The Department of Chemistry, Govt Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1934. The department was elevated to the stature of a Postgraduate department from an undergraduate status, with the commencement of an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry program in 1999. Ever since its inception, the students have been securing top ranks in the Kerala University postgraduate examinations. The learning experiences of the students are enriched and enhanced substantially with smart classrooms, spacious labs and a fully equipped library.  The department has to its credit, experienced and committed faculty members, having doctoral degrees and post-doctoral research experiences.

The department periodically organizes various seminars, symposiums, and workshops in collaboration with the Higher Education Council of Kerala and the Department of Collegiate Education, Govt of Kerala to disseminate the latest and best in the discipline to build competence and skill among the learners and thereby secure national attention. The department strives to organize a plethora of seminars and a host of events in conjunction with the various clubs and cells of the college to ensure a dynamic and vibrant campus life. Last year, the students of the department secured an ever-rolling trophy in the N S Wariyar intercollegiate quiz competition held at University College, Thiruvananthapuram. The faculty members motivate the students to engage in activities to make them good citizens with human values and a competitive mentality to navigate the contemporary world.

Along with the PG program, the department furnishes opportunities to inculcate research aptitude and scientific temperament among the students. Opportunities are given to the students to fetch placements in research institutes of national / international repute. We have a brilliant track record of our students qualifying for national-level competitive exams like NET and GATE, after completing their PG program and pursuing Ph.D. in research institutes such as CSIR – NIIST Thiruvananthapuram, NCL Pune etc.