MSc Chemistry is a two-year postgraduate degree that can be pursued by a student who has completed an undergraduate degree in chemistry. The eligibility criteria for this course require students to complete a three-year bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. MSc Chemistry admission to top colleges is based on entrance exams such as the CUET PG, IIT JAM, TISS NET, and others. For admission to this course, candidates must complete the online application forms for the respective entrance examination.
MSc Chemistry allows you to specialise in a particular area of chemistry. Thus, the MSc Chemistry syllabus and subjects include it as a major subject, with an emphasis on physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. The typical fee for this course at Hindu College, Miranda House, Hansraj College, and other top MSc Chemistry colleges in India ranges from INR 20,000 to 2,00,000. Some of the opted or preferred jobs in this field are Teacher, Professor, Synthetic Lab Scientist, Research Officer (Chemistry/Biochemistry), and others. Graduates of this course can earn an average starting salary of INR 4.5 LPA.
The highlights of the MSc in Chemistry course are given below:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Course Name | Master of Science in Chemistry |
Level of Programme | Masters |
Duration | 2 years |
Age | No age limit |
Eligibility Criteria | A BSc degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and Chemistry as one of the mandatory subjects |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam + Merit-Based |
Top Entrance Exams | IPU CET, IIT JAM, CUET PG, etc. |
Top Colleges | PP Savani University, Rayat Bahra University, Madras Christian College, St Joseph’s College, Parul University, Fergusson College, and more. |
Average Course Fees | INR 20,000 to 2,00,000 |
Average Salary Offered | INR 4.5 LPA |
Employment/Job Roles | Data Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemistry Researcher, Chemist, Clinical Research Specialist, Lecturer, Laboratory Technician, Science Adviser, Toxicologist, etc. |
Top Recruiters | General Electric Co (GE), Biocon, Genpact, Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Dettol Ltd., Detergent & Fertilizers, etc. Many schools and colleges will have teaching posts open for joining. |
Many factors contribute to the viability of this degree as a professional route. The following are a few reasons represented in the infographic about why you should choose an MSc Chemistry course:
A two-year MSc Chemistry distance education programme is available for candidates who are unable to attend regular on-campus classes. This kind of education is perfect since it is convenient and adaptable for individuals who are full-time working professionals or have responsibilities at home, as well as for those who would like self-paced learning. Colleges in India offering online MSc Chemistry degrees include IGNOU, IMTS Institute, and others.
A distance learning master's curriculum in Chemistry usually involves foundational courses like organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry in addition to specialisation subjects such as computational chemistry, spectroscopy, and environmental chemistry. Online labs or regularly scheduled in-person seminars could be used to carry out additional practical curricular components. With DEB-UGC accreditation, the online MSc Chemistry curriculum offers a flexible admissions process that combines merit-based admissions with entrance tests. Prospective applicants of this course have three study alternatives to choose from: online, correspondence, and distant learning.
The MSc in Chemistry course and MSc Biochemistry course are distinguished based on duration, fees, course content, and other factors in the table below:
Parameters | MSc Chemistry Course | MSc Biochemistry Course |
---|---|---|
Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
About Course | It course covers chemistry as a major subject, focusing on physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. This course allows you to focus on a particular area of chemistry. | It covers the application of chemistry to the study of living creatures and the atoms and molecules that make them up. |
Average Course Fees | INR 20,000 to 2,00,000 | INR 30,000 to 1,00,000 |
Average Salary | INR 4-7 LPA | INR 2.5-5 LPA |
Employment Areas | Educational Institutions, Chemical Laboratories, Cosmetics & Perfume Industry, Health Care Industry, etc. | Medical Industry, Agriculture, Academic Institutions, Pharmaceutical Companies, and so on. |
Top Recruiters | Bodal Chemicals Ltd, TATA Chemicals, Vinati Organics, Unacademy, and so on. | AP Labs, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Ranbaxy, Central Forensic Lab, Cipla, and so on. |
Job Profiles | Food and Drug Inspector, Biomedical Chemist, Laboratory Assistant, Production Chemist, Chemist, Chemical Analyst, etc. | Clinical Researchers, Assistant Professors, Biochemists, Operations managers, Medical Review Officers, etc. |
Students can choose from a wide range of courses based on their interests and preferences as this course is in high demand. The MSc Chemistry course offers both full-time and remote study options.
