For those interested in research and high-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry, a two-year postgraduate pharmacy program called the Master of Pharmacy, or M.Pharm, is available. The process of converting a new chemical element into medications or compounds that can be utilized for therapeutic purposes is one of the advanced subjects covered in this field of study.
Some courses have M.Pharm programs that can last longer than two years. The program is very career-oriented and provides fantastic prospects for individuals who wish to work in pharmaceutical research. Students with an M.Pharm degree have many research opportunities to pursue as a Research Associate, Research Assistant, Scientist, etc.
Candidates must have completed their BPharm or comparable degree with the required percentage in order to be eligible for M.Pharm courses. Some institutions may require applicants to present documentation proving they passed specific entrance exams. A few examples of reputable entry exams include GPAT, NIPER JEE, and AP PGECET.
Jamia Hamdard University in New Delhi, Punjab University in Chandigarh, the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, Birla Institute of Technology & Science in Pilani, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, and many others are among the Top Pharmacy Colleges in India. Check Out the Best M.Pharm Schools in India
Top employers like Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Wockhardt, Aurobindo, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Novozymes, etc. hire graduates.
Course Highlights
The following are some of the M.Pharm course’s significant highlights:
| Course Name | Master of Pharmacy |
| Short Name | M.Pharm |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Annual Course Fee | Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1,75,000 |
| Average Initial Salary | Rs. 4,00,000 – Rs. 7,00,000 |
| Exam Type | Semester |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | B.Pharma |
| Minimum Aggregate Score Requirement | 50% or More |
| Selection Process | National, State or University-Level Entrance Exam |
| Exams Accepted | GPAT, NIPER, APPGECET Pharmacy, etc. |
| Employment Sectors | Government/Private Hospitals, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Industries, etc. |
Also Read: Top Engineering Colleges in India
Specialization
M.Pharm in Pharmacology: An advanced study of pharmaceuticals, the M.Pharm in Pharmacology sheds light on the investigation of how chemicals interact with living things. Check: Top M.Pharm Colleges in India for Pharmacology in 2022
M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics: Pharmaceutics, or M.Pharm, is the study of the ingredients and production processes used to make various medications. The courses also impart information on the many changes that have occurred in the drug and delivery industries.
M.Pharm in Industrial Pharmacy: An awareness of the pharmaceutical industry and its direct influence on health care is provided by the M.Pharm in Industrial Pharmacy, which involves the study of the uses and operations of mass spectrometers. Look here for M.Pharm Industrial Pharmacy Colleges in India 2022.
M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: The design and use of chemical products in healthcare are studied in the M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry program. It offers insight into how various contemporary strategies are applied when creating new medications as well as the chemical facets of pharmaceutical sciences. For more information, see M.Pharm Pharmaceutical Chemistry Colleges in India 2022.
Pharmaceutical Analysis: For GMP production and chemical development procedures, pharmaceutical analysis is essential. The regulatory requirements of pharmaceutical development are the course’s main topic. The planned course’s goals are to guarantee medicine safety, lower development costs, streamline manufacturing and meet consumer expectations.
Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance: This area of study focuses on the many facets of quality assurance, including planned and systematic methods for meeting standards. It covers all of the most recent business trends, Six Sigma and ISO standards, and quality control in the production of goods including food, medicines, and services. The course requires its students to master both the theoretical and practical abilities needed to work in a laboratory, such as using lab equipment for drug analysis.
Regulatory Affairs: This area of expertise focuses on the regulatory and quality compliance requirements for the pharmaceutical sector. Students taking the course to learn both theoretical and practical information about pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, bioethics, national and international medication approvals, research methodology, pharmaceutical screening, and contemporary analytical techniques. Clinical trials and health policy are taught to students. They become acquainted with cutting-edge ideas related to regulatory affairs and other procedures.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: The area of expertise covers pharmaceutical biotechnology products, hybridomas, pharmacogenomics, and biotech pharmaceutical medications. To better comprehend the ideas involved in modern biology and biotechnology, the students obtain both academic and practical expertise.
Pharmacy Practice: This area of study focuses on the practical skills needed to work in the pharmaceutical sector as well as other related fields like healthcare or the patient care services needed in clinics. The practice of clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical care, and drug therapy are the main topics of the course. The conventional procedures used in clinical research and clinical trials are made familiar to the pupils. The students learn the fundamental abilities needed to function in both a hospital setting and a community context.
Toxicology and Pharmacology: Pharmacology is the branch of science that studies how drugs affect the body’s biological systems. Studying the properties of chemical substances and their possible toxicity in relation to their therapeutic use is involved. A pharmacology-focused academic program seeks to provide students with extensive knowledge of the investigation, discovery, and physical features of compounds used in the pharmaceutical sector. The students become familiar with the roles played by the chemicals in cellular and organismal processes. The training also emphasizes research-based topics like diabetes, obesity, infertility, and anti-fertility.
