

B-TECH in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Indore


Indore, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Indore Indore?
This B.Tech Chemical Engineering program at IIT Indore focuses on fundamental principles of process design, reaction engineering, mass and heat transfer, and thermodynamics. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and sustainable practices, the program prepares students to innovate solutions for diverse Indian industries, including petroleum, pharmaceuticals, materials, and environmental sectors, aligning with India''''s growing industrial landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from high school who possess a strong aptitude for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, demonstrated through competitive exams like JEE Advanced. It''''s also suitable for highly motivated individuals passionate about solving real-world challenges in process industries, energy, and sustainable technologies, seeking a robust foundation for a career in research, development, or industrial application.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in core chemical industries, R&D, environmental consulting, and data science roles within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories often lead to leadership roles in process development, project management, or specialized research, with strong potential for further studies (M.Tech, Ph.D.) in leading institutions globally or in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Core Science & Math Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensively on mastering concepts in Engineering Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics I & II, and Basic Chemical Engineering. These courses form the bedrock for all advanced Chemical Engineering subjects. Form study groups, actively solve problems, and clarify doubts promptly with faculty.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Khan Academy, Textbooks, Peer study groups, IIT Indore''''s academic support centers
Career Connection
A robust understanding of these fundamentals is crucial for excelling in subsequent core chemical engineering courses, which directly impact project work and technical interview performance in placements.
Develop Programming & Engineering Graphics Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in Introduction to Computing and Engineering Graphics courses and labs. Develop proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python/C++) and CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD). Practice problem-solving through coding challenges and drawing exercises.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, CodeChef, GeeksforGeeks, AutoCAD tutorials, IIT Indore computing labs
Career Connection
Programming skills are increasingly vital for process simulation, data analysis, and automation, while engineering graphics is fundamental for process design and equipment visualization in modern industries.
Engage in Departmental Fresher Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental events, workshops, and introductory talks organized by the Chemical Engineering student body or faculty. This helps in networking with seniors, understanding research areas, and gaining early insights into the specialization.
Tools & Resources
Department website, Student council notices, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Early engagement builds a sense of belonging, provides informal mentorship, and exposes students to the broader scope and career opportunities within Chemical Engineering, aiding in focused learning and future choices.
Intermediate Stage
Master Core Chemical Engineering Concepts- (Semester 3-5)
Deeply understand key subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, and Chemical Reaction Engineering. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems. Regularly solve numerical problems and case studies.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., McCabe, Smith, Van Ness; Foust, Wankat), NPTEL advanced courses, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
These subjects form the core of most technical interviews for Chemical Engineering roles. Strong conceptual clarity ensures better performance in internships and entry-level positions in R&D, process development, and manufacturing.
Seek Research & Project Opportunities- (Semester 4-5)
Approach faculty members for opportunities to work on minor research projects or assist in ongoing research. This helps in gaining hands-on experience, understanding research methodologies, and exploring potential areas for M.Tech/Ph.D.
Tools & Resources
Faculty profiles on department website, Research lab visits, Department project fairs
Career Connection
Research experience distinguishes a student, provides valuable skills for R&D roles, and offers a glimpse into potential career paths in academia or advanced industrial research. It also strengthens project work and thesis writing skills.
Participate in Technical Competitions & Workshops- (Semester 4-5)
Join departmental clubs and participate in inter-college technical competitions, hackathons, or design challenges related to Chemical Engineering. Attend workshops on software like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or other process simulation tools.
Tools & Resources
AICHE student chapter, Chemical engineering societies, University technical festivals, Online simulation tutorials
Career Connection
These activities build practical problem-solving skills, enhance teamwork, and provide exposure to industry-relevant tools, making students more competitive for internships and placements.
Advanced Stage
Complete Meaningful Internships & Industrial Training- (Semester 6-7 (Summer between 6th and 7th semester))
Secure and actively engage in summer internships (as part of CH411) or winter training in relevant industries (petroleum, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, etc.). Focus on applying classroom knowledge, learning industry best practices, and building a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Career Development Centre (CDC) at IIT Indore, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Faculty recommendations
Career Connection
Internships are often a direct pathway to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and provide invaluable real-world experience, significantly boosting employability and understanding of industry expectations.
Focus on Specialization & Advanced Electives- (Semester 7-8)
Strategically choose department and open electives based on career interests (e.g., catalysis, biochemical engineering, process safety, environmental engineering). Delve deep into project work (CH409, CH408), aiming for publications or impactful prototypes.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research papers, Specialized journals, Advanced textbooks
Career Connection
Specialization enhances expertise in a particular niche, making students highly sought after for specific roles. Strong project work can be a highlight in resumes and interviews, demonstrating problem-solving and innovation capabilities.
Intensive Placement & Career Preparation- (Semester 7-8)
Actively participate in mock interviews, resume building workshops, and aptitude test preparation. Network with alumni and recruiters. Refine communication and presentation skills. Prepare a strong portfolio of projects and achievements.
