Master Of Pharmacy (MPharm) is a two-year post-graduate program. The course is based on pharmaceutical sciences that deal with the study of drugs and medicines. It enhances student’s theoretical, technical, and practical knowledge in the field of pharmacy and also develops curiosity among the students to carry out further pharmaceutical research.
To be eligible for MPharm courses, candidates must have passed their BPharm or related course with the required percentage. Some colleges may require candidates to have valid marks in certain entrance exams. Some accepted entrance exams are GPAT, NIPER JEE, AP PGECET and many more.
Some Top Pharmacy Colleges in India are Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi; Punjab University, Chandigarh; National Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education & Research; Institute Of Chemical Technology, Mumbai; Birla Institute Of Technology & Science, Pilani; Manipal College Of Pharmaceutical Sciences; JSS College Of Pharmacy; JSS Academy Of Higher Education & Research; and many more. Check: Top MPharm Colleges in India
Graduates are recruited by top companies like Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Wockhardt, Aurobindo, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Novozymes, etc. The average salary offered to graduates range from INR 3 LPA - 6 LPA
3.1 Eligibility
3.2 Admission 2024
3.4 Important Dates
4.1 M.Pharm Pedagogy
10.1 Job Profile
10.2 Top Recruiters
MPharm: Quick Facts
- There are about 158 MPharm colleges in India with specialized courses like Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Quality Assurance.
- The entire MPharm course is divided into four semesters depending on different subjects like Modern Pharmaceutics, Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques, Computer-Aided Drug Delivery System, Cosmetic and Cosmeceuticals, etc.
- As M.Pharm is a professional course, the average course fee for two years is 2.5 lakh, and it may exceed depending on the type of college.
- Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is the primary national level entrance test of MPharm, and NTA conducts GPAT through CBT mode.
- MPharm provides various job roles like Regulatory Research Associate, Intellectual Property Analyst, Quality Control Manager, Research Scientist, etc.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Full-form | Master of Pharmacy |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Minimum 50% in B.Pharm from a recognized university |
| Admission Process | Merit + Entrance Test |
| Top Accepted Entrance Examinations | GPAT, AP PGECET, OJEE, HPCET, BITS, etc. |
| Average Fee | INR 2,50,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 3 - 6 LPA |
| Top Job Roles | Quality Control and Quality Assurance Managers, Sales Managers, Physician Associate, Health Economists, etc. |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Wockhardt, Aurobindo, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Novozymes, etc. |
About MPharm
MPharm is an advanced course in the field of life sciences to serve the community regarding health-related issues. It enables the students to understand the manufacturing of medicines and their reactions in the human body to restrain various diseases.
As a branch of medicine, a Master's degree holder of Pharmacy can equally prescribe tablets to patients like a doctor. The Pharmaceutical industry has developed to such an extent over the recent years that it offers a wide range of employment opportunities.
It helps the students to gain academic qualifications and strong analytical skills to work in a practical field. Therefore, this course is also highly pursued by students as it has been considered the most respectable field in the job markets today.
Why study MPharm?
- Diverse Career Options: After completing M.Pharm, students are eligible to work in the medical industry and retail industry as well. Moreover, they can opt for further research and work as academicians to train the upcoming youth for developing their pharmaceutical skills.
- Develop Skills: Students also develop a varied set of skills consisting of problem-solving and decision-making skills. Ambitious students can apply to foreign universities for research work that would broaden their career and job prospects.
- Work Flexibility: Pharmacists can work according to a given period, unlike doctors who are required to work in the time of emergencies.
- Demand: The increase of diseases among people in the present times is posing a threat to humankind. It leads to an increase in prescriptions and the evolution of drugs simultaneously. It results in the great demand for pharmacists in the medical industry that leads to good career growth.
- High Income: It also assures a good earning. M. Pharm graduates can gain a high monetary benefit which results in satisfactory progress in their career.
MPharm: Admission Process
The MPharm admission process depends on the academic scores of graduation and the standard M.Pharm national or state level entrance tests.
MPharm Eligibility
M.Pharm has some eligibility criteria. Students should be from a science background. Students will be eligible for an M.Pharm degree by dint of hard work and sincerity.
- Students should have a minimum of 50% in Bachelor of Pharmacy(B.Pharm) from a PCI/AICTE approved college or university.
