Established in 1933, the Institute of Chemical Technology stands as a beacon of chemical engineering. It also focuses on chemical technology and pharmaceutical sciences. Let me tell you more about this esteemed institution.
The Institute of Chemical Technology began as the University Department of Chemical Technology. It was under the University of Mumbai. Sir Vitthal N. Chandavarkar was key to its founding. As Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Mill Owners Association, he understood Mumbai’s textile industry needs. Initially, the Institute of Chemical Technology admitted only 15 students. They pursued two-year post B.Sc. degrees. These degrees were in Textile Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Classes started at the Royal Institute of Science. The Institute of Chemical Technology’s own building was still under construction.
In 1943, the Institute of Chemical Technology moved to its current campus in Matunga. New specializations were introduced. These included Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals. Also included were Technology of Intermediates and Dyes. Students could study Technology of Oils, Fats and Waxes. Another option was Technology of Plastics, Paints and Varnishes. By 1958, the B.Chem.Engg course had increased its intake to 60 students. A three-year Bachelors of Pharmacy course began. It was the first of its kind in Maharashtra. Jawaharlal Nehru graced the Institute of Chemical Technology’s Silver Jubilee in 1960.
The Institute of Chemical Technology gained autonomy from Mumbai University in phases. Complete autonomy arrived in 2004. By 2008, it was granted deemed university status. It officially became the Institute of Chemical Technology. Impressively, it was the only state-funded deemed university in India.
The Institute of Chemical Technology’s campus covers 16 acres. It faces Nathalal Parekh Marg. Other buildings are located behind the academic building. These include hostels and faculty apartments. The institute also has campuses in Bhubaneswar, Odisha and Jalna, Maharashtra.
The Prof. M M Sharma Library houses a vast collection. Established in 1934, it has old books dating back to the 1930s. The library has 38200 books and 25290 journals. It subscribes to 120 international and 25 national journals.
The Institute of Chemical Technology offers B.Tech., B.Chem.Eng., and B.Pharm degrees. Masters programs specialize in various fields. These fields include Chemical Technology, Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy. The Institute of Chemical Technology is recognized by AICTE, NAAC, NBA and NIRF.
The Technological Association is a key student body. It organizes co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The Institute of Chemical Technology also has an entrepreneurship cell. It aims to boost entrepreneurial culture.
The Bombay Technologist is the institute’s annual peer-reviewed journal. It publishes student articles on science and technology. The Spirit is the bimonthly cultural magazine. It highlights student and alumni achievements.
Manzar is the Institute of Chemical Technology’s cultural festival. It features events in music, dance and literary arts. Sportsaga is the annual sports festival. Vortex is a combination of technical festivals.
The Institute of Chemical Technology has produced many notable alumni. Mukesh Ambani and Raghunath Mashelkar are among them. The institute continues to excel in education and research. It contributes significantly to India’s chemical industry.