PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Medicinal Chemistry) Admission 2024-25, Check Sample Papers, Result, IIRF Ranking

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences About

PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences is a three year minimum doctorate level programme. The programme structure is on semester system and deals with researching new discoveries in pharma or medicine and drugs. Candidates get to design, formulate and test medicines and understand its effects.

The eligibility criteria for the programme is to have a Masters in Pharmacy with at least 60% aggregate score from a recognized educational institute. Admissions is done on the basis of entrance examinations like CSIR, NET, SLET etc. Upon qualifying for the entrance exam round, candidates are invited for a personal interview round where one has to present their research proposal.

Some of the top institutes that offer PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences are Amity University Noida, BITS Ranchi, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai etc. The average course fee is in the range of INR 5,000 to INR 3,00,000.

Upon finishing the programme and being awarded a doctorate degree, candidates get to work in top pharma companies like Glaxo, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cyprotex etc. Some of the common job profiles one is hired into are teacher/professor, Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Medicinal Chemist etc. The average placement package is in the range of INR 2 to INR 20 lacs p.a.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Highlights

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Entrance Exam

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• IIT JAM
• GPAT
• VITMEE

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Admission Process

Admissions to the programme is strictly on the basis of an entrance examination score and a personal interview round. Entrance exams, both national and state level are accepted at universities and institutes. The syllabus for each exam will be different from university to university. 

The process of admission has been elaborated below.

Registration: Registration opens up every academic year and in limited seats. Deadlines for registration are announced in advance. An account will have to be opened up using the email id, phone number etc.

Fill up details: Fill up the application form with all necessary details. Past educational achievements, internships, projects, work experience etc. must be filled out in earnest.

Submit documents: Documents like mark sheets, transfer certificates etc. are to be scanned and submitted into the application portal. Documents must be in a specific format and size only.

Application fee: A nominal application fee or a fee for the entrance examination is to be paid in advance. Payment can be done using all major online payment methods like credit and debit cards etc.

Admit card and exam: Upon evaluating the applications, admit cards are issued to the candidates. The admit card is to be downloaded and printed to be used for the exam. Prepare for the exam and sit for it on the announced date.

Results: After the examination, results are evaluated and announced in two to three weeks. Only the ones who have qualified the exam will proceed to the next level.

Personal Interview: Selected candidates will be invited for a personal interview round. One has to bring in their research proposals pertaining to the chosen research topic, methodology etc.

Admission: Once the interview round, candidates will be invited to take admission.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for a PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences programme will be different from university to university. The general eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. Candidate has to have a Masters in Pharmacy or a Masters in any Science stream from a recognized institute.
2. A minimum 60% aggregate score is necessary to be considered for admissions. For SC, ST and OBC category students, the aggregate score will be more relaxed.
3. A research proposal is needed for the personal interview round that states the research objective, process, methodology etc.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Duration

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on their academic records, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and performance on entrance exams (if applicable).

Other factors that may be considered include relevant work experience and extracurricular activities.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry program, applicants typically need to submit an online application form along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any entrance exam scores. Some institutions may also require a writing sample or a personal interview. It is important to check the specific application requirements for each institution.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Application Form

The application form for a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry is usually available on the institution's website.

Applicants will need to create an account, fill out personal information, academic history, and upload supporting documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and entrance exam scores (if required).

The application fee will also need to be paid online.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry typically involves the following steps:

Research: Research different institutions and their programs to determine which one aligns with your interests and goals

Requirements: Check the specific application requirements for each institution.

Application: Create an account and fill out the online application form. Upload supporting documents and pay the application fee.

Deadline: Be sure to apply before the deadline.

Follow-up: Check the application status regularly and follow up with the institution if necessary.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Fee Structure

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Syllabus

1. Pharmaceutics
2. Pharmacology and Toxicology
3. Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
4. Pharmacognosy and Natural Products
5. Medicinal Chemistry
6. Research Methodology
7. Practical

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Job Scope

Pharmacist: Pharmacists are responsible for checking and providing medications to patients, talking with physicians, providing health advice to patients etc. They either work in a pharmacy in a hospital or a private pharmacy of their own.

Pharmaceutical Researchers: They are responsible for developing and researching new drugs. Once a drug is developed it is forwarded for approval to the FDA. They work for large pharma companies behind the scenes.

Biomedical Scientist: A Biomedical Scientist works in a laboratory diagnosing and investigating illnesses and diseases based on microorganisms. They find out new medicines to treat such diseases.

Healthcare Scientist: Healthcare Scientists work on a large range of duties ranging from genetics to functioning of organs. They work on detecting, treating and preventing diseases using blood samples of patients.

Toxicologist: A Toxicologist works on human samples and blood to find out chemicals and poisons present in it. They work on different toxic materials and try controlling the toxicities present affect the environment and other animals.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Career Opportunities

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Top Colleges

Some of the top institutions for a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry include:

1. University of California, San Francisco
2. University of Michigan
3. University of Wisconsin-Madison
4. Purdue University
5. University of Texas at Austin
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. Harvard University
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
10. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Admission process for PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

1. Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.