Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is a research-level program that deals in the pharmaceutical sciences with a course duration of three years. Pharmaceutical chemistry is the broader and research-oriented part of medicinal chemistry. This field of study mainly focuses on the development and discovery of drugs by concentrating on the creation of new synthetic compounds. The minimum eligibility criterion to seek admission in the course is a masters’ degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biological science, chemical engineering, or related disciplines.
Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical chemistry includes multidisciplinary courses like physical/analytical pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmaceutical biochemistry. The Ph.D. program allows its students to focus on a concentration area that constitutes a stage in the drug development process such as testing, result analysis, optimization, discovery, and assessment of outcomes. Some of the major concentration areas include pharmaceutical policy, molecular pharmaceutics, pharmacotherapy, and medicinal chemistry.
A Ph.D. course in Pharmaceutical chemistry can cost between Rs.50,000 to 2 lakhs for the whole course duration of 3 years. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Postgraduates are equipped enough to work in fields like bioinformatics, receptor biology, cell biology, quality control, drug discovery, and scientist.
See More: Ph.D Courses
Table of Content
- Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Course highlights
- Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Admission Process
2.2 Entrance Exams
3.1 Important Books
Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Course highlights
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Course Duration | 3 / 5 Years |
| Examination Type | Thesis Submission |
| Admission Eligibility | A Master's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biological science, chemical engineering, or related disciplines. |
| Admission Process | Written entrance test and Personal interview |
| Average Course Fee | INR 50,000 to 3 lac |
| Average Salary | INR 4 Lakhs to 7 lakhs |
| Top Recruiting companies | Colleges, Universities, Research organizations, medicinal industry, hospitals, and testing labs. |
| Job Positions | Pharmacist, Researcher, Drug Designing, Drug Testing, Result analysis, academia, etc. |
What is the Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Admission Process
Direct Admission
- Candidates who are willing to get admission in this stream can apply to Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry colleges by both offline and online means.
- You can either reach the official website of the institute or to this step admission office of the institute to fill the admission application form.
- Fill the application form required and upload all the necessary documents which are asked in the form.
- After completion of the process of application, go for counselling round and attend the personal interview round to get your desired college.
Entrance Exam Based Admission
Some of the most important exams conducted in this regard include NIPER Ph.D. Entrance Exam, JRF-GATE, TIFR Graduate School Admission Entrance Test, ICMR JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS, CSIR-UGC NET exam, etc.
The Entrance Exam structure comprises one objective type question paper containing 170 questions on subjects like Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Chemical Sciences. The exam will be of Masters’ degree level and in some cases even higher. The paper shall also contain questions from the relevant subject including Research Aptitude, General Awareness, and Quantitative Techniques.
See More
| Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) in Maharashtra | Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) in Tamil Nadu |
| Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) in Karnataka | M.Phil/Ph.D in Pharmacy in Delhi-NCR |
Do I qualify for Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Eligibility Criteria?
To pursue research level studies in pharmaceutical chemistry, candidates are required to have completed their masters’ degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biological science, chemical engineering, M.Pharm. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M.Tech in Pharm. or M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, or related disciplines with at least a minimum of CGPA 6.5 on a 10 Scale or 60% aggregate marks.
For reserved category candidates, CGPA should be at least 6.25 on a 10 point scale or 55% aggregate marks for admission to the Ph.D. program in a pharmaceutical chemistry course.
What are the top Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Entrance Exams?
Different entrances has different pattern of question like:
| Entrance Exam | Registration Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CSIR UGC NET | 2nd week of March – 2nd week of April 2024 | 3rd week of June 2024 |
| UGC NET | December 2023 – January 2024 | February 2024 – March 2024 |
| IIT JAM | September 5, 2023 – October 25, 2023 (Extended) | February 11, 2024 |
| GPAT | March 2024 | April 2024 |
| VITMEE | March 2024 | April 2024 |
What is the Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Syllabus?
