

B-TECH-M-TECH in Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology Rourkela


Sundargarh, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Sundargarh?
This Chemical Engineering dual degree program at National Institute of Technology Rourkela offers a comprehensive curriculum from fundamental principles to advanced research. It focuses on the design, operation, and optimization of chemical processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. The program is tailored to meet the evolving demands of various Indian process industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sectors, emphasizing sustainable and innovative solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high-achieving 10+2 graduates with a strong aptitude for science and mathematics, aspiring to leadership roles in process industries. It also suits those keen on research and development, and professionals looking to enhance their technical expertise and career prospects in India''''s rapidly industrializing economy, contributing to both traditional and emerging chemical sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in R&D, process design, plant operations, and environmental consulting. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly higher. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in PSUs like IOCL, ONGC, and private giants like Reliance, as well as opportunities in academia and entrepreneurship, aligning with national industrial growth.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on core subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Basic Electrical/Electronics Engineering. Build a strong foundation as these are critical for understanding advanced Chemical Engineering concepts. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for supplementary learning and solve textbook problems rigorously.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Standard textbooks, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid grasp of fundamentals is crucial for passing competitive exams like GATE and for excelling in technical interviews, forming the bedrock for all future engineering applications.
Develop Programming and CAD Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to master computer programming (e.g., C/Python) and engineering drawing/CAD software. These are essential tools for process modeling, simulation, and equipment design. Participate in coding clubs or online challenges to enhance problem-solving abilities.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, GeeksforGeeks, AutoCAD/SolidWorks tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in programming and CAD directly translates to skills required for process automation, design, and simulation roles, making you highly valuable in modern chemical industries.
Engage in Early Departmental Exploration- (Semester 2-3)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and interact with senior students and faculty in Chemical Engineering. This helps in understanding various sub-fields, research opportunities, and career paths within the specialization, allowing for informed choices in future electives and projects.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Faculty office hours, Alumni network events
Career Connection
Early exposure helps identify areas of interest, which can guide internships and projects, giving a competitive edge in securing relevant placements and research opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theoretical Knowledge via Labs and Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in all departmental labs (Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Reaction Engineering). Understand the experimental setups, data analysis, and connect them to theoretical concepts. Initiate small-scale projects or join faculty research to gain practical problem-solving experience.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Research papers, MATLAB/Scilab for data analysis
Career Connection
Practical application of knowledge is highly valued by recruiters. Experience in labs and projects demonstrates hands-on skills, critical for R&D, process development, and plant operations roles.
Seek Industrial Internships- (Semester 4-6)
Actively pursue internships during summer breaks in relevant chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or environmental industries. This provides invaluable exposure to industrial practices, safety protocols, and real-world challenges, building a professional network and practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Institute placement cell, LinkedIn, Company career pages
Career Connection
Internships are often a direct gateway to pre-placement offers. They provide practical experience that enhances resumes and prepares you for the industrial environment in India.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Software- (Semester 5-7)
Carefully choose departmental electives based on your career interests (e.g., Polymer, Biochemical, Energy, Nanotechnology). Simultaneously, gain proficiency in advanced chemical engineering software like Aspen Plus, Hysys, or ANSYS Fluent, which are industry standards for process simulation and design.
Tools & Resources
Aspen Hysys tutorials, Specialized software training programs, Departmental faculty guidance
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and software proficiency make you a desirable candidate for niche roles in R&D, process engineering, and design consulting firms across India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Capstone Project/Thesis- (Semester 7-10)
Dedicate significant effort to your B.Tech and M.Tech final year projects/thesis. Choose a challenging topic, conduct thorough research or experiments, and focus on delivering a high-quality outcome. This showcases your problem-solving, research, and independent work capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Research databases, Thesis writing guides, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong project or thesis is a powerful differentiator for higher studies, R&D positions, and can lead to publications, significantly boosting your profile for competitive jobs and Ph.D. admissions.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 8-10)
Engage in rigorous preparation for campus placements, focusing on aptitude, technical knowledge, group discussions, and mock interviews. Simultaneously, prepare for competitive exams like GATE, GRE, or CAT if pursuing higher education or specific management roles.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell workshops, Online aptitude tests, Previous year question papers, Mentorship from seniors
Career Connection
Effective preparation ensures successful placements in top Indian companies and PSUs, or secures admissions to prestigious national and international universities for higher studies.
