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Master of Science in Organic Chemistry or MSc Chemistry is a two-year long postgraduate course. It involves the scientific study of the structure, composition, properties, reactions, and arrangements of carbon-based organic Compounds.
Read about Top MSc colleges in India.
Candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree with honours in Chemistry / Organic Chemistry, preferably with Biology and/or Mathematics as the complementary subjects, with an aggregate of 50% score, eligible for MSc Organic Chemistry. Admission to MSc Organic Chemistry is granted either on the basis of marks obtained in graduation or on the basis of entrance exams. Most top colleges conduct entrance exams for admission to this course.
Average fee charged for the course ranges from INR 1,000 - 2,00,000 in different colleges. MSc Organic Chemistry subjects are Organic Spectroscopy and Synthesis, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanism, Stereo-Chemistry, and Computer Applications.
MSc Organic Chemistry graduates can get jobs in industries and laboratories in private and public sectors as a Deputy Manager, Research Chemist, Chemistry Project Assistant, Quality Control Chemist, and Toxicologist. Average salary for MSc Organic Chemistry degree holders ranges between INR 3,00,000 to 8,00,000, which increases with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.
Aspiring candidates can proceed with their studies after MSc in Organic Chemistry by doing an M.Phil. or PhD in the same discipline, or may pursue a master's in another sub-discipline of chemistry such as MSc in Inorganic Chemistry.
MSc Organic Chemistry Course Highlights
The major highlights and key points of the MSc Organic Chemistry course are tabulated below.
| Course Level | Post-graduation |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Science in Organic Chemistry |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-based |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or equivalent from a recognised board/university with an aggregate of 50% marks |
| Admission Process | Merit or Entrance-based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 10,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary Package | INR 3,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Cisco System Inc., Glenmark Pharma, Gharda Chemicals, Oil India, Meteorological Survey of India, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories LTD., Biocon |
| Job Position | Deputy Manager, Research Chemist, Chemistry Project Assistant, Quality Control Chemist, Toxicologist, Marketing Executive, Quality Assurance Auditor |
MSc Organic Chemistry: What is it about?
- MSc Organic Chemistry is a postgraduate course covering the structure, properties, and reactions undergone by organic compounds like carbon-based compounds, Hydrocarbons, and their derivatives.
- The course deals with life processes concerning molecules like DNA, Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates, the development of new cancer treatment methods through kinase inhibition, role of polyenes as Gene carriers, etc.
- MSc Organic Chemistry will also include Aromaticity, Stereo-Chemistry, and their applications and impacts on organic reactions.
- This subdiscipline of Chemistry traverses the advanced concepts of electrochemistry, classical and statistical thermodynamics, chemical analytical techniques, and stability and catalytic applications.
- It's curriculum covers both theoretical and practical aspects of studying organic chemistry.
MSc Organic Chemistry is a valuable course with multiple advantages, some of which are as follows:
- The MSc Organic Chemistry syllabus helps graduates in developing environment-friendly and sustainable measures to protect the environment as well as synthetic products like pesticides, food additives, explosives, medicines, synthetic fibres, and paints.
- Organic Chemistry has various applications in Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, and energy capture and storage.
- Organic Chemistry has applications in various areas of manufacturing industries and research institutions, of catalysis, organometallic chemistry, fluoro-containing compounds, etc.
- Graduates get to get to assemble, manufacture and handle many important items such as Phenol, Naphthalene, Chloroform, Vinegar, etc.
- Enrolling students may require skills in observation and inference, time-management, problem-solving, writing and speaking, and individual and team project work.
What is the Admission Process for MSc Organic Chemistry?
Most universities offer admission to a master's in Organic Chemistry through the merit-based system, however few top universities conduct entrance exams.
- Candidates are selected on the basis of merit. They must make sure that they fit into the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Students can apply for colleges managing merit-based entrances through online or offline applications, where the mode of payment is the same as that of application respectively.
- Renowned universities and some institutions conduct an entrance exam for a candidate to be enrolled in MSc in Organic Chemistry.
- Each university conduct their own entrance exams for such a program.
- In order to appear for exams, students have to register and make payments through the online mode.
- Institutes accepting entrance exam scores follow a common selection procedure, though the cut-off mark set depends on the institutions.
Selection procedure consists mainly of three steps-
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted depending on the accepted entrance exam score and by their academic records.
- Personal Interview (PI): After being shortlisted, aspirants get into the Group Discussion/Personal Interview (PI) round, where their competence, critical thinking and communication skills are tested.
- Final Selection: After the PI round, a fixed number of candidates are selected, who are now eligible to be admitted to the respective institute.
