Career as a Carbon Capture Engineer in India: Salary, Courses and How to Begin

At a glance

A carbon capture engineer designs systems that trap carbon dioxide from industrial emissions so it can be stored or reused; the usual route in is a chemical or process engineering degree.

A carbon capture engineer designs and runs systems that separate carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial emissions, such as those from refineries, petrochemical plants and power stations, so that it can be stored underground or reused. It is a specialised climate career in the energy sector that combines process engineering with environmental goals.

Carbon capture is still a young field in India, but interest is growing. IIT Bombay set up what was reported as the first national centre in carbon capture in November 2022, and energy major Chevron announced a $1 billion engineering and innovation hub in India in February 2025. Research on new capture methods, including direct air capture, remained active in 2026. Public data on how many people hold this exact job title is limited, so read demand as a trend rather than a headcount.

Many people enter the field through a B.Tech in chemical engineering, followed by a postgraduate degree or on-the-job training in process plants. The work suits students who enjoy chemistry, process design and practical problem-solving, and who are comfortable following strict plant safety rules.

Minimum Qualification
Class 12 (PCM) plus a bachelor's engineering degree
Typical Degree
B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical Engineering (4 years)
Expected Entry Salary
To be verified (no salary data found)
Entry-level to Senior
To be verified (no salary data found)
Job Demand Growth
Emerging; demand data to be verified
Work Hours
Mostly office and plant hours; shifts possible
Places of Work
Refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, labs

What Does a Carbon Capture Engineer Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Study industrial emission sources and estimate the volume and composition of CO2 that a plant produces.

  • Select capture technologies, such as amine-based absorption, adsorption or membranes, that suit a particular plant.

  • Prepare process flow diagrams and mass and energy balances, and size equipment such as absorbers, strippers and compressors.

  • Run process simulations and pilot-plant trials to test performance and cost before a full-scale build.

  • Plan the transport and storage of captured CO2, including pipelines and geological storage options, with geologists and site teams.

  • Check designs against process safety and environmental rules, and prepare hazard reviews.

  • Monitor operating plants, troubleshoot performance problems and write technical reports for management and regulators.

Where They Work

Carbon capture engineers in India mostly work for companies that run emission-heavy plants. These include public sector oil and gas companies, private refiners and petrochemical producers, power and fertiliser plants, and engineering consultancies that design plants for them. Global energy companies with engineering centres in India also hire process engineers for decarbonisation projects.

Research and academic roles are found at institutes such as the IITs, which run carbon capture research centres, and at national laboratories and industry research teams. Plant-based roles involve site visits and shift work, while design and research roles are usually based in offices or labs.

How to Become a Carbon Capture Engineer in India?

After Class 10

Choose the Science stream with Mathematics if you are aiming for engineering. Build strong basics in physics, chemistry and maths, and look for plant visits, science projects or energy-related activities.

After Class 12

Clear the entrance exams for engineering colleges, such as JEE Main or state-level exams, and join a B.Tech/B.E. in chemical or process engineering. Petroleum or environmental engineering are alternative routes.

Undergraduate

Complete a four-year B.Tech/B.E. Build knowledge of thermodynamics, reaction engineering, mass transfer and process design. Take electives or projects on CO2 capture, energy or environmental topics, and apply for internships at refineries, power plants or consultancies.

Postgraduate and Specialisation

A two-year M.Tech or M.E. in chemical, process or energy engineering helps you specialise in carbon capture. GATE is a route to public sector jobs for many chemical engineering postgraduates. A PhD suits research and academic careers.

Certification and Short Courses (optional)

Short courses in carbon capture and storage, process safety or process simulation software can strengthen your CV. Check the provider, content and recognition before you enrol.

First Job

Start as a process or project engineer at a plant, consultancy or research centre. Work on design, operations or pilot projects, and move towards carbon capture projects as your experience grows.

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) in Class 12 for B.Tech/B.E. routes.

  • Strong chemistry and maths help with process calculations, thermodynamics and reaction engineering.

  • Commerce and humanities students usually need to switch to a science route before they can enter engineering degrees.

  • Entrance exams and colleges set their own subject and eligibility rules, so check each brochure before applying.


