PhD in Chemistry: Eligibility, Admission 2025, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs & Salary

PhD Chemistry is a research-based degree programme that can be pursued after MSc Chemistry. It takes 3 to 5 years to complete a PhD in Chemistry, depending on the institute, research area, facilities, and learning ability of the aspirant. While pursuing the course, one has to do academic duties and present the research output in conferences.

The course fee ranges between INR 10,000 to 40,000 for government institutes and INR 2 to 4 Lakhs for private ones. Some universities may not charge the fees to the aspirant receiving a fellowship from government agencies. One can also work on government-funded projects and register for PhD in that research area. Admission is strictly based on entrance exam score and presentation of research proposals.

PhD in Chemistry Course Highlights

Provided below are some of the key highlights for the PhD in Chemistry:

Why Pursue PhD in Chemistry?

Pursuing PhD in Chemistry offers a well-paid and reputable career in Research and Education.

• After completing PhD in Chemistry, one may find a job in a university, college, or industry dealing with chemical analysis.
• In Pharmaceutical industries, there is always a demand for chemistry experts for developing medicines.
• While pursuing the PhD in Chemistry, aspirants also get the prestigious fellowship worth INR 15,000 to 60,000 from various government schemes.
• Doing a PhD offers an opportunity to publish research papers, book chapters, and review papers in well-reputed journals, adding extra credit to the profile.

PhD in Chemistry Eligibility

To register for PhD in Chemistry, one has to clear the entrance exam, either conducted at the national, state, or university level.

• Candidates must have obtained at least a second class (55%) in MSc Chemistry
• Along with that, one must clear any of the entrance exams and the subsequent interview round.
• Selection is based on performance in exams and research proposals given during the interview.

PhD in Chemistry Admission Process 2025

PhD Chemistry admission is based on entrance exam scores, performance in the interview, potential of the research proposal, and vacancy in specific institutes. For your reference, below is the step-by-step admission process followed at Chandigarh University:

Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the Chandigarh University, clicking on programs, and navigating to the PhD Chemistry program. The website will redirect you to the course page.

Step 2: In order to take admission to the Chandigarh University for the PhD in Chemistry, student needs to give the CUCET conducted by the Chandigarh University.

Step 3: Now, navigate to the Admission section, and it’ll redirect you to the official admission site. Fill out the application form by providing the necessary details and submit it.

Step 4: Now, appear for the CUCET exam conducted by the Chandigarh University. Wait for the merit list to be published by the college, check for your name.

Step 5: If your name appears on the merit list, you'll receive further instructions regarding the interview or document verification round. Keep an eye on your registered email and the official website for updates.

Step 6: Attend the personal interview or presentation round (if applicable), where the university evaluates your research aptitude, subject knowledge, and proposed research area.

Step 7: Once shortlisted, complete the document verification process by submitting your academic transcripts, ID proof, research proposal (if required), and other necessary documents.

Step 8: After successful verification, you’ll receive an offer of admission. Pay the admission fee within the given deadline to confirm your seat.

Step 9: You’ll then be officially enrolled in the PhD in Chemistry program, and allotted a research supervisor/guide. Orientation and coursework details will be shared before the academic term begins.

PhD in Chemistry Entrance Exams

Given below are some of the entrance exams which the students need to clear in order to pursue the PhD in Chemistry course:

PhD in Chemistry Syllabus

PhD Chemistry is a research oriented programme, there is no defined syllabus for it. However, for your reference, provided below is the UGC listed syllabus for BITS Pilani.

PhD in Chemistry Colleges in India

There are many colleges offering PhD Chemistry with different specializations. Some of the best colleges/universities are tabulated below.

PhD in Chemistry Fellowship Schemes

Students pursuing PhD in Chemistry can apply for government fellowship schemes based on the category they belong to. For instance, JRF/SRF categories or Gold medalist categories.

Some of the popular fellowship schemes are mentioned below.

• Single Girl Child Fellowship (for female candidates)
• Lady Tata Memorial
• ICMR JRF
• SHODH
• DST JRF
• PMFDR
• CSIR NET/JRF
• University-level fellowship
• DST-WISE Fellowship (for female candidates)
• INSPIRE (for gold medalists)

Those who are qualified for CSIR NET JRF get a fellowship for 5 years.

PhD in Chemistry Jobs & Salary

Person with a PhD in Chemistry can work either in Research, Industry or Academia. There is also an option to work in government agencies such as Safety office, chemical engineer, or project manager.

• Research Scientist: Theyconduct fundamental and applied research in various areas of chemistry.
• Chemistry Faculty: They teach and conduct research at universities and colleges.
• Postdoctoral Fellow: Their job is to engage in advanced research under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Junior/Senior Research Fellow (JRF/SRF): To conduct research projects under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Research Associate: They assist in research projects and contribute to data analysis and interpretation.
• Project Manager: They manage and oversee the ongoing research projects and ensure compliance of safety and ethical policies.

The salary of a PhD Chemistry holder depends on the job profile, industry type, government policies, funding agencies, and location.

• A junior research fellow or Jr. scientist in India can earn up to INR 4 to 6 LPA, while a senior fellow earns up to INR 15 LPA, depending on the project and industry type.
• An Assistant Professor earns around INR 4 to 7 LPA, which further increases with promotions. Assistant professor promoted to Associate professor, Professor, Principal, Dean, and Advisor. In this ladder, salary ranges between INR 8 to 12 LPA.
• A project Manager working with private organizations can earn up to INR 10 to 12 LPA, whereas a government employee’s salary ranges between INR 12 to 14 LPA.

PhD in Chemistry FAQs