Clinical Research Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Updated on May 14, 2025 01:34 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

Clinical Research offers a promising career path in India because the country has seen a growth in the healthcare field. There are many popular jobs which can be chosen by candidates in this field like Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Research Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs Specialist and many more. The salary can be around approx INR 2.5 to 20 LPA which depends on the experience. 

Clinical Research Jobs

Candidates can see the list of jobs below:

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary (in INR)

Clinical Research Associate

CRAs are responsible for monitoring clinical trials and ensuring they adhere to protocol, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. 

4.1 LPA

Clinical Research Coordinator 

CRCs are involved in the day-to-day operations of clinical trials.

2.6 LPA

Clinical Trial Manager

Oversee the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials, coordinating activities between various teams and ensuring trials adhere to regulatory standards and timelines.

13 LPA

Clinical Research Physician

Conduct clinical trials, oversee patient safety, provide medical expertise, and interpret study results, often working closely with research teams and participants.

8 LPA

Biostatistician

Analyze and interpret clinical trial data using statistical methods, collaborating with researchers to design studies and interpret results accurately.

5.7 LPA

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that clinical trials and related activities comply with national and international regulatory guidelines and requirements. 

7.1 LPA

Clinical Data Manager

Data managers are responsible for collecting, organizing, and managing data generated during clinical trials.

7.2 LPA

Pharmacovigilance Specialist

Pharmacovigilance professionals monitor and assess the safety of drugs and medical products in the market.

5.4 LPA

Clinical Research Scientist

Design and plan clinical studies, analyze data and contribute scientific expertise to the development of new treatments or medical products.

4.6 LPA

Quality Assurance Specialist

Ensure that clinical trials follow standard operating procedures, are conducted ethically, and meet regulatory requirements by conducting audits and inspections.

7.7 LPA

Clinical Research Top Recruiters

Candidates can see the list of top recruiters below:

Clinical Research Top Recruiters

Cipla

Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Lupin Limited

Aurobindo Pharma

Syneos Health

IQVIA

Cytel

Fortrea Development India

AIIMS

Apollo Hospitals

Fortis Healthcare

Narayana Health

Clinical Research Core Sectors

Candidates can see the list of key industries below:

Core Sector Description
Pharmaceutical Companies Conduct drug development, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance.
Biotechnology Firms Focus on research and development of biologics, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.
Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) Offer outsourced research services for clinical trials and regulatory affairs.
Hospitals & Healthcare Institutions Engage in investigator-led clinical studies and patient-based research.
Academic & Research Institutions Involved in training, research projects, and data analysis.
Government & Regulatory Bodies Oversee clinical trial approvals, ethics, and compliance (e.g., CDSCO, ICMR).
Data Management & IT Firms Provide services in clinical data analysis, biostatistics, and trial monitoring.

Clinical Research Colleges - Placements

Candidates can see the list of best colleges with high placements below:

College Name

Average Package (in INR)

DMIHER Placements

14.4LPA

Chitkara College of Pharmacy Placements

11.06 LPA

Gujarat University Placements

8.75 LPA

Shri Sathya Sai Medical College And Research Institute Placements 8.15 LPA

Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Placements

8.15 LPA

Bhaarath Medical College and Hospital Placements

8.1 LPA

SVU Placements 6 LPA
School of Health Sciences, Sushant University Placements 3.2 - 6 LPA
Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute Placements 5.8 LPA
Indus University Placements 4.3 - 5.75 LPA

Clinical Research Jobs FAQs

Q. Is Clinical Research a good career choice?

A. Clinical Research can be an excellent career option for you if you have a strong interest in healthcare, science and research. You can -

  • Contribute to the healthcare field
  • Find so many job options
  • Have job security
  • Get good salaries

Q. How can I start my career in Clinical Research?

A. For a Clinical Research career in India you need good education, skills, networking and practical experience. You can see some steps given here -

  • Get a relevant degree
  • Look for fresher jobs and internships
  • Join important seminars
  • Keep a solid resume with you

Q. What do you do as a clinical researcher?

A. Clinical researchers play a vital role in the development of new treatments, drugs, medical devices, and therapies by conducting clinical trials and research studies.

