Recent years have seen an increase in the level of consciousness that people possessed about the environment around them. This has made Environmental sciences and engineering an interesting career option. People trained in these disciplines have become guardians of the environment.

The rapid and overwhelming economic development in India has resulted in a sharp increase in the level of environmental pollution. Environmental scientists and engineers now face the task of steering India away from this dreadful path and getting them on the track of long term sustainable development.

Institutes in India are now offering formal training programs and courses in this very field. Due to the popularity and importance of this field a number of well renowned institutes are offering courses in environmental sciences and engineering for individuals to consider this as a serious career option.

Amongst the top of the line institutes offering courses at different levels in the discipline of environmental sciences and engineering are:
University of Delhi
Bharathiar University
University of Pune
Bharati Vidyapeeth
University of Chennai
Kolhapur Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering
Delhi College of Engineering
Visveswariah Technological University
Jamia Milia Islamia
UP Technical University (Instt of Engg & Tech) Lucknow
Thapar Instt of Engg & Technology, Patiala

Eligibility criteria for the various programs :
To apply for a three year B.S.C program in environmental sciences a student must have completed his higher secondary education with in science subjects. Students with B.S.C in botany, physics, chemistry and zoology can apply for the M.S.C program in environmental sciences.

Similarly a student who has successfully completed his higher secondary education in science related subjects can opt for a B.E program in environmental sciences. After this course students can pursue an M.Tech course in the field.

The scope and importance of environmental sciences :
The scope of environmental sciences and engineering as a career option is directly linked to its importance. Since environmental pollution of different kinds is adversely affecting our surroundings there is a great demand for environmental scientists who can look for ways to curb the problem at hand.

The particular area of concern for environment scientists is to look into matters of pollution control as well as industrial hygiene. Radiation control, toxic materials control, waste management, water supply and other relative areas are the aspects associated with the job of the trained professional in the field.

Needless to say a country like India has limitless job opportunities for people with adequate training in environmental sciences and engineering. This is because India is a growing industrial nation. The industrial sector has ignored environmental issues for quite some time. The country has however experienced a new awakening to the damage that is being done to the environment. This has left the industrial sector seeking for qualified professionals who can guide them in this matter.

The central and state pollution control boards are looking for educated people in the field. They offer a handsome salary and fringe benefits to trained professionals. There are many firms related to environmental projects operating on an international level. Such companies offer highly lucrative compensations to Indian environmental scientists and engineers.