Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

Established in July 2004, the Department of Chemistry at BITS, Pilani -KK Birla Goa Campus has marked its presence in Academia within India and abroad. The department is focused in both teaching and high-quality research (basic and multidisciplinary) in the frontier areas of chemistry and its interface with allied disciplines. Our mission and vision is to excel in teaching, innovative research and academia-industry collaboration and to propagate the same to become a leader in the field of chemistry and allied interdisciplinary domains. The department offers core courses in Chemistry for Undergraduate B.E. students of engineering. In addition, it offers 4 Yr Integrated 1st Deg Program (M.Sc. Chemistry) and Ph.D. program. The thrust areas of research includes water & environment, nanomaterials and nanotechnology, organic synthesis, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, biophysical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. The department is well equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities, library resources (e-journals) and has established collaborations with various national and international laboratories. We aim to produce professionals and innovative leaders to meet needs of academia, industry and government through outcome-based education.

Read More

Our Vision
and Mission

Vision: “To become a leading department of chemical engineering by imparting high quality education through state of the – art research & innovation in chemical engineering & allied disciplines for sustainable development to enhance the well being of the citizens of the nation, and the world”

Mission:


  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Industrial programs
  • Develop Technologies
  • Sustainable energy
  • Environmental protection
  • Advanced materials

Programme Offered

Facilities

Laboratory Facility

  • Lyophilizer
  • Electrochemical Workstation (Model SP150e)
  • Multi-Mode Microplate Detection Platform
  • Gas Chromatograph
  • UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
  • Ion Chromatograph

Instruments

  • Seven Multi pH and conductivity meter (Mettler Toledo Switzerland)
  • Instruments
  • Powder X-ray diffractrometer (Rigaku , Japan)
  • Multilabel Counter Victor 2 (Perkin-Elmer USA)
  • Six digit Electronic balance (Mettler Toledo, Switzerland)

Scholars

Sapna Sudan<

Ph.D. Supervisor - Prof. Sunil Bhand,

Co. Supervisor -
Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

Anisha Mishra

Ph.D. Supervisor - Dr. Anjan Chattopadhyay,

Co. Supervisor -
Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

Darshana Anand Uper

Ph.D. Supervisor - Narendra Nath Ghosh, FRSC,

Co. Supervisor -
Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

Start Your Journey

Explore important dates, eligibility criteria, and
application details for BITSAT.

Virtual
Tour
Check BITSAT
Dates
View Admission
Process
Campus
Goa
Content Type
Department
Departments
Chemistry

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Ph.D.

Chemistry


Offered at: Pilani, Hyderabad, Goa

Apply
Now Download
Brochure Talk to a
Counsellor

Driving Innovation in Chemical Research and Discovery


The Ph.D. Chemistry programme at BITS Pilani endorses thorough and inquiry-driven research across the vast areas of chemistry. Graduate students perform the research in state-of-the-art facilities with a faculty member who addresses fundamental questions in science and problems facing the world. The curriculum supports research that emphasises advanced techniques, analytical instrumentation and the ethics of research, preparing candidates and post-doctoral scholars to function as independent researchers and specialists in industry. Our graduates are equipped to be leaders in academia, advanced technology companies, government-funded research institutes and global networks of innovation, contributing to the fields that will shape the science and technology of the future.


Know More

Students offered an Institute fellowship will receive ₹37,000 per month. The fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000 or ₹42,000 after two years, based on performance.

Institute Fellows will also receive a contingency amount of ₹20,000 per year. Students admitted through Sponsored Projects will receive fellowship support in accordance with the funding agency guidelines.

Key Research Milestones

Research Areas Driving Breakthrough Discoveries in Chemistry

The Department offers a full-time Ph.D. programme in the following thrust areas of its research.