Q. What is the qualification for Clinical Research?

A. The following general eligibility eligibility applies to Clinical Research courses at various levels:

Courses

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate and certificate courses

  • Candidates should have passed Class 12 with major subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • They should have scored at least 50% marks in Class 12 standard.
  • Students may have to qualify for the entrance test to get admission.

Postgraduate courses

  • To pursue master's courses or postgraduate diploma courses, candidates must be graduates in a related discipline.
  • They should have scored at least 55% marks in graduation.

Q. What is the salary in Clinical Research in India?

A. Clinical Research salary differs on the basis of experience, academic records, job role, location, etc. 

Check a basic guide for your reference -

  • Freshers: Rs. 2.5 - 4.5 LPA
  • Mid Level: Rs. 4 - 7 LPA
  • Senior Positions: Rs. 7 - 14 LPA

Q. What is the highest-paying role in Clinical Research?

A. The top job roles with high salary packages in Clinical Research are mostly those that require a lot of experience. 

Some of the highest-paying Clinical Research career options in the field are -

Job Profile

Salary

Senior Clinical Research Manager

12 - 20 LPA

Clinical Project Manager

8 - 14 LPA

Regulatory Affairs Manager

8 - 14 LPA

Principal Investigator

10 - 20 LPA

Q. Can a clinical researcher be a doctor?

A. Yes, a medical doctor can certainly become a clinical researcher in India, and in fact, many clinical researchers in India hold medical degrees (e.g., MBBS or MD). In fact, having a medical background can be advantageous for a career in clinical research, as it provides a strong foundation in medical knowledge and patient care. 

Most medical doctors in India already have the requisite educational qualifications. An MBBS degree or an MD/MS degree is a strong starting point. However, additional training or education in clinical research methods and regulations can be beneficial. There are postgraduate courses and diploma programs in clinical research available in India that can help doctors gain the necessary skills.

Q. Which is better: Clinical Research vs Pharmacovigilance?

A. Clinical Research primarily focuses on the assessment of safety and efficacy during the development and testing phases of medical interventions. Pharmacovigilance, on the other hand, is dedicated to ongoing safety monitoring and management throughout a product's lifecycle, including after it has been approved and is in widespread use. 

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Particulars

Clinical Research

Pharmacovigilance

Course Level

Undergraduate & Postgraduate

UG, PG, Diploma

Duration 

3-4 years

2-3 years

Course fee

Up to INR 5 Lakh

INR 1,000 - INR 22 Lakh

Admission Criteria

Merit-Based

WBJEE, NEET, BITSAT

Average Salary

Up to INR 35 Lakh 

INR 4.2 LPA - INR 8 LPA

Top recruiters

Bioexcel, Biocon, Cipla, Max Healthcare, SRI Ganga Ram Hospital, Fortis, Cipla, Biocon, Springer Nature, Neilsoft, Hi Care, IPatientCare, etc.

Ranbaxy, Asian clinical trials serene, GlaxoSmithKline, Dr Reddy’s lab, Clin invent, Clintec International, Matrix laboratories Ltd., Bioserve, etc.

Job positions

Clinical Research Physicians, Clinical Research Associates, Biostatisticians, etc.

Drug Inspector, Clinical Research Associate, Drug Control Director, etc.

Q. What is the specialisation-wise Clinical Research salary in India?

A. India offers various specializations in the field of clinical research to cater to different interests and career goals. 

Specialisations

CTC

Clinical Trial Management

6 - 10 LPA

Clinical Data Management

5 - 10 LPA

Clinical Research Coordination

4.5 - 7 LPA

Regulatory Affairs

6 - 10 LPA

Clinical Research Monitoring

6- 10 LPA

Pharmacovigilance

5.5 - 8.5 LPA

Note - The data has been taken from external sites and may vary.