After a student is entitled to be admitted in a university, they are expected to submit the following documents to the management of the school:
- Marksheets of grade X and XII.
- The corresponding entrance exam admit card, score card and rank letter.
- Six passport size photographs.
- Character certificate
- Reservation certificate (if any).
- Migration certificate
- Self-attested copies of various identity verification documents.
Read about the Admission Process of Savitribai Phule Pune University in detail.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for MSc Organic Chemistry?
Candidates applying for MSc Organic Chemistry course must fulfil the following basic eligibility criteria:
- Candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree in Chemistry, preferably with Biology and/or Mathematics as the complementary subjects, or equivalent with an aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
- Candidates with a bachelor's degree having Chemistry as a complementary subject from a recognized board/university with the same aggregate score are also eligible for the program.
- Institutions requiring an entrance exam for admission may take into account both the entrance exam score as well as previous academic records. The cut-off mark for the examination is decided by each institution.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories shall get a relaxation of 5% of marks.
- Letters of recommendation can also be favorable to the candidate.
Which Entrance Exams are Required for MSc Organic Chemistry?
Different schools may look into the scores gained in the exams of their choice. Some popular entrance exams for MSc Organic Chemistry are discussed below. Some important dates relating to these exams are noted below.
How to Prepare for MSc Organic Chemistry Entrance Exams?
Each entrance exam is held between 1 hour and 3 hours, and their maximum marks are different. Nonetheless, their pattern is similar and students may prepare for any of the exams with some common methods.
Given below is the exam pattern for IIT JAM:
| Section | No. of Questions | Division of Questions | Marks for each question | Total Mark for each section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A: MCQs |
30 |
10 | 1 | 50 |
| 20 | 2 | |||
| B: MSQs | 10 | 10 | 2 | 20 |
C: NAT |
20 |
10 | 1 | 30 |
| 10 | 2 | |||
| Total | 60 | -- | -- | 100 |
Read about the IIT JAM exam pattern in detail.
Some important tips to prepare well for these exams are discussed below.
- Students are strongly advised to study and revise the NCERT textbooks for Chemistry as well as textbooks for Chemistry at bachelor's level.
- These exams test the candidates' knowledge in the Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry at a 10+2+3 level.
- Questions are generally Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT).
- The candidates must develop ways to solve the numericals quickly as these tend to be a bit time taking sometimes.
- The candidates must practice sample question papers within stipulated time.
While preparing for entrance exams, the following books are suggested for reference:
| Name of Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Basic Concepts in Organic Chemistry and Stereochemistry: Stereochemistry Conformation and Mechanism | P S Kalsi |
| Organic Chemistry | Carey & Sundberg |
| Organic Chemistry | I L Finar |
| Organic Chemistry | Clayden, Greeves, Warner & Wothers |
| Chemical and Phase Equilibria: Principles of Chemical Equilibrium & Phase Rule | K G Denbigh |
| Theory of Gases: Physical Chemistry | Peter W Atkins |
| Chemical Thermodynamics | Thomas Engel & Phillip Reid |
| Adsorption: Introduction to Surface Chemistry & Catalysis | Gabor A Somorjai |
| Bioinorganic Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry | James E Huheey |
Go through IIT JAM Practice Papers for better preparation.
How to get Admission in a Good MSc Organic Chemistry College?
- Since most colleges enroll students on the basis of merit, candidates are advised to procure high percentages in Chemistry and the complementary subjects in their bachelor's course.
- For institutes taking admission through entrance exams, scoring a percentile more than the required cut-off can help in being shortlisted right away. Students must take note of the cut-off mark decided by each college and work hard enough to achieve that score in the entrance exams.
- Practice for an entrance exam must not stop just because one has tackled some mock question papers. There is still room for improvement and candidates must keep practicing consistently.
- Students must upgrade their communication skills, critical thinking and current awareness, as these are some of the criteria being tested during this round.
- Be updated about the dates of registration and examination, and apply before the deadline.
- Prepare well and in advance for the entrance exams.
- Always be aware about current affairs.
- Make sure to exercise the necessary skills for the interview/group discussion held after the exams.
Which Subjects are Taught in MSc Organic Chemistry Course?
