Chemistry is a discipline that plays a fundamental role in understanding the world around us and is also an essential foundation for various industries and disciplines like climate science and biology. Indian Institutes of Science, Education and Research (IISERs) have gained a reputation for their exceptional contributions to chemistry. Some IISERs known for their strong chemistry departments and research programs include IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, and IISER Bhopal. These institutes have well-established chemistry departments, renowned faculty members, and active research groups. If you are interested in pursuing chemistry as your career and are confused about which IISER is the best for chemistry, this blog will solve all your doubts.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Chemistry Research in India
- Top IISERs for Chemistry
- Which is the best IISER for Chemistry?
Chemistry Research in India:
The scope of research in chemistry is increasing every day. Many institutes and industries were set up to meet the chemical demand and needs of the country after the independence. Here are some top institutes in India that provide excellent education in chemical sciences and produce marvellous research papers alongside:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is the best institute in India for research education in any science field.
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) like IISER Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal and Thiruvananthapuram
- National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) like IIT-Bombay, Kharagpur, Madras, Delhi, and Kanpur, among others.
- Banaras Hindu University, (BHU)
- Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata
- Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore
Top IISERs for Chemistry:
While considering the best IISER, you must not forget that all IISERs are equally tremendous and offer many opportunities in almost every field. However, here are some parameters that you must consider before selecting the college that matches your goal:
You have to consider factors like:
Faculty expertise-
The faculty’s strength is the most important need in any college. Look for IISERs that have renowned chemists with experience in the area you are interested in. Many IISER faculty members have earned worldwide experience via cooperation with prestigious universities and research initiatives. This global viewpoint improves the academic atmosphere and exposes students to cutting-edge research from across the globe.
Research Opportunities-
First, choose a research field. This may be done after selecting your IISER, but you should have a general concept of the kind of research you wish to pursue in chemistry. Examine each IISER’s research facilities and active initiatives. Choose an institution that is compatible with your research interests and provides several undergraduate and postgraduate research possibilities. Consider using LinkedIn or other channels to communicate with students and alumni.
Academic Resources-
If you are more interested in an experimental field, which is usually the case in chemistry, you must need a well-equipped laboratory. You also need access to libraries; online resources are essential for comprehensive theoretical knowledge. Ensure that the IISER you select provides these resources to support your academic endeavours. However, all IISERs have well-equipped and advanced laboratories; hence, you may not worry much about this factor.
Placements and Opportunities-
Investigate the placement records of the IISERs. However, only a few IISERs (like Bhopal) have direct campus placements because most students prefer to pursue PhD after their BSMS. If you want to do your PhD in foreign, choose those IISERS with solid connections and offer internships and job opportunities, which can benefit your future career. Apart from academia, you can work as a researcher in various pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and food-beverage industries. Also, try to talk with the alumnus of IISERs who are doing great in their field. And who knows, you might learn about a new, exciting field of research. For example, an alumnus from IISER-K who graduated with a chemistry degree is currently doing PhD in Physics from Cambridge University.
Entrance Exams-
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), an entrance exam conducted by IISERs, is one of the most popular modes of entrance to IISERs, IISc and even IIT-Madras. Another mode is to qualify JEE Advanced with a good rank (below 8000). IAT is relatively easier than JEE because of its less complex paper pattern and less technical questions. However, you must sincerely prepare for both exams in order to achieve your dream IISER. If you want to start your preparation for IISc, IISERs, or NISER, SciAstra can be your perfect partner. We provide excellent courses, relevant mock tests and one-to-one mentorship to all students. Check out our website here.
Which is the best IISER for Chemistry?
IISER Kolkata and Pune are considered the best in the field of chemistry for various reasons. Here are some of them:
IISER Kolkata:
IISER Kolkata is known for its rigorous academic programs and research-driven approach to chemistry. It is considered the best department in the whole of IISER-Kolkata. Professors here are very experienced and famous in their fields. For example, professor Dr. Sayam Sen Gupta was recently selected for the National Awards to Teachers 2023. Highly advanced chemical laboratories get the highest funding compared to any other chemistry laboratory in any IISER. If chemistry is your passion, then IISER K is the right place to pursue it.
