PhD in Pharmacology: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Mandavi Shukla

Updated on - Dec 18, 2023

PhD in Pharmacology is a three year doctorate program that deals with various drug effects in the biological system and the reaction of the body to the drug effect. The course covers topics such as medication origin, addictions, biological effects, and medical applications. Some of the job designations that students will look for after completing the course are Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Scientist, Clinical Pharmacologist, and Clinical Research Associate.

About PhD in Pharmacology

PhD in Pharmacology is a branch of medicine, biology and pharmaceutical sciences concerned with drug or medication action, the subject in a field of research work in the field of drug use, development and advancement. PhD in Pharmacology duration is 3 - 5 years. The course falls under the umbrella of a PhD.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Pharmacology

PhD in Pharmacology eligibility is that students need to complete their post-graduation degree in Pharmacology with 55% marks in aggregate. Colleges in India conduct national-level entrance exams to get admission to this course. There is no age limit for this course.

Who Should Pursue a PhD Pharmacology Course?

Students who have a keen interest in Research with drug trials or medication actions should opt for this course. Pharmacology studies drugs that alter the living organism’s ability to function. These drugs can encompass medicinal or non-medicinal drugs.

When To Do PhD Pharmacology Course?

Usually, aspirants can pursue this course after completing their post-graduation degree with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. Students need to give the entrance exams and also meet eligibility requirements.

How To Get Admission for PhD Pharmacology?

PhD in Pharmacology admission is based on the post-graduation and entrance exam marks that students need to score well for admission. Students should carry all the documents including the results during the admission process. 

All the institutes will focus on the post-graduation results first after that they will look at the entrance exam and interview round for qualification criteria. PhD in Pharmacology course details includes that the admission process is a long format that students need to look at before applying for this doctorate course.

How to Apply?

Students can apply for this course in two ways: either they search for the university's official websites or they can visit the university campus office for the admission process. Students should carry their ID proofs during the time of admission.

Selection Process

Students need to focus on the post-graduation exam as well as the entrance exam as both the marks obtained from it are taken into consideration for the selection process. Deserving students are allocated seats. The admission process depends on the chosen institution, and students need to look into the procedure to receive the admit card.

Types of PhD Pharmacology Courses

PhD in Pharmacology course is categorized into three types one is the full-time and part-time mode. Given below are the types of PhD in Pharmacology courses.

Full-Time PhD Pharmacology

PhD in Pharmacology is a 3 years doctorate degree program. In the full-time learning mode, students have to attend regular classroom-based learning. They also need to submit all the assignments and projects and they need to appear for their exams on their institute campus. 

Students can learn from their peers and also can solve issues with the faculties which is the best thing in this mode of learning.

Part-Time PhD Pharmacology

Since it is a practical course, there is no Part-time option available.

Distance PhD Pharmacology

Since it is a practical course, there is no Part-time option available.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Pharmacology

Various institutes in India conduct PhD Pharmacology entrance exams for admission to the PhD in Pharmacology course. Some help the aspirants get admission at the national level to universities, some at the state level, and selected institutes conduct some for PhD in Pharmacology admissions. 

Aspirants may go for any of the three choices, depending on the level of difficulty and competition they are willing to face. Given below are the entrance exams:

• UGC NET
• CSIR NET
• GATE

A Quick Glance at the PhD Pharmacology Entrance Exams

Admission proceeds through both entrance exams and merits basis. Students preparing for the entrance exams can get to know the complete course structure and syllabus of the entrance exams and prepare accordingly.

• The exam patterns consist of sections like verbal & reading comprehension, data interpretation & logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. The test includes language comprehension, mathematics, data analysis, critical reasoning, and the Indian and global environment.
• The time duration of the entrance tests is usually 3 hours or 3 hours 30 minutes.
• The exam will be offline, on OMR sheet-based paper, or online.
• The syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change according to the university.

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in India

Pharmacology PhD in India has the best infrastructure and top faculties. Students will get many options to choose from where to take admission. Given below are the top 10 colleges in India offering PhD Pharmacology courses:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in New Delhi

Given below are the colleges in New Delhi offering PhD Pharmacology courses:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Pune

Given below are the colleges in Pune offering PhD Pharmacology courses:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Chennai

Given below are colleges in Chennai offering PhD in Pharmacology courses;

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Bangalore

Given below are colleges in Bangalore offering PhD in Pharmacology courses:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Kolkata

Given below are the colleges in Kolkata offering PhD Pharmacology courses:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Hyderabad

Given below are the colleges in Hyderabad offering PhD Pharmacology courses:

Top PhD Pharmacology Government Colleges

There are many government colleges offering PhD Pharmacology courses across the country. Check the table below for top government colleges in India:

Top PhD Pharmacology Private Colleges

India has the best private colleges offering PhD Pharmacology with top faculties and the best infrastructure. Given below are the top Bachelor in Fashion Technology private colleges;

Study PhD Pharmacology Abroad

PhD Pharmacology is the best option for students with the best infrastructure and top faculties. Students will choose their college according to their specialization. They will get a lot of experience with the subject matter and the diverse culture.