Q. How to get a job after pursuing Clinical Research?

A. Getting a Clinical Research job in India requires a combination of education, skills, networking, and a strategic job search. 

Here are steps to help candidates secure a Clinical Research job:

  • Step 1. Education and Training

Complete a relevant degree or certification program in clinical research, such as a Master's in Clinical Research, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research, or similar qualifications from a reputable institution. 

  • Step 2. Gain Practical Experience

Seek internships or entry-level positions in clinical research, even if they are unpaid or low-paying. 

  • Step 3. Network

Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to connect with professionals in the field. Building a network can provide job leads and opportunities for referrals.

  • Step 4. Prepare a Strong Resume 

Craft a targeted resume that highlights your relevant education, skills, and experience.

Q. Which are the top Indian cities to get lucrative jobs after Clinical Research degree?

A. In India, you can find so many cities that provide very good Clinical Research jobs. These cities are hubs for pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and they host a lot of Clinical Research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. 

Check some of the top Indian cities where you can find top Clinical Research jobs -

Major Cities

Job Scope

Average Salary in INR

Hyderabad 

  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Sr. Central Monitor
  • Clinical Research Coordinators

6 LPA

Bangalore

  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Clinical Trial Associate
  • Clinical Trial Manager

5 LPA

Pune

  • Clinical Research Associate 
  • Senior CR Associate
  • Clinical Research Head

4 LPA

Mumbai

  • Clinical Research Specialist
  • Director Clinical Research

4.5 LPA

Delhi/Delhi-NCR

  • Research Associate
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Data Analyst 

7 LPA

Kolkata

  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Research Junior Clinical Doctor
  • Clinical Trial Manager 

2.8 LPA

Source - Various External Sites

Q. What is the Clinical Research salary abroad?

A. Clinical Research salaries abroad can differ greatly on the basis of factors like the country, job role, experience, qualifications and employer. In Canada, as a Clinical Research fresher you can expect a salary of around CAD 40 K - 60 K per year and in Australia you can earn somewhere around AUD 50 K - 70 K per year. In the USA your earning potential is approx. 40,000 - 70,000 dollars per year. Germany and UK also provide good starting salary packages to students.

Table of contents
  • Popular Clinical Research Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Clinical Research Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Clinical Research UG Courses
  • Popular Clinical Research PG Courses

Popular Clinical Research Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Clinical Research Colleges in India. Learn more about these Clinical Research colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
2.4 L - 4.6 L
4.87 - 5.72 LPA

#40 NIRF

1 Course
40 K
1 Course
3 L
3.08 L
11.06 LPA
55 K - 3 L
14.4 LPA

#20 NIRF

20 K

#28 NIRF

Popular Private Clinical Research Colleges in India

5.38 L
5.0
2.64 L
4 LPA
5.13 L
5.8 LPA

#10 Outlook

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Clinical Research. Students interested in pursuing a career on Clinical Research, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

13 Dec ' 25 - 18 Dec ' 25

NEET 2025 Counselling round-5 reporting

20 Dec ' 25 - 22 Dec ' 25

NEET 2025 Counselling round-6 registration & Choi...

17 Dec ' 25 - 25 Dec ' 25

NEET PG 2025 round-2 counselling institute report...

26 Dec ' 25 - 30 Dec ' 25

NEET PG 2025 round-3 counselling registration

Mar '26 - Apr '26

AIIMS BSc Paramedical Registration (Basic)

TENTATIVE

30 May ' 26

AIIMS BSc Paramedical 2026 Exam date

18 Dec ' 25

INI CET 2025 November round-1 seat allotment res...

19 Dec ' 25 - 24 Dec ' 25

Round-1 INI CET 2025 reporting

Popular Clinical Research UG Courses

Following are the most popular Clinical Research UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Clinical Research PG Courses

Following are the most popular Clinical Research PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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