Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)

Since its founding in 1933, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) has been an important institution in the field of chemical sciences and technology in Mumbai. It was founded as the University Department of Chemical Technology and has come a long way, from a tiny entity to a renowned public university. ICT has refined its academic abilities and created an environment supporting innovative research and creativity. Its journey is indicative of an unwavering commitment to academic rigour and a relentless search for knowledge.

Affiliated with the University of Mumbai and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), ICT holds esteemed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This affiliation underscores ICT's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic quality and excellence. Such affiliations not only validate its academic programmes but also serve as a testament to its stature as a premier institution in India's academic landscape.

ICT offers a diverse array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes tailored to meet the dynamic demands of the chemical industry. From Bachelor of Technology courses to specialised Ph.D. programmes, ICT provides a comprehensive educational experience steeped in practical application and theoretical rigour. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning and cutting-edge research, ICT equips its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

ICT has established an identity for itself in the academic rankings, frequently earning commendable rankings on a national and worldwide scale. ICT is one of the best universities in Maharashtra, and its achievements are well-known both domestically and internationally. Its standing as a top university in the world for chemical sciences and technology is furthered by its regular performance in renowned rankings like the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings.

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) has a long and illustrious history that traces back to its founding as the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT) under the University of Bombay (now Mumbai) on October 1, 1933. The idea behind this initiative was to improve India's scientific and technological capabilities in the field of chemical science. The Sir M. Visvesvaraya Committee's 1921 recommendations, which advocated the establishment of a university-level Faculty of Technology and an independent college of technology in Bombay, catalysed this. The foundation of UDCT was made possible by the Academic Council's 1930 approval of Kanhaiyalal M. Munshi's motion.

Initially, UDCT offered a two-year post-B.Sc. courses in Textile Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, leading to a B.Sc. (Tech) degree. These courses commenced at the Royal Institute of Science, Mumbai, as UDCT's own building was under construction. On October 26, 1933, Robert B. The department's first head was Forster from the University of Leeds, and its first Indian director was Krishnasami Venkataraman in 1938. The department awarded its first Ph.D. (Tech) and Ph.D. (Sci) degrees in 1940 and 1941, respectively.

In 1941, the foundation stone for UDCT’s dedicated building in Matunga, Mumbai, was laid, and the campus was officially occupied in 1943. Over the subsequent decades, UDCT expanded its academic offerings, introducing specialisations such as Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals, Chemistry of Food and Drugs, Technology of Intermediates and Dyes, and Technology of Plastics, Paints, and Varnishes. The institute continued to grow, adding more courses and increasing its intake, including the launch of a three-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) course in 1958, which was later extended to four years in 1984.

The quest for autonomy by UDCT complemented its academic development. 1985 saw the institute reach partial autonomy, and by 1994 it had fully acquired autonomy—a noteworthy accomplishment acknowledged by the UGC and the Maharashtra State Government alike. On January 26, 2002, UDCT changed its name to the Mumbai University Institute of Chemical Technology (MUICT), considerably enhancing its importance. Another big step forward was the total autonomy that was awarded in 2004 under the Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP) of the Indian government.

In recognition of its academic excellence and research contributions, the institute was granted deemed university status on September 12, 2008, and subsequently renamed the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT). Over the years, ICT has continued to expand, with notable milestones such as the establishment of the DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences in 2008 and the inauguration of campuses in Bhubaneswar and Jalna in 2018. Today, ICT stands as a testament to over eight decades of academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to advancing chemical science and technology in India and beyond.

Undergraduate Programmes:

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) offers a robust selection of undergraduate programmes designed to provide a solid foundation in various facets of chemical sciences and engineering. The Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (B.Chem.Engg.) programme focuses on core areas such as process design, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering. The Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) programmes include specialisations in Dyestuff and Intermediates Technology, Fibres and Textiles Processing Technology, Food Engineering and Technology, Oils, Oleochemicals and Surfactants Technology, Pharmaceuticals Chemistry and Technology, Polymer Engineering and Technology, and Surface Coating Technology. Each specialisation is tailored to equip students with industry-specific knowledge and skills. Additionally, the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) programme offers a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences, covering drug development, formulation, and regulatory aspects.

Postgraduate Programmes:

ICT’s postgraduate programmes are designed for advanced study and specialisation in various branches of chemical technology and engineering. The Master of Chemical Engineering (M.Chem.Eng.) programme allows students to delve deeper into process engineering, environmental engineering, and bioengineering. The Master of Technology (M.Tech.) programmes offer specialisations in Dyestuff and Intermediates Technology, Fibres and Textiles Processing Technology, Food Engineering and Technology, Oils, Oleochemicals and Surfactants Technology, Pharmaceuticals Chemistry and Technology, Polymer Engineering and Technology, Surface Coating Technology, Perfumery and Flavour Technology, Bioprocess Technology with an emphasis on Downstream Processing, and Food Biotechnology. The Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm.) programme offers specialisations in Drug Delivery Technology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Medicinal Natural Products. Additionally, the M.E. in Plastics Engineering programme focuses on the design, development, and processing of plastic materials.

Doctoral Programmes:

ICT offers extensive doctoral programmes for those aspiring to contribute significantly to research and innovation in chemical sciences. The Ph.D. (Tech.) program is available in various branches of chemical engineering and technology, including Green Technology and Pharmacy. The Ph.D. (Sci.) program encompasses fields such as Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, and Physical), Physics, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Food Science, Textile Chemistry, and Biochemistry. For students holding a bachelor’s degree, the Integrated PhD (Tech.) programme provides an accelerated path by combining master’s and doctoral studies.

Diploma and Other Programmes:

ICT also offers specialised programmes designed to meet the needs of industry professionals and researchers. The Diploma in Chemical Technology Management is aimed at professionals seeking management roles within the chemical industry. For those with a bachelor’s degree, ICT offers M.Sc. programmes in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering Mathematics, and Textile Chemistry. Additionally, the M.Tech. in Green Technology programme focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly chemical processes and is available as a full-time or part-time course for practitioners from the industry.

QS World University Rankings:

• Ranked 227 in Asia in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings:

• Ranked within the 801-1000 band globally for 2023.
• Ranked 158 in Asia in 2022.
• Ranked 153 among emerging economies in 2022.

National Rankings:

• Ranked first among public universities in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) in 2020.
• Ranked among the top three institutes in Maharashtra in the 2021 National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rankings, alongside Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai's Integrated MTech batch of 2023 saw impressive placement outcomes. The highest package offered was INR 9 LPA, with an average package of INR 6 LPA. Top recruiters included prestigious organisations such as ISRO, BARC, TCS, Indian Oil, Glenmark, Amul, ONGC, HP, and Asian Paints. These placements reflect ICT's strong industry connections and its commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their professional careers.

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