Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)

Since its founding in 1933, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai—originally the University Department of Chemical Technology—has grown from humble beginnings into a world-class public university fostering innovation in chemical sciences and technology. Its rigorous academic culture and creative research environment underscore a steadfast commitment to excellence and discovery.

Affiliated with the University of Mumbai and UGC-recognised, ICT holds top-tier accreditation from NAAC and is a stalwart in national rankings. In 2024, it secured the #5 spot in NIRF’s Pharmacy category and ranked 801–1000 globally in THE’s world university rankings, with notable recognition across Asia.

ICT has recently received remarkable support: alumnus Mukesh Ambani donated Rs 151 crore—the institute’s largest-ever contribution—as a heartfelt homage to his mentor, Prof. M. M. Sharma. This historic ‘guru dakshina’ is set to significantly boost research infrastructure, student support, and innovation initiatives. Additionally, Emeritus Professor Manmohan Sharma contributed his insights virtually at the TRIPS-2025 Summit at IIT-Kanpur, advocating for fundamental research in catalysis and sustainable innovation.

On leadership, Prof. Aniruddha B. Pandit’s election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2023 and Prof. G. D. Yadav’s receipt of the prestigious Bhatnagar Fellowship in 2025 reflect the faculty’s global esteem and impact. Meanwhile, Prof. Bhalchandra Bhanage’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor of MSU, Baroda, demonstrates the influence and leadership grooming ICT provides.

These recent developments, major philanthropic support, global faculty recognition, and policy thought leadership, reinforce ICT’s enduring legacy and make it a shining beacon in India’s academic landscape.

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) has a long and illustrious history, tracing back to its founding as the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT) under the University of Bombay (now Mumbai) on October 1, 1933. The initiative was rooted in the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Committee’s 1921 recommendations, which emphasised the need for a university-level Faculty of Technology and an independent college of technology in Bombay. The Academic Council’s approval of Kanhaiyalal M. Munshi’s motion in 1930 turned this vision into reality.

Initially, UDCT offered two-year post-B.Sc. courses in Textile Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, leading to a B.Sc. (Tech) degree. These courses began at the Royal Institute of Science, Mumbai, until UDCT’s own building was ready. On October 26, 1933, Robert B. Forster from the University of Leeds was appointed the first head of the department, succeeded in 1938 by the first Indian director, Krishnasami Venkataraman. UDCT awarded its first Ph.D. (Tech) and Ph.D. (Sci) degrees in 1940 and 1941, setting early benchmarks in advanced research.

In 1941, the foundation stone for UDCT’s permanent campus in Matunga, Mumbai, was laid, with official occupation in 1943. Over the following decades, UDCT expanded its academic programmes, introducing pioneering specialisations in Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals, Food and Drug Chemistry, Intermediates and Dyes, Plastics, Paints, and Varnishes. In 1958, it launched the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) programme, later extended to four years in 1984.

The pursuit of academic freedom defined UDCT’s growth. It attained partial autonomy in 1985 and full autonomy in 1994, recognised by the UGC and the Maharashtra Government. In 2002, it was renamed the Mumbai University Institute of Chemical Technology (MUICT), and in 2004, it gained total autonomy under TEQIP. On September 12, 2008, UDCT was granted Deemed University status, officially becoming the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT).

Since then, ICT has cemented its position as a premier centre for education, innovation, and research. It established the DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences in 2008 and inaugurated satellite campuses in Bhubaneswar and Jalna in 2018, extending its reach beyond Mumbai. ICT continues to excel in global rankings, featuring in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings, while in India it ranked among the top 5 in NIRF’s 2024 Pharmacy category.

Recent years have brought remarkable milestones. In 2023, ICT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aniruddha B. Pandit, was elected a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for his pioneering contributions to cavitation and green chemical engineering. In 2025, Prof. G. D. Yadav was honoured with the prestigious Bhatnagar Fellowship, further strengthening ICT’s global academic stature.

The institute also received unprecedented philanthropic support in 2024, when alumnus Mukesh Ambani donated ₹151 crore — the largest endowment in ICT’s history — as a tribute to his mentor, Prof. M. M. Sharma. This landmark contribution is set to enhance ICT’s infrastructure, research, and student programmes significantly.

Today, in 2025, ICT stands as a beacon of over nine decades of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and societal impact. From its roots as UDCT to its current status as a globally respected deemed university, ICT remains committed to advancing chemical science and technology, nurturing future leaders, and driving sustainable innovation 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.

Global Rankings
 

• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 – placed in the 801–1000 band worldwide.
• THE Asia University Rankings 2025 – ranked 188 in Asia.
• QS Asia University Rankings 2025 – positioned at 336 in Asia.
• CWUR (World Rankings) 2025 – placed at 1924 globally, among the top 9% universities in the world.
   

Subject Rankings
 

• THE Engineering Rankings 2025 – in the 601–800 global band.

National Rankings
 

• NIRF Engineering 2024 (India) – ranked 41st in the country.
• IIRF Engineering 2025 (India) – placed 14th among engineering colleges in India.

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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• Institute of Chemical Technology - Mumbai | US News & Report
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