A typical Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry syllabus is written below –
The table shows some of the topics taught in the course throughout the 4 years of education.
| Semester - I | Semester - II |
|---|---|
| Advanced Chemical and Bioanalytical Techniques | Advanced Spectral Techniques |
| Advanced Pharmaceutics | Research Methodology |
| Logic in Organic Synthesis-I | Drug Design |
| Advanced Pharmacology | Drug Regulatory Affairs |
| Advanced Pharmacognosy | Logic in Organic Synthesis-II |
| Chemotherapy of Parasitic and Microbial Infections | Structure and Function of Biomolecules |
| Industrial Process and Scale-up Techniques | Stereochemistry and Drug Action |
| Biostatistics | Drug Metabolism |
| General Laboratory Experiment | Pharmacological Screening and Essays, General Laboratory Experiment |
Important Books for Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Course?
Some of the important reference books are mentioned below:
| Name Of The Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Textbook of Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Wilson and Gisvold |
| Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Donald Cairns |
What are the Phd in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Top Colleges
Many colleges are offering this course in India. Some of the top colleges offering this course are listed below –
| Name of The Institute | Location | Average Course Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research | Mohali | 1.29 lac |
| Institute of Chemical Technology - [ICT] | Mumbai | 2.7 lac |
| University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Chandigarh | 2 lac |
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science | Manipal | 10 lac |
| Indian Institute of Technology | Varanasi | 72,000 |
| National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research | Hyderabad | 1.23 lac |
On the basis of popular opinion, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science, Indian Institute of Technology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research are some of the best colleges for Ph.D with Pharmaceutical Chemistry in India.
Pharmaceutical Chemists majorly practice in two areas, one being synthetic chemistry and the other one is analytical chemistry. The role of a synthetic chemist is to help design drugs and modify how they are delivered into the affected area of the body, such as whether a pill or patch is used. These chemists are mandatorily required to have a bachelors’ degree and often require a masters’ or Ph.d. in Pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry.
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry is highly beneficial to work in drug development or drug testing-related fields all over the world, helping its students to develop exponentially by providing them with wide exposure.
After successful completion of the course, candidates will be able to do the job in the Health sector, Cosmetic and Personal care sector, Engineer and can be a lecturer.
What is the difference between Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) vs Ph.D (Nanotechnology)?
All these degrees may sound similar. But these are different courses. Below is mentioned the comparison of PhD Pharmaceutical Chemistry and PhD Nanotechnology
See More: Top PhD Nanotechnology Colleges in India
| Parameters | Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | Ph.D (Nanotechnology) |
|---|---|---|
| Brief Explanation | It provides the knowledge of Nano and Atomic data of electronics systems | Nanotechnology provides the study of atomic and Nanoscale methodology and is a diverse field consisting of various concepts. |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | A Masters’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biological science, chemical engineering, or related disciplines. | A Masters’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biological science, chemical engineering, or related disciplines. |
| Top colleges | Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science, Indian Institute of Technology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research | Amrita Centre for Nanosciences, University of Rajasthan |
| Job roles | Lecturer, Senior Research officer, Project Assistant | Lecturer, Senior Research officer, Project Assistant |
| Average fees | INR 2 Lakhs- INR 12 Lakhs | INR 2 Lakhs – 6 Lakhs |
| Average salary | INR 3 Lakhs- 15 Lakhs | INR 4.5 Lakhs- INR 5.4 Lakhs |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Pharmaceutical Chemistry include India Scientific Services, Coromandel International, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Syngenta Biosciences, Biocon Ltd. | Kinapse, Piramal, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Cadila Ltd. |
What after Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry?
Research in Pharmaceutical Chemistry has made a significant contribution to further the knowledge in the discipline in the past decade. Upon completion of a Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry candidates are capable of contributing exponentially in their related field due to the diverse and in-depth knowledge and exposure provided by the course structure and syllabus.
A Ph.D. degree-holding contributor in pharmaceutical chemistry is very valuable in fields like drug designing, Pharmacognosy, government forensic agent, lecturer, Researcher, etc.
Pharmaceutical chemists work closely with drugs to test, improve and create new medicines to help combat both severe and temporary diseases. They also test drugs to make sure they are safe and the side effects are not too severe.
Practicing generally in two prominent areas; synthetic and analytical chemistry helping design drugs and modify how they are delivered to the body and also work to make sure that the drugs are pure and can be detected in a person’s blood.
