How Can I Become a Chemical Engineer

To become a chemical engineer you should

• Have a graduate degree (B.E / B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) in Chemical Engineering.
• There are both degree as well as diploma courses in Chemical Engineering. You can go for the 3 year diploma course after the 10th standard (SSC). To get selected into the graduate courses (BE / B.Tech ) the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and the performance in entrance exams are evaluated.

The entrance exam for the IITs is JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other major institutions is the AIEEE (All India Engineering/ Architecture Entrance Examination). A lot of institutions have their own separate entrance exams. The AMIE (Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers) enables working people in the private and public sector or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's degree through distance education for career advancement.  

Payoff

The manufacturing industry has been doing well and that reflects on the remuneration in this field. How much a chemical engineer earns would depend on the sector he works in (Central or State government departments or private concerns), his working experience, qualifications and ability. Chemical engineers starting fresh can earn between Rs 13,000 to Rs 16,000 per month. Engineering consultancy and the petroleum sector pay really well with salaries going up to Rs 65-70,000 per month.

Skills

• Should be a technology savvy problem solver
• Should enjoy science and maths
• Should have excellent analytical, communication and team skills
• Should like working with tools, drawing sketches of blueprints and conceptualizing designs etc
• Should be well-versed with the safety rules and regulations and all aspects of chemicals manufacturing and its consequences on the environment