A postgraduate program called the M.Pharma provides information and skills that are specialized in the field of pharmacy. Its primary areas of interest are clinical applications, medication formulation, development, and advanced pharmaceutical sciences. Usually lasting two years, the program consists of theoretical classes, hands-on laboratory sessions, research projects, and a dissertation. M.Pharm. graduates have a variety of job options in the pharmaceutical sector, research institutions, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and regulatory authorities. Students who complete the program are given the knowledge and skills necessary to make improvements in patient care, pharmaceutical research, and development.
Course duration- For postgraduate students specializing in pharmacy, the M.Pharma program normally lasts 2 years.
Salient Features:
- Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and skills related to the chosen specialization. It includes theoretical courses, laboratory work, practical training, and research projects.
- Research Opportunities: M.Pharma programs include a research component, where students are required to conduct independent research and submit a thesis. This research allows students to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences.
- Internships and Practical Training: M.Pharma programs include internships or practical training in pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, or research institutions. This hands-on experience is essential for gaining real-world exposure and skills.
- Seminars and Workshops: Students are encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences related to their field of study. These events provide opportunities for networking and staying updated with the latest developments in pharmacy.
- Entrepreneurship and Management: This program offers courses in pharmaceutical business management and entrepreneurship, preparing students for roles in the pharmaceutical industry beyond research and development.
Syllabus
The M.Pharm curriculum covers a wide array of subjects such as pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, drug testing, molecular pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacoeconomics, among others. Within the M.Pharm program, students delve into topics like screening methods in pharmacology, industrial pharmacology, physical pharmaceutics, medicinal plant cultivation, systemic pharmacology, and organic chemistry. This comprehensive course offers an extensive and thorough exploration of pharmaceutical science, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the pharmaceutical industry.
| M.Pharm curriculum |
| I |
II |
III |
IV |
| Modern Pharmaceutics |
Advanced Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics |
Journal Club |
Discussion/ Final Presentation |
| Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques |
Computer Aided Drug Delivery System |
Research Methodology and Biostatistics |
Journal Club |
| Seminar/ Assignment |
Cosmetic and Cosmeceuticals |
Research Methodology and Biostatistics |
Journal Club |
| Regulatory Affair |
Pharmaceutics Practical II |
Discussion/ Presentation (Proposal Presentation) |
|
| Pharmaceutics Practical I |
Molecular Pharmaceutics (Nano Tech and Targeted DDS) |
|
|
| Drug Delivery System |
Seminar/ Assignment |
|
|
Eligibility for M.Pharma:
- Graduate degree (B. Pharm.) in the pharmaceutical field, from a recognized university/college
- Candidates must pass one of the state-level admission tests or one of the national entrance exams, such as GPAT.
Admission Process
The M.Pharm course curriculum is offered in both traditional and online formats. Primarily, candidates must fulfill all of the requirements for eligibility listed above that have been established by the relevant authority in order to be admitted to the M.Pharm program. Following that, students are chosen based on entrance tests that are held by the state medical authorities or the central pharmaceutical authority.
Entrance Exams for Admission to M.Pharm
| Exam |
Conducting Agency |
Yearly Frequency |
Mode |
Duration |
Eligibility |
| GPAT |
National Testing Agency |
Annual |
Online |
3 hours |
Must possess a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy |
| AP PGECET |
Andhra University |
Annual |
Online |
2 hours |
min 55% or more in the qualifying examination |
| TS PGECET |
Osmania University |
Annual |
Online |
2 hours |
minimum of 50% marks in qualifying exam |
| OJEE |
Odisha joint Entrance Examination |
Annual |
Online |
3 hours |
Must graduates in any relevant discipline |
| BITS HD |
Birla Institute of Technology & Science |
Annual |
Online |
1 hours |
Graduate from B.pharma |
| NIPER JEE |
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research |
Annual |
Online |
2 hours |
minimum of 60% in graduation |
Course Fees
The course fees for a Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharma) program in India can vary widely depending on the university or college, the specialization, and the location of the institution. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are some approximate ranges for
M. Pharma course fees:
- Government Colleges/Universities: The fees for M. Pharma programs in government institutions are generally lower compared to private ones. The fees can range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per year.
- Private Colleges/Universities: Private institutions tend to have higher fees. For M. Pharma programs in private colleges/universities, the annual fees can range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more.
- Specializations: Some specializations within M. Pharma may have higher fees due to the equipment and facilities required. For example, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical analysis may have higher fees compared to other specializations.
The career prospects for M.Pharm graduates are promising across various sectors and organizations. With ongoing advancements in medical research and infrastructure, opportunities for M.Pharm professionals continue to expand. Both the private and public sectors offer numerous avenues for career advancement after completing an M.Pharm program. The availability of jobs and salary levels for M.Pharm graduates varies depending on their skill set and specialization.
Upon completing their course, M. Pharm graduates can explore job roles such as Lecturer, Researcher, Drug Control Officer, Production Manager, Pharmacist, Medical Coder, and Medical Writer. The average salary for M.Pharm professionals is approximately INR 2.6 Lakh Per Annum, as reported by Payscale.
1. Employment Opportunities: Graduates of the M.Pharm degree program have numerous employment options. They may work for pharmaceutical firms, R&D facilities, oversight organizations, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and governmental organizations. Other job titles include academic faculty, regulatory affairs manager, clinical research associate, quality control analyst, drug research scientist, and formulation scientist. Some of the common job titles for M.Pharm graduates:
Trending Career Profiles
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialist
- Pharmacovigilance Specialist
- Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
| Top Companies Recruiting M.Pharma |
| Pfizer |
Novartis |
| Johnson & Johnson |
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
| AstraZeneca |
Roche |
| Merck & Co. |
Sanofi |
| Eli Lilly and Company |
Bristol Myers Squibb |
2. Venture into Entrepreneurship /Self-Employment: After completing an M.Pharma (Master of Pharmacy) course, you can explore a variety of self-employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Start a pharmaceutical manufacturing business, a biotech firm, a contract research organization (CRO), a specialty pharmacy, a telemedicine platform, a consulting business for the pharmaceutical industry, or a chain of pharmacies. These choices enable M.Pharm graduates to seek self-employment and entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical sector.
Here are some other potential options:
- Pharmacy Store
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Contract Research Organization (CRO)
- Consulting Services
- Compounding Pharmacy
- Herbal and Ayurvedic Products
- Clinical Pharmacy Services
- Medical Writing and Publication
- Pharmaceutical Distribution
- Online Health and Wellness Platforms
- Pharmaceutical Marketing and Sales
- Academic and Coaching Services
3. Higher Studies & Skill Enhancements: To improve research abilities, pursue a Ph.D. in pharmacy or a similar subject. Look into postdoctoral scholarships for additional specialized training. Learn skills by enrolling in certificate programs in subjects like pharmaceutical management, regulatory affairs, or clinical trials. To keep up with the most recent developments in the industry, attend workshops, conferences, and webinars.
Top M.Pharm Colleges Pan-India
- Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AIMSRC)
- MVJ College of Nursing
- Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (VIMSRC)
- BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences
- Dr B.R.Ambedkar Medical College & Hospital
- Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (SIMSRC)
- KLE Society’s Institute of Dental Sciences
- EastPoint College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (EPCMSRC)
- RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital
- Sridevi Medical College
- Dayanand Sagar Medical College
- M.S.Ramaiah Medical College
- Siddaganga Medical College and Research Institute
- KIMS, Bangalore
- Devraj Urs Medical College
- JJM Medical College
- SS Institute of Medical Sciences
