I can provide a clearer perspective on this. There are 4 main strategies to secure a good job. As a current DR, I’ll share the reality.
1. Maintain a CGPA of 8+: You don’t need a 9+, but focus in class and solidify your concepts before third-year internships. This will help you land internships with companies like HUL, GSK, or ITC. Perform well during your internship to secure a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO). The catch? Selection in Group Discussions (GD) is often luck-based and depends on your group.
2. Placements: There are limited core companies offering decent salaries and future prospects. Your options mainly include consulting, finance, or coding.
3. The Toughest Choice: If you aim for a CGPA of 8.7+, engage in research projects, and if possible, secure an internship abroad, consider pursuing a PhD. This will significantly enhance your chances of getting into a top 30 program, if not Stanford.
There is almost no placement for M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi. This was the case at least up to 2014.
In recent batches (M.Tech, Chemical Engineering 2014), only 1 student got placed in Aditya Birla Group R&D. This student was the topper of the batch. A couple of others secured positions at L&T. The rest of the students had to manage on their own.
In my opinion, pursuing an M.Tech in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi should not be considered if placement is a priority. M.Tech in Chemical Engineering is not a degree that is in high demand in Indian industries. It mainly serves as a bridge between B.Tech and higher education, like a PhD.
So, if one is inclined towards higher education, such as a PhD, then M.Tech could be a good option. There are good opportunities for PhDs abroad after completing M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi, depending on your research during M.Tech and your guide.
Choosing to do a B.Tech + M.Tech in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi was a strategic decision for me. The course load is manageable, so I still have time for extracurriculars. The placement records are phenomenal; I’ve seen many friends land jobs with FAANG companies. The average salary is around 16 LPA, and I heard Jane Street’s highest package went up to 4 Cr! Just keep in mind that the hostel food isn’t great, but overall, the campus life is vibrant with lots of activities. If you’re aiming for a high-paying job after graduation, this program is worth the investment.
Almost everyone in recent batches of Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi is opting for non-core jobs. There’s a noticeable lack of interest in the often tedious courses that make up the ChemE curriculum. Faculty members are not doing enough to engage students or address this widespread disinterest. Some professors struggle to deliver quality lectures. Consequently, students are gravitating towards non-core areas like consulting, finance, and coding.
Regarding placements, “Anything, but chemical engineering…” is a common refrain among ChemE students at IITD. The ChemE program fails to add real value to students’ profiles. As a result, during placement season, many end up in non-core jobs at big MNCs, often relying on luck and a bit of effort to secure these positions, typically in fields they have little experience in (except perhaps for coding roles).
You can’t really blame them for switching to non-core profiles, despite what many professors might conveniently suggest. The lack of appealing opportunities in core Chemical Engineering is one reason for this trend. However, another significant factor is the absence of genuine value addition in the curriculum.
I’m currently pursuing my B.Tech + M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi, and honestly, it’s been a mixed bag. The curriculum isn't bad, but the teaching methods of some faculties could use improvement. Many of them have foreign PhDs, but I sometimes feel lost in lectures. The placement scenario is impressive, with companies like Jane Street offering packages up to 4 Cr! The average package for our branch is around 16 LPA, which is decent. If you’re determined to get a job right after, this course can definitely set you up for success, especially with internships offering stipends ranging from 50K to 2L per month.