Are you a chemistry lover? Do you like working in chemical labs? Do you like experimenting with chemicals? If yes, a career in chemistry could be the right call for you! But do you know, that everything has a chemical context, and we all are essentially chemists? For instance, each time we light a match stick or we breathe in and out; we create a chemical reaction. Yes, that’s true! Now let’s have a look at some of the interesting facts about having a career in chemistry:
Highlights About Career in Chemistry
- The subject offers diverse career paths, from pharmaceuticals to environmental science.
- Opportunities for groundbreaking research in areas like materials science or biochemistry.
- High demand for chemists in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and technology.
- Constant innovation, with chemists playing a key role in developing new materials and technologies.
- It has a global impact, addressing challenges like sustainability and renewable energy.
- To have a career in chemistry, you can pursue courses like BSc, BTech, MSc, MTech, and PhD. in several available specializations.
It is also known as the central science since it brings together mathematics, physics, and environmental science. It is the knowledge of the nature of chemical processes and chemicals within the realm of biological and physical phenomena. Knowledge of chemistry is important because it provides a basis for understanding the universe we live in. Therefore, a career in chemistry could be the best career choice for those who like chemistry and want to achieve excellence in this subject.
Still not convinced. Want to know more? Come along…
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Types of Career in Chemistry: At Different Educational Levels
First, let’s talk about several career options in chemistry after each education level in India:
Career in Chemistry After Class 12
You can pursue various courses like-
- Bachelor’s in Chemistry (B.Sc.)
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering
- BSc Nursing
- BTech in Chemical Engineering
- BTech in Textile Chemistry
- Bachelor’s in Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering
Must read: What after 12th
Options after Graduation in Chemistry
You can pursue various courses like-
- MSc in Applied Chemistry/Inorganic Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/ Biochemistry
- MTech In Chemical Engineering
- Diploma in Industrial Chemistry
You can also go for job opportunities after UG in Chemistry like –
- Chemist
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Lab Assistant
- Biochemists
- Medical Lab Technician
- Chemical Engineer
Career Options After Masters in Chemistry
- Pursue further education like PhD in Chemistry or MPhil in Chemistry
- Work in a private or government company as a pharma executive, chemical engineer, quality control executive, research scientist, clinical research associate, or teacher/professor.
Suggested read: Career in Biology & Career in Physics
List of Careers in Chemistry
Here are some of the best career options in Chemistry in India.
| Career Option | Courses Available | Eligibility Required | Roles & Responsibilities |
| Chemical Engineer | B.Tech in Chemical Engg. | Class 12th with PCM subjects | Designing and optimizing chemical processes, research |
| Analytical Chemist | B.Sc. in Chemistry | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry | Analyzing substances for composition, quality control |
| Pharmaceutical Chemist | B.Pharm / M.Pharm | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry (for B.Pharm) | Developing and testing drugs, ensuring safety and efficacy |
| Forensic Scientist | B.Sc. Forensic Science | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry | Collecting and analyzing evidence for legal investigations |
| Environmental Chemist | B.Sc. Environmental Science | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry | Studying pollutants, designing solutions for environmental issues |
| Research Scientist | M.Sc. in Chemistry | B.Sc. Chemistry or related field | Conducting experiments, publishing research findings |
| Chemical Analyst | Diploma in Chemical Analysis | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry or even after class 10th you can pursue this course | Testing samples for composition, quality assessment |
| Petrochemical Engineer | B.Tech in Petrochemical Engg. | Class 12th with PCM subjects | Designing and managing processes in the petrochemical industry |
| Food Technologist | B.Tech/B.Sc. in Food Science | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry | Developing and improving food products, ensuring safety |
| Water Quality Analyst | B.Sc. in Environmental Chemistry | Class 12th with PCM/Biology/Chemistry | Monitoring water quality, identifying pollutants |
Also, read: Career Options After 12th Science
Top High-Paying Careers in Chemistry in India
Now, let’s have a look at the top high-paying careers in chemistry after graduation along with their average salary and career growth prospects.