They are prominently found in drug industries including pharmaceutical jobs where they use their knowledge of how certain chemicals interact with disease and the human body to develop methods to treat diseases. Also found in government roles where they approve and monitor drugs after testing so that they don’t pose a danger to the public.
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Pay Scale (in Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemist | Chemists Design, formulate and test new Drugs | 8 to 10 Lakhs |
| Pharmacist | A Pharmacist is required for prescribing and suggesting new drug descriptions for customers | 4 to 5 Lakhs |
| Researcher | Researchers are required in Drug manufacturing companies to research a drug’s interaction with the body and design new drug formulations for solving and treating diseases. | 8 to 10 Lakhs |
| Professor | Professors are required in Colleges and universities to teach pharmaceutical subjects to students. | 8 to 9 Lakhs |
| Forensic Agent | Forensic agents are required in investigation agencies to detect the use of certain chemicals at any crime scene. | 9 to 10 Lakhs |
Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Chemistry FAQs
Ques. Is the entrance exam mandatory in Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)?
Ans: Yes, the Entrance Test is mandatory for admission in Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Merit marks
The candidate is also important.
Ques. Is Ph.D(Pharmaceutical Chemistry) a professional course?
Ans: Yes, Ph.D(Pharmaceutical Chemistry) a professional course. It teaches practical skills and training thus is called a professional course.
Ques. What is the better job or further studies after completing Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)?
Ans: It certainly depends on one's personal choice. Ph.D(Pharmaceutical Chemistry) offers various job profiles and also one can choose various postgraduate courses in the field of engineering.
Ques. Can I opt for an internship for Ph.D(Pharmaceutical Chemistry)?
Ans: Unfortunately, there is less opportunity to land an internship easily at Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry). As most of the internship is available in the research sector.
Ques. Is Mathematics necessary for this Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)?
Ans: Yes, Mathematics is necessary Ph.D (Pharmaceutical Chemistry). Beside this Physics, Chemistry and biology are also necessary for admission.
Ques. What are the relevant job prospects after completing this course?
Ans: Pharmaceutical chemists work closely with drugs to test, improve and create new medicines to help combat both severe and temporary diseases. They also test drugs to make sure they are safe and the side effects are not too severe. Potential Job Roles after completing a Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical science, some of the most prominent job roles include:
- Drug Researcher
- Pharmacist
- Forensic Agent
- Professor
Ques: What are the eligibility criteria for admission in the Ph.D. program of pharmaceutical chemistry?
Ans: Admission Eligibility criteria might vary for every university but the mandatory criteria include:
Candidates are required to have completed their masters’ degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biological science, chemical engineering, M.Pharm. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M.Tech in Pharm. or M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, or related disciplines.
Candidates are required to have obtained at least a minimum of CGPA 6.5 on a 10 Scale or 60% aggregate marks in the masters’ degree. For reserved category candidates, CGPA should be at least 6.25 on a 10 point scale or 55% aggregate marks in their master’s degree.
Ques: What are the most prominent entrance exams conducted in the country for admission in Ph.D. courses?
Ans: Some of the most prominent Entrance exams for admission in the Ph.D. program include:
| Name of the Exam | Tentative Dates | Conducted Body |
|---|---|---|
| NIPER Ph.D. Entrance Exam | June | National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) |
| CSIR-UGC NET exam | June and December | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research India |
| JRF-GATE | Feb | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research India |
| ICMR JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS | July | The Indian Council of Medical Research New Delhi |
| DBT JRF Biotech Entrance Test | February | Department of Biotechnology |
Ques: What are the top recruiting Companies in this Industry?
Ans: Some of the top recruiters for Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry include India Scientific Services, Coromandel International, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Syngenta Biosciences, Biocon Ltd., Kinapse, Piramal, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Cadila Ltd.
Ques: What is the average annual package received after completing the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry?
Ans: Though the answer to this question broadly depends on your performance in the degree and the internship or research projects you took part in, it also depends on which industry or profession you choose to build your career in, for example, a job role of a pharmacist can get you an annual salary of 6 lakhs on the maximum scale, whereas building a career as a researcher or a forensic agent can easily bag you a starting annual package of around Rs.10 Lakhs.
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