The following table gives a semester-wise syllabus breakup of the subjects taught in MSc Organic Chemistry.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry - I | Organic Chemistry - II |
| Organic Chemistry Practical - I | Organic Chemistry Practical - II |
| Physical Chemistry - I | Physical Chemistry - II |
| Communicative English - II | Inorganic Chemistry - II |
| Inorganic Chemistry - I | Bio Organic Chemistry |
| Inorganic Chemistry Practical | Physical Chemistry Practical |
| Communicative English - I | --- |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Organic Spectroscopy and Synthesis | Natural Products |
| Synthetic Organic Chemistry | Polymeric Compounds |
| Organic Chemistry Practical - III | Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
| Reaction Mechanism and Stereochemistry | Cosmetic Chemistry |
| Aromaticity and Aromatic Compounds | Food Chemistry |
| Computer Applications | Project |
| Organic Chemistry Practical - IV | --- |
Which are the Top Colleges for MSc Organic Chemistry?
Below are a few colleges, approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), offering an MSc in Organic Chemistry:
| Name of College | City | Average Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | INR 16,000 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | INR 23,690 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh | INR 15,000 |
| Andhra University | Visakhapatnam | INR 1,66,000 |
| University of Madras | Chennai | INR 13,735 |
| National Institute of Technology, Warangal | Telangana | INR 62,000 |
| University Of Mysore | Karnataka | INR 99,840 |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | Kottayam | INR 29,600 |
| Sri Venkateswara University | Tirupati | INR 24,360 |
| Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation | Andhra Pradesh | INR 1,35,000 |
MSc Organic Chemistry College Comparison
Choosing a good college may be confusing as there are quite a few options. The table below shows the merits of the three best colleges giving an MSc in Organic Chemistry:
| Parameter | Jamia Millia Islamia | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Andhra University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Established in 1920, the institution promotes patriotism and national integration, as well as contribute to the future progress of India through education. | Instituted in 1949, the university aims to create technologically equipped minds to contribute to economic, and social development and progress. | Founded in 1926, this residential and teaching-cum-affiliated university gives a special focus to postgraduate courses and research. |
| Location | New Delhi | Pune | Visakhapatnam |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based | Entrance Based | Entrance Based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 16,000 | INR 23,690 | INR 1,66,000 |
| Average Placement Package | INR 5,00,000 | INR 6,50,000 | INR 4,25,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | UnitedHealth Group, Optum, Azim Premji Foundation, OYO, Zia Semiconductors, Springboard, Innovaccer Inc., Vedanta Ltd., | LiveHealth, SAP Labs, Thermax, Veritas Technologies, ZS Associates | Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, DRDO, ISRO, NSTL, BARC, Sprint Export |
Which College Offers MSc Organic Chemistry through Distance Education?
There are only a few colleges that offer the curse with such conveniences.
- Andhra University School of Distance Education is one of the top colleges to opt for a distance/online education in MSc Organic Chemistry.
- The Institute is located in Visakhapatnam.
- The duration of the course is 2 years and the average annual fees is INR 30,000.
- Students can be admitted through online application provided that they fit the usual eligibility criteria.
- Aspirants should keep in mind that a distance MSc Organic Chemistry education is considered lower than a regular master’s program due to the extensive experimenting required.
- Sometimes, the institutions may demand that the student be present in the case of practical examinations.
MSc Organic Chemistry Course Comparison
Here we have compared the MSc Organic Chemistry course with two of its closest courses, so that you can easily understand which course will suit you the most.
MSc Organic Chemistry vs. MSc Chemistry
In the table given below, we have compared MSc Organic Chemistry with MSc Chemistry on the basis of parameters like Admission Process, Eligibility, Fees, Jobs, Salary, etc.
| Parameter | MSc Organic Chemistry | MSc Chemistry |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master of Science in Organic Chemistry | Master of Science in Chemistry |
| Course Overview | MSc Organic Chemistry includes scientific study of the structure, properties, reactions, composition, and arrangements of organic compounds like carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives. | MSc Chemistry involves detailed scientific study of Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry as well as applications in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, medicinal chemistry and organometallic chemistry. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Candidates with BSc Chemistry/Organic Chemistry with an aggregate of 50% score, eligible for this course. | Candidates with BSc Chemistry with an aggregate of 50% score, eligible for this course. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 10,000 - 2,00,000 | INR 20,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Average Placement Package | INR 3,00,000 - 8,00,000 | INR 4,00,000 - 10,00,000 |
| Job Positions | Research Chemist, Chemistry Project Assistant, Quality Control Chemist, Toxicologist, Marketing Executive | Lecturer, Synthetic Lab Scientist, Research Officer, Solid State Chemistry Expert, Analytical Specialist |
MSc Organic Chemistry vs. MSc Applied Chemistry
The major points of difference between MSc Organic Chemistry and MSc Applied Chemistry are listed in the table given below.
