What is the Role of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Why Are They Important in Today’s Industries? A Subject Matter Expert (SME) in India is a highly skilled professional with deep domain knowledge and practical experience who provides guidance, ensures accuracy, and drives quality across projects. SMEs are critical in helping organizations make informed decisions, improve processes, and maintain high standards in their respective fields.
For example, in corporate finance, SMEs at top firms like Edelweiss or ICICI Bank help design investment models and validate compliance processes. In IT and BPO operations, SMEs build knowledge bases, streamline workflows, support training programs, and ensure adherence to industry standards. In the education sector, SMEs contribute by designing curriculum, developing assessments, and enhancing academic content to improve student learning outcomes.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover:
By understanding these aspects, you’ll see why SMEs are in growing demand across industries, helping organizations achieve measurable results while maintaining credibility and trust.
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a professional with extensive knowledge and experience in a specific area or field. They are recognized as authorities in their domain. They are often called upon to provide expert advice, solve complex problems, and ensure the accuracy and quality of work related to their expertise.
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a professional with deep knowledge and experience in a specific field. Their main job is to provide expert advice, solve complex problems, and make sure that projects are accurate and high-quality. SMEs help businesses, organizations, and teams by sharing valuable insights, improving processes, and making informed decisions. They are often involved in training, creating content, and checking the quality of work to maintain high standards. Whether in IT, healthcare, finance, or any other industry, SMEs are key to ensuring success.
Organizations like Chegg India hire freelance Subject Matter Experts. These experts sign up on the website or are hired from campuses. They answer questions related to a specific subject posted by students worldwide and get paid for each question they answer. The average salary for a Subject Matter Expert is between ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 per month, and ₹2.4 Lakhs – ₹24 Lakhs per year.
Source: Ambitionbox.in
Understanding what a Subject Matter Expert does is essential, as SMEs are recruited across various fields and industries where specialized knowledge is vital. Their roles and responsibilities vary depending on the industry and organizational needs. Here are some examples of how SMEs contribute in different areas:
Understanding what a Subject Matter Expert does, SMEs are highly valued for their in-depth knowledge, experience, and ability to offer insights that aid in decision-making, problem-solving, and driving innovation within their respective fields.
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) plays a crucial role in various industries by providing specialized knowledge and expertise. But what does a Subject Matter Expert do? Here are some key responsibilities of an SME, explained in detail:
By fulfilling these responsibilities, SMEs ensure that projects are completed successfully and meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy. Their expertise is invaluable in guiding teams and organizations toward achieving their goals. In education, healthcare, manufacturing, or any other field, SMEs are vital to ensuring success. So, what does a Subject Matter Expert do? They provide the specialized knowledge and skills to drive projects forward and achieve excellence.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are highly valued for their specialized knowledge and expertise in specific fields. But what does a Subject Matter Expert do? To excel in their roles, SMEs need to possess various skills. Here are some essential skills for SMEs:
SMEs must have extensive knowledge in their area of expertise. This includes understanding the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. For example, a technology SME should be well-versed in the newest software development methodologies and tools.
SMEs must analyze complex information and data to provide accurate insights and solutions. This involves critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. For instance, an SME in finance must be able to analyze financial statements and market trends to make informed recommendations.
Effective communication is crucial for SMEs. They must convey complex information clearly and concisely to different audiences, including team members, stakeholders, and clients. This includes both written and verbal communication skills
SMEs should be adept at conducting thorough research to stay updated on the latest developments in their field. This helps them provide the most current and relevant information. For example, an SME in healthcare needs to keep up with the latest medical research and treatments
SMEs often work with various teams to achieve project goals. They must collaborate effectively, share their expertise, and support team members. This involves being a good listener and being open to feedback
Accuracy is critical for SMEs. They must pay close attention to details to ensure all information and deliverables are correct and meet the required standards. This is especially important for roles that involve compliance and quality assurance
Adapting to changing circumstances and new information is essential for SMEs. They must be flexible and open to learning new skills and technologies. This is particularly important in fast-paced industries like technology and finance
SMEs often play a role in training and mentoring others. They need to be able to teach and guide team members, helping them develop their skills and knowledge. This is a key part of subject matter expert skills
While not always a primary responsibility, having project management skills can benefit SMEs. They need to understand project timelines, resource allocation, and deliverable tracking to ensure successful project completion
SMEs must adhere to ethical standards and practices in their field. This includes maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring that their advice and actions are in the best interest of their organization and clients
By developing and honing these skills, SMEs can effectively fulfill their roles and contribute to the success of their organizations. Whether you are an SME in education, healthcare, technology, or any other field, these skills are essential for providing valuable insights and expertise.
