Graduated from University of Mumbai in 1972 in the Subject of Chemistry from Patkar-Varde College, Goregaon. M.Sc.in Inorganic Chemistry, followed by PhD in 1979 of Mumbai University from The Institute of Science in the Subject of Nuclear Analytical Chemistry, under the guidance of Late Prof. B.C. Haldar.

Joined Government of Maharashtra service as Lecturer in Chemistry in 1977, thereafter was selected as Reader in Chemistry by Public Service Commission and finally became Professor of Chemistry in 1998. Due to his distinguished research career and administrative skills he was chosen by Government of Maharashtra as Joint Director ,Higher Education ,Mumbai Region in the year 2000, wherein he could bring Academic and Administrative reforms, noted amongst them was a contribution to writing of Private University Act, Law University Act, adoption of Statutes of Autonomy for State universities in Maharashtra thereby opening the doors for autonomy to Institutions in Maharashtra.

In year 2004, he was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University and in 2010 he was appointed as Vice Chancellor University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. He could bring landmark changes in universities he served. His work at University of Rajasthan earned reputation, resulting in his short listing as candidate for UGC Chairmanship .He was appointed Chairman of High Level Committee of State of Rajasthan to upgrade Grants and Standards of Higher Education in Rajasthan. During his tenure, the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur was adjudged the University of having Highest H Index in the country. Under his leadership University of Rajasthan was awarded Scheme of University with Potential of Excellence.

Dr. Sawant executed over 20 Research Projects including one from IAEA,Vienna. In 1991 he revealed the issue of Lead (Pb) poisoning cases in India which invited Global attention and made a compelling force for Government to opt for unleaded petrol in India. By scientific pursuit, he could expose the dreaded pollution issues of rivers of Mumbai and Pune as well as of Industrial zones.