Green Chemistry and Catalysis

Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

Synthetic Chemistry & Materials Science

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

Photochemistry and Gas Phase Spectroscopy

Ph.D. Admission and Support Information

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:


  • M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate.
  • M.Sc./B.E./B.Pharm. (or equivalent) with minimum 60% aggregate.
  • M.A. degree holders with minimum 55% aggregate may apply.
  • Minimum one year of relevant work experience is mandatory.

Additional Notes

  • Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission.
  • Departments may set additional shortlisting criteria—candidates must check departmental webpages for details.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test and/or interview, as recommended by the Department Research Committee (DRC).
  • Coursework requirements:
    • First Degree holders (M.Sc., B.E., B.Pharm., etc.): Minimum 6 courses / 24 units in the first two semesters.
    • Higher Degree holders (M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil., etc.): Minimum 2 courses / 6 units in the first semester.
  • Admission is provisional and confirmed after clearing the qualifying exam and/or approval of the PhD proposal by the DRC.

  • All full-time PhD students admitted to the PhD program will receive a fellowship for up to a maximum of five years.
  • The fellowship could be from the Institute or the Sponsored Projects. PhD students may also be eligible for their own fellowship if qualified through the UGC/CSIR NET.
  • Students offered an Institute fellowship will receive ₹37,000 per month. The fellowship may be enhanced to ₹40,000/- or ₹42,000/- after two years, based on performance. Institute Fellows will also receive a contingency amount of ₹20,000/- per year.
  • Students offered admission through Sponsored Projects would receive the fellowship in accordance with the funding agency guidelines.
  • BITS Pilani provides International Travel Support of up to ₹1.5 lakh to full-time PhD students to present their work in an international conference

Application Process

  1. The online admission portal opens on 26 September 2025.
  2. Eligible candidates must apply through the official application form available at the provided admission website. No hard copy needs to be sent.
  3. Applicants must register online using a valid mobile number and email ID to generate login credentials.
  4. Candidates must select their preferred BITS Pilani campus(es) while filling the form.
    1. Preferences must be chosen carefully.
    2. They cannot be changed after submission.
  5. The completed application form and the prescribed application fee must be submitted online before the deadline.
  1. Last date to submit the application form: 17 November 2025, 5:00 PM.
  2. A non-refundable application fee of ₹2600 is payable at submission.
  3. Only one application is allowed.
    1. An edit option will be available until the deadline for correcting any mistakes.
  4. The final admission decision will be made by the Institute’s Admission Committee, and the decision will be binding on all applicants.

To learn more about the Ph.D admissions process at BITS Pilani, please visit the website https://www.bitsadmission.com

Faculty Guiding Emerging Scholars Toward Discovery in Chemistry

Amrita Chatterjee


Professor

Dr. Ajay Kumar Sah


Professor,
Department of Chemistry, Nucleus Member, CPU, BITS Pilani,
Pilani Campus

Dr. Amrita Chakraborty


DST Woman Scientist ,
Department of Chemistry

You Asked.
We Answered.

The Ph.D. in Chemistry at BITS Pilani focus on research across diverse areas. From organic synthesis and materials chemistry to photochemistry, catalysis and computational methods, scholars advance knowledge under the mentorship of experienced faculty.

If you join Ph.D. in Chemistry at BITS Pilani, you will find research groups working on core areas- catalysis, green chemistry, synthetic materials and photochemistry. There’s also a strong focus on computational methods and interdisciplinary projects.

Applicants should hold an M.Sc. (Chemistry or related) or equivalent with ≥ 60% marks and demonstrate alignment with proposed research areas. UGC/CSIR‑NET is encouraged.

The programme begins with coursework- usually two semesters for M.Sc. entrants. After that, students sit for qualifying exams and present a research proposal. The rest of the journey is devoted to guided research that culminates in a doctoral thesis.

Shortlisted applicants first sit for a written test on core chemistry and research aptitude. They then face an interview, where the panel explores both their academic grounding and potential for independent research.

