MSc Chemistry in India: Course, Syllabus, Jobs, Scope, Salary, Colleges and Admission 2024
Quick Summary
- A Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry opens doors to advanced study and diverse career opportunities in research, education, and industry.
- The average salary for a graduate with an MSc Chemistry degree in India can range from INR 2.1 LPA to INR 9.8 LPA.
- Candidates can opt for jobs such as Toxicologists, Clinical Research Associates, Chemists, Pharmacy Assistants, and Lab Assistants.
Table of Contents
Are you considering a career in Chemistry? Are you curious about the opportunities that await you after completing an MSc Chemistry degree? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of pursuing an MSc in Chemistry and the following career prospects.
MSc Chemistry, also known as Master of Science in Chemistry, is a prestigious two-year postgraduate program in chemistry. It delves into the subject’s intricacies, covering advanced topics such as Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. This intensive degree program prepares students for a wide range of career paths in the field.
Universities typically require candidates to clear a written entrance exam and undergo a personal interview to gain admission to an MSc Chemistry program. Top colleges and universities offer this sought-after degree, which provides students with a solid foundation in chemical principles and laboratory techniques.
Once you complete your MSc Chemistry, many exciting job opportunities await you. Graduates can pursue careers as Chemists, Toxicologists, Research Scientists, or Laboratory Assistants. Industries like paint, cement, paper, leather, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals frequently seek professionals with expertise in Chemistry. The scope for employment is vast, enabling you to explore diverse sectors and contribute to scientific advancements.
Scope of MSc Chemistry in India
Chemistry is one branch of Science that has maintained steady popularity among students. There are plenty of opportunities both in terms of jobs and higher education. Students can pursue various jobs with high sustainability that offer chances of progressing to high ranks.
On the other hand, if MSc Chemistry student opts to earn a higher education, they can also apply for better-paid jobs and work in research and development. If one wishes to opt for the latter route, the two most liked choices are PhD and also M.Phil. However, there are many other courses to choose from.
1. Certification in Forensic Science
Forensic Science courses in certification form are shorter, around 12 to 18 months. This branch of Science deals with observing crime scenes. Individuals with this certificate would primarily collect evidence and test it for further evidence. The goal is to understand how the criminal committed the crime and the victim’s personal details.
Forensic Scientists are a significant part of criminal investigations, as they unlock specific details of the crime that help solve it. Forensic Science combines the principles of Biology and Chemistry. Individuals with an MSc degree in Chemistry can switch careers and explore a different career path.
These certificate courses are available in both online and offline formats. The online format is self-paced, and most are free of cost. The admissions or application process is easy and on a merit basis. However, at the previous examination, one must have a minimum of 55% aggregate score.
2. Certification in Laboratory Techniques
Another course that adds considerably to the scope after MSc Chemistry course is certification in laboratory techniques. Unlike most certificate courses, the certification in Laboratory Techniques can last up to 2 years. Chemistry students generally work full-time in laboratories.
In this course, people learn how to use sensitive chemicals and also equipment. Candidates who wish to learn about working in laboratories and also proper handling techniques should take up this course. This course includes not only theoretical but also practical classes. With this certification, one can work as a laboratory assistant and also research assistant in laboratories.
School-leaving students who have completed their class 12th in Science are eligible to apply to this course. However, both bachelor’s and master’s degree holders can apply. Admissions, like most certification courses, are on a merit basis. Applicants must also ensure they have a 55% to 60% aggregate score in the previous examination.
3. Certification in Biochemistry
Biochemistry combines Chemistry and Biology, making it perfect for MSc Chemistry students. Students in biochemistry learn about the different chemical processes in a body and how they work. In particular, students learn these topics at a cellular level. This knowledge is then used to study diseases and find cures for them.
Biochemistry is a major subject area available in full-term degrees. For MSc Chemistry students, a certification in Biochemistry will enable them to work in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Most certificate in Biochemistry students concentrate on one area of Biochemistry or basic topics. Moreover, most colleges that offer this course are on the offline form. Both class 12th Science students and degree holders can get admission to this certificate course. Like other certificate courses, applicants should also have at least a 50% to 60% aggregate score for this course.
