A PhD in Chemistry, in any kind of reputed Indian university, will take about six to complete, and according to the UGC, three years is the shortest duration to be awarded with a degree. Students who are interested in pursuing Chemistry at this level must have a master’s degree, and some colleges have also set a minimum percentage criteria like 55%, which can vary from college to college. Another thing to note regarding admission is that colleges also ask for your UGC NET or GATE score to offer admission to PhD in Chemistry.The fees of a Ph.D. Chemistry course varies from college to college, but it mostly sits between INR 80,000-3 LPA, as the average fees annually.In most PhD in Chemistry courses, the focus is primarily on independent research and students are also left to decide their own courses. Some courses that students can choose from include physical biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, advanced analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry,and etc.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree (PhD) |
Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry |
Duration | 3 or 6 years |
Examination type | Semester |
Eligibility | Master’s Degree |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam |
Top Recruiting Areas | Chemical Industries, Food Industries, Chemical Research Organizations, etc. |
Job Positions | Staff scientist, Chemist, Chemistry Professor, Research Specialists, etc. |
Some universities may require a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score for admission to their PhD program in Chemistry. However, this may vary depending on the university.
1 | To get admission in any college for PHD Chemistry, students first have to fill out the form for the course through either online (or offline as some colleges give that as an option) mode. |
2 | If a university has its own entrance exam, they either ask students to register through a different portal, or some have joint application forms for both the entrance exam and joint application. |
3 | If entrance exams are not being conducted by the university, students are required to apply for their UGC-NET or GATE through the main websites for the same. |
Students should have completed a master's degree in Science or an M.Phil degree in a relevant field. |
Most universities have the minimum percentage of at least 55% so students are required to score accordingly.. |
Along with that, students also have to score upto the university’s standards in entrance exams, which can either be conducted by the university themselves or national exams like the UGC-NET and GATE. |
The duration of a PhD program in Chemistry can vary depending on the university and the research project. Typically, the program takes 4-6 years to complete.
The selection criteria for admission to a PhD program in Chemistry may vary depending on the university. |
Typically, selection is based on academic achievement, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's statement of purpose. |
Some universities may also consider other factors, such as leadership experience or community involvement. |
The application form for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in Chemistry can typically be found on the university's website. The form will require candidates to provide their personal and academic information, as well as upload supporting documents such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The application fee for a PhD program in Chemistry can vary depending on the university. It is important to check the specific fee requirements for each university before applying.
The syllabus for a PhD program in Chemistry can vary depending on the university and the research focus of the program. However, some common courses in the program may include advanced topics in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, as well as courses in related fields such as biochemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.
Subjects To Be Studied |
General Structure |
Research Methodology |
Scientific Communication |
Recent Trends in Chemistry |
The salary and job opportunities for graduates of a PhD program in Chemistry can vary depending on the specific career path and location. However, graduates can typically expect to have a wide range of career options in fields such as academia, industry, government research, or science policy. Some common job titles for PhD graduates in Chemistry include research scientist, analytical chemist, materials scientist, and pharmaceutical researcher. According to PayScale, the average salary for a PhD in Chemistry in the United States is around $92,000 per year.
Graduates of a PhD program in Chemistry have a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as academia, industry, government research, or science policy.
Job Role | Job Responsibilities |
Chemical Researcher | Researchers formulates the thesis for their research by finding the new chemical solution for a particular issue for solving global or private problems. |
Medical Technologist | Medical Technologists are capable of finding new chemical formulations for the benefit of treating diseases for the welfare of the people. |
Junior Scientist | Junior Scientist come up with various new findings and report documents with their experience and interest in the field |
Research Chemist | These professionals study compounds and use this research to create as well as improve processes and products, from drugs and medical treatments to manufactured goods such as cosmetics, electronics, food and drink. |
Forensic Chemist | Analyzes non-biological trace evidence found at crime scenes to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substances |
Government Regulator | Ensures that products are manufactured and distributed in compliance with appropriate legislation. |
Some top colleges for a PhD program in Chemistry include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.