

PH-D 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 Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program at IIT Indore focuses on advanced research and fundamental understanding, enabling students to address complex challenges. It is highly relevant in India''''s growing industrial landscape, from energy and environment to advanced materials and biochemical processes. The program emphasizes cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative problem-solving for sustainable industrial development, contributing significantly to national growth.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high-achieving M.Tech/B.Tech graduates with a strong academic record, seeking a career in R&D, academia, or advanced industrial roles. It suits individuals passionate about deep scientific inquiry, developing innovative solutions, and contributing to India''''s technological advancements. Successful candidates typically have a valid GATE or national fellowship score, demonstrating research aptitude and commitment to rigorous study.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can secure positions as research scientists in prominent PSUs like IOCL, ONGC, and BPCL, or in private R&D centers of companies such as Reliance, Dr. Reddy''''s, and Tata Chemicals. Starting salaries for Ph.D. holders in India typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential into senior leadership and academic faculty roles. The program fosters critical thinking and advanced analytical skills crucial for driving innovation in various sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deepen Foundational Knowledge in Coursework- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with advanced coursework, focusing on theoretical principles of chemical engineering. Attend all lectures, participate in discussions, and solve complex problems. Form study groups to solidify understanding of core concepts like transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and thermodynamics, crucial for PhD-level research.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Standard textbooks (e.g., Bird, Stewart, Lightfoot; Fogler), Department library resources
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for developing robust research methodologies and understanding complex industrial problems, preparing for R&D roles and advanced academic inquiry.
Identify and Refine Research Area and Supervisor- (Semester 1-2)
Begin exploring potential research topics and faculty supervisors. Attend research seminars, read recent publications by department faculty, and schedule one-on-one meetings with potential supervisors to discuss their work and align interests. This proactive approach helps in formulating a clear and focused research proposal.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Departmental research colloquia, Faculty profiles on IITI website
Career Connection
Early clarity on research direction streamlines the Ph.D. process and aligns the research with future career goals in specialized R&D or academic positions, enhancing professional relevance.
Cultivate Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Start practicing academic writing by drafting literature reviews, summary reports of coursework, and preliminary research proposals. Seek constructive feedback from professors and peers on clarity, structure, and scientific rigor. Participate in departmental presentations to hone oral communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, LaTeX, Academic writing workshops (if offered by IITI), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Effective communication of research is vital for publications, grant applications, and successful thesis defense, significantly enhancing academic visibility and impact in the research community.
Intermediate Stage
Master Advanced Experimental or Computational Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Gain hands-on expertise with specialized equipment in departmental labs or master advanced computational software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, Python) essential for thesis research. Seek guidance from senior Ph.D. students and technical staff to accelerate learning.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research laboratories, High-Performance Computing (HPC) facilities, Software licenses provided by the institute, Online tutorials (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera)
Career Connection
Practical and computational skills are highly valued in industrial R&D and provide a crucial competitive edge in securing specialized roles in chemical and process industries in India.
Engage in Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Research- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with other research groups within or outside the Chemical Engineering department, including other IITs or national labs. This expands perspectives, builds teamwork skills, and often leads to co-authored publications and broader intellectual contributions.
Tools & Resources
Departmental collaboration initiatives, IIT Indore research consortia, Networking events and workshops
Career Connection
Collaboration is key in modern research and industry, fostering broader professional networks and enhancing problem-solving capabilities required for leadership roles.
Present Research at National and International Forums- (Semester 3-5)
Prepare posters and oral presentations for national (e.g., CHEMCON) and international conferences. Actively seek funding opportunities for travel and participation. Practice public speaking and engage with feedback to continuously improve research dissemination and networking skills.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., CHEMCON, AIChE), Institutional travel grants, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote)
Career Connection
Presenting research enhances academic visibility, fosters networking with leading experts, and is essential for building a strong profile for post-doctoral positions and academic careers.
Advanced Stage
Strategically Publish High-Impact Research- (Semester 6 onwards)
Focus intently on writing and submitting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals with high impact factors. Meticulously address reviewer comments and revise papers to ensure quality and rigor. A strong publication record is paramount for future academic and R&D career progression.
Tools & Resources
Journal databases (Elsevier, Springer, ACS), Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Academic editing services
Career Connection
A robust publication record significantly enhances prospects for competitive post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions in top institutions, and senior R&D scientist roles in leading Indian and international companies.
Develop Grant Writing and Project Management Skills- (Semester 6 onwards)
Assist supervisors in preparing and submitting research grant proposals to national funding agencies (e.g., DST, SERB, DBT). Learn the intricacies of project planning, resource allocation, and timeline management, essential skills for leading independent research projects in the future.
Tools & Resources
Grant application guidelines from funding bodies, Project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana), Institutional research administration office
Career Connection
These skills are vital for securing independent research funding in academia and for successfully managing and leading R&D teams and projects in both public and private sector industries in India.
Network Extensively and Plan Post-Ph.D. Career- (Semester 6 onwards)
Actively attend career fairs, workshops, and alumni networking events. Develop a compelling CV/resume tailored for specific job markets (academia, industry, government) and seek mentorship from senior faculty or industry leaders for career guidance and job search strategies. Prepare for viva voce.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIT Indore''''s career services and alumni network platforms, Mock interview sessions, Professional bodies like IIChE
Career Connection
Proactive networking and clear career planning lead to better job placements in diverse roles such as research scientists, consultants, or faculty members, ensuring a smooth transition into the professional world.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Tech./ME/MS or equivalent degree in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines with 6.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) or 60% marks; OR B.Tech./BE or equivalent degree in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines with 8.0 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) or 75% marks. Candidates must have a valid GATE score or UGC/CSIR-JRF/equivalent fellowship for institute assistantship, unless exempted by regulations (e.g., sponsored, full-time regular faculty).
Duration: Minimum 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits (for M.Tech holders) to 16 credits (for B.Tech holders) of coursework. Research and thesis credits are additional. Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE601 | Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | |
| CHE602 | Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | Core | 4 | |
| CHE603 | Advanced Transport Phenomena | Core | 4 | |
| CHE604 | Advanced Process Control | Core | 4 | |
| CHE701 | Advanced Heat Transfer | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE702 | Advanced Mass Transfer | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE703 | Chemical Process Safety | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE704 | Bioprocess Engineering | Elective | 4 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE705 | Electrochemical Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE706 | Polymer Science and Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE707 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE708 | Catalysis and Reactor Design | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE709 | Energy Systems Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE710 | Microfluidics | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE711 | Renewable Energy Technologies | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE712 | Sustainable Chemical Processes | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE713 | Process Optimization | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE714 | Interfacial Phenomena | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE715 | Advanced Separation Processes | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE716 | Nanomaterials in Chemical Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE717 | Fluidization Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE718 | Environmental Chemical Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE719 | Multiphase Flow | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE720 | Process Modeling and Simulation | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE721 | Advanced Material Science and Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE722 | Biomedical Engineering Applications in Chemical Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE723 | Machine Learning for Chemical Engineers | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE724 | Data Science for Chemical Engineering | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE725 | Colloids and Interfaces | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE726 | Reaction Engineering of Polymers | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE727 | Process Intensification | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE728 | Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE729 | Fuel Cell Technology | Elective | 4 | |
| CHE777 | Special Topics in Chemical Engineering | Elective | 4 |