4. M.Phil Chemistry
After completing the MSc Chemistry, most students opt to enrol in a doctorate program. There are two options for research degrees, the first of which is an M.Phil degree. The two-year-long program is meant for individuals who wish to work as teachers or in Chemistry research.
Students in the M.Phil degree pick a topic in Chemistry on which they conduct research. The findings of the research are then presented in the form of a dissertation. The course is meant to deepen students’ knowledge of Chemistry by allowing them to work hands-on with a problem.
Admission to the M.Phil degree is unlike the process for certificate courses. Most applicants must take an entrance test and attend a personal interview round. However, they must also have a minimum qualifying aggregate mark of 55% before taking the written test. Candidates who have significant work experience in Chemistry can also get merit-based admissions.
5. PhD in Chemistry
To further explore the MSc Chemistry scope, there is the PhD in Chemistry degree. This is the highest level of degree one can earn in any subject in India. Generally, the PhD degree lasts for around three to five years. This is also a research-based degree like an M.Phil but of a longer duration.
The syllabus is also lengthy where one learns research techniques too. PhD students work on a real-life problem related to a chosen research topic. Their findings are put in the form of a dissertation that they have to defend in front of professors.
Most PhD course applicants must have a national, state, or university-level test score. Qualifying applicants must then attend an interview round where a research proposal is to be submitted. Notably, some universities require their PhD candidates to have work experience in the same field as the research topic.
Top Industries Hiring MSc Chemistry Graduates
MSc Chemistry graduates have a wide range of career options across various industries. Some of the top industries that actively hire chemistry postgraduates include:
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Drug development, quality control, and research roles.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industry: Manufacturing, product development, and process optimisation.
- Environmental Agencies: Pollution control, waste management, and environmental safety.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Quality assurance, safety testing, and product development.
- Cosmetics Industry: Formulation, testing, and regulatory compliance.
- Research Institutions and Academia: Opportunities in scientific research and teaching roles.
MSc Chemistry Eligibility & Syllabus 2024
Fulfilling specific eligibility requirements is essential to pursuing a Master of Science degree in Chemistry. Only after meeting these criteria can candidates proceed with the admission process. The primary criterion is holding a bachelor’s degree in Science, particularly in Chemistry, and securing an aggregate of at least 55% to 60% marks. Once these prerequisites are met, candidates can take the written entrance test and seek admission.
While the syllabus for the master’s degree in Chemistry may vary across universities, applicants can refer to a general syllabus to gain a preliminary understanding of the subject matter.
| First Semester | Second Semester |
| Inorganic Chemistry 1 | Inorganic Chemistry 2 |
| Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 | Organic Chemistry 3 |
| Physical Chemistry 1 | Physical Chemistry 2 |
| Mathematics for Chemists | Spectroscopy 1 |
| Practicals | Biophysical and Photochemistry |
| Photoinorganic Chemistry | |
| Chemistry of Selected Elements | |
| Practicals |
| Third Semester | Fourth Semester |
| Spectroscopy 2 | Organometallic Chemistry & Catalysis |
| Solid State Chemistry | Bioinorganic Chemistry |
| Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms and Chemistry of Lanthanides and Actinides | Chemistry of Materials |
| Electives | Spectroscopy 3 |
| Practicals | Practicals |
Career Opportunities in MSc Chemistry
A student average student can expect several job opportunities after MSc Chemistry degree. There are jobs not just in research and development but also in Sales and in laboratories in different capacities. To fully understand the scope of a chemistry degree and job options, it is best to look at the private jobs and also Government jobs open to a Chemistry student.
Private Jobs after MSc Chemistry
Scientific job roles are abundant in the private sector at different product manufacturers. For instance, the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and agriculture sectors are some of the biggest employers for MSc Chemistry graduates. The right candidate with the appropriate skills and also mindset can make a successful career in the private sector. Within these employers, there are also many job roles one can work at:
- Subject Matter Expert at Chegg India
- Pharma Sales Executives
- Toxicologist
- Quality Control Manager
- Research Scientist
1. Become a Chemistry Expert at Chegg India
Chemistry is a valuable degree to earn today. Students can go on to be contributing members in Pharmacy, Cosmetics, Agriculture, and more. There is no dearth in terms of jobs and also higher education options for individuals to explore. However, there is one more option graduates can look into. Chegg Experts allow subject experts to practice teaching students, clear any doubts and also make an earning at the same time. Register today to know more.