-
Students should qualify GPAT or any other national & state level M.Pharm entrance test with a valid score.
MPharm Admission 2024
The admission criteria for MPharm 2024 are as follows:
- First of all, students should appear for the GPAT entrance exam, and they should qualify for the test with an average score. Based on their secured scores and counselling process, students get direct admission to Top MPharm colleges. The institution body also conducts a PI round. Students should clear the PI round to get selected for admission.
- If students didn’t appear for GPAT entrance, they can select the colleges based on their choice and fill the application form provided on the official website of respective colleges.
- Students should appear for the entrance tests conducted by the respective colleges and institutions. They should secure a decent score at the entrance. While shortlisting candidates based on their scores., a cut-off list is created for every college. One’s score should exceed the cut-off marks of a particular college to get admission into top M.Pharm Colleges. For example, the Birla Institute of Technology(BITS) conducts the BITS HD Pharmacy examination for M.Pharm admission.
- After that, final admission depends on counselling and seat allotment rounds carried out by the respective colleges.
- Students should qualify for online entrance tests like NIPER JEE & other tests, and they should appear for the counselling process. Check MPharm Admissions 2024
MPharm Merit-based
- To be eligible for the course candidates must have the required percentage in their undergraduate degree.
- The candidates must have a valid entrance exam scorecard.
- The candidates will also have to appear for counselling rounds with the conducting rounds.
- Some colleges may ask the candidates to appear for personal interview rounds.
MPharm Entrance based
Some accepted entrance exams for admissions to M Pharm courses are:
- GPAT conducted by NTA
- NIPER JEE conducted by NIPER
- AP PGECET conducted by Andhra University
- TANCET conducted by Andhra University
- TS PGECET conducted by Osmania University
- Odisha Joint Entrance Examination conducted by Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board
- AU AIMEE conducted by Annamalai University
-
HP CET conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University
Entrance Dates
A table representing different MPharm entrance examinations with entrance dates for 2024:
| Entrance Exams | Registration Dates | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| GPAT | February 2024 – March 2024 (5:00 PM) | 1st week of April 2023 |
| NIPER JEE | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| NMIMS NPAT | December 06, 2023 |
January 01, 2024 – May 25, 2024 |
| CUCET | October 20, 2023 - May 31, 2024 | October 20, 2023 - May 31, 2024 |
Entrance Exam: Preparation Tips
- Students should have a clear idea about the exam pattern, the number of questions, allotted time, and the syllabus. They should have a thorough understanding of pharmaceutical concepts taught in B. Pharm courses like Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy, and Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, etc., and basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology.
- They should take the help of proper GPAT preparation books that will enable them to go through it thoroughly, prepare a specific schedule for study, and give adequate time based on the concepts and topics.
- Students shall refer to the previous year's question papers which give them a clear idea about the possible questions.
- Nowadays, there are available options to gather study materials for entrance exams other than books. Students can watch youtube videos of sample questions and answers related to M.Pharm.
-
They can also join Telegram channels regarding Exam purposes and studies to stay updated with the latest exam-related information.
MPharm: Syllabus
The syllabus of the MPharm course is usually decided upon by the Pharmacy Council of India. The subjects and electives of the course change as per the specialization you take. Given below are some of the general topics taught:
| Subject | Topics Taught |
|---|---|
| Drug Regulatory Affairs | Abbreviated New Drug Application, Material Safety Data Sheet preparation, New Drug Application, Investigational New Drug Application |
| Advanced Pharmaceutics | Kinetic Principles and Stability Testing, Optimization Techniques, Quality Control, Preformulation Studies |
| Biological Evaluation | Pre-clinical Evaluation of drugs, Alternatives to animal screening procedures, Bioassays, Modern Methods of Pharmacological |
| Product Development and Formulation | Pilot Plant Scale-up Techniques, Suppositories, Dermatological Preparations, Fundamental Aspects of Product Development. |
| Novel Drug Delivery Systems | Oral drug delivery, Fundamentals of controlled release drug delivery systems, Regulatory consideration in controlled release. |
| Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | Distribution of drugs, Elimination of the drug, Absorption of drugs, Pharmacokinetics. |
Check: MPharm Syllabus
MPharm: Pedagogy
- Teachers and Professors use traditional pedagogical approaches like lecture-based learning in an MPharm classroom which is teacher-centric. This conventional teaching method in a professional course doesn’t interest the students as they need to gain practical knowledge and experience in pharmaceutical studies.