Tools & Resources
IIT Indore CDC, Online aptitude platforms (e.g., IndiaBix), Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Alumni network
Career Connection
Through preparation is key to securing desirable placements. This stage focuses on translating academic and practical achievements into a compelling narrative for potential employers, ensuring a smooth transition into the professional world.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH101 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 3 | Atomic Structure and Bonding, Solid State Chemistry, Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis, Electrochemistry and Corrosion, Spectroscopy and Analytical Techniques, Organic Reaction Mechanisms |
| MA101 | Mathematics I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus of One Variable, Integral Calculus of One Variable, Sequences and Series, Functions of Several Variables, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| PH101 | Physics I | Core | 3 | Classical Mechanics, Special Theory of Relativity, Oscillations and Waves, Physical Optics and Lasers, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics |
| CS101 | Introduction to Computing | Core | 3 | Programming Fundamentals (Python), Data Types, Variables, Operators, Control Structures (loops, conditionals), Functions and Modules, Basic Algorithms and Data Structures, File Handling |
| EA101 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 2 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Conic Sections and Curves, Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Introduction to AutoCAD |
| CH103 | Engineering Chemistry Lab | Lab | 1 | Volumetric Analysis, Conductometry, pH Metry, Spectrophotometry, Chemical Kinetics Experiments, Corrosion Studies |
| PH103 | Physics Lab | Lab | 1 | Error Analysis, Optics Experiments, Mechanics Experiments, Electrical Circuits, Semiconductor Devices |
| EA103 | Computing Lab | Lab | 1 | Programming Exercises in Python, Debugging and Testing, Data Structure Implementation, Algorithm Design Practice, Scientific Computing Tools |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE101 | Engineering Mechanics | Core | 3 | Statics of Particles and Rigid Bodies, Equilibrium Equations, Friction, Kinematics of Particles, Kinetics of Particles, Work-Energy and Impulse-Momentum Methods |
| EE101 | Electrical Sciences | Core | 3 | DC and AC Circuits, Network Theorems, Single-Phase and Three-Phase Systems, Magnetic Circuits and Transformers, Semiconductor Diodes and Transistors, Operational Amplifiers |
| MA102 | Mathematics II | Core | 4 | Linear Algebra (Vectors, Matrices), Vector Spaces and Transformations, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, Complex Analysis (Functions, Integrals), Probability Theory, Statistical Inference |
| CH102 | Basic Chemical Engineering | Core | 3 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Mass Balances, Energy Balances, Fluid Flow Concepts, Heat Transfer Principles, Introduction to Unit Operations |
| HS101 | Professional Ethics and Humanities | Core | 3 | Ethics in Engineering, Social Responsibility, Professionalism and Integrity, Communication Skills, Human Values and Morals, Environmental Ethics |
| EA102 | Basic Engineering Lab | Lab | 1 | Workshop Practices (Carpentry, Fitting), Welding and Sheet Metal, Machining Operations, Electrical Wiring, Plumbing Basics, Measurements and Tolerances |
| EE103 | Electrical Sciences Lab | Lab | 1 | Circuit Laws Verification, AC and DC Circuit Analysis, Transformer Characteristics, Diode and Transistor Applications, Op-Amp Circuits, Digital Logic Gates |
| CE103 | Engineering Mechanics Lab | Lab | 1 | Equilibrium of Forces, Friction Experiments, Moments of Inertia, Simple Lifting Machines, Dynamic Systems, Stress and Strain Measurements |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH201 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy, Phase Equilibria, Solution Thermodynamics, Chemical Reaction Equilibria, Power and Refrigeration Cycles |
| CH203 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Fluid Properties and Statics, Fluid Kinematics, Navier-Stokes Equations, Boundary Layer Theory, Flow in Pipes and Channels, Pumps, Compressors, and Agitation |
| CH205 | Material Science and Engineering | Core | 3 | Atomic Structure and Bonding in Solids, Crystalline Structures and Defects, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Phase Diagrams and Transformations, Corrosion and Degradation of Materials, Polymers and Composites |
| MA201 | Transforms and Complex Analysis | Core | 4 | Fourier Series and Integrals, Fourier Transform, Laplace Transform, Z-Transform, Complex Variables and Functions, Residue Theorem and Contour Integration |
| HS201 | Professional Communication | Core | 2 | Technical Writing Skills, Oral Presentation Techniques, Group Discussion Strategies, Report and Proposal Writing, Resume and Cover Letter Development, Interview Skills |
| CH207 | Fluid Mechanics Lab | Lab | 1 | Pressure Drop in Pipes, Flow Measurement Devices (Orifice, Venturi), Pump Performance Characteristics, Reynolds Experiment, Fluidization Experiment, Flow over Weirs |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH202 | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | Core | 4 | Reaction Kinetics and Rate Laws, Ideal Reactor Design (Batch, CSTR, PFR), Isothermal Reactor Design, Multiple Reactions and Selectivity, Energy Balances in Reactors, Introduction to Reactor Stability |