There are various kinds of research going on in IISER-K, some of which are given below:
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Chemical biology-
Research in the field includes tuning metalloproteins, designing special molecules for cancer cells, creating magnetic clusters for therapeutics, and developing light-controlled DNA-binding molecules. The interdisciplinary research spans peptide-based therapeutics, cancer nanomedicine, drug delivery, biomimetic chemistry, chemical biology, supramolecular chemistry, applied biomaterials, cancer biology, and regenerative nanomedicine.
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Chemistry of macromolecules-
The research encompasses the development of polymers with potential applications in drug delivery, including anti-tumour drugs linked to nanoparticles. Ongoing work involves the creation of polymers designed to sense heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury. The exploration extends to developing water-soluble “smart” responsive polymers tailored for drug delivery applications.
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Functional Nanomaterials-
This field focuses on developing porous nano architectures tailored for specific applications. Researchers are also involved in synthesising and studying the structure-property correlations of semiconductor nanocrystals and diluted magnetic semiconductors for diverse applications. The field further encompasses investigating magnetic interactions in oxide, nitride, and metal-alloy nanoparticles. Additionally, the focus extends to developing functional nanocomposites and core-shell materials.
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Inorganic and Organic Chemistry-
This is a very vast field where you can find a large variety of research topics. Mostly the research focuses on developing p-conjugated systems for redox and photoelectronic applications, including electrochromic devices, solar cells, and light-emitting devices. Efforts extend to lanthanide-doped luminescent nanomaterials, upconverting nanomaterials for optical biomarkers, and polymetallic clusters for magnetic materials and quantum computation.
Other important fields include Organometallic catalysis, Spectroscopy and microscopy, and theoretical computational chemistry.
Moreover, the institute offers an excellent environment for aspiring chemists.There are many programs like integrated BS and MS, integrated PhDs and PhDs in chemistry, and other subjects. The strong connections with foreign institutes in countries like Germany, Canada, USA and Australia give excellent exposure to students. You can undoubtedly choose IISER-K to pursue your interest in this field.
IISER Pune:
Set up in Pune’s scenic surroundings, IISER-Pune has made a name for itself in the field of scientific research and teaching. It provides programs like integrated BS and MS, integrated PhD and PhD. For those who love chemistry, IISER Pune is often regarded as one of the best options. This institution is notable for its contribution to the science of chemistry because of its highly competent professors, cutting-edge facilities, and strong focus on research. IISER Pune’s Chemistry Department is home to a distinguished group of highly talented faculty members. In addition to receiving the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Prize, Dr. K.N. Ganesh was given the CSIR SS Bhatnagar Prize. Drs. Pinaki Talukdar, Sujit Ghosh, Srinivas Hotha, and R. Vaidhyanathan were fellows of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom.
The Chemistry Department at IISER Pune is characterised by its diverse range of research thrust areas. From organic synthesis to theoretical chemistry, students have the opportunity to explore and contribute to a variety of fascinating fields. However, most fields are similar to those of IISER Kolkata and hosts equal opportunities for students in India and foreign nations. You can explore in the fields like:
- Advanced Spectroscopy and Molecular Biophysics
- Electrochemistry, Energy, and Environment
- Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
- Solid-state Chemistry and Materials Science
- Synthesis and Catalysis
- Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Biophysics
Conclusion:
In IISERs, there are enormous opportunities and exposure for students passionate about the subject. These institutes provide a strong foundation for aspiring chemists, encouraging critical thinking, research, and innovation. Whether your goal is to become a research scientist, a teacher, or an industry professional, IISERs can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career in chemistry. Ultimately, the “best” IISER for chemistry is a subjective choice based on your aspirations and preferences. Remember that the best choice is the one that aligns with your passion and ambition. So, explore your options, make an informed decision, and embark on an exciting journey in chemistry through an IISER that’s the right fit for you.
If you want to learn what important qualities are required to be a scientist, check out this blog.
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