Network and Develop Leadership Skills- (Semester 7-10)
Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and participate in student chapters of professional bodies like IIChE (Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers). Take on leadership roles in technical clubs or student organizations to develop soft skills crucial for managerial positions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences, IIChE student chapter activities
Career Connection
Strong networking opens doors to unexpected opportunities and referrals. Leadership skills are vital for career progression into management and leadership roles within chemical industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- For B.Tech entry: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and a valid JEE Main score. For M.Tech continuation in Dual Degree: Maintain minimum CGPA as per institute regulations after B.Tech completion.
Duration: 10 semesters (5 years)
Credits: 191 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Mid-Semester Exam, Quizzes, Assignments, Attendance), External: 50% (End-Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS1001 | Technical English | Core | 4 | Technical Communication, Professional Writing, Presentation Skills, Report Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar |
| BS1001 | Engineering Mathematics-I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Sequence and Series, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus |
| PH1001 | Engineering Physics | Core | 3 | Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, Solid State Physics, Electromagnetism, Lasers and Optics |
| EE1001 | Basic Electrical Engineering | Core | 3 | DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Transformers, DC Machines, AC Machines |
| CE1001 | Engineering Drawing | Core | 3 | Projection of Points, Lines, Planes, Projection of Solids, Section of Solids, Isometric Projections, CAD Basics |
| CS1001 | Computer Programming | Core | 3 | C Programming Basics, Data Types and Operators, Control Structures, Functions and Arrays, Pointers and Structures |
| PH1091 | Engineering Physics Lab | Lab | 1 | Semiconductor Diode Characteristics, Hall Effect, Optical Fiber Communication, Michelson Interferometer, Planck''''s Constant Determination |
| CS1091 | Computer Programming Lab | Lab | 1 | C Programming Exercises, Conditional Statements, Looping Constructs, Functions Implementation, Array and String Operations |
| ME1091 | Manufacturing Practices | Lab | 1 | Workshop Safety, Fitting, Carpentry, Welding, Foundry |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS1002 | Communication Skills | Core | 3 | Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Public Speaking, Group Discussions, Interview Skills, Cross-cultural Communication |
| BS1002 | Engineering Mathematics-II | Core | 4 | Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms |
| CY1001 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 3 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Electrochemistry, Corrosion and its Control, Water Treatment, Polymers and Composites |
| EC1001 | Basic Electronics Engineering | Core | 3 | Semiconductor Diodes, Bipolar Junction Transistors, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Logic Gates, Transducers and Sensors |
| ME1001 | Engineering Mechanics | Core | 3 | Statics of Particles and Rigid Bodies, Equilibrium Equations, Friction, Kinematics of Particles, Dynamics of Rigid Bodies |
| PR1001 | Principles of Economics | Elective (Humanities) | 3 | Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Market Structures, National Income, Monetary and Fiscal Policy |
| CY1091 | Engineering Chemistry Lab | Lab | 1 | Volumetric Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Water Hardness Determination, Viscosity Measurement, Corrosion Rate Determination |
| EC1091 | Basic Electronics Engineering Lab | Lab | 1 | Diode Characteristics, Transistor Amplifier Circuits, Op-Amp Applications, Digital Logic Gates, Rectifier Circuits |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH2001 | Chemical Process Calculations | Core | 3 | Units and Dimensions, Material Balances, Energy Balances, Recycle and Bypass, Combustion Reactions |
| CH2003 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 3 | Fluid Statics, Fluid Dynamics, Flow through Pipes, Pumps and Compressors, Flow Measurement |
| CH2005 | Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 3 | First Law of Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Entropy, Availability Analysis, Thermodynamic Cycles |
