Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm.)
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2 Years
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Post Graduate
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Pharmacy
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Full Time
2 Years
Post Graduate
Pharmacy
Full Time
The full form of M.Pharm is Master of Pharmacy. A Master of Pharmacy program is a single pharmacy course designed to provide comprehensive technical, researched, practical, and theoretical knowledge of pharmacy, including traditional and modern medicines. A person with this degree is as knowledgeable as a medical practitioner with years of experience and, in fact, far ahead of doctors by acquiring knowledge with experience in the entire health care industry. As a result, the degree is highly valuable.
With the MPharma degree, we won't talk about drug retailers and distributors because they are an important part of the pharmacy industry. A master's degree in pharmacy opens up a world of possibilities in the healthcare sector. A person with an MPharma degree can participate in drug research and development as well as sales, marketing, research on clinical trials, drug regulations, quality control, and health policy development with the Food and Drug Administration.
It is anticipated that by 2022, India will be among the top three pharmaceutical markets with upwards or at least fixed scale growth, according to an analysis of a report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) on Top Pharmaceutical Companies in India. In addition, it will become the sixth largest market in the world. Over 200 nations purchase Indian medicines, with the United States being the largest market.
The terms "pharmacist," "chemist," and "druggist" all refer to the same specialty preparing medicines, assisting patients in their healing process, advising patients and medical professionals on how to use medicines, dosages, side effects, and even the diet they should follow. Even a trained pharmacy practitioner determines which medications require a doctor's prescription but can be purchased over the counter. To apportion drugs in the Medical care industry is one of the essential jobs of a drug store degree holder alongside readiness and doing lab testing as well as logical exploration on drugs/meds.
In India, there are approximately 158 MPharm colleges that offer courses in pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, and quality assurance.
1) The entire MPharm program is broken up into four semesters based on a variety of topics, such as modern pharmaceutics, modern pharmaceutical analytical techniques, computer-aided drug delivery systems, cosmetics and cosmetics, and so on.
2) Because M.Pharm is a professional degree, the average tuition for two years is 2.5 lakh rupees, but this amount may be higher or lower depending on the type of college.
3) The primary national-level entrance exam for MPharm is the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT), which is administered by NTA via computer-based testing (CBT).
4) Regulatory Research Associate, Intellectual Property Analyst, Quality Control Manager, Research Scientist, and other positions are available at MPharm.
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Course Level |
Postgraduate |
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Full-form |
Master of Pharmacy |
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Duration |
2 years |
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Eligibility |
Minimum 50% in B.Pharm from a recognized university |
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Admission Process |
Merit + Entrance Test |
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Top Accepted Entrance Examinations |
GPAT, AP PGECET, OJEE, HPCET, BITS, etc. |
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Average Fee |
INR 2,50,000 |
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Average Salary |
INR 3 - 6 LPA |
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Top Job Roles |
Quality Control and Quality Assurance Managers, Sales Managers, Physician Associate, Health Economists, etc. |
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Top Recruiting Companies |
Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Wockhardt, Aurobindo, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Novozymes, etc. |
To be eligible for the Master of Pharmacy program, candidates must hold a B. Pharm degree from an institution recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). They must achieve the minimum qualifying marks that the respective pharmacy college requires.
Required Skill Set for MPharma
| Communication skills and Interpersonal skills | Medicinal and scientific research skills |
| Curiosity and Persuasive skills | Business skills like marketing, organizing |
| Science wizard and technical skills | Sharp memory and wicked knowledge |
| Therapeutic and counselling skills | Medical writing and ethics |
| Determinant and consistency skills | Adaptation ability to dynamic situations |
Determinant and consistency skills Adaptability to dynamic situations
1) The first step for students is to take the GPAT entrance exam, which they should pass with an average score. Students are given direct admission to the best MPharm schools on the basis of their secured scores and the counseling process. A PI round is also conducted by the institution body. To be considered for admission, students must pass the PI examination.
2) If students did not take the GPAT, they can apply to the colleges of their choice by filling out the application form on the colleges' official websites.
3) Students ought to take the entrance exams offered by their respective colleges and universities. They ought to achieve a respectable entrance score. While selecting candidates for a shortlist based on their scores, Each college has its own set of cut-off dates. To be admitted to the best M.Pharm schools, a student's score must be higher than the required minimum for that college. For admission to the M.Pharm program, the Birla Institute of Technology (BITS) administers the BITS HD Pharmacy exam.
