PhD Pharmacy: Course, Admission, Entrance Exam, Fees, Syllabus, Career Scope, Salary, 2024

PhD in Pharmacy is an advanced academic program focusing on pharmaceutical research and innovation. Typically spanning 3 to 5 years, this program offers in-depth exploration into drug mechanisms, development, and application in healthcare.

Eligibility for PhD admission to a Pharmacy program usually requires a Master's degree in Pharmacy or a related field with a minimum qualifying score in entrance exams like GPAT, NET, or GATE. Renowned institutions such as NIPER, BITS Pilani, and Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences offer this doctoral program. CheckPhD Specializations

Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths, including Pharmaceutical Researchers, Clinical Pharmacists, Regulatory Affairs Specialists, and Drug Safety Officers.

In the competitive pharmaceutical industry, PhD holders in Pharmacy command lucrative salaries, with average annual earnings ranging from INR 8 LPA to INR 15 LPA, depending on factors such as experience, specialization, and employer. 

CheckList Of Medical Courses Phd - 2024

PhD Pharmacy Highlights

Course name PhD Pharmacy
Full form Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy
Duration 3 years
Eligibility Postgraduate
Level Doctorate
Average tuition fee INR 50,000 – INR 4.5 Lakhs
Admission process Entrance based
Top Recruiting Companies Fortis Kailash Hospital, Max Healthcare, Accenture, AIIMS, Sun Pharma, Dr Lal Pathlabs Limited, Dr Reddy’s Lab, etc.
Job Profiles Assistant Professor, Clinical Pharmacist, Assistant Manager, Pharmacy In-charge, Pharmacy Manager, Counter Salesman, Pharmacy Coordinator, Purchase Specialist, Professor & Associate Professor
Average Salary INR 3 LPA – INR 10 LPA

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What is a PhD Pharmacy?

PhD Pharmacy programs focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug effects, and patient treatment. Students develop research skills in drug mechanisms, absorption, and distribution, contributing to healthcare advancements. The Pharmaceutics specialization delves into drug formulation, production, and clinical applications, ideal for those interested in innovative disease treatment approaches.

Who should do a PhD Pharmacy?

Opting for a PhD Pharmacy can be a strategic move for B. Pharm graduates aiming to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry. This program enhances their capabilities through advanced learning, research aptitude, and diversified career paths.

A PhD Pharmacy can prepare students for leadership roles in academia and research as well as pharmacy practice. Pharmacists with doctoral degrees often serve as faculty members at universities and colleges, conduct research, and teach future generations of pharmacists.

A doctoral degree in Pharmaceutics can make students expert in the following:

  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Pharmaceutical molecules
  • The analysis of Pharmaceutical drugs

PhD Pharmacy Admissions

In many top universities in India, students need to take national or state-level entrance exams to get into PhD pharmacy programs. Yet, the admission criteria at certain universities might include the evaluation of students' grades. Before getting admitted, students often have to go through personal interviews with the department teachers.

Check: Ph.D Physiology 

PhD Pharmacy Entrance Exams

The table below shows the important dates of entrance exams for PhD Pharmacy:

Exam Name Registration Date Exam Date
UGC NET March 2024 June 2024
SET June 2024 July 2024
CSIR NET December 2023 January 2024
NIPER JEE April 2024 June 2024
AU AIMEE August 2024 September 2024

CheckPhD Scholarships

PhD Pharmacy Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for admission to the PhD Pharmacy are listed below:

  • A master's degree is required for admission to a PhD program. In some fields, it is mandatory to complete a master's degree in philosophy (M.Phil.) before starting a PhD program.
  • Potential candidates must have a Master's degree in any science field related to Pharmacy or similar discipline or its equivalent with at least 60% marks in aggregate. 
  • Additionally, they must qualify for an examination such as the CSIR/UGC NET or DBT JRF examination (Category A) and meet the prerequisites to qualify for a Junior Research Fellowship after clearing the interview.

