PHD in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad

Dhanbad, Jharkhand
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This Chemical Engineering PhD program at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad focuses on advanced research across core and emerging areas of chemical engineering. It is highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning process industries, energy sector, and materials science. The program emphasizes innovative solutions to industrial challenges and contributes significantly to sustainable development, preparing future leaders in academia and R&D. IIT(ISM) has a strong legacy in applied sciences, particularly in resource engineering.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high-achieving M.Tech/M.E. or B.Tech/B.E. graduates in Chemical Engineering and allied disciplines. It targets individuals passionate about cutting-edge research, aiming for careers in R&D, academia, or advanced industrial roles. Working professionals seeking to transition into research-intensive positions or pursuing higher academic qualifications for career advancement will also find this program suitable and enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure impactful positions as R&D scientists, faculty members, or senior process development engineers in India''''s leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private corporations, and research institutions. Potential career paths span the oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, materials, and environmental sectors. Expected salary ranges from INR 10-25 lakhs annually for entry to experienced research roles, with significant growth trajectories in specialized fields.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Core Concepts- (undefined)
Thoroughly review and master advanced chemical engineering concepts relevant to your chosen research area. Focus on theoretical depth and rigorous problem-solving to build a strong foundation for your doctoral studies. Actively participate in all coursework lectures and discussion sessions for clarity.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL advanced courses, Standard textbooks (e.g., Bird, Fogler, Seinfeld), Departmental seminars and workshops on fundamentals
Career Connection
A strong conceptual foundation is critical for formulating impactful research questions and developing innovative solutions, skills highly valued by R&D departments and academic institutions globally.
Develop Robust Research Proposal- (undefined)
Collaborate closely with your supervisor to identify a significant research gap and formulate a well-defined, feasible research proposal. This involves extensive literature review, understanding current trends, and outlining clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Prepare diligently for the Comprehensive Viva-Voce examination.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar for literature search, Mendeley/Zotero for efficient referencing
Career Connection
A compelling research proposal demonstrates strong analytical thinking and systematic problem-solving abilities, which are key attributes for any research-oriented career path.
Build Programming and Simulation Skills- (undefined)
Acquire proficiency in relevant programming languages such as Python or MATLAB and gain expertise in process simulation software like Aspen Hysys or COMSOL. These skills are indispensable for effective modeling, data analysis, and numerical simulations in contemporary chemical engineering research. Enroll in relevant workshops and online courses.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX courses on Python/MATLAB, AspenTech training modules, IIT(ISM) computing facilities and licensed software
Career Connection
Computational skills are highly sought after in modern R&D, enabling efficient analysis, optimization, and innovation in process industries and advanced research laboratories.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Laboratory and Experimental Work- (undefined)
Actively participate in the design, execution, and precise data collection of experiments in departmental laboratories. Develop expertise in handling sophisticated equipment, troubleshooting experimental setups, and ensuring high data integrity. Document all procedures meticulously in lab notebooks for reproducibility.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research laboratories, Safety training modules, Experimental design software (e.g., Design-Expert)
Career Connection
Practical experimental skills are crucial for roles in process development, quality control, and industrial R&D where hands-on problem-solving and empirical validation are required.
Publish Research Findings- (undefined)
Aim to publish your significant research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals and present at national/international conferences. This not only enhances your academic profile but also gains visibility for your work and fosters critical feedback. Develop strong academic writing and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Journal publication guidelines (e.g., ACS, Elsevier), LaTeX for scientific writing, Conference abstract submission platforms
Career Connection
Publications are strong indicators of research capability and productivity, essential for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and R&D jobs in competitive environments.
Network with Peers and Industry Experts- (undefined)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and national/international conferences. Network strategically with fellow researchers, faculty members, and industry professionals. This helps in exploring collaborations, gaining new perspectives, and identifying potential career opportunities across sectors.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Professional body memberships (e.g., IIChe, AIChE)
Career Connection
Professional networking can open doors to internships, research collaborations, and future job prospects in both academia and industry, accelerating career growth.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis Writing and Defense Skills- (undefined)
Dedicate significant time to writing a comprehensive, high-quality PhD thesis that articulates your research contributions clearly. Seek regular, constructive feedback from your supervisor and peers. Practice your thesis defense presentation, anticipating potential questions and preparing clear, concise answers for the pre-submission and final viva-voce.
Tools & Resources
University thesis formatting guidelines (IIT(ISM)), Grammarly/Turnitin for editing and plagiarism check, Mock viva sessions with faculty
Career Connection
A well-written and expertly defended thesis demonstrates excellent communication, critical thinking, and research culmination, vital for academic and senior research positions.
Explore Post-PhD Opportunities- (undefined)
Begin actively searching for post-doctoral positions, R&D roles in industry, or academic faculty positions well before thesis submission. Tailor your CV and cover letters to highlight your specific research achievements and specialized skills. Prepare rigorously for interviews and selection processes.
Tools & Resources
University career services portal, Job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed), Research institution and company websites
Career Connection
Proactive job searching and strategic networking are crucial for a smooth and successful transition into your desired career path post-PhD, whether in India or internationally.
Mentor Junior Researchers- (undefined)
Take the initiative to mentor junior PhD or M.Tech students in their research endeavors. This practice not only reinforces your own understanding and expertise but also develops essential leadership, communication, and teaching skills. Assist them with experimental design, data analysis, or literature review to foster their growth.
Tools & Resources
Departmental peer mentoring programs, Research group meetings and discussions
Career Connection
Mentoring experience is highly valued in academic roles and demonstrates significant leadership potential for senior R&D management positions, enhancing your overall professional profile.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc.(Engg) in Chemical Engineering/Chemical Technology/Petroleum Engineering/Biochemical Engineering or allied areas with minimum 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks. OR B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical Engineering or allied areas with minimum 8.5 CGPA or 80% marks and valid GATE score. OR M.Sc. in Chemistry/Physics/Biotechnology or allied areas with minimum 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks and valid NET/GATE score (specific areas). Relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates as per Government of India norms.
Duration: Minimum 2 years (for M.Tech/M.E. scholars), Minimum 3 years (for B.Tech/B.E./M.Sc. scholars). Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 16 (for coursework component only) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH501 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Core (Potential PhD Coursework) | 3 | Non-ideal flow reactors, Residence time distribution modeling, Multiphase reactors design, Catalytic reaction engineering, Advanced reactor analysis |
| CH505 | Advanced Transport Phenomena | Core (Potential PhD Coursework) | 3 | Advanced momentum transfer, Heat transfer mechanisms, Mass transfer operations, Turbulent flow phenomena, Interfacial transport processes |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH507 | Process Modeling and Simulation | Core (Potential PhD Coursework) | 3 | Mathematical modeling principles, Numerical methods for processes, Process simulation software applications, Dynamic modeling and control, Optimization techniques |
| CH511 | Process Optimization | Core (Potential PhD Coursework) | 3 | Linear programming methods, Non-linear programming algorithms, Integer programming techniques, Dynamic programming applications, Optimization in chemical processes |




