M.Pharm. in Pharmacology is a 2-year full-time postgraduate Pharmacy course, the minimum eligibility for admission to which is the successful completion of graduation (B.Pharm.), from a recognized university.
Graduation needs to have been completed in any of Pharmacology, Biology, Physics, Zoology, Botany, Genetics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, etc. or another such related stream, with a minimum aggregate score of 55%. The program is spread over 4 semesters, with the final semester being based on the candidate’s chosen stream of study.
As a branch of Biology, M.Pharm. in Pharmacology is essentially concerned with:
- the study of the interactions that occur between a living organism and chemicals affecting normal or abnormal biochemical function.
- an advanced study of pharmaceuticals- substances having medicinal properties.
- the action of drugs – a drug can be broadly defined as man-made, natural or endogenous molecule that exerts a biochemical or physiological effect.
Admission to the course is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test, and subsequent round of counselling. The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 90,000 and 6 Lacs for a span of 2 years. The average annual salary offered to such professionals ranges between INR 3 and 10 Lacs, which increases with the candidate’s experience and expertise.
M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: Course Highlights
Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | Graduation (B.Sc. or B.Pharm.) in Biology/ Physics/ Zoology/ Botany/ Genetics/ Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Microbiology, with at least 50% marks in aggregate |
| Admission Process | Merit-based/ Based on counselling after qualification of entrance test. |
| Course Fee | INR 90,000 to 6 Lacs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3 to 10 lacs per annum |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Syngene International, Quintiles, Indegene Life Systems, Biocon, Astra Zeneca, Mylan, Novartis, Dr. Reddy's, Clinsync International (CRO) Hyderabad, Lupin, Ranbaxy, Cadila, Advinus, Matrix, Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Merck, etc. |
| Job Positions | Pharmacologist, Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Healthcare Scientist - Clinical biochemistry and Immunology, Research Scientist - Life Sciences and Medical, and others such. |
M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: What is it About?
Pharmacology is the science of drug action on biological systems. It is the study of the effects of chemical agents of therapeutic value, and their potential toxicity on biological systems. The branch of Pharmacology can be divided into two sub-branches:
-
Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics.
Pharmacodynamics is the study of:
- the molecular, biochemical, and physiological effects of drugs on cellular systems.
- mechanisms of action of drugs.
- the absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs.
- related areas of Toxicology and Therapeutics.
As a major subject of drug discovery, Pharmacology is an advanced study of:
- the research, discovery, and characterization of chemicals that show biological effects.
- the cellular and organismal functions in relation to such chemicals.
- related research-based subjects such as oncology, fertility, infertility, anti-fertility, diabetes, obesity and cell line-based molecular research.
- CNS disorders including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, drug abuse, and cardiovascular complications.
M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: Who Should opt?
Aspiring eligible candidates for the course would ideally be interested in, and have an aptitude for:
- studying about pharmaceuticals and working on them in laboratories.
- scientific research in the field towards developing new drugs
- technical aspects of drug production.
- practical, analytical laboratory-based experience.
Top Institutes offering M.Pharm. in Pharmacology
Listed below are some of the top institutes in India that offer the course with the corresponding locations and fees charged by each.
| Name of Institute | City | Average Fees |
| Amity Institute of Pharmacy | Noida | INR 52,500 (course) |
| Chitkara College of Pharmacy | Patiala | INR 150,000 (course) |
| Manipal University | Manipal | INR 252,000 (course) |
| Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy | Bengaluru | INR 300,000 (course) |
| Chandigarh Group of Colleges | Punjab | INR 123,500 (course) |
| MS Ramaiah College of Pharmacy | Bengaluru | INR 174,750 (course) |
| Acharya B M Reddy College of Pharmacy | Bengaluru | INR 125,000 (course) |
| St. John's Pharmacy College | Bengaluru | - |
| Amrita School of Pharmacy | Kochi | INR 155,075 (course) |
| St. Johns College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Kurnool | INR 110,000 (course) |
| Andhra University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Visakhapatnam | INR 40,000 (course) |
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | INR 159,000 (course) |
| Bombay College of Pharmacy | Mumbai | INR 131,415 (course) |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Pharmacy | Pune | INR 85,000 (course) |
| K.R. Mangalam University | Gurgaon | INR 1,20,000 (course) |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy | Kolhapur | INR 63,350 (course) |
| Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) | Varanasi | INR 24,100 (course) |
| Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | Ranchi | INR 187,000 (course) |
| JSS College of Pharmacy | Mysore | INR 200,000 (course) |
| Jamia Hamdard University | New Delhi | INR 132,250 (course) |
| Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research | New Delhi | INR 23,680 (course) |
| A R College of Pharmacy and G H Patel Institute of Pharmacy | Gujarat | INR 15,500 (course) |
| SRM University | Chennai | INR 155,000 (course) |
| Annamalai University | Cuddalore | INR 102,430 (course) |
| Nirma University | Ahmedabad | INR 305,900 (course) |
Eligibility for M.Pharm. in Pharmacology
Candidates wishing to apply for the course need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Graduation (B.Pharm.), completed from a recognized university.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of graduation.
- Graduation needs to have been completed in any of:
- B.Pharm in Pharmacy/ Pharmacology
- B.Sc. in Biology/ Physics/ Zoology/ Genetics/ Chemistry/ Biochemistry
- Bachelor’s degree in Home Science/ Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Botany
- B.Sc. Agriculture/ B.Phs./ BDS/ MBBS/ B.Pharm
- Candidates awaiting their graduation-level examination’s results are also eligible to apply on provisional basis.