Such types of course studies take about two years to complete full-time. Both practical as well as theoretical understanding are necessary for this course. The PG level includes focusing on subjects such as physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry and other fields. Among the top universities that offer full-time courses are Hindu College, Miranda House, Hansraj College, and others.
For students who cannot commit to the full-time programme or who are working in their professions full-time, there is a part-time UGC-approved course available at colleges such as Yenepoya University (Mangalore), Nalanda Open University (Patna), NMKRV College for Women (Bangalore), Sandip University (Nashik), and more.
Most public institutions offer this degree full-time at the post-graduate level, but it is also available through distance education at a few private universities. In a group with a lot of diversity, this form of distancing encourages diversity. Students who study through distance learning do not have to go to college or attend classes regularly. These classes are held once or twice a week. Let us have a look at some key points related to online MSc in Chemistry courses:
To pursue the course at any institution or university, an applicant must meet the following MSc Chemistry eligibility criteria. Most institutions and colleges around the country follow the common eligibility criteria listed below:
Candidates who are interested in pursuing this course must possess some skill sets to effectively absorb the concepts covered to maximise their learning experience. These skills are also required for academic and professional success in this field. The most important MSc Chemistry required skills and abilities are listed here:
Students with a background in science, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, are eligible to take these entrance exams. Candidates for this course can choose their universities based on the results of their entrance exams. The following are the most commonly administrated MSc Chemistry entrance exams:
MSc Chemistry specialisations allow one to study or specialise in one of the major disciplines offered by the course based on a student’s interest or career objectives for employment purposes. These specialisations are mainly divided into three broad areas — Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. The following table highlights some detailed subjects which students will study after opting for a particular MSc in Chemistry specialisation:
Specialisation Subjects | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Inorganic Chemistry | Metal-Ligand Equilibria in solution, Stereochemistry and Bonding in Main Group compounds, Reaction Mechanism of Transition Metal Complexes |
Organic Chemistry | Stereochemistry, Purification Techniques, Nature of Bonding in Organic Molecules, Reaction Mechanism: Structure and Reactivity. |
Physical Chemistry | Chemical Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Electrochemistry. |
The majority of colleges select prospective applicants via an entrance exam as compared to a merit-based admission, followed by a group discussion or interview. The following infographic shows the criteria for admission to MSc Chemistry programmes in India.
The general steps for admission to the MSc in Chemistry course vary depending on the college, but they are as follows:
Step 1: Fill out and submit the online application form by visiting the official website of your preferred university.
Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional costs that might be incurred if merit decides admission. Exams must be taken and passed to be considered for entrance-based admissions.
Step 3: Those who made the shortlist will be invited to move on to the next round of interviews, group discussions, or counselling, depending on the nature of the process.
Step 4: Candidates must submit all necessary paperwork and fees to be accepted into the programme, having completed the previous steps.
MSc Chemistry admissions are typically determined by merit at most colleges and universities. The programme enrols candidates based on how well they perform in a written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a relevant qualifying exam. In these types of instances, applicants are usually selected for further consideration based on both their academic standing and their performance on a prior relevant exam.
The MSc Chemistry course fee ranges from INR 20,000 to 2,00,000. However, this varies by college or institution and may be affected by factors such as the institute's location, infrastructure, research opportunities, placement support, facilities provided, and so on.