| CH2007 | Materials Science and Engineering | Core | 3 | Crystal Structure, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Phase Diagrams, Polymers and Ceramics, Corrosion |
| BS2001 | Engineering Mathematics-III | Core | 4 | Complex Variables, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, Optimization Techniques |
| CH2091 | Fluid Mechanics Lab | Lab | 1 | Flow through Venturimeter and Orificemeter, Pump Characteristics, Pressure Drop in Pipes, Fluidization, Drag Coefficient Measurement |
| CH2093 | Process Engineering Drawing | Lab | 1 | Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), Equipment Layouts, Symbols for Process Equipment, Utility Diagrams |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH2002 | Mechanical Operations | Core | 3 | Size Reduction, Size Separation, Filtration, Agitation and Mixing, Solid-Liquid Separation |
| CH2004 | Heat Transfer | Core | 3 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchangers, Evaporation |
| CH2006 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 3 | Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium, Phase Equilibrium, Excess Properties, Fugacity and Activity, Chemical Reaction Equilibrium |
| CH2008 | Process Instrumentation and Control | Core | 3 | Measurement of Process Variables, Control System Components, Dynamic Response of Processes, Feedback Control, Controller Tuning |
| BS2002 | Numerical Methods | Core | 3 | Roots of Equations, Linear Algebraic Equations, Interpolation, Numerical Differentiation and Integration, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| CH2092 | Heat Transfer Lab | Lab | 1 | Conduction through Composite Walls, Natural and Forced Convection, Double Pipe Heat Exchanger, Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger, Radiation Heat Transfer |
| CH2094 | Mechanical Operations Lab | Lab | 1 | Crushing and Grinding Equipment, Size Separation by Sieving, Filtration Characteristics, Mixing and Agitation, Centrifugation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH3001 | Mass Transfer-I | Core | 3 | Diffusion in Fluids, Mass Transfer Coefficients, Interphase Mass Transfer, Absorption, Humidification and Dehumidification |
| CH3003 | Reaction Engineering-I | Core | 3 | Reaction Kinetics, Batch Reactors, Ideal Flow Reactors (PFR, CSTR), Design of Reactors, Multiple Reactions |
| CH3005 | Chemical Technology | Core | 3 | Sulphuric Acid Production, Fertilizer Industries, Petroleum Refining, Polymers and Petrochemicals, Cement and Glass Industries |
| CH3007 | Chemical Process Industries | Core | 3 | Chlor-Alkali Industry, Sugar Industry, Pulp and Paper Industry, Oils, Fats and Soaps, Paints and Pigments |
| CH3009 | Process Modeling and Simulation | Core | 3 | Mathematical Models of Chemical Processes, Degrees of Freedom Analysis, Dynamic Modeling, Numerical Solution Techniques, Process Simulators (e.g., Aspen Hysys) |
| CH3091 | Mass Transfer Lab | Lab | 1 | Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium, Packed Column Absorption, Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Drying Operations, Diffusion Coefficients |
| CH3093 | Reaction Engineering Lab | Lab | 1 | Batch Reactor Kinetics, CSTR Experiments, PFR Experiments, Reactor Performance Comparison, Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH3002 | Mass Transfer-II | Core | 3 | Distillation, Extraction, Leaching, Adsorption, Ion Exchange |
| CH3004 | Reaction Engineering-II | Core | 3 | Catalytic Reactions, Non-Ideal Flow, Multi-Phase Reactors, Fluidized Bed Reactors, Biochemical Reactors |
| CH3006 | Process Economics and Management | Core | 3 | Cost Estimation, Profitability Analysis, Project Evaluation, Capital Investment, Production Management |
| CH3008 | Environmental Engineering in Process Industries | Core | 3 | Air Pollution Control, Water Pollution Control, Solid Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| CH3010 | Transport Phenomena | Core | 3 | Momentum Transport, Energy Transport, Mass Transport, Analogies between Transport Processes, Shell Balances |
| CH3092 | Process Control Lab | Lab | 1 | First Order System Dynamics, Second Order System Dynamics, PID Controller Tuning, Level Control, Temperature Control |
| CH3094 | Computer-Aided Process Design Lab | Lab | 1 | Aspen Plus/Hysys Simulation Basics, Steady-State Process Simulation, Flowsheet Development, Equipment Sizing using Software, Optimization Studies |
| CH3800 | Term Project-I | Project | 1 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Development, Preliminary Design, Report Writing |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH4001 | Process Design and Synthesis | Core | 3 | Heuristics in Process Design, Reactor Design Considerations, Separation System Design, Heat Exchanger Networks, Flowsheet Synthesis |