M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: Admission Process
Most institutes in India admit students to the course based on their performance in a relevant entrance test, followed by a round of Personal Interview. Some institutes conduct their own entrance tests for offering admission. Admission process generally varies across colleges. GATE/NET- qualified students are usually preferred.
Admission is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance exam, such as GPAT, GATE, NET, followed by subsequent rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – GATE is an all-India level examination that is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to test the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of various subjects in engineering and science.
The entrance exam is primarily held for admission to post graduate courses in fields of engineering, technology, architecture, and science. The GATE score is accepted for admissions to various PG programs. The online test is a multiple-choice and numerical-type exam divided into three sections:
- General Aptitude
- Engineering Mathematics
- Chosen subject of study.
Manipal University Online Entrance Test (MU-OET) is the other entrance test held in the country for admission to the course.
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M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: Syllabus and Course Description
A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated here.
Semester I |
Semester II |
| Seminar – I [Non-teaching Credit Course] | Minor Project [Non-teaching Credit Course] |
| AYUSH in Public Health [Elective Course] | AYUSH in Public Health [Elective Course] |
| Cosmetic Technology [Elective Course] | AYUSH: Role of Alternative Medicine in Public Health [Elective Courses] |
| Natural Products and Herbal Medicines [Elective Course] | Molecular Pharmacology [Core Course] |
| General Principles of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetic [Core Course] | Pharmacological Screening and Bioassay [Core Course] |
| Modern Analytical Technique [Core Course] | Pharmacology of ANS, CNS, CVS, Endocrine and Hemopoietic System [Core Course] |
| Pharmacology of Drug for Special Population Dermal and Ocular System Drug Interactions Toxicology and Immunology [Core Course] | Pharmacology of Autacoids Git Respiratory System and Chemotherapy [Core Course] |
| Research Methodology and Pharmacological Screening [Core Course] | Communication for Employment |
| Advanced Communication Skills | Conflict Resolution and Management |
| Self-development and Interpersonal Skills | Foreign Business Language |
| Foreign Business Language | Open Elective Courses |
| Open Elective Courses | Outdoor Activity Based Courses |
| Outdoor Activity Based Courses | - |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
| Clinical Trials and Healthcare Policies [Specialization Elective Course] | Major Project [Non-teaching Credit Course] |
| Electrophysiology of Brain, Heart, Muscle and Sense Organs [Specialization Elective Course] | AYUSH in Public Health [Elective Course] |
| Fundamentals of Medical and Scientific Writing [Specialization Elective Course] | Drug Discovery and Clinical Development of Drugs [Core Course] |
| Summer Internship [Non-teaching Credit Course] | Foreign Business Language |
| Synopsis [Mandatory Course] | Open Elective Courses |
| Drug Regulatory Affairs Intellectual Property Rights and Bioethics [Core Course] | Outdoor Activity Based Courses |
| Pharmaceutical Biostatics and Computer Applications [Core Course] | Research Work |
| Professional Competencies and Career Development | NA |
| Foreign Business Language | NA |
| Open Elective Courses | NA |
| Outdoor Activity Based Courses | NA |
M.Pharm. in Pharmacology: Career Prospects
Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful postgraduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.
![Master of Pharmacy [M.Pharm.] in Pharmacology](
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| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Pay Scale in INR |
| Pharmacologist | Pharmacologists aim to understand the physical and chemical properties of drugs so that they can be used effectively and safely. They also conduct research to aid drug discovery and development. The work involves investigating how drugs interact with biological systems which includes carrying out in-vitro research (using cells or animal tissues) or in-vivo research (using whole animals) to predict what effect the drug might have in humans. | 3 to 9 Lacs |
| Clinical Pharmacist | The responsibilities of a Clinical Pharmacist include developing clinical pharmacy programs according to policies and regulations, and reviewing records of patients to determine the appropriateness of medication therapy. Also, they evaluate the patient’s condition to ensure that all issues are being treated adequately. | 3 to 8 Lacs |
| Analytical Chemist | They use a diverse range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances. Essentially, Analytical Chemists identify and understand the drug substance and how it behaves in different conditions. Also, they study the physical or chemical properties of drug substances and formulations, with a view to determining the quality and stability of drug products. | 2 to 7 Lacs |
| Biomedical Scientist | Biomedical Scientists carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. Also, they evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Their work is extremely important to many hospital departments, such as operating theatres and A&E, and they carry out a wide range of functions. | 2 to 5 Lacs |
| Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | A CRA runs clinical trials to test drugs for their effectiveness, risks and benefits, to ensure that they are safe for launch in the market. The work also involves working on new as well as existing drugs and they are usually employed by either a pharmaceutical company or a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), which works on behalf of pharmaceutical companies. | 3 to 5 Lacs |
| Lecturer/Professor | They teach at undergraduate and graduate levels in areas related to Pharmacy and Pharmacology and its applications. Their responsibilities are allocated and reviewed from time to time by the Head of Department. They supervise or assist with supervision of, undergraduate, taught graduate (Masters) or research graduate (M.Phil. or Ph.D.) students. | 3 to 7 Lacs |
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