A PhD in pharmacology is a research-based degree that focuses on the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. Pharmacology is a broad field that includes the study of drug development, drug interactions, drug toxicity, and drug efficacy.
During a PhD program in pharmacology, students typically take advanced coursework in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and related disciplines. They also conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor, which may involve laboratory experiments, animal studies, or clinical trials.
The ultimate goal of a PhD program in pharmacology is to train students to become independent researchers who can contribute to the development of new drugs and therapies, as well as improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with the body.
Pharmacology PhD graduates can pursue careers in academia, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions. They may also work in clinical research, drug development, or drug safety evaluation.
Course Level | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years - 5 years |
Examination Type | Semester |
Eligibility Criteria | Masters in Pharmacology |
Admission Process | Entrance Test + PI |
Course Fee | Notified Soon |
Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 - INR 15,00,000 |
Top Recruiting Areas | Drug Manufacturing Companies, Public Health Entities, Blood Service, etc. |
Job Positions | Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Scientist, among others. |
UGC NET
CSIR UGC NET
GATE
The candidates planning to pursue PhD Pharmacology should fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria mentioned below :
PhD Pharmacology Entrance-Based Admission
Step 1: Candidates need to register on the official website by providing their email ID, mobile number, and password.
Step 2: After submission of the application fee and form, download the form for future reference.
Step 3: Admit cards will be issued to the eligible students based on the information provided by candidates.
Step 4: On the announcement of results, based on the marks obtained by the students and institutes cut off, seats and academic records of the candidate’s seats are allocated.
PhD Pharmacology Merit-Based Admission
Step 1: The Selection Committee will call eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications for an interview.
Step 2: Based on the academic record and the performance of the candidates in the selection interview, candidates found suitable for admission will be accepted.
The duration of a PhD program in pharmacology is typically around 4-5 years. However, this may vary depending on the program and the progress of the individual student. |
Selection criteria for PhD programs in pharmacology may vary depending on the institution and program. Generally, admission to a PhD program in pharmacology is competitive, and selection is based on academic achievement, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the potential for future research success.
To apply for a PhD program in pharmacology, prospective students should typically submit an online application through the institution's website.
The application process may require the submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV.
Some programs may also require an application fee.
It is recommended to check the specific application requirements of the institution and program for detailed information.
The application form for a PhD program in pharmacology is typically available online on the institution's website.
Prospective students will need to create an account and submit their personal and academic information, along with any required documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Some programs may require an application fee.
The application process for a PhD program in pharmacology usually involves the following steps:
Research programs: Prospective students should research various programs to identify the best fit for their interests and career goals.
Apply: Students should submit their application and all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Interview: Some programs may require an interview to assess the student's suitability for the program.
Acceptance: Once accepted, the student will receive an offer of admission and will need to confirm their acceptance.
The application fee for a PhD program in pharmacology may vary depending on the institution and program. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of the institution for detailed information. |
PhD graduates in pharmacology can expect to earn competitive salaries in a variety of career paths. According to PayScale, the average salary for a pharmacologist is around $93,000 per year in the United States. Career opportunities include academia, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and clinical research. Graduates can work in roles such as drug discovery, drug safety evaluation, or regulatory affairs.
PhD graduates in pharmacology can pursue a variety of career paths, including:
Academic research: Pharmacology PhD graduates can work as professors or researchers at universities and research institutions.
Pharmaceutical industry: Graduates can work in the pharmaceutical industry in roles such as drug discovery, drug safety evaluation, or regulatory affairs.
Government agencies: Graduates can work in government agencies such as the FDA or NIH, conducting research or regulating drugs.
Clinical research: Graduates can work in clinical research, designing and conducting clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs.
Harvard University University of California, San Francisco Johns Hopkins University Stanford University University of Pennsylvania Yale University Columbia University University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Duke University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
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 of 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 Pharmacology |
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. 1 Lakh - Rs. 2 Lakh |
Syllabus of Management as prescribed by various Universities and Colleges.
Paper Code | Subjects of Study |
1 | General Pharmacology |
2 | Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism |
3 | Drug elimination |
4 | Routes of drug administration |
5 | Basic principles of drug action |
6 | Adverse reactions to drugs |
7 | Factors modifying drug response |
8 | Autonomic Nervous System & Peripheral Nervous System |
9 | Neurohumoral transmission |
10 | Sympathetic nervous system - sympathomimetics, sympatholytics |
11 | Parasympathetic - Cholinergics, Anticholinergics, Ganglion stimulants and blockers |
12 | Skeletal muscle relaxants |
13 | Local anesthetics |
14 | Central Nervous System |
15 | General principles - neurotransmitters, definition and common transmitters |
16 | Drug therapy of various CNS disorders like epilepsy, depression, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, neuro- degeneration etc. |
17 | Pharmacotherapy of pain |
18 | General anaethetics |
19 | Autacoids |
20 | Histamine and antihistaminics |
21 | Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane and PAF |
22 | Substance P, bradykinin |
23 | Cardiovascular system |
24 | Drug therapy of hypertension, shock, angina, cardiac arrhythmias |
25 | Renin angiotensin system |
26 | Diuretics |
27 | Coagulants and anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs |
28 | Hypo-lipidemics |
29 | Gastrointestinal and Respiratory System |
30 | Emetics and antiemetics |
31 | Drugs for constipation and diarrhea |
32 | Drug treatment of peptic ulcer |
33 | Drug therapy of bronchial asthma |
34 | Pharmacotherapy of cough |
35 | Hormones |
36 | Reproductive hormones - testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, contraceptives |
37 | Drug therapy of Diabetes |
38 | Thyroid hormones |
39 | Drugs for arthritis & gout |
Mentioned below are some states in India that offer the program.