2. Pharma Sales Executives
Pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing companies that have several products have a dedicated sales department. Under this department, Sales Executives are hired whose sole responsibility is to promote sales and get more customers. They typically are an expert in the product and have a relevant degree like an MSc Chemistry.
Pharmaceutical Sales Executives generally approach hospitals and doctors to sell them their offerings. One must not only be attentive to detail to understand what the client needs but also know how to convince them. They work on monthly and also annual targets on which they receive commissions with regular pay. In this role, in particular, one can work with an average pay of INR 3,10,000 LPA.
3. Toxicologist
Toxicologists are experts who combine Chemistry and Biology to determine whether certain substances are toxins or not. This is one post where all work is done in a laboratory setting, where the individual conducts tests and research. The tests are done in a controlled environment on humans or animals, whose results are then used in different industries.
Toxicologists, in particular, work with drugs and pharmaceuticals to determine if they are safe to use and consume. They will also create guidelines or training reports on how to use these ingredients. This is a well-paid role where one can earn around INR 7,50,757 LPA.
4. Quality Control Manager
The term Quality Control Manager is broad and used in many different industries and employers. For Chemistry graduates, this role is primarily available in pharmaceutical or cosmetics manufacturers. The Quality Check Manager inspects and tests the manufactured products to ensure they meet all set standards.
Thereafter, they put their findings in a report and sent it to upper management for changes to be implemented. Without the role of a Quality Control Manager, no products are sent to be sold out in the market. Irrespective of the field, a Quality Control Manager makes around INR 6,22,611 LPA.
5. Research Scientist
One of the best sought-after MSc Chemistry jobs is, in particular, that of a Research Scientist. In the private sector, Research Scientists work with chemicals and analyze them to make different products and treatments. This is a core laboratory role where the Research Scientist generally works in a team. Besides the experiments and tests, they will also analyze the data and results.
Other duties include supervising junior staff, writing reports, and also coordinating with senior managers. The Research Scientist must also keep up to date with the latest developments in the field of Chemistry. Most employers offer INR 7,09,657 LPA for their Research Scientists.
Government Jobs After MSc Chemistry
Government jobs for Chemistry students are normally available in organisations and research centres under Government management. These organisations typically hold an entrance examination along with a personal interview round to select candidates. Like with the private sector, the range of jobs and also employers vary greatly in the Government sector as well:
- Clinical Research Associate
- Professor/Teacher
- Laboratory Assistant
- Chemist
1. Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associates work in Government or privately run laboratories conducting clinical trials. They conduct the tests to determine any benefits and risks and also to learn how to use the drugs. Most Clinical Research Associates test new drugs on test subjects.
The clinical research associate handles all aspects of the test, from setting up the test to initiation and monitoring the results. This work is done in liaison with doctors and drug authorities. In this role, one can expect to earn around INR 3,36,543 LPA.
2. Professor/Teacher
Another of the more prestigious careers after MSc Chemistry is in education. As a teacher or professor, one can work in schools and also universities teaching Chemistry. To teach at Government colleges, individuals could be required to have a national test score. Government school teachers have high salaries and also long-term sustainability. For higher teaching positions, universities also require a doctorate in Chemistry. Indian professors in any subject earn on average around INR 12,00,000 LPA.
3. Laboratory Assistant
This is one role that is self-explanatory. Laboratory Assistants will primarily work with senior scientists in laboratories. Their role is to assist the scientists in any way possible. From prepping for the experiments and tests to recording results, cleanup, sterilisation and also preparing reports.
The Laboratory Assistant will also collect and handle samples for the test and take care of administrative tasks for the senior scientist. This is a starting job role whose average salary is INR 2,13,999 LPA.