Part-time Ph.D. enrolment is possible at BITS Pilani if the department approves and the required research facilities are available.

You can pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Pilani, Goa or Hyderabad campuses.

Yes. Ph.D. scholars receive ₹37,000/month, rising to ₹40,000-₹42,000 after 2 years, plus a yearly contingency of ₹ 20,000; project scholars are funded per agency rules.

Applications are submitted online via the BITS Admission Ph.D portal. The portal publishes announcements, deadlines, test dates and campus allocations.

Many BITS Pilani Ph.D. Chemistry graduates move into teaching, global research centres or industries like pharmaceuticals and energy, supported by the institute’s strong reputation and connections.

Campus
Goa
Hyderabad
Pilani
Program Type
PhD
Content Type
Courses
Degree
Doctoral Degree
Departments
Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

Pioneering Chemistry Since 1944

Established in 1944, we are one of the oldest departments on the campus. The department has grown with strong research interests in Physical Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, etc.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art instrumentation facility and research laboratories, we are counted amongst the best departments for education in Chemistry across the country.


Read More

Our Vision
and Mission

Vision: To be recognised as the world leader in chemical sciences, enabling innovation, critical thinking and sustainability while developing the next generation of world-class chemists who would generate new knowledge and enrich society in the process.

Mission:

  • To provide a world-class education across major fields of chemistry, with a strong theoretical background, along with hands-on practical experience.
  • To promote innovative research in the fields of physical, organic, inorganic, bioorganic, medicinal and computational chemistry, to find solutions to experience-derived needs and challenges in the real world.
  • To provide new state-of-the-art labs and instrumentation, providing for research to be conducted to the highest quality assurance standards and make possible the hands-on learning required across disciplines.
  • To promote ethical practices, critical thinking and creativity amongst students and researchers as a means towards developing chemists who are able to innovate effectively.

Programmes Offered

The BITS Advantage in Chemical Sciences


The Department of Chemistry at BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, is one of the most sought-after departments in the country, having pioneered the field and helped empower changemakers.

  • One of the oldest, ever-evolving departments with a
    vision to excel in teaching and research.
  • Active research in frontier areas of both fundamental and applied chemistry,
    nationally and globally appreciated.
  • High student-faculty ratio of 17, excellent placement record of 97%,
    and strong government and industry-sponsored projects.
  • Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities,
    along with online access to leading international journals.

Research

The Department of Chemistry at BITS Pilani conducts pioneering research in both fundamental and applied chemistry, including green chemistry, theoretical and computational chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Faculty and students are actively engaged in nationally and internationally funded projects, consistently producing high-impact publications in frontier areas.

R&D Center

  • Embedded Controller Application Centre
  • Centre for Robotics and Intelligent System
  • Centre for Renewable Energy and Environment Development
  • Centre for Research on Educational Innovation & Institutional Development
  • Centre for Material Science & Technology
  • Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (APPCAIR)

Research Publications

  • Extended coupled cluster through nth perturbation order for molecular response properties: A comparative study; Chem. Phys. Lett. 2013
  • Facile synthesis, characterisation and fluorescence studies of novel porphyrin appended thiazoles, J. Heterocyclic Chem. 2013
  • Hardness Potential Derivatives And Their Relation To Fukui Indices, J. Comp. Chem. 2013

Research Labs

Scholars Shaping the Next Generation of
Chemical Breakthroughs

SHRUTI SONI

Ph.D. Supervisor - Dr. Saumi Ray,

Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

PRAKRITI SARAF

Ph.D. Supervisor - Dr. Dalip Kumar,

Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

MONIKA MALIK

Ph.D. Supervisor - Dr. Dalip Kumar,

Ph.D. Status - Ongoing

Start Your Journey

Explore important dates, eligibility criteria and
application details for BITSAT.

Virtual
Toure
Check BITSAT
Dates
View Admission
Process
Campus
Pilani
Content Type
Department
Departments
Chemistry