Pharmacognosy: Pharmaceutical separation techniques, drug evaluation, environmental toxicity, ethnopharmacology, clinical pharmacognosy, and other field-specific procedures are covered by the pharmacognosy specialization.
Eligibility Criteria
M.Pharm includes a few requirements for enrollment. Students should have a foundation in science. A student will be eligible for an M.Pharm degree based on their diligence and integrity.
- Students must have a minimum GPA of 50% or equivalent in their Bachelor of Pharmacy or BPharmacy course from a recognized university or college from PCI to be eligible for the master’s program in pharmacy (Pharmacy Council of India)
- For M.Pharm admissions, several universities required a minimum of 60% or an equivalent.
Admission Procedure
The central pharmaceutical authority or the state medical authorities conduct entrance exams that serve as the foundation for admission to the M.Pharm program. University examination centers also administer some of the tests.
- Students should first take the GPAT entrance exam and pass with an average score to be eligible to take the test. Students are granted direct admission to the Top MPharm colleges based on their verified scores and the counseling procedure. A PI round is also conducted by the institutional authority. The PI round is required for students to be selected for admission.
- Students who did not take the GPAT admission exam can choose the institutions of their choosing and complete the application found on each institution’s official website.
- The admission exams held by the relevant colleges and institutions should be taken by students. They ought to enter with a respectable grade. For each college, a cut-off list is created when applicants are narrowed down based on their test scores. To be admitted to the best M.Pharm. colleges, one’s score must be higher than the required cut-off point for that college. For instance, the Birla Institute of Technology administers the BITS HD Pharmacy test for M.Pharm admission (BITS).
- The subsequent rounds of counseling and seat allocation carried out by the individual universities determine the final admittance.
- Students need to pass other online entrance exams, such as the NIPER JEE and show up for the counseling process.
Following the announcement of the results and the creation of the merit list to choose candidates for the M.Pharm program cut-offs for various institutions that provide the course, Popular M.Pharm admission tests include:
- GPAT
- NIPER Exam
- APPGECET Pharmacy
- BITS HD Pharmacy
- AIPSSCET
Merit-based MPH
- Candidates must have the required undergraduate graduation percentage to be accepted into the course.
- A legitimate scorecard from the entrance exam is required of the applicants.
- Along with conducting rounds, the candidates will also need to show up for counseling sessions.
- Candidates may be required to appear for personal interview rounds by some colleges.
Entrance-based M.Pharm
The following are some examples of recognized entrance tests for M Pharm programs:
- 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
- The Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board administers the Odisha Joint Entrance Exam.
- AU AIMEE conducted by Annamalai University
- Himachal Pradesh Technical University administers the HP CET.
Preparation advice for entrance exams
- The exam format, the number of questions, the time given, and the material should all be clearly understood by the students. In addition to having a fundamental understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology, they should be well-versed in the pharmaceutical concepts covered in B. Pharm courses such as Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy, Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, etc.
- They should enlist the aid of suitable GPAT preparation materials, which will allow them to thoroughly go through it, create a precise study strategy, and allot enough time depending on the concepts and themes.
- Students should consult the question papers from the previous year, which will give them a clear picture of the potential questions.
- There are now alternatives to books for gathering study materials for entrance tests. Students can view YouTube videos of example M.Pharm questions and answers.
- To stay up to date with the most recent exam-related material, they can also join Telegram channels about exam purposes and studies.
Fees Structure
The M. Pharmacy (Master of Pharmacy) degree at the postgraduate level lasts anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years. Three semesters make up the course’s 1.5-year duration. While the three-year program is broken up into six semesters.
Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) in Pharmaceutics: The course lasts for two years. The course is broken up into 4 semesters, each of which takes six months to complete. The GPAT score is used to determine admittance. M.Pharm is a professional course, and the typical two-year course price is Rs 2.5 lakh, which may vary based on the type of college.
Subjects & Syllabus
The Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) The curriculum varies depending on the specialization. The M.Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics course syllabus is provided here, broken down by semester.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | Molecular Pharmaceutics (NanoTech and Targeted DDS) |
| Drug Delivery System | Advanced Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics |
| Modern Pharmaceutics | Computer-Aided Drug Delivery System |
| Regulatory Affair | Cosmetic and Cosmeceuticals |
| Pharmaceutics Practical I | Pharmaceutics Practical Ii |
| Seminar/ Assignment | Seminar/ Assignment |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Journal club |
| Journal club | Discussion / Presentation (Proposal Presentation) |
| Discussion / Presentation (Proposal Presentation) | Research Work |
| Research Work |
Placement
Candidates’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience and field of specialization. The entry-level pay according to the specializations available to students during university placements is listed here.
Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacology
- Pharmacology-focused M.Pharmacy graduates can expect to earn a starting salary of between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 40,000. Recruiters make offers to the best institutions during campus placement, with the highest wages between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 40,000.