Subject matter experts’ high-impact jobs leverage deep expertise to drive meaningful change across industries, education, technology, and public policy. For example, a Chegg India subject expert uses their academic knowledge to help students worldwide, solve complex academic queries, and contribute to accessible education-making a tangible real-world impact beyond routine work. These roles allow experts to go beyond routine work and contribute to solving complex real-world problems at scale.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are critical to organizational success due to their deep, specialized knowledge in specific domains. Their importance stems from several key contributions:
While SMEs are vital, over-reliance can create bottlenecks, and their specialized focus may limit broader perspectives. Organizations should balance SME input with interdisciplinary collaboration and invest in knowledge-sharing systems to mitigate dependency.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are increasingly in demand across India, with platforms like Chegg India actively hiring professionals to provide high-quality academic and corporate guidance. The registration process is straightforward-requiring a valid email and mobile number, followed by a subject knowledge test and a guidelines assessment.
This career path is well-paying, rewarding, and intellectually fulfilling, offering flexible work hours and part-time opportunities. Working as an SME not only allows you to earn while you learn but also provides exposure to multinational work environments and industry best practices. By building expertise in your domain, consistently updating your knowledge, and following credible platforms like Chegg, you can establish a trusted professional reputation, which is a key factor for long-term career growth and recognition in today’s knowledge-driven industries.
So, if you are a committed learner dedicated to helping people answer their questions and doubts with your knowledge, signing up as a Chegg Subject Matter Expert is an excellent choice!
We hope we have clarified the subject matter expert’s roles and responsibilities and what a subject matter expert does.
Yes, being a subject matter expert is a good career. SMEs are highly valued for their specialized knowledge and expertise, which can lead to well-paying jobs, job security, and opportunities for career advancement.
To become a subject matter expert, gain deep knowledge in a specific field through education, professional experience, and continuous learning. Building a strong reputation and demonstrating expertise through projects and publications can help you become recognized as an SME.
At Chegg, a Subject Matter Expert (SME) plays a key role in delivering accurate, high-quality academic solutions to student queries. They provide step-by-step explanations, ensure clarity in concepts, and support learners across various subjects. SMEs help maintain Chegg’s educational standards by contributing their expertise and ensuring timely, helpful responses to academic questions.
A person qualifies as a subject matter expert if they have extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise in a particular area, often demonstrated through advanced education, professional experience, and peer recognition.
In India, the salary for an SME (Subject Matter Expert) typically ranges from ₹6,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year, depending on the industry, experience, and expertise level. Senior SMEs in specialized fields may earn even more.
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a professional with deep knowledge and experience in a specific field. They provide expert advice, solve complex problems, and ensure the accuracy and quality of work related to their expertise.
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a person with deep and specialized knowledge in a particular field or topic. They are considered the go-to authority for that subject and are often sought out for their expertise to solve problems, offer guidance, or train others. SMEs can be internal employees or external consultants, and their knowledge can be applied to various areas like technology, business processes, or specific industries.
Authored by, Anshika Sharma
Digital Content Writer
Anshika specializes in writing informational content designed to educate and engage readers at all levels. She aims to spark curiosity and make learning a genuinely enjoyable experience. When she’s not writing, she’s often immersed in research for her next piece or exploring new topics to expand her knowledge and creativity.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