| CH204 | Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer (Forced, Natural), Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchangers Design and Analysis, Fins and Extended Surfaces, Boiling and Condensation |
| CH206 | Mass Transfer I | Core | 4 | Molecular Diffusion in Fluids, Mass Transfer Coefficients, Interphase Mass Transfer, Gas-Liquid Contactors, Distillation Principles and Design, Humidification and Dehumidification |
| MA202 | Numerical Methods | Core | 4 | Error Analysis, Root Finding Techniques, Interpolation and Curve Fitting, Numerical Differentiation and Integration, Numerical Solutions of ODEs, Numerical Solutions of PDEs (Introduction) |
| HS202 | Introduction to Economics | Core | 3 | Basic Economic Concepts (Demand, Supply), Market Structures, Macroeconomics (GDP, Inflation), Fiscal and Monetary Policy, International Trade, Introduction to Financial Markets |
| CH208 | Heat Transfer Lab | Lab | 1 | Conduction Apparatus Experiments, Convection Apparatus Experiments, Heat Exchanger Performance, Stefan-Boltzmann Law Verification, Emissivity Measurement, Heat Transfer through Fins |
| CH210 | Chemical Engineering Drawing | Lab | 1 | Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), Equipment Layout Drawings, Standard Symbols for Equipment, Orthographic Drawings of Equipment, Basic CAD for Process Engineering |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH301 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Core | 4 | Heterogeneous Catalysis, Non-Isothermal Reactor Design, Multi-Phase Reactors, Non-Ideal Flow and Dispersion, Fixed Bed Reactors, Fluidized Bed Reactors |
| CH303 | Mass Transfer II | Core | 4 | Absorption and Stripping, Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Adsorption and Ion Exchange, Drying Operations, Crystallization, Membrane Separation Processes |
| CH305 | Process Dynamics and Control | Core | 4 | Dynamic Behavior of Chemical Processes, Laplace Transforms in Process Control, Transfer Functions and Block Diagrams, Feedback Control Systems, PID Controller Tuning, Process Control Stability Analysis |
| CH307 | Open Elective I | Elective | 3 | |
| CH309 | Department Elective I | Elective | 3 | |
| CH311 | Mass Transfer Lab | Lab | 1 | Distillation Column Experiment, Liquid-Liquid Extraction Experiment, Drying Rate Determination, Adsorption Column Studies, Gas Absorption Experiment, Crystallization Study |
| CH313 | Chemical Reaction Engineering Lab | Lab | 1 | Batch Reactor Kinetics Studies, CSTR Performance Evaluation, PFR Performance Evaluation, Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate, Catalyst Characterization Techniques, Residence Time Distribution Studies |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH302 | Process Simulation and Modeling | Core | 4 | Mathematical Modeling of Chemical Processes, Numerical Methods for Process Simulation, Introduction to Process Simulators (e.g., Aspen Plus), Steady-State Process Simulation, Dynamic Process Simulation, Process Optimization Techniques |
| CH304 | Process Design and Economics | Core | 4 | Process Synthesis and Flowsheet Development, Equipment Design and Sizing, Cost Estimation and Economic Evaluation, Profitability Analysis, Process Safety and Environmental Considerations, Optimization in Process Design |
| CH306 | Open Elective II | Elective | 3 | |
| CH308 | Department Elective II | Elective | 3 | |
| CH310 | Department Elective III | Elective | 3 | |
| CH312 | Process Control Lab | Lab | 1 | PID Controller Tuning Experiments, Level Control System, Temperature Control System, Flow Control System, Pressure Control System, Cascade Control |
| CH314 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Problem Definition and Literature Review, Methodology Development, Experimental Design or Simulation, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Oral Presentation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH401 | Industrial Management | Core | 3 | Principles of Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Quality Management (TQM, ISO), Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management |
| CH403 | Department Elective IV | Elective | 3 | |
| CH405 | Department Elective V | Elective | 3 | |
| CH407 | Open Elective III | Elective | 3 | |
| CH409 | Project I | Project | 4 | Advanced Research Methodology, Detailed Problem Statement Development, Experimental/Computational Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Intermediate Report Writing, Mid-Term Presentation |
| CH411 | Summer Internship | Lab/Internship | 3 | Industrial Exposure and Training, Application of Engineering Principles, Process Observation and Analysis, Technical Report Writing, Problem-Solving in Industry, Professional Networking |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH402 | Department Elective VI | Elective | 3 | |
| CH404 | Department Elective VII | Elective | 3 | |
| CH406 | Open Elective IV | Elective | 3 | |
| CH408 | Project II | Project | 6 | In-depth Research and Development, Experimental/Simulation Work Execution, Comprehensive Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Innovation and Problem Solution, Final Project Presentation and Defense |