| Parameter | MSc Organic Chemistry | MSc Applied Chemistry |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master of Science in Organic Chemistry | Master of Science in Applied Chemistry |
| Course Overview | MSc Organic Chemistry includes scientific study of the structure, properties, reactions, composition, and arrangements of organic compounds like carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives. | MSc Applied Chemistry studies combination of advanced study of chemistry and engineering, concentrating on the applications of principles in environmental, nanobiotechnological, and health issues. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Candidates with BSc Chemistry/Organic Chemistry with an aggregate of 50% score, eligible for this course. | Candidates with BSc Chemistry/Applied Chemistry with an aggregate of 50% score, eligible for this course. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 10,000 - 2,00,000 | INR 10,000 - 2,50,000 |
| Average Placement Package | INR 3,00,000 - 8,00,000 | INR 3,00,000 - 6,00,000 |
| Job Positions | Research Chemist, Chemistry Project Assistant, Quality Control Chemist, Toxicologist, Marketing Executive | Lab Supervisor, Researcher, Technician, Scientist, Professor, Analytical Chemist, Lab Chemist, Production Chemist |
Which Job and Salary Trends are Available after MSc Organic Chemistry?
A wide range of careers await those who have graduated in MSc in Organic Chemistry.
Various popular employment sectors are:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Colleges/Universities
- Schools
- Agrochemical Companies
- Plastic and Polymer Companies
- Cosmetic Companies
- Government Laboratories
- Petrochemical Companies
Brief descriptions of some jobs profiles for MSc Organic Chemistry candidates along with the salary trends are given in the table below:
| Job Position | Description | Average Salary Package |
|---|---|---|
| Research Chemist | Inspects the behaviour of chemicals towards each other and researches on different mixtures of chemicals to make and enhance products like cosmetics and medicines. | INR 3,99,000 |
| Chemistry Research Assistant | The chemistry research assistants assists the chemical scientists in various kinds of research and chemical experiments. | INR 3,50,000 |
| School Teacher | A School Teacher teaches school children about various topics and subjects covered in the Chemistry syllabus of school level. | INR 3,00,000 |
| Laboratory Assistant | Laboratory assistants are often found in high schools, Colleges, Universities and Research Laboratories. They take care of the lab and assist in the daily operation of the lab. | INR 3,50,000 |
| Toxicologist | Evaluates the impact of toxic chemicals on medicines, radiations on environment and health, as well as performs tests to detect the presence of toxic chemicals. | INR 8,96,000 |
| Deputy Manager | Assists the manager or supervisor to create and execute projects and operations, and supervises budgets. | INR 6,67,000 |
| Quality Assurance Auditor | Works inside or outside an organization to inspect and confirm that the organisation conforms its practices within the quality control rules. | INR 5,83,000 |
| Professor | Teach college/school students on the subject of organic chemistry while pursuing further research and contributing to journals. | INR 13,64,000 |
What are the Future Scope and Further Study Options after MSc Organic Chemistry?
Ample Future Scopes and Future Studies options are available after completing MSc Organic Chemistry, some of which are discussed below.
- Graduates interested in gaining more knowledge in Organic Chemistry can do so by pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Organic Chemistry, and then proceeding to PhD.
- Graduates can also enter the academic profession and/or contribute to the vast expanse of knowledge of Organic Chemistry through research in a relevant aspect.
- Students who want to proceed in a different route can take up an MBA and build a career in Management.
- Candidates may even go for master's in Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Applied Chemistry.
- Depending on the performance, graduates may find it easier to find internships during the course, and placements in various private and public sectors.
- Having internships or part-time jobs in the field may give an advantage of work experience, and helps acquire good job positions.
- With the increase of various cosmetic brands and demand for medicines, research chemists, quality assurance auditors, and toxicologists are in need.
MSc Organic Chemistry FAQs
Some Frequently Asked Questions on Organic Chemistry are discussed below.
Ques. Is Organic Chemistry the hardest branch of Chemistry?
Ques. Does a master's in organic chemistry ensure a job?
Ques. Which are the best books to refer while doing a MSc Organic Chemistry degree?
Ans. A few reference books are:
-
Enzyme Catalysis in Organic Synthesis (Vol I-III) by K Drauz and H Waldmann
-
Biotransformations in Organic Chemistry by Kurt Faber
-
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry by Bhasin
-
Name Reactions by Jie Jack Li
-
Organic Synthesis: Strategy and Control by Paul Wyatt
Ques. Can a MSc Organic Chemistry be disadvantageous?
Ques. What are the skills required to study MSc Organic Chemistry?
Ques. Does the knowledge of mathematical subjects matter for an MSc in Organic Chemistry?
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