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges Abroad

Given below are the colleges abroad offering PhD Pharmacology courses;

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in USA

Given below are the colleges for PhD in Pharmacology in the USA:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in the UK

Given below are the colleges for PhD Pharmacology UK:

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Canada

Given below are the colleges for PhD in Pharmacology in Canada

Top PhD Pharmacology Colleges in Australia

Given below are the colleges for PhD in Pharmacology in Australia

Fee Structure for PhD Pharmacology

PhD Pharmacology fees vary according to some factors such as location, faculty, demand, and structure available for the students. PhD Pharmacology duration is 3-6 years. The average course fee is around INR 4 - 15 LPA

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Pharmacology

The PhD Pharmacology course syllabus is divided into 6 semesters. The crux of the syllabus is maintained throughout colleges across the nation. Given below are some of the subjects that students need to go through while pursuing this course:

• Drug Elimination
• Basic Principles of Drug Action
• Sympathetic Nervous System - Sympathomimetics, Sympatholytics
• Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
• General Principles - Neurotransmitters: Definition and Common Transmitters

Read More: Ph.D Pharmacology Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PhD Pharmacology Course?

Students can choose this program as it provides a large number of career options. They should know the key facts about these subjects. Some of the questions that come into students' minds are "What is PhD Pharmacology and Why PhD Pharmacology?" To short out these queries we can break this into three short questions.

What is PhD in Pharmacology All About?

PhD in Pharmacology is a three years PhD program that deals with various drug effects in the biological system and the reaction of the body to the drug effect. The course covers topics such as medication origin, addictions, biological effects, and medical applications.

What Does a PhD Pharmacology Graduate Do?

Students will have lots of career opportunities after completing their graduation degree in different roles which are dynamic and diverse. Clinical Scientist: In this career, professionals need to evaluate physiological samples and interpret diagnostic test findings. Their medical expertise is used to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases.

Reasons Why PhD Pharmacology Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

PhD Pharmacology is a very rewarding and demanding career where students will get various opportunities in top organizations in India and abroad. PhD in Pharmacology courses help students to acquire multidisciplinary skills and knowledge which includes topics of mechanical engineering, computer technology, etc.

Diversity in Job roles: There is a diverse range of job roles available for the graduates of this course. Since the specializations available to the students are very flexible, it enables the students to pursue a wide range of roles in their careers.

Read More: Ph.D Pharmacology Jobs and Scope

PhD Pharmacology Course Comparison

PhD Pharmacology course is a very unique course in terms of employment opportunities and also students will get to learn a lot of things from it.

PhD Pharmacology vs PhD Pharmacy

Given below are the difference between PhD Pharmacology and PhD Pharmacy courses:

Read More: PhD Pharmacy

Preparation Tips for PhD Pharmacology Course

There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD Pharmacology degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles. 

Improve Vocabulary: Students need to communicate efficiently such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing which will help them to prosper in every work they do. Steady progress will help them reach their desired goals in their career.

Read and Practice More: Students should do more research work to indulge into this course more deeply and they should try different experiments in Pharmacology.

Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subjects: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.

Think about your career in this field and how you can make it big and make sure you are prepared for any sort of challenges

Salary of a PhD Pharmacology Graduate

PhD Pharmacology salary differs according to some factors such as locations, experience, industry, designation, etc. Students can increase their salary and experience by doing jobs which will help them to get better opportunities. The average salary for a graduate is around INR 4 - 15 LPA (Source Payscale)

Read More: PhD Pharmacology Salary

Career Options After PhD Pharmacology Graduation

Students will get lots of job opportunities after completing their degree. The job opportunities will differ according to experience and specialization with a good salary. Listed below are some of the career options for students;

• Analytical Chemist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Healthcare Scientist
• Clinical Scientist
• Pharmacologist
• Clinical Research Scientist

Skills That Make You The Best PhD Pharmacology Graduate

Students need to learn many soft skills to succeed in this field of study. The student will get the necessary skills from classroom settings. These skills are learned through experience. The student should push their limits and try to learn new things. Listed below are some of the skills that students should learn.

• Quantitative Analysis Skills
• Research Skills
• Analytical Skills
• The Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Interpersonal Skills