Minimum Qualification

  • Class 12 pass with PCM for undergraduate entry. Each college sets its own minimum aggregate marks, so check the cut-off before applying.

  • A B.Tech/B.E. in chemical, process, petroleum or a related engineering field is the usual minimum for an engineer's role.

  • An M.Tech/M.E. or PhD is useful for research roles and some specialist positions.

  • GATE scores are used for many public sector recruitment drives and for some postgraduate admissions.

Courses and Degrees for Carbon Capture Engineer

  • Undergraduate Degrees
    • B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical Engineering (4 years)
    • B.Tech/B.E. in Petroleum Engineering (4 years)
    • B.Tech/B.E. in Environmental Engineering (4 years)
    Postgraduate Degrees
    • M.Tech/M.E. in Chemical or Process Engineering (2 years)
    • M.Tech/M.E. in Energy or Environmental Engineering (2 years)
    • M.Sc. in Chemistry or Environmental Science (2 years)
    • PhD in Chemical Engineering or Carbon Capture (3-5 years)
    Diplomas
    • Diploma in Chemical Engineering (3 years)
    • Diploma in Petrochemical Technology (3 years)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Carbon capture and storage short course (duration varies, typically a few weeks)
    • Process simulation software training, such as Aspen HYSYS (duration varies)
    • Process safety and HAZOP training (duration varies)

Entrance Exams for Carbon Capture Engineer

  • Exam
    GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
    Level
    National; postgraduate and recruitment
    Held
    Once a year (to verify)
    For Course
    M.Tech/M.E. admissions and public sector engineering recruitment
  • Exam
    JEE Main
    Level
    National; undergraduate
    Held
    Twice a year (to verify)
    For Course
    B.Tech/B.E. at NITs, IIITs and other engineering colleges
  • Exam
    JEE Advanced
    Level
    National; undergraduate (IITs)
    Held
    Once a year (to verify)
    For Course
    B.Tech at the IITs, including chemical engineering

Top Colleges for Carbon Capture Engineer

Government Institutes

  • College
    IIT Bombay
    Location
    Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • College
    IIT Madras
    Location
    Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • College
    IIT Kharagpur
    Location
    Kharagpur, West Bengal
  • College
    IIT Delhi
    Location
    New Delhi, Delhi
  • College
    Institute of Chemical Technology
    Location
    Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • College
    Jadavpur University
    Location
    Kolkata, West Bengal

Private Institutes

  • College
    UPES
    Location
    Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Skills Required to Become a Carbon Capture Engineer

Technical Skills

  • Chemical process fundamentals: mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, reaction engineering
  • CO2 capture technologies: amine absorption, adsorption, membranes and sorbents
  • Process simulation software, such as Aspen HYSYS
  • Process design and equipment sizing for absorbers, strippers and compressors
  • Basics of CO2 transport and geological storage
  • Process safety, HAZOP and risk assessment
  • Data analysis and Excel-based calculations

Soft Skills

  • Analytical problem-solving
  • Teamwork across chemical, mechanical and geology teams
  • Clear communication with non-engineers and regulators
  • Strong attention to safety and detail
  • Project planning and time management
  • Willingness to keep learning as technology changes

Carbon Capture Engineer Salary in India

0-2 years

Entry Level

To verify (no salary data in research)

  • Typical job titles: Junior Process Engineer, Graduate Engineer Trainee, Associate Engineer on carbon capture projects
  • Work: supports design calculations, simulations and data checks under a senior engineer

3-7 years

Mid Level

To verify (no salary data in research)

  • Typical job titles: Process Engineer, CCUS Project Engineer, Process Design Engineer
  • Work: leads sections of design, runs pilot trials and coordinates with plant operations

8+ years

Senior Level

To verify (no salary data in research)

  • Typical job titles: Lead Process Engineer, Carbon Capture Project Manager, Technical Manager
  • Work: owns project decisions, cost and safety approvals, and mentors junior engineers

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Junior Process Engineer

Supports design and simulation work on capture units at refineries, petrochemical plants or power stations.

CCUS Project Engineer

Plans and delivers carbon capture, transport and storage projects from design to start-up.