- Over the recent years, a new pedagogical method of teaching called Self Study, Test, Question, and Discussion(STQD) has evolved that is completely student-centric. This method emphasizes student’s learning needs and goals.
- It involves self, peer, co-learning, active learning, inductive teaching, and formative assessment through various strategies. They can raise queries, participate in discussion groups, solve problems, brainstorm ideas, and develop their analytical skills.
MPharm: Distance Education
Colleges offering MPharm courses in distance mode are very limited. Given below are the colleges offering the course in correspondence:
| College Names | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar | NA |
| Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi | NA |
MPharm: Top Colleges in India
There are many M.Pharm Colleges in India providing quality education to students. The table shows the top 20 M.Pharm Colleges in India based on NIRF ranking.
MPharm: College Comparison
The following table shows a comparison among three top universities offering the MPharm course.
| Particulars | Jamia Hamdard University | Birla Institute Of Technology & Science | Punjab University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Jamia Hamdard is one of the top colleges in India. It was accredited in ‘A’ grade by NAAC and was ranked No. 1 for Pharmaceutical studies. | BITS Pilani is a private technical university that offers ME, MSC, MBA programs. | It is an ‘A’ grade state University that offers various MA, MSC, MTech, PGDM courses |
| Rank | 1 | 6 | 2 |
| Total Course Fee | INR 4.2 Lakhs | INR 8.9 Lakh | INR 58,800 |
| Average Placement (%) | 65% | 60%-75% | 94% |
MPharm: Top Colleges Abroad
Given below are top universities abroad, based on QS World ranking, that offer an MPharm program in various specializations.
MPharm: Scope
MPharm in any domain can provide ample opportunities in both the education and job sectors.
- One can pursue a PhD in Pharmacy specialization based on his interest and choice. It allows him to have a mastery over this subject which in return fetch him lucrative job positions. Some specializations are PhD Pharmaceutics, PhD Pharmacology, or PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Students can also pursue MBA or PGDM and LLB programs which will enhance their career prospects. An MBA degree will help them get a managerial level job, and an LLB degree will fetch them corporate lawyers in a pharmaceutical company.
- There are numerous reputed Pharmaceutical Companies, Food & Fermentation Units, Educational institutes, Drug Control Administration, Sales & Marketing departments, Research Agencies, Industries, Laboratories, Hospitals both in India & abroad to offer various job roles.
- If students seek jobs in the public sector, they can also work as drug inspectors and pharmacists. A Master's degree in Pharmacy helps the students in a quick promotion which brings growth in their career.
-
Students can also begin their own pharmaceutical companies and medical stores that are equally beneficial for their career advancement.
MPharm: Specializations
Given below are the specializations of the MPharm program:
- MPharm in Pharmacology: is an advanced study of pharmaceuticals and provides insights to the study of the interaction between chemicals and living organisms. Check: Top MPharm Pharmacology Colleges in India
- MPharm in Pharmaceutics: is the study of the composition and manufacture of different medicines. The courses also provide knowledge regarding the various developments which have taken place in drug and delivery operations. Check: Top MPharm Pharmaceutics Colleges in India
- MPharm in Industrial Pharmacy is the study of the uses and functions of mass spectrometers and provides an understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and its direct impact on health care. Check: MPharm Industrial Pharmacy Colleges in India
- MPharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is the study of the design and application of chemical products in healthcare. It provides an understanding of the application of various modern techniques in designing new drugs and the chemical aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. Check: MPharm Pharmaceutical Chemistry Colleges in India
The table below shows the average fees and average salary associated with the MPharm specializations:
| Specialization | Average Fees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| MPharm in Pharmacology | INR 1,20,000 to INR 6,00,000 | INR 3 LPA to INR10 LPA |
| M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics | INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 | INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA |
| M.Pharm in Industrial Pharmacy | INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 | INR 2 LPA to INR 20 LPA |
| M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry | INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000 | INR 3 LPA to INR 9 LPA |
MPharm: Jobs & Placements
MPharm offers students excellent job placements and career opportunities. The students are exposed to technical theory and practical training to equip them to be the best employ them.