| Career In Chemistry | Average Salary (per annum) | Career Growth Prospects |
| Chemical Engineer | Rs. 6-10 lakh | High demand in industries like pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, etc. |
| Pharmaceutical Chemist | Rs. 4-8 lakh | Opportunities in drug development, regulatory affairs, etc. |
| Research Scientist | Rs. 4-12 lakh | Growth in research institutions, government labs, and industries |
| Analytical Chemist | Rs. 3-6 lakh | Roles in quality control, research labs, and environmental sectors |
| Environmental Chemist | Rs. 3-7 lakh | Demand in environmental consulting, government agencies, etc. |
| Petrochemical Engineer | Rs. 6-12 lakh | Growth in petrochemical, oil & gas, and chemical industries |
| Food Technologist | Rs. 4-8 lakh | Opportunities in food processing companies, R&D roles, etc. |
| Water Quality Analyst | Rs. 3-6 lakh | Jobs in water treatment plants, environmental consultancies, etc. |
| Forensic Scientist | Rs. 3-7 lakh | Growth in forensic labs, law enforcement agencies, private firms |
| Industrial Chemist | Rs. 4-8 lakh | Roles in manufacturing, product development, and quality control |
Note: These salary figures are approximate and can vary based on factors like experience, location, company size, and industry sector. Career growth prospects depend on individual performance, continuous learning, and market demand for specific skills within each field.
Top Colleges for Chemistry Programs
Following are some of the popular colleges for chemistry programs:
| College Name | Popular Chemistry Course |
| St. Xavier’s College; Kolkata | B.Sc. Chemistry (Hons) |
| St. Stephan’s College, New Delhi | B.Sc. Chemistry (Hons) |
| Presidency College | B.Sc. Chemistry |
| Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi | M.Sc. Chemistry |
| Loyola College, Chennai | B.Sc. Chemistry; M.Sc. Chemistry |
| Fergusson College, Pune | B.Sc. Chemistry; M.Sc. Organic Chemistry; M.Sc. Analytical Chemistry |
| Hans Raj College, New Delhi | B.Sc. Chemistry (Hons) |
| St. Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad | B.Sc. Chemistry |
| Sri Venkateswara College, New Delhi | B.Sc. Chemistry (Hons); M.Sc. Chemistry |
| Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai | M.Sc. Chemistry; Ph.D. Chemistry |
Need assistance in finding the right college in Delhi, check out – Career Counselling in Delhi
Career in Chemistry: Scope in India
A career in chemistry in India is promising due to the country’s thriving chemical industry. India is the 6th largest chemical producer globally and 3rd in Asia, contributing 7% to the nation’s GDP. The industry is extremely diversified, covering over 80,000 commercial products including bulk chemicals, specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, polymers, and fertilizers.
Key Highlights as per ibef.org
- Valued at USD 220 billion in 2022, the industry is expected to grow to USD 300 billion by 2025 and USD 1 trillion by 2040.
- India is the fourth-largest producer of agrochemicals and accounts for 16-18% of the world’s production of dyestuffs and dye intermediates.
- Agrochemicals exports were estimated at USD 3.12 billion from April to December 2023. Dye exports totaled USD 1.69 billion in the same period.
- An investment of USD 107.38 billion is expected in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector by 2025.
- The chemical industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11-12% by 2027.
India’s chemical industry is poised for significant growth, providing ample career opportunities for chemists in various sectors such as research, production, and quality control.
Epilogue!
A career in chemistry in India has been untapped for several years. But with industry prospects for careers changing, there is an increasing demand in this career field. Hence, Chemistry engineers or graduates are highly in demand by international companies.
If you are looking for real and concrete opportunities and are ready to bear the expenses, the world can be your playground as you can get the chance to delve into some of the lesser-known aspects of the natural world and uncover the secrets of the cosmos through the understanding of the science of chemicals.
iDreamCareer is here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future!
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FAQs
To start a career in chemistry, pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field. Gain hands-on experience through internships or research projects. Network with professionals in the industry, join relevant associations and stay updated with advancements in the field. Consider further education or certifications for specialized roles.
Yes, chemistry is a good career choice due to its diverse applications in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and research. With India’s chemical industry booming and projected growth in GDP contribution, it promises stable employment, opportunities for innovation, and meaningful contributions to societal and environmental challenges.
Yes, a background in chemistry opens doors to diverse career paths in healthcare. You could explore roles in pharmaceutical research and development, drug formulation, quality control, regulatory affairs, and even clinical trials. Chemistry skills are integral to creating safe, effective, and innovative healthcare solutions, making it a promising field for career growth.
After a PhD in Chemistry, career options include academia (as a professor or researcher), and industry roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and environmental science. Government agencies, such as research laboratories or regulatory bodies, also offer opportunities. Additionally, careers in scientific writing, consulting, and entrepreneurship are viable paths.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
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