Process Safety Engineer

Checks capture plant designs for hazards, leaks and safe operating limits.

Pilot Plant Engineer

Runs small-scale trials to test capture solvents, sorbents or membranes before a full build.

Sustainability Consultant

Advises companies on decarbonisation options, including carbon capture and storage.

Research Scientist

Works in institutes or labs on new capture materials and methods, often after a PhD.

Scope and Future of Carbon Capture Engineer in India

Demand for carbon capture skills is linked to climate targets and to emission-heavy industries such as oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals and power. Research activity is strong: in October 2026, a new thin-film system aimed at faster direct air capture of CO2 was reported, and in June 2026 researchers reported beads made from dairy and tofu waste that capture CO2 from the air. These are research stories, not job counts, so read them as signs of direction rather than proof of hiring.

India's research base is building. IIT Bombay set up what was reported as the first national centre in carbon capture in November 2022. Energy companies are also expanding engineering work in India; Chevron announced a $1 billion engineering and innovation hub in February 2025. Government support for carbon capture should be checked against the latest budget and ministry announcements before you plan your career around it.

Carbon capture and process skills can be used abroad, because the same types of plants and technologies operate in many countries and direct air capture research is global. Overseas roles usually need relevant experience, and rules for work visas and engineering licences vary by country, so check them before you apply.

Is Carbon Capture Engineer
the Right Career for You?

Carbon Capture Engineer can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?


Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

Carbon Capture Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions

What does a carbon capture engineer do?

A carbon capture engineer designs and runs systems that separate carbon dioxide from industrial emissions, such as flue gas from power plants or gas streams at refineries. They choose capture technologies, run process calculations and simulations, plan how captured CO2 is transported and stored, and check designs for safety. Much of the work is project-based and plant-based, so it combines office design work with time at industrial sites.

Which degree should I study to become a carbon capture engineer in India?

A B.Tech or B.E. in chemical engineering is a common starting point, because it covers thermodynamics, reaction engineering and process design. Petroleum and environmental engineering are alternative routes. For specialised or research roles, an M.Tech or PhD in chemical, process or energy engineering helps. Check each college's syllabus for carbon capture or energy electives before you choose.

Is carbon capture engineering a good career in India?

It can be a good choice for students who like chemistry, process design and climate work. It is a specialised field, though, so openings may be fewer than in general engineering. Growth depends on climate policy, industry investment and research funding, which can change over time. Many people start in chemical or process engineering jobs and move into carbon capture projects later. Check current job listings and industry news before you decide.

Can I become a carbon capture engineer after Class 12 with commerce or humanities?

Most engineering routes require Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, so students from commerce or humanities usually need to move to a science route first. If you have not studied PCM, speak to a career counsellor about the options that fit your subjects and goals. Some diploma or degree courses in related fields may have different entry rules, so check each college's eligibility criteria carefully.

Do I need GATE to work as a carbon capture engineer?

No, GATE is not required for every job in this field. It is most useful for M.Tech admissions and for public sector recruitment, where many chemical engineering postgraduates are hired through GATE scores. Private companies often hire based on interviews, projects and internships. Check each recruiter's requirements, and plan your GATE preparation early if it is part of your goal.

How much does a carbon capture engineer earn in India?

This page does not yet quote a verified salary range for this job title. Pay usually depends on your degree, the type of employer, location, experience and whether you hold a postgraduate qualification. Public sector companies, large energy firms, consultancies and start-ups can offer different packages. Check recent salary surveys and current job postings for the latest figures before you plan.

Is carbon capture engineering the same as chemical engineering?

No. Chemical engineering is a broad field that covers many industries, including refining, pharmaceuticals and food processing. Carbon capture engineering is a specialised area within it, focused on capturing CO2 from emissions and storing or reusing it. Many carbon capture engineers are trained as chemical engineers, so the degree is a strong base for both paths.

Can I study carbon capture engineering abroad?

Some universities abroad offer postgraduate courses in carbon capture, carbon storage or energy engineering. Entry requirements, fees and visa conditions differ by country and university, so check them directly on each university's official website. A strong undergraduate record in chemical or process engineering is usually the foundation for these courses.

Book a Free Counselling Session to Know Your Perfect Career Fit!