CheckMD Pulmonary Medicine 

PhD Pharmacy Syllabus

The PhD program in Pharmacy, typically spanning 3 to 5 years, involves a rigorous investigation into the actions of drugs and their distribution within organisms. Through intensive research endeavors, students analyze the complex pathways and effects of pharmaceutical substances in biological contexts.

PhD Pharmacy 1st Year
Semester 1 Semester 2
Pharmaceutics Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
Physiology and Human Anatomy Biology/Remedial Mathematics
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Biochemistry of Medicine
PhD Pharmacy 2nd Year
Semester 3 Semester 4
Pharmaceutical Microbiology Community Pharmacy
Pathophysiology Pharmacology-I
Phytopharmaceuticals and Pharmacognosy Pharmacotherapeutics-I
PhD Pharmacy 3rd Year
Semester 5 Semester 6
Thesis Project Works
Group Projects Exams

CheckPh.D. Pathology 

PhD Pharmacy Reference Books

Books for PhD Pharmacy are accessible through various platforms, including both online and offline resources, authored by a multitude of writers and publishers. These books aim to provide comprehensive insights into the subject matter. They are tailored to cover specific specializations within the field. Some notable reference books for PhD Pharmacy subjects include:

Name Author
Essential Pharmaceutics Ashlee D.Brunaugh Hugh D.C.Smyth Robert O.Williams III
Practical Statistics of Pharmaceutical Analysis James E.De Muth

CheckMD Anesthesiology 

PhD Pharmacy Top Colleges

Here is a table containing top PhD Pharmacy Colleges in India.

Also Check: MD Colleges in India

PhD Pharmacy Govt Colleges

Here is a table containing top PhD Pharmacy Govt Colleges in India.

PhD Pharmacy Private Colleges

Here is a table containing top PhD Pharmacy Private Colleges in India.

PhD Pharmacy Jobs and Scope

The table below shows the jobs and scope after PhD Pharmacy:

Job Profile Description Average Salary
Pharmacist Dispensing prescriptions accurately and efficiently, providing medication counseling, monitoring for potential drug interactions, collaborating with healthcare practitioners, guidance on non-prescription medications INR 3.5 LPA
Researcher Conducting scientific experiments, designing research projects, analyzing data, writing research proposals and reports, presenting findings at conferences INR 9 LPA
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Marketing pharmaceutical products, cultivating client relationships, demonstrating product benefits, attending conferences and events, coordinating sales strategies INR 1.75 LPA
Biomedical Scientist Performing experiments, analyzing biological samples, diagnosing diseases, innovating approaches, collaborating with healthcare professionals INR 6 LPA
Analytical Chemist Performing chemical examinations, using analytical techniques, interpreting data, troubleshooting issues, ensuring safety and quality standards INR 2.5 LPA
Assistant Professor Leading classes, crafting educational content, engaging in research, publishing findings, mentoring students, participating in academic and administrative duties INR 5 LPA

CheckPh.D. (Physiotherapy 

PhD Pharmacy Top Recruiters

Here are the top recruiters for PhD Pharmacy students. 

Private Sector AbbVie, Aurobindo Pharma, Cipla, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Lotus Herbal, Lupin, Merck, Pfizer, Piramal, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and many more
Public Sector Government Hospitals, Government Scientist, India Analytical Laboratories, Indian Council for Medical Research, India Drug Research Association & Laboratory, Indian Medical Association, Ministry of Health, Pharmacy Council of India

PhD Pharmacy: FAQs

Ques. Is it possible to pursue an MBBS degree after completing a PhD?

Ans. Having a PhD Pharmacy does not qualify you for admission to an MBBS program. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria and successfully pass the medical entrance examinations after completing your 12th grade, you can enroll in an MBBS program.

Ques. What is the highest salary for a PhD Pharmacy?

Ans. According to Ambition Box, the highest salary that a PhD student in pharmacy can earn is INR 19.2 LPA.

Ques. Can one obtain a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) while pursuing a PhD Pharmacy?

Ans. Yes, it's possible. To qualify for a JRF, you need to achieve a good score in exams like the NTA-UGC NET or the CSIR NET. However, eligibility might also vary depending on the university's specific requirements.