| CH4003 | Plant Design and Project Engineering | Core | 3 | Project Feasibility Study, Plant Layout and Location, Equipment Selection, Cost Estimation and Economics, Project Scheduling and Management |
| CH4005 | Optimization of Chemical Processes | Core | 3 | Unconstrained Optimization, Constrained Optimization, Linear Programming, Non-linear Programming, Dynamic Programming |
| CH4101 | Polymer Science and Engineering | Elective (Department) | 3 | Polymerization Mechanisms, Structure and Properties of Polymers, Polymer Blends and Composites, Polymer Processing, Characterization of Polymers |
| CH4103 | Biochemical Engineering | Elective (Department) | 3 | Enzyme Kinetics, Microbial Growth Kinetics, Bioreactor Design, Downstream Processing, Bioprocess Economics |
| CH4091 | Process Design & Equipment Design Lab | Lab | 1 | Design of Distillation Column, Design of Heat Exchanger, Design of Reactor, P&ID Development, Costing and Optimization using Software |
| CH4800 | Term Project-II | Project | 3 | Detailed Design Calculations, Experimental Validation (if applicable), Data Analysis, Economic Evaluation, Final Report and Presentation |
| CH4900 | Internship/Industrial Training | Internship | 1 | Industrial Exposure, Application of Engineering Principles, Problem Solving in Industry, Professional Ethics, Report on Industrial Experience |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH4002 | Safety in Process Industries | Core | 3 | Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Safety Management Systems, Fire and Explosion Prevention, Emergency Preparedness |
| CH4105 | Petroleum Refining Engineering | Elective (Department) | 3 | Crude Oil Characterization, Distillation in Refining, Catalytic Cracking, Reforming and Alkylation, Lubricant Production |
| CH4107 | Nanotechnology in Chemical Engineering | Elective (Department) | 3 | Nanomaterial Synthesis, Characterization Techniques, Applications in Catalysis, Nanomaterials for Energy, Environmental Applications |
| OE4XXX | Open Elective (e.g., Fundamentals of Management) | Elective (Open) | 3 | Principles of Management, Organizational Structure, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management |
| CH4801 | Project Work-I (B.Tech) | Project | 6 | Independent Research/Design, Experimental Work, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Comprehensive Report Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense |
| CH4990 | Comprehensive Viva | Viva-Voce | 2 | Chemical Engineering Fundamentals, Core Subject Knowledge, Problem-Solving Aptitude, Project Understanding, Industry Relevance |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH6001 | Advanced Separation Processes | Core (M.Tech) | 3 | Membrane Separations, Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Reactive Distillation, Pressure Swing Adsorption |
| CH6003 | Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core (M.Tech) | 3 | Molecular Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, Equations of State, Phase Equilibria Modeling, Electrolyte Solutions |
| CH6101 | Process Intensification | Elective (M.Tech) | 3 | Microreactors, Compact Heat Exchangers, Reactive Separations, Novel Reactor Designs, Hybrid Processes |
| CH6103 | Computational Fluid Dynamics in Chemical Engineering | Elective (M.Tech) | 3 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Numerical Discretization Methods, Turbulence Modeling, Multiphase Flow Simulation, CFD Software Applications |
| CH6800 | M.Tech Project Work-I | Project (M.Tech) | 6 | Problem Definition and Scope, Advanced Literature Review, Methodology Development for Research, Initial Experimental/Simulation Work, Interim Report |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH6002 | Advanced Reaction Engineering | Core (M.Tech) | 3 | Heterogeneous Catalysis, Reactor Stability and Dynamics, Reaction Engineering in Biochemical Systems, Electrochemical Reactors, Polymerization Reactors |
| CH6105 | Industrial Pollution Control and Waste Management | Elective (M.Tech) | 3 | Advanced Wastewater Treatment, Air Pollution Control Technologies, Solid and Hazardous Waste Treatment, Resource Recovery, Cleaner Production |
| CH6107 | Energy Engineering and Management | Elective (M.Tech) | 3 | Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Systems, Process Heat Integration, Cogeneration, Energy Audit |
| CH6801 | M.Tech Project Work-II | Project (M.Tech) | 9 | Extensive Research and Experimentation, Advanced Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Publication Opportunities, Final Thesis Defense (Viva) |