4) After that, the counseling and seat allocation rounds conducted by the respective colleges determine the final admission.
5) Students should show up for the counseling process and qualify for online entrance exams like NIPER JEE and others. Candidates must have earned the required undergraduate percentage in order to be eligible for the course.
6) The applicants must have a valid scorecard from the entrance exam.
7) In addition to the conducting rounds, candidates will be required to participate in counseling rounds.
8) Candidates may be required to attend personal interview rounds at some colleges.
Some accepted entrance exams for admissions to M Pharm courses are:
1) GPAT conducted by NTA
2) NIPER JEE conducted by NIPER
3) AP PGECET conducted by Andhra University
4) TANCET conducted by Andhra University
5) TS PGECET conducted by Osmania University
6) Odisha Joint Entrance Examination conducted by Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board
7) AU AIMEE conducted by Annamalai University
8) HP CET conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University
| Course | Syllabus |
| MPharma in Pharmaceutics |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Drug Delivery System Modern Pharmaceutics Regulatory Affair Molecular Pharmaceutics (Nano Tech and Targeted DDS) Advanced Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Computer-Aided Drug Delivery System Cosmetic and Cosmeceuticals |
| MPharma in Industrial Pharmacy |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Pharmaceutical Formulation Development Novel drug delivery systems Intellectual Property Rights Advanced Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Scale-up and Technology Transfer Pharmaceutical Production Technology Entrepreneurship Management |
| MPharma in Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Advanced Organic Chemistry-I Advanced Medicinal chemistry Chemistry of Natural Products Advanced Spectral Analysis Advanced Organic Chemistry-II Computer-Aided Drug Design Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry |
| MPharma in Pharmaceutical Analysis |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis Pharmaceutical Validation Food Analysis Advanced Instrumental Analysis Modern Bio-Analytical Techniques Quality Control and Quality Assurance Herbal and Cosmetic Analysis |
| MPharma in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance |
Analytical Techniques Quality Management System Quality Control and Quality Assurance Product Development and Technology Transfer Hazards and Safety Management Pharmaceutical Validation Audits and Regulatory Compliance Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology |
| MPharma in Regulatory Affairs |
Good Regulatory Practices Documentation and Regulatory Writing Clinical Research Regulations Regulations and Legislation for Drugs & Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Biologicals & Herbals, and Food & Nutraceuticals In India and Intellectual Property Rights Regulatory Aspects of Drugs & Cosmetics Regulatory Aspects of Herbal & Biologicals Regulatory Aspects of Medical Devices Regulatory Aspects of Food & Nutraceuticals |
| MPharma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Microbial and Cellular Biology Bioprocess Engineering and Technology Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Proteins and protein Formulation Immuno-technology Bioinformatics and Computer Technology Biological Evaluation of Drug Therapy |
| MPharma in Pharmacy Practice |
Clinical Pharmacy Practice Pharmaco-therapeutics-I Hospital & Community Pharmacy Clinical Research Principles of Quality Use of Medicines Pharmaco-therapeutics-II Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Pharmaco-epidemiology & Pharmaco-economics |
| MPharma in Pharmacology |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Advanced Pharmacology-I Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening Methods-I Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Advanced Pharmacology-II Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening Methods-II Principles of Drug Discovery Experimental Pharmacology practical-II |
| MPharma in Pharmacognosy |
Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques Advanced Pharmacognosy-1 Phytochemistry Industrial Pharmacognostical Technology Medicinal Plant Biotechnology Advanced Pharmacognosy-II Indian system of medicine Herbal cosmetics |
i) Pharmacologist: A pharmacy practitioner holding a degree in pharmacology specialization develops new and improved medicinal drugs by carrying out research and lab testing (to ascertain behaviour and reaction of the drugs). Some pharmacologist also helps in discovering new technology to develop drugs. They ensure that all research studies, testing and drug development are in adherence to regulations by the Pharmacy Council. Their research includes drugs with its uses, dosages as well as side effects. They also verify that the new medicines developed are as per safety regulations with no or minimal side effects. They decide on suitable forms for drugs such as tablets, vaccination, drops, ointments, liquid syrups, inhalers, etc. They write down instructions for medicines developed as well as prohibitions such as diets and taking any other substitute medicines.