As discussed, the course lasts two years and is divided into four semesters. It aims to provide advanced knowledge of various subjects and branches of the chemical sciences. Physical chemistry, chemical physics, analytical chemistry, chain reactions, and organic chemistry are all covered in the course syllabus. Here is a brief list of the MSc Chemistry syllabus and subjects:
Among the best private universities in India that provide the course are VIT Vellore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, and Amity University, Noida. Candidates can check the fee and some of the other top private colleges offering it as follows:
College Name | Total Course Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
VIT Vellore | 1-4 lakhs |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education | 2 lakhs |
SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan | 2 lakhs |
Amity University, Noida | 2 lakhs |
Chandigarh University | 1-2 lakhs |
Vellore Institute of Technology - Chennai Campus | 1 lakh |
BITS Pilani | 20 lakhs |
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) | 6 lakhs |
SASTRA | 1-2 lakhs |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change and are sourced from the official website of the respective college. For precise information, students are advised to visit the official website of their preferred institution.
Several prestigious government colleges in India offer this course including the Indian Institute of Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Banaras Hindu University. Candidates can check the fee at the following top government colleges:
Colleges Name | Total Course Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Banaras Hindu University | 22,000 |
Jamia Millia Islamia | 20,000 |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | 43,000 |
Indian Institute of Science | 32,000 to 48,000 |
Calcutta University | 20,000 |
University of Hyderabad (UoH) | 24,000 |
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore | 21,000 |
Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai | 83,000 |
Osmania University | 43,000 |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change and are sourced from the official website of the respective college. For precise information, students are advised to visit the official website of their preferred institution.
MSc Chemistry jobs are increasing in India, with many prospects in new industries such as chemicals, with an average starting salary of INR 5-9 LPA. The course graduates will have no difficulty obtaining work, with pay rates ranging from INR 4-10 LPA. One can work in any linked firm for many similar professions after receiving a degree in this field. The following is a discussion about the popular MSc Chemistry career opportunities including job profiles, average salary, and recruiters.
Listed below are some top job profiles for MSc Chemistry course graduates:
The salary for the graduates of this course varies depending on experience, specialisation field, and other criteria. Graduates are sometimes portrayed as having a little difficulty getting work in educational institutions or other sectors. On average, a graduate will earn a salary of INR 5-10 LPA. Years of experience and the quality of one's job can all contribute to increased earnings. The following are some MSc Chemistry job profiles and their respective estimated salaries:
Job Position | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
---|---|
Chemist | 9 LPA |
Clinical Research Associate | 7 LPA |
Lab Assistant | 5 LPA |
Toxicologist | 8 LPA |
Pharmaceutical Sales Executive | 6 LPA |
India offers a large range of opportunities for MSc Chemistry course graduates since chemistry is employed and implemented in almost every industry. Many of these graduates go on to work in the following organisations:
After completing the course, students can pursue careers in research, science, or education. Students' most popular option for further education are PhDs in Chemistry.
PhD in Chemistry: A three-five year chemistry doctoral programme. A PhD in chemistry will enable you to expand your knowledge while also providing research experience. To be eligible for a PhD, applicants must first complete their master's degree.
Also Read: Top Colleges for PhD Chemistry
Mainly three popular specialisations in MSc Chemistry are taught to students, namely, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. These specialisations include studies about topics such as Chemical Dynamics, Stereochemistry, Quantum Mechanics, Reaction Mechanism of Transition Metal Complexes, Nature of Bonding in Organic molecules, Reaction Mechanism: Structure and Reactivity, Medical Lab Technology, Human Nutrition, Psychiatric Medicines, Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery, Digital Animation.
Yes, if you want admission to the MSc Chemistry course then you have to clear any entrance exams for that your preferred college recognises. These may include the Presidency University Master's Degree Entrance Test, Telangana Common Post Graduate Entrance Test, Calcutta University Entrance Exam, and Institute of Engineering & Management Joint Entrance Examination are some of the exams that you can appear for to get admission to the MSc in Chemistry courses.