MPharm: Job Profiles
The following table provides an overview of the job roles/positions, details, and salaries.
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Distribution of medicines, providing instructions about the right usage and dosage of medicines to their patients. | INR 2.5 LPA |
| Pharmacologist | Formulates and researches drugs. | INR 4.8 LPA |
| Pharmacognosy | Deals with medicinal research about Ayurvedic, Unani, Yoga, Homeopathy, Siddha | INR 3 LPA - INR 6 LPA |
| Drug & Quality Control | Conduct Quality control checks to ensure quality assurance of the medicinal drugs. | INR 6 LPA |
| Oncology Pharmacist | Does research and test medicines related to the treatment of cancer. | INR 7 LPA |
| Clinical Project Manager | Planning, Designing, and Directing clinical research projects. | INR 9.9 LPA |
| Medical Writer | Keep records and updates regarding product usage & research results. | INR 4.2 LPA |
| Research Scientist | Carries out research studies in laboratories concerning the reaction of drugs and medicines in the human body. | INR 7.3 LPA |
Check: MPharm Jobs
MPharm: Top Recruiters
- Apollo Hospitals
- IQVIA
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- AG Medical Communications
- Sun Pharmaceuticals
- Novartis
- Novozymes
- Cipla
- Dr Reddy's Laboratories
- Lupin
- Aurobindo
- Zyduscadila
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
- Abbott India
- Biocon
- Wockhardt
- Ranbaxy
- Adani Group
-
Taj Pharmaceuticals, etc
MPharm: Skills Required
MPharm is a highly beneficial degree and the graduates need to have a varied set of skills to work in a challenging environment based on the job roles. Some of the skills which must be present in M.Pharm employees are:
- Problem Solving Skill
- Analytical Skills
- Soft skills including written & verbal communication
- Organizational and Disciplinary Skill
- Cooperation among peer groups
- Ability to handle pressure
- Knowledge about chemical entities
- Medical writing & Ethics
- Marketing Skills
-
Strategic Thinking
MPharm: FAQs
Is a PhD in Pharmacy a good option after MPharm?
Yes, PhD in Pharmacy is the best option for students after M.Pharm if they are interested in pursuing further research to gain insights into the field of Pharmacy. Securing good scores in M.Pharm is also an added benefit to apply for a PhD in Pharmacy. A PhD holder in Pharmacy can either go for academics or other industry-related high profile jobs.
What are the requirements for M Pharmacy abroad?
First of the students must see if they fit the general requirements. Most colleges only accept graduates of the same field or closely related fields like Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Microbiology or Molecular Biology. Students should then appear for international level entrance exams like TOEFL, IELTS to check their English language proficiency. You must also hold a clean criminal record for studying MPharm abroad.
Is an M Pharmacy or a Pharm D better?
If you are interested in clinical and hospital aspects of pharmacy then you should choose Pharm D. If you want to work for industries, developing and conducting experiments you should choose MPharm.
What is the highest salary after M Pharm?
The highest salary for MPharm graduates ranges from INR 4 lakhs to INR 8 lakhs. The average salary ranges from INR 2 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs.
Is GPAT difficult?
The GPAT difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. There are a total of 125 multiple-choice questions in the exam and is conducted once a year. The syllabus for the exam can be found on the official GPAT website.
What are the application fees for GPAT?
The application fees for GPAT varies per candidate:
- For General/ OBC- NCL – Male: INR 2000 | Female: INR 1000
- For SC/ ST/ PwD – Male: INR 1000 | Female: INR 1000
-
For Transgender – INR 1000
Is MPharm worthwhile?
There is a lot of scope for MPharm graduates. They can find work in clinical hospitals or pharmaceutical companies. Recently, the field has been soaring with better drug research, patents or clinical trials, and even consultancy.
What is the benefit of MPharm?
MPharm trains the students with practicals and theory of drug practices and the field. The course teaches students to be analytical thinkers and research-based practice.
Is MPharm difficult?
Yes, the course can get challenging. It deals with the analysis and study of drugs and their uses. The course is also demanding but also yields immense results, with being some of the high earning income groups.
Am I a doctor if I study MPharm?
As per PCI instructions you can only use the Dr prefix if you have studied the Pharm D course. With the MPharm you will not be considered a doctor.
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