PhD Degree in Chemical Engineering - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The Department of Chemical Engineering is recognized for its dynamic and forward-looking research ecosystem, where innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact come together. Faculty members actively lead pioneering research across a wide range of focus areas, addressing some of today’s most pressing scientific and industrial challenges. From advancing sustainable energy solutions through efficient biomass conversion to enabling precision technologies using microfluidics and microparticle self-assembly, the department consistently pushes the boundaries of modern chemical engineering.

A strong emphasis is placed on the development of smart and adaptive systems, supported by advanced computational modeling of responsive polymers. These efforts are complemented by research into eco-friendly materials, including bio-based coatings and sustainable packaging films that align with global environmental goals. Faculty expertise also extends to the design and synthesis of high-entropy materials for advanced applications, offering improved performance and durability in demanding industrial environments. Process intensification remains a key strength, driving greater efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and more compact, cost-effective industrial operations.

Additional research capabilities include cutting-edge nanomaterial synthesis and catalysis, environmentally responsible supercritical fluid extraction techniques, and innovative membrane separation technologies that enhance purification and resource recovery processes. Together, these research initiatives reflect the department’s commitment to scientific excellence and the development of transformative, sustainable chemical engineering solutions.

Chemical and Chemical & Biological engineers play a vital role in society by designing and managing processes that convert raw materials into essential products such as food, fuels, energy, pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper, metals, and personal care items. Beyond production, these engineers help safeguard natural resources, protect the environment, ensure health and safety standards, and promote recycling and waste reduction. By combining strong fundamentals with cutting-edge research, the department prepares engineers to create practical solutions that positively impact industry, the environment, and everyday life.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to the Ph.D. Programme

Candidates meeting any of the following qualifications are eligible to apply for admission to the Ph.D. programme:

i) Master’s Degree / Equivalent Qualification

Applicants who have completed:

A 1-year (2-semester) Master’s degree after a 4-year (8-semester) Bachelor’s degree, or

A 2-year (4-semester) Master’s degree after a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, or

Any qualification declared equivalent to a Master’s degree by the relevant statutory regulatory body,

must have secured at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade (where a grading system is followed). Candidates holding equivalent qualifications from foreign educational institutions accredited by a recognized assessment or accreditation agency in their home country are also eligible.

A relaxation of 5% marks (or equivalent grade) is applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories, as per the rules prescribed by the commission from time to time.

Direct Ph.D. after a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree:

Candidates seeking admission after completing a 4-year (8-semester) Bachelor’s degree must have obtained a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. A 5% relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/EWS and other eligible categories, as per commission norms.

ii) M.Phil. Qualification

Candidates who have completed an M.Phil. programme with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade are eligible. A 5% relaxation in marks is applicable for reserved categories as per commission rules.

Reservation Policy

Reservation benefits are applicable only to Maharashtra domicile candidates, subject to submission of valid reservation documents before the interview. Candidates from outside Maharashtra will be considered under the open category.

This eligibility framework ensures inclusivity while maintaining high academic standards for doctoral research.

PhD Degree in Chemical Engineering Admission Process

Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria will be required to appear for the Ph.D. Entrance Test conducted by MIT World Peace University (MITWPU).

However, candidates who have qualified UGC-NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE (valid score) / CEED / GPAT (valid score) or other equivalent national-level examinations are exempted from the Ph.D. entrance test.

The Ph.D. entrance test is qualifying in nature, with minimum qualifying marks set at 50%. A relaxation to 45% is applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other eligible categories.

The entrance test syllabus comprises 50% Research Methodology and 50% subject-specific content.

Candidates who qualify the entrance test will be called for an Interview/Viva-Voce conducted by the University. Final selection will be based on a weightage of 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the interview/viva-voce.

For candidates qualified through GATE/NET/JRF/SET/GPAT/CEED, selection will be based solely on interview/viva-voce performance.

Candidates recommended for admission will be intimated via email and will be offered provisional admission to the Ph.D. programme.

The eligibility of candidates is provisional, based on the information provided in the application form, and is subject to verification of educational qualifications, minimum eligibility criteria, and reservation documents (if applicable).

The University reserves the right to cancel the admission of a Ph.D. scholar in cases of misconduct, unsatisfactory research progress, absence from two consecutive progress seminars, failure in Ph.D.-related examinations, submission of fabricated documents, ineligibility, or involvement in plagiarism in publications or the thesis.

Provisional eligibility to appear in the selection process does not guarantee admission to the Ph.D. programme.

Candidates admitted under the full-time Ph.D. programme will be eligible for a stipend as per MITWPU norms.

Ph.D. admission will be confirmed only after successful completion of coursework with a minimum of 55% marks, in accordance with UGC norms. The Ph.D. programme duration shall be a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years, including coursework, from the date of admission.

An additional extension of up to two years may be granted through re-registration, provided that the total duration does not exceed eight years from the date of admission.

Female scholars and Persons with Disabilities (with more than 40% disability) may be granted an additional relaxation of two years, subject to a maximum duration of ten years for completion of the Ph.D. programme.

Female candidates may be granted Maternity Leave and/or Child Care Leave up to 240 days during the entire duration of the Ph.D. programme, as per applicable norms.

This structured admission framework ensures transparency, academic rigor, and inclusivity while supporting scholars throughout their doctoral journey.

Future Scope

Pursuing a PhD is often essential for those aspiring to build a career in academia, as most university teaching and research positions require doctoral-level qualifications. Beyond academia, many research-intensive roles in industry, government, and specialized laboratories either require a PhD or strongly prefer candidates who hold one. Even in positions where a doctorate is not mandatory, employers highly value the advanced research skills, analytical thinking, and subject expertise developed during a PhD. These capabilities demonstrate a candidate’s ability to solve complex problems, manage long-term projects, and contribute original knowledge to their field. For detailed insights into career pathways, prospective candidates are encouraged to explore a dedicated PhD employability guide.

After completing a PhD in Chemical Engineering, one of the prominent career paths is employment as a Researcher. Researchers work at the forefront of innovation, contributing to advancements in areas such as energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. According to UK salary data reported by Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a Researcher is approximately £33,356, though this figure can vary based on experience level, employer type, research specialization, and geographical location.

Completing a PhD can significantly enhance long-term employability. Evidence from the UK government’s LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes) Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey highlights the strong career prospects for doctoral graduates. The survey reports that 81% of Engineering PhD graduates were either in employment or pursuing further education three years after graduation. This reflects the strong demand for highly skilled researchers and problem-solvers across multiple sectors.

Overall, a PhD in Chemical Engineering not only opens doors to academic and research-focused careers but also strengthens employability across a wide range of high-impact roles, making it a valuable investment for those seeking advanced professional opportunities.