M.Pharma: Course, Fees, Syllabus, Full Form, Top Exams

Pharmacist, Chemist or Druggist different term with similar speciality i.e. preparing medicines, helping with a healing procedure of patients, advising them as well as the doctors/medical practitioners about medicines use, dosages, side effects and even the diet required while consuming the medicines. Even for deciding what kind of medicines need a mandatory prescription by doctors and can be bought over the counter is decided by a trained pharmacy practitioner. To dispense drugs in the Healthcare industry is one of the primary roles of a pharmacy degree holder along with preparation and carrying out lab testing as well as scientific research on drugs/medicines. 

A Master of Pharmacy degree holder is one pharmacy course that is structured in a way to provide entire technical, researched, practical and theoretical knowledge of pharmacy including traditional and modern medicines. The degree is of great value because a person holding this degree is as knowledgeable as a medical practitioner with years of experience, in fact, way ahead of doctors by acquiring knowledge with experience in the complete health care industry.

With MPharma degree, we are not discussing the retailers and distributors of medicinal drugs because it is much basic part of the pharmacy industry. A Master’s degree in Pharmacy unlocks a plethora of opportunities available in the healthcare industry. As an MPharma degree holder is not only they can be involved in a process of drug research and development but also sales, marketing, clinical trials research, drug regulations, quality control and health policy developments with Food and Drug development Administration.

As per a report analysis by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) on Top Pharmaceutical Companies in India, it is expected that by 2022, India will be among the top three pharmaceutical markets with upwards or at least fixed scale growth; moreover, it will become sixth largest market worldwide. The Indian medicines are exported to over 200 countries with a major market in the United States. 

MPharma: Eligibility Criteria

The candidates who want to pursue a Master of Pharmacy must be holding a B. Pharm degree from an institute approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). They need to obtain minimum qualified marks as required by the respective Pharmacy College. 

Required Skill Set for MPharma

Course Curriculum for MPharma

Top Job Profiles and Top Recruiters

Pharmacologist: A pharmacy practitioner holding a degree in pharmacology specialisation 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 drugs 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 suitable form for drugs such as the 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.

Research Associate: They are responsible for monitoring research studies, analyse the outcomes, and document it. Also, they need to ensure that research carried out is as per the protocols of the pharmaceutical association and authenticate the documented results of research. The research associates in pharmaceuticals after gaining experience are responsible to train and supervise pharmacy interns, college students, or junior associates. They have to maintain the lab research including medical equipment, laboratory area and also, analyse, interpret and address the research outcomes.

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.

MPharma Entrance Test

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding MPharma

Q: What are the most opted branches for MPharm?

A: All the MPharm branches and specializations have respectable prospects for all the students in the field of Pharmacy. However, the best MPharm specialization depends solely on the student’s interest. Some of the best MPharma specializations in India are MPharm in Pharmaceutics, MPharm in Pharmacology and MPharm in Quality Analysis (QA) or pharmacovigilance.

Q: Which are the top National level MPharm entrance exams in India?

A: GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) and the NIPER JEE are the two most popular and important entrance exams which are held at the national level. GPAT is conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency). The scores of GPAT are accepted by as many as 800 participating institutes and all the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) approved institutions/ universities. GPAT exam was conducted by AICTE up to 2017.  NIPER JEE is conducted by the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Ahmedabad and facilitates admission in its seven institutes across India.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for MPharm?

A: The aspirant should have completed BPharm degree from any institute approved by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). They should have scored minimum qualified marks as required by respective Pharmacy College which is generally 50 percent in aggregate for general category applicants and 45 percent for reserved category applicants.

Q: How can I get admission in MPharm course?

A: If the candidate is seeking admission through the national or state level entrance exams in to the colleges affiliated by the State or Central Government institutes, then the MPharm admission process includes entrance exam, group discussion and personal interview. To get admission in MPharm course, the candidate will have to apply for the respective entrance exams and follow the admission process.

Q: Do I need to appear for entrance exam for MPharm?

A: Most of the Pharmaceutical institutes in India accept candidates on the basis of entrance exam score, such as the GPAT score. So, if you want to pursue MPharm from a reputed Pharmacy college, taking an entrance exam is a must. Applicants can also apply for NIPER JEE as it also offers MPharm programmes in various branches across its seven institutes in India.

Q: What is the duration of MPharm course?

A: MPharm course is of two years, divided into four semesters. This course duration also includes presentation of the dissertation.

Q:  I have a Bachelors in BSc in Zoology. Can I take admission in MPharm?

A: No. BSc in Zoology is not the eligibility fulfilling course for the MPharm. On the basis of your class 12 result you can pursue BPharm or the DPharm.

Q: Can I pursue MPharm through correspondence?

A: No. The MPharm course involves specialization and rigorous lab practicals and is a full time class room porgramme and hence cannot be pursued via the correspondence mode nor any institute offers MPharm via distance learning.

Q: What is the difference between MPharm and PharmD?

A: MPharm is a Master degree and is of two-year while the PharmD is a doctorate degree and is of six years. Both the degrees are pursued after the BPharm.

Q: After completing my MPharm, what job profiles I can expect?

A: Job profiles are based on the branch you have opted and completed your MPharm. Nowadays, you can expect to be working as a pharmacovigilance analyst, Pharmacologist, Research Associate Drug Regulator. Beside this you can work as pharmacist, druggist or the chemist as well.

Q: After completing my MPharm, will I be eligible to pursue my PhD?

A: Yes, after completing you MPharm you will be eligible to pursue your PhD in the same field, you can directly take admission to the PhD programmes after completing MPharm and doesn’t need any woek prior work experience.