Several colleges in India offer MSc in Chemistry courses and provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their professional careers. The top colleges offering MSc Chemistry courses are St Joseph's College (Calicut), St. Stephen's College (Delhi), Loyola College (Chennai), St. Xaviers College (Mumbai), AG Teachers College (Ahmedabad), and so on.
The duration of the MSc Chemistry course is two years and it consists of a total of eight semesters. It is a postgraduate course that imparts comprehension of natural and chemical processes together with a grasp of an assortment of physical and biological phenomena. Students who are interested in learning about the characteristics, modifications, sites of chemical reactions, and chemical makeup of substances should take this course.
MSc in Chemistry course is a postgraduate degree course that can be undertaken by a student who has completed an undergraduate degree in chemistry. This course covers chemistry as a major subject, focusing on MSc Chemistry subjects like physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. This MSc Chemistry course allows you to focus on a particular area of chemistry. Also, MSc Chemistry can be used in a variety of disciplines, including pharmaceuticals and other research-based enterprises.
The full form of MSc Chemistry is the Master of Science in Chemistry. It combines advanced theoretical and practical Chemistry knowledge, including lab testing, research, and other things, coupled with scientific and professional understanding. Students who want to pursue a master's degree in chemistry should have a BSc in Chemistry or a related field from an accredited college with at least a 50% or higher grade point average.
No, students cannot do MSc Chemistry after the 12th grade. They can pursue BSc Chemistry courses that are accessible after 12th grade. In regular learning mode, as per MSc Chemistry eligibility criteria, a BSc degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and Chemistry as one of the mandatory subjects is required.
Yes, MSc in Chemistry is a good career. This is because graduates in this field have a thorough knowledge of chemicals and pharmaceutical composition. They also have a good understanding of scientific technology. As a result, both the public and private sectors have a large number of high-paying MSc Chemistry job openings. You can pursue a choice of courses after earning your MSc in Chemistry.
Yes, some universities require an entrance examination for MSc Chemistry admission. To pursue this course, students must have taken science courses in high school, such as Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. Some merit admissions organisations will accept students exclusively based on their graduation exam scores. These universities/colleges do not require MSc Chemistry entrance examinations.
Numerous popular career options after MSc Chemistry are available to prospective students. After the completion of the course, candidates can opt for a Specialist in safety, health, and the environment Lab Assistant, Production Chemist Scientific Data Entry Specialist, Toxicologist Clinical Research Specialist, Product Officer Toxicologist Research & Development Manager, Industrial Research Scientist, Water Quality Chemist, Food and Flavor Chemist, Biomedical Chemist, Agricultural Chemist, etc.
The average MSc Chemistry fees in India range between INR 30,000 p.a. and INR 1 LPA. However, it depends on various factors such as the university’s location, infrastructure, lab facilities research opportunities, placement support, faculties, and so on. Generally, government colleges charge an average annual fee of between INR 11,000 and INR 48,000. On the other hand, private MSc Chemistry colleges charge between INR 80,000 p.a. and INR 4 LPA.
You can apply for MSc Chemistry admission in two ways, namely offline and online processes. The college websites include information about MSc in Chemistry courses, students must register on the college website, fill out the necessary information, and pay for registration to complete the procedure online. For the offline approach, students must go to the college admissions office, collect an application form, complete the necessary information, and pay at the admissions counter.
The MSc Chemistry selection process is primarily done in two ways: merit-based and entrance exams, irrespective of the mode of application. While some colleges evaluate a student’s application based on their bachelor’s degree results, others grant admission based on both the academic background as well as bachelor’s degree GPA. Following the entrance exam, the applicant is usually interviewed or referred to a counsellor for further assistance.
Students who have an interest in learning about the vast field of Chemistry and have a BSc degree in Chemistry-related subjects should pursue an MSc Chemistry course. Further, the course is recommended for students who wish to study organic, inorganic, physical, and biological sciences at an advanced level, as well as research on molecules and atoms. For individuals who wish to work in research, pharmaceutical companies, etc., an MSc in Chemistry may be the right choice.
