Student Chapters

The primary objective of the IIChE Student Chapters is to cultivate a strong sense of fraternity and brotherhood among aspiring chemical engineers while seamlessly complementing the objectives and activities of the national Institute. Operating under the direct guidance of the Kochi Regional Centre, these chapters provide a vital, localised platform for academic and professional growth. The formation of a chapter is typically authorised upon the request of at least fifteen student members from a recognised institution offering Chemical Engineering degrees. This requirement can be lowered to ten members if a Corporate Member faculty member consents to serve as the chapter advisor, ensuring immediate professional mentorship is available.

The applications of Student Members separately or jointly to this effect shall be forwarded through the Head of the Department/Institution and Honorary Regional Secretary of the Regional Centre having territorial jurisdiction over the location of the Department/Institution, to the Honorary Secretary of the Institute for the approval of the Council. All the Students’ Chapters within the territorial limits of a Regional Centre shall function under the guidance of the concerned Regional Centre.

The activities carried out by the Student Chapters are strategically designed to enhance professional readiness and bridge the gap between academia and industry. These key programs include arranging specialised technical lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussions, and industrial excursions and plant visits to impart essential practical knowledge. Furthermore, chapters promote educational support by establishing and operating Book Banks for members and providing crucial assistance and guidance in career planning and placement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their transition into the workforce.

The governance of each Student Chapter is structured to ensure professionalism and accountability. The affairs are administered by an Executive Committee composed of a Secretary, a Joint Secretary, a Treasurer, and three to five Executive Members, all elected annually by the student body before 31 August. A critical component of this structure is the Co-ordinator, a faculty member and Corporate Member of the Institute nominated by the Kochi Regional Centre, who presides over the Executive Committee meetings (held at least quarterly) and provides essential professional oversight.

All Student Chapters are required to maintain strict financial transparency and adherence to Institute rules. They operate a dedicated bank account and are responsible for holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) before 15 May each year, where the Annual Report and audited Statement of Accounts must be presented for consideration and adoption. This commitment to proper accounting and timely submission to the Regional Centre is essential, as it determines the chapter’s eligibility for the Institute's annual subvention funding to support its operations.