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. Clinical pharmaceutical sciences involve the study of the clinical use of drugs and their effects on patients. Students in this program will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of drug action and the process of drug discovery and development. They will also learn about clinical trial design and interpretation, as well as regulatory issues related to drug development and approval.
The program typically requires students to complete a combination of coursework, research projects, and a dissertation. Coursework may cover topics such as pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism, clinical pharmacology, and biostatistics. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in research projects that explore drug discovery and development, clinical trial design, and pharmacotherapy for various diseases.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Duration | 3 years and higher |
Examination type | Semester System |
Eligibility | Masters Degree in Science Stream |
Course Fee | Updated soon |
Average Salary | INR 2 to INR 20 lacs p.a. |
Top Recruiting Companies | Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, CellDex therapeutics, Covance, Glaxo, Cyprotex |
Job Positions | Pharmacist, Medicinal chemist, Pharmaceutical researcher, Pharmaceutical chemist, Professor |
The specific entrance exam requirements for a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program vary depending on the institution. Generally, students are required to have a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field and may need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a similar exam. Some institutions may also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
VITMEE |
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. |
The selection criteria for a PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences may include academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the research proposal. Some programs may also conduct interviews with applicants to assess their suitability for the program.
1. The application process varies depending on the university you choose to apply to.
2. Generally, you will need to complete an online application form and submit required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume or CV.
3.You may also need to pay an application fee.
PhD program fees vary widely depending on the university, location, and program length. In general, you should expect to pay between Updated Soon, per year in tuition and fees.
Pharmaceutics |
Pharmacology and Toxicology |
Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics |
Pharmacognosy and Natural Products |
Medicinal Chemistry |
Research Methodology |
Practical |
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 career opportunities in this field include:
Some of the top universities offering PhD programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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.
NOTE:- Students are requested to note that their application will not be considered for admission if the above certificates are not enclosed with their application.
Given below are few of the important highlights of the program.
Program Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Program Level | Doctorate Degree Courses |
Duration of the Program | 3 Years |
Examination Type | Year |
Eligibility | Postgraduate Degree in a Relevant Discipline With Minimum 55% Marks ( 50% for SC/ST Candidates ) |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam and Merit Based |
Average Program Fee | Rs. 5 Lakh - Rs. 6 Lakh |
Syllabus of Management as prescribed by various Universities and Colleges.
Paper Code | Subjects of Study |
Mentioned below are some states in India that offer the program.