Master of Pharmacy in Medicinal Chemistry
- Candidates with an M.Pharmacy degree in the pharmaceutical specialization can expect to make between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 45,000 per month as their beginning wage.
Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics
- The average monthly pay for candidates with an M.Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical is between Rs. 15000 and Rs. 30,000.
Master of Pharmacy in Natural Products
- Candidates who specialize in pharmacognosy or natural goods after earning their M.Pharm are typically offered a starting salary of Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month.
Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacovigilance
- Starting salaries for candidates range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month.
Master of Pharmacy in Biotechnology
- The beginning wage for postgraduate candidates with an M.Pharmacy degree ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month.
Master of Pharmacy in Hospital Pharmacy
- Salary for hospital pharmacists with a master’s degree ranges from Rs. 15000 to Rs. 25000 as their beginning pay.
Master of Pharmacy in Research
- M.Pharmacy in Research students are offered enticing compensation packages that range from Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 4,80,000 annually. The prospects can also locate excellent opportunities abroad.
Course Scope
Candidates with a master’s degree in pharmacy have a lot of options in the pharmaceutical sector.
The M.Pharmacy program is created in such a way that candidates who have had first-hand experience in the field will learn more. A person with a degree in pharmacy has not only theoretical knowledge but also technical, research, and practical knowledge. A medical practitioner with a degree is thought to have a big advantage over doctors in terms of the depth of information they have gained over many years working in the field.
Holders of M. Pharmacy degrees are not constrained to a single position in the industry. The applicants with M.Pharmacy degrees work on the business side of the sector. The Food and Drug Administration is hiring M.Pharmacy applicants for positions in drug research and development, sales, marketing, drug regulations, clinical trial research, and quality and health policy improvements.
The Indian Brand Equity Foundation’s analysis predicts that India will rank among the top pharmaceutical markets. The COVID-19 cases have demonstrated to the world that India is a leading producer of hydroxychloroquine. The medicine hydroxychloroquine is useful in treating COVID-19 patients as well as malaria. In the wake of COVID-19, India has acted as the world’s largest drug distributor. 200 nations receive free medications produced in India. A significant market for Indian pharmaceuticals is the United States.
FAQ’s Related to M.Pharm
Q. How much does an Indian M.Pharm graduate make?
Ans. A recent M.Pharm graduate’s starting income can range from $4,000 to $7,000 per year. Candidates will be able to make significantly more money with experience.
Q. What career paths may I choose in India after getting my M.Pharm?
Ans. Some of the job roles available in India after earning an M.Pharm degree depend on the specialization you decide to follow. These include senior clinical pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, pharmaceutical consultants, medicine safety managers, drug quality assurance managers, etc.
Q. What career options are there in India for those with an M.Pharm?
Ans. In India, work opportunities after earning an M.Pharm degree can be found in a variety of fields, including quality control, nutrition pharmacy, research and development, sales and marketing, and quality assurance.
Q. Is a Pharmacy Ph.D. a viable option following an MPharm?
Ans. Yes, if a student wants to pursue additional research to learn more about the discipline of pharmacy after earning their M.Pharm, a Ph.D. in pharmacy is their best option. Obtaining strong M.Pharm results is also a bonus when applying for a Ph.D. in pharmacy. A pharmacist with a Ph.D. may pursue academic careers or other high-profile positions in the sector.
Q. What qualifications are needed for an M Pharmacy abroad?
Ans. The pupils must first determine whether they meet the minimum standards. Most institutions only admit graduates from related subjects, such as biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, microbiology, or molecular biology, or from fields that are closely linked to those fields. Students should next show up for entrance examinations at the international level, like the TOEFL and IELTS.
Q. What are the most common M.Pharm admission tests in India?
Ans. The GPAT, APPGECET Pharmacy, BITS HD Pharmacy, AIPSSCET, and other well-known entrance exams for M.Pharm in India are just a few examples.
Q. Should I take the M.Pharm entrance exam in India?
Ans. Yes, you will be obliged to take the M.Pharm entrance exam since admission to most colleges in India is determined by the results of the entrance exam. You can be required to take a university entrance exam, a state entrance exam, or a national entrance exam.
Q. Which Indian colleges offer the best M.Pharma programs?
Ans. Maharishi Markandeshwar University in Ambala, the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, and the Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences are some of the best universities in India offering M.Pharm programs.
Q. Which is better, a Pharm D or an M Pharmacy?
Ans. Pharm D is the degree to pursue if you are interested in the clinical and hospital sides of pharmacy. Choose M.Pharm if you wish to work in the pharmaceutical industry, developing and running tests.
Q. What profession pays the most money after M Pharma?
Ans. For M.Pharm graduates, the highest compensation varies from INR 4 lakh to INR 8 lakh. The typical remuneration is between INR 2 lakh and INR 5 lakh.
Q. Is GPAT challenging?
Ans. The GPAT is easy to moderately demanding. The exam is given once a year and consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. The official GPAT website contains the exam syllabus.