, and math, chemical engineers advance these pharmaceutical processes to make them safe, accurate, and effective.
• Manufacturing Facilities-Chemical engineers work involved in the production and manufacturing of products through chemical processes. They estimate the production costs and incorporate safety procedures.
• Lecturer- Some chemical engineers teach engineering candidates at colleges and universities. Chemical engineering teachers may help with a research project affiliated with the academy or devise their project. They teach classes, counsel, give lectures, candidates, and grade papers.

Steps to Become a Chemical Engineer

Some of the key steps that must be followed in order to become a Chemical Engineer are listed below for your reference,

• Step 1 – Complete Graduation: Earn a Bachelor’s degree in.Tech in Chemical Engineering, B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, etc. This will help in gaining a basic idea about the subject as well as help in creating a solid foundation on the same.
• Step 2 – Adapt Technical Skills: There are various technical skills that can be adapted in order to excel in the profession such as Interest in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Project Management, Data Analysis, Process Management, etc.
• Step 3 – Get into an Internship: It would be beneficial if a candidate pursues an internship as it will give him first-hand experience. Through internships, candidates will understand the actual role of a chemical engineer
• Step 4 – Pursue Masters Degree: After gaining some substantial years of experience, candidates can choose to pursue a Masters's degree in chemical engineering. Candidates can also pursue a master’s right after completing their bachelor’s. The candidates can pursue a Master’s degree from India as well as abroad.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in India

To become a Chemical Engineer in India, one must start preparing from school. After clearing Class 10 board exams one must choose a Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their core subjects. Post clearing Class 12th board exams candidates have to pursue relevant courses such as B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, B.E. in Materials Engineering, B. Tech in Biochemical Engineering, and many other similar courses that would help them understand the basic structure of Chemical Engineering.

Below we will discuss in detail the steps that must be taken in order to become a Chemical Engineer in India. 

School Level Preparation: In order to become a Chemical Engineer, the candidate must follow the steps that are mentioned below,

• Those who want to become a chemical engineers should have an interest in the field of chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics in Class 12th
• They have to qualify for an entrance exam to get admission into a Bachelor’s degree program in Chemical Engineering or a relevant field.
• Candidates can prepare for the entrance exams by taking coaching classes such as FIITJEE, Akash Institute, etc.
• The candidates must also solve the previous year's paper and other mock tests.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer After 12th

Undergraduate Preparations: Some of the crucial steps that must be followed to become a chemical engineer after completing class 12th are mentioned below,

• At the undergraduate level, students aspiring to become Chemical Engineers should first focus on clearing the entrance test and getting enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
• The courses can be B. Tech or B.E. or B.SC in chemical engineering.
• Candidates should focus on different areas of chemical engineering and understand the theoretical and practical aspects of the course
• Candidates should try to maintain an overall of 65% and above in their graduation so that they can get enrolled in master’s in India as well as abroad
• Candidates opting for the PG courses should start preparing for the GATE exam.

Post-Graduation Preparation: The key steps to be followed to become a chemical engineer after completing Undergraduate courses are,

• After the completion of the UG course, the candidates can take the GATE exam to secure admission to the Postgraduate course. 
• Several Universities tie up with various MNCs and conduct internships and assignments through which students can gain some real-time experience.
• After completion of the PG course, the candidates can choose to research further through Ph.D. courses. 

Chemical Engineering Courses

Some of the top courses that can be pursued in order to become a Chemical Engineer are tabulated below for your reference, 

Read more: Top MTech Chemical Engineering Colleges

How to Become a Chemical Engineer Abroad

Apart from India, there are several other countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia that offer Chemical Engineering courses. There are several renowned universities and colleges that offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, before applying for these courses one should fulfill the basic eligibility criteria that are discussed below.

• Candidates should pass class 12th boards or equivalent exams and must have Mathematics, Physics, and chemistry as their main subjects.
• The candidates must pass either of the English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• The IELTS score must not be less than 6.5 and the TOEFL score not be less than 79.
• Some universities also accept SAT scores.
• Candidates must produce a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for studying across any of the counties abroad
• In the case of PG programs, the candidates must obtain a minimum of 70% score in their Graduate Examination.
• Candidates would have to provide proof of work experience in the relevant field.
• Candidates must also submit proof of their finances.