4. Chemist
Chemists are core Chemistry job roles where all one does is work with different chemicals, testing and also analyzing them. Their work efforts are to not only create a new more secure but also stable product. When testing, the Chemist will look at the properties of the chemical and how it reacts with different products.
Regular tasks in the laboratory like cleaning and sanitising the test equipment are also part of the Chemist’s duties. The range of responsibilities will vary but Chemists receive around INR 2,59,022 LPA every year.
Also, read: Jobs You Can Bag after a MSc Degree
Top MSc Chemistry Colleges in India
Chemistry is offered at most colleges that have a Science division. Some, however, stand out in terms of their rankings, placements, and infrastructure. Admissions to most universities that offer an MSc Chemistry degree are through a written test and a personal interview. Prospective applicants should explore these colleges and their offerings.
- Christ University
- Chandigarh University
- Delhi University
- The Oxford College of Science
- Jamia Milia Islamia University
1. Christ University
Christ University, one of the leading universities in Bangalore, offers MSc in Chemistry in three specializations. They are General, Analytical, and also Materials Chemistry. They aim to teach students to develop an analytical mindset in their subject area. Admissions to their program are entirely on a university-level test, presentation, and also a personal interview. One must, in particular, have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and at least 50% marks.
2. Chandigarh University
Another one of the best universities to explore career options after an MSc in Chemistry is Chandigarh University. This two-year-long program admits students through a university-level entrance test. Based on their performance on the test, candidates will get admission and scholarships. However, one must have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry to take the test.
3. Delhi University
Delhi University, in the nation’s capital, is one of the best-ranked and most competitive universities to get admission to. The university holds an annual entrance test for the MSc Chemistry course admission. However, there is also merit-based admission for candidates with over 60% aggregate marks. The course admits a total of 306 students annually.
4. The Oxford College of Science
A private institute from Bangalore, the Oxford College of Science provides all courses affiliated with Bangalore University. The institute, in particular, offers a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry degree. Like in most colleges, a qualifying examination takes place for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a score of 40%. After the written test, chosen candidates also attend a personal interview round before taking admission.
5. Jamia Milia Islamia University
Among all the universities mentioned, Jamia Milia University offers both full-time and part-time master’s degrees in Chemistry. Classes are small, with 44 students at this central university. There are four concentrations to choose from: Materials, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. Admission takes place based on the university written test and a personal interview. Moreover, all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with at least 50% aggregate marks.
Related Article: MSc Colleges in India: Where to Study for Your Master’s Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MSc chemistry?
MSc Chemistry is a postgraduate degree program that focuses on advanced study and research in the field of chemistry. It involves in-depth coursework, laboratory work, and a research project, allowing students to specialize in areas such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, or other related sub-disciplines.
What are the job opportunities after MSc Chemistry?
An MSc in Chemistry graduate can work in several job profiles. There are jobs in both the private and public sectors and also not all are in core research. In the private sector, for instance, one can work as a Toxicologist, Sales Executive, and Quality Control Manager. On the other hand, government roles include chemist, research assistant, professor, etc.
What is the highest salary after MSc Chemistry?
After MSc Chemistry, jobs and salaries are higher in profiles in research and development. Candidates’ final salaries will depend not only on their skillset but also on previous experience. In addition, the profiles with the highest salaries are Toxicologists, Research Scientists, and Professors. They have salaries of INR 7,50,000 LPA, INR 7,09,657 LPA, and INR 12,00,000 LPA each.
Can I get placement after M.Sc Chemistry?
Yes. Chemistry students can get jobs after MSc Chemistry through placements. Most universities have placement drives at the end of each final academic year. The range of jobs varies and also so do the salary ranges. For Government jobs, one might have to qualify for a written test.
Can I join ISRO after M.Sc Chemistry?
Yes. Not only MSc in Chemistry students but also MSc in Physics and Mathematics graduates are eligible to apply to ISRO. There is a written test for candidates who have, in particular, achieved first class in their previous examination. There are even different age limits for different research posts.
Is MSc chemistry a good career?
Yes, pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry can lead to a rewarding and promising career. Chemistry is a broad field with diverse applications, and a master’s degree in this discipline can open up various opportunities in industry, academia, research, and other sectors.
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