ii) Research Associate: They are responsible for monitoring research studies, analyzing the outcomes, and documenting it. Also, they need to ensure that the research carried out is as per the protocols of the pharmaceutical association and authenticate the documented results of the research. The research associates in pharmaceuticals after gaining experience are responsible for training and supervising pharmacy interns, college students, or junior associates. They have to maintain the lab research including medical equipment, and laboratory area, and also, analyze, interpret, and address the research outcomes.
iii) Drug Regulator: All medicines before it is available in healthcare facilities are tested and verified for safety, quality and regulations as per the pharmacy council. Therefore, drug regulators have to monitor drug development, supply and examine all medicines as per the standards. As per the regulations of the World Health Organisation, all patients must get effective, safe, qualitative and reasonably priced medicines, therefore the drug regulators make sure the drug developing companies abide by these standards. They control the drug quality degrading, pricing and, also ensure that the labelling and correct instructions for medicines is followed in drug development.
| Indian Recruiters | International Recruiters |
| Lupin | Pfizer |
| Cipla | AbbVie |
| Piramal | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Sun Pharmaceuticals | Johnson & Johnson |
| Aurobindo Pharma | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Dr, Reddy’s Laboratories | Amgen |
1) Students should be aware of the exam format, the number of questions, the time allotted, and the syllabus. They ought to have a comprehensive comprehension of the pharmaceutical concepts covered in B. Pharm courses like Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy, Therapeutics, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, among others. and a fundamental understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics.
2) The best GPAT preparation books should be used by them so that they can thoroughly study, create a study plan, and allocate sufficient time to each concept and topic.
3) Students should look at the question papers from the previous year to get a clear idea of the possible questions.
4) There are now alternatives to books for gathering study materials for entrance exams. M.Pharm.-related sample questions and answers can be viewed by students on YouTube.
5) They can also join Telegram channels about exam goals and studies to stay up to date on the most recent information about the exam.
| College Name | Location | Specializations Offered | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal | Karnataka | Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs | State-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive curriculum |
| National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali | Mohali, Punjab | Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutics, etc. | Prestigious institute under Government of India, research-focused approach, strong industry collaborations |
| Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi | New Delhi | Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, etc. | Renowned for research-oriented approach, industry collaborations, Faculty of Pharmacy |
| BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus | Hyderabad, Telangana | Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Rigorous academic standards, innovative research initiatives, part of BITS Pilani's reputable educational network |
| Bombay College of Pharmacy (BCP), Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Pharmaceutical Technology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, etc. | One of the oldest pharmacy colleges in India, strong academic foundation, industry ties |
Q. What is M.Pharm?
Ans. M.Pharm stands for Master of Pharmacy. It is a postgraduate degree program that focuses on advanced study and research in various areas of pharmaceutical sciences.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for M.Pharm courses?
Ans. Typically, candidates should have a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. Some colleges may also require candidates to qualify in entrance exams like GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) for admission.
Q. What are the specializations available in M.Pharm?
Ans. M.Pharm offers a range of specializations such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and Regulatory Affairs.
Q. What is the duration of M.Pharm courses?
Ans. The duration of M.Pharm courses is typically two years, divided into four semesters. Some colleges may offer an integrated M.Pharm program combined with a Bachelor's degree, which could extend the duration.
Q. What is the curriculum like in M.Pharm courses?
Ans. The curriculum includes core subjects related to the chosen specialization, along with elective courses, practical laboratory sessions, seminars, and a research project or dissertation. It covers topics such as drug formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology of drugs, pharmaceutical analysis, and regulatory requirements.
Q. What are the career prospects after completing M.Pharm?
Ans. Graduates with an M.Pharm degree can pursue careers in pharmaceutical industries, research and development (R&D) organizations, regulatory bodies, hospitals, academia, and clinical research. Job roles include formulation scientist, pharmacologist, clinical research associate, regulatory affairs specialist, quality control/quality assurance manager, and academician.
Q. Is it necessary to qualify for GPAT for admission to M.Pharm courses?
Ans. While GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) is a common entrance exam for admission to M.Pharm courses in India, not all colleges may require it. Some institutes conduct their entrance exams or consider other national/state-level pharmacy entrance exams.
Q. What are the key skills required for success in M.Pharm courses?
Ans. Key skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, research aptitude, attention to detail, communication and presentation skills, teamwork, proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software, and staying updated with advancements in pharmaceutical sciences.
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