PhD in 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.
Course Level | Doctorate |
Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Duration | 3 years and higher |
Examination type | Semester System |
Eligibility | Masters Degree in Science Stream |
Admission Process | Entrance Examination with Personal Interview |
Top Recruiting Companies | Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, CellDex therapeutics, Covance, Glaxo, Cyprotex |
Job Positions | Pharmacist, Medicinal chemist, Pharmaceutical researcher, Pharmaceutical chemist, Professor |
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
Candidate has to have a Masters in Pharmacy or a Masters in any Science stream from a recognized institute. |
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. |
A research proposal is needed for the personal interview round that states the research objective, process, methodology etc. |
The duration of a Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program is typically three to five years, depending on the university and the research project undertaken by the candidate.
1 | Research the universities offering the program and their admission requirements. |
2 | Register and appear for the entrance exam conducted by the university. |
3 | Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents (academic records, research experience, SOP, LOR, etc.) to the university. |
4 | Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview with the faculty members. |
5 | Based on the performance in the entrance exam, academic records, research experience, SOP, LOR, and interview, the university will select candidates for admission to the program. |
The application process for a Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program typically involves the following steps: |
Register for the entrance exam conducted by the university. |
Fill out the application form and attach the required documents. |
Pay the application fee. |
Submit the application form to the university before the deadline. |
The application fee for a Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program varies depending on the university. The fee is typically in the range of $50-$100.
Pharmaceutics |
Pharmacology and Toxicology |
Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics |
Pharmacognosy and Natural Products |
Medicinal Chemistry |
Research Methodology |
Practical |
Graduates of a Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program can find employment in the following areas:
1. Pharmaceutical research and development
2. Regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry
3. Clinical research organizations (CROs)
4. Academia (teaching and research)
5. Government agencies (FDA, NIH, CDC, etc.)
6. Pharmaceutical marketing and sales
Job Profile | Job Description |
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. |
Some of the top universities offering a Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program in the US are:
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.