An MSc Chemistry graduate does create new techniques and conducts tests as part of research projects. To properly explain the breakthroughs in chemistry, the job description also entails preparing technical reports. They deliver their reports to other experts in the field, including scientists and engineers. After earning an MSc in Chemistry, there are numerous career options in the fields of quality control, medical supervision, public relations, etc.
Yes, there is a broad-ranging scope for higher education after MSc in Chemistry for individuals who want to incorporate a higher degree of knowledge and industry skills. Whether graduates want to switch their fields or continue their studies in the same field, they can choose from a variety of specialisations. Listed below are popular academic areas where students can advance their knowledge after completing MSc Chemistry:
PhD
M Phil
MBA
The course structure of MSc Chemistry entails a total of eight semesters or two years of postgraduate study. Further, the syllabus consists of both core and elective subjects as well as laboratory subjects that provides students with the practical training required for research purposes. The following is the MSc in Chemistry course structure:
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
IV Semesters
Practical Subjects
Research Project Submissions
Traditional lecture-based classes and innovative research-based teaching methodologies and techniques are used in MSc Chemistry. Moreover, various teaching techniques are considered in this course curriculum including lab training. Here are a few teaching strategies used:
Professional Training
Practical Reports
Individual Projects
Group Projects
Academic Lectures
Students can choose any topic to submit their project in the final year of the degree programme depending on their interests. The following are some common MSc Chemistry projects for students:
Use of scrap aluminium for preparing potash alum
The process of using local materials for manufacturing local boards
Synthesis of aspirin and its decomposition
Measuring the solubility rate in saturated solutions
Intermolecular bonding in solids and their physical properties
Crude palm oil analysis
Activated charcoal for bleaching palm oil
The best books for MSc in Chemistry courses are The Mechanism in Organic Chemistry by author Peter Sykes, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology by author Kirk Othmer, Quantum Chemistry by author R K Prasad, Advanced Organic Chemistry by authors Carey and Sundberg, Inorganic Chemistry by author James E Huheey, March’s Advanced Organic Chemistry by author Michael Smith, and so on.
In the last decade, the scope of MSc chemistry has so well expanded that graduates can readily find employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors across various industries. In addition to pharmaceutical companies, medical colleges, research centres, and private clinics, they may also be able to find jobs at laboratories and research centres. Upon successful completion of an MSc in Chemistry course, one may choose to conduct research, work in the education sector, or become a scientist.
Yes, MSc Chemistry is a good career as well as a rewarding one. The scope of this field is ever-expanding as it has become one of the most sought-after careers in India. Obtaining a Master's degree in Chemistry offers job prospects and opportunities in a variety of fields. It certainly offers you the opportunity to succeed and thrive in your career.
Yes, you can join ISRO after completing MSc Chemistry provided you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the organisation. The ISRO employment portal allows candidates with a background in Chemistry to apply for a variety of scientific and professional positions. Technical assistants are also sought after by ISRO for various positions, including quality control inspectors and technicians for chemical laboratories. Engineers and scientists are sought by ISRO for various positions in research and development including chemistry-related fields.
The list of the top recruiters for MSc Chemistry includes several MNCs such as Moderna, Infotech, Pfizer, Biocon, P&G, Colgate, and so on. There is enormous scope for this field in India because Chemistry is used in practically every industry. Here are a few popular MSc in Chemistry recruiters Agriculture, Biotechnology Firms, Chemical Industries, Education, Forensic Laboratories, Hospitals, Manufacturing and Processing Industries, Medical Research, Oil and Petroleum Industries, and more.
Numerous top areas of recruitment for MSc Chemistry graduates are available in both the public and private sectors. Students with an MSc in Chemistry can find employment in laboratories, research centres, pharmaceutical companies, medical schools, and private clinics, among other professions. The following are the popular recruiting areas:
Academic Institutions
Actuaries
Chemical Firms
Pharmaceutical Industry
Public Relations
Research Centers