Ques. Which country is optimal for pursuing a PhD Pharmacy?

Ans. The United States of America is considered the best destination for pharmacists to pursue their careers, as it offers the highest remuneration for this profession. While other countries also attract students due to the breadth of opportunities in pharmacy, the top choices for studying pharmacy are typically the US and the UK.

Ques. What qualifications are required to teach Pharmacy subjects in Indian colleges and universities?

Ans. To become a professor of Pharmacy in Indian educational institutions, you need to clear the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET exams and hold a PhD in any specialized field of pharmacy.

Ques. Is pursuing a PhD Pharmacy worthwhile?

Ans. Yes, obtaining a PhD Pharmacy is highly beneficial as it enhances employability and opens up various career opportunities. Graduates can pursue roles such as Researcher, Pharmacist, Biomedical Scientist, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Analytical Chemist, and Assistant Professor, with average annual salaries ranging from INR 2 - 10 LPA.

Ques. Is it possible to pursue a PhD Pharmacy overseas?

Ans. After completing your Master's in Pharmacy, you can indeed pursue a PhD abroad. In numerous countries, you can apply for a PhD program without needing to take standardized tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE. Additionally, full scholarships are often available in countries such as Australia, Germany, the United States, and New Zealand, among others, although eligibility varies based on the student's profile.

Ques. Do I need a master's degree in pharmacy to apply for PhD programs in pharmacy?

Ans. Yes, numerous Indian universities providing PhD programs in Pharmacy mandate candidates to possess an MPharm degree from a recognized institution with at least a 55% minimum aggregate score. Nevertheless, certain institutes also admit candidates with an M.Sc degree.

Ques. Is it possible to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy after completing graduation?

Ans. No, you cannot pursue a PhD Pharmacy immediately after graduation.

Ques. Can I simultaneously pursue an MPhil and a PhD Pharmacy?

Ans. Certainly, in India, there are universities and institutes offering combined MPhil and PhD programs in pharmacy. Nevertheless, the specifics regarding course specializations and the duration may vary across institutions.

Ques. Can I work as a Pharmaceutical Scientist with a doctorate in pharmacy?

Ans. No, you cannot. A doctorate in pharmacy, known as PharmD, qualifies individuals to work as pharmacists. To work as a Pharmaceutical Scientist, a degree in pharmacology such as a PhD is required.

Ques. What makes pharmacy a superior option to MBBS?

Ans. In the realm of healthcare, both pharmacy and MBBS are indispensable professions. Yet, pharmacy stands out with its unique benefits such as shorter study duration, reduced education expenses, specialized expertise, career adaptability, and enhanced work-life equilibrium.

Ques. Can I pursue an MBA after completing a PhD Pharmacy?

Ans. Definitely, you can pursue an MBA after completing a PhD Pharmacy.

Ques. What subjects are recommended for pursuing a PhD Pharmacy?

Ans. A PhD Pharmacy provides diverse specialization avenues such as new drug discovery, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and microbiology, among other options.

City
Course
Type Of College
Entrance/Exam Accepted
Avg Fee Per Year
Course Type
Affliation
College Category
STUDY PHARMACY ABROAD
Gender Accepted
Found 650 colleges
Sort By
CD RankCollegesCourse FeesPlacementUser ReviewsRanking
#13
51,510M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy- 1st Year Fees--
7.4 / 10
Based on 7 User
Reviews
#26th/125 in India 2023
#14

SRM College of Pharmacy, Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 
5,00,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy- 1st Year Fees--#14th/75 in India 2019
#15
50,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy- 1st Year Fees--
4.3 / 10
Based on 1 User
Reviews
Best in Academics
#29th/125 in India 2023
#16
62,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy- 1st Year Fees----#17th/101 in India 2020
CD RankCollegesCourse FeesPlacementUser ReviewsRanking
#29
1,75,000M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy- 1st Year Fees----#58th/125 in India 2023
#30
--M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy--
6.5 / 10
Based on 1 User
Reviews
Best in Academics
#80th/125 in India 2023