Clinical Research Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope
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) |
|---|---|
|
14.4LPA |
|
|
11.06 LPA |
|
|
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 |
|
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. Starting a Clinical Research career in India involves a combination of education, skills development, networking, and gaining practical experience. You can follow some given suggestions -
- Get a degree in the related field
- Seek freshers' jobs and internships in the same area
- Join seminars and workshops
- Build a resume
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 |
|
|
Postgraduate courses |
|
Q. What is the salary in Clinical Research in India?
A. Salaries in Clinical Research in India can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, job role, location, and the type of employer.
Here's a rough estimate of the Clinical Research salary range for some common job roles in India:
- Entry-Level: INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA
- Mid-Level: INR 4 - 7 LPA
- Senior-Level: INR 7 - 14 LPA
Q. What is the highest-paying role in Clinical Research?
A. The highest-paying roles in Clinical Research in India are typically those that require significant experience and expertise.
Some of the highest-paying Clinical Research roles in the field are -
|
Job Profile |
Salary |
|---|---|
|
Senior Clinical Research Manager |
12 - 20 LPA |
|
Clinical Project Manager |
8 - 14 LPA |
|
Pharmacovigilance Manager |
9 - 15 LPA |
|
Regulatory Affairs Manager |
8 - 14 LPA |
|
Principal Investigator |
10 - 20 LPA |
|
Clinical Research Scientist |
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 |
|
|
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, several cities offer lucrative Clinical Research job opportunities. These cities are hubs for pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, and they host numerous Clinical Research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions.
Here are some of the top Indian cities where candidates can find lucrative Clinical Research jobs:
|
Major Cities |
Job Scope |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
6 LPA |
|
|
5 LPA |
|
|
4 LPA |
|
|
4.5 LPA |
|
|
7 LPA |
|
|
Kolkata |
|
2.8 LPA |
Note: The data has been taken from external sources and may vary.
Q. What is the Clinical Research salary abroad?
A. Clinical Research salaries abroad can vary significantly based on factors such as the country, job role, experience, qualifications, and employer.
Here's a general overview of Clinical Research salaries abroad provided in the table below:
|
Country |
Salary Offered |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.
- 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
Popular Private Clinical Research Colleges in India
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.Pharma Clinical ResearchChitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Chandigarh
- Drug DiscoveryCoursera
- Drug DevelopmentCoursera
- Medical Technology and EvaluationCoursera
- Antimicrobial resistance - theory and methodsCoursera
- Data Management for Clinical ResearchCoursera
- Design and Interpretation of Clinical TrialsCoursera
- Clinical Data Management (CDM) Online CourseUDEMY
- Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) for Clinical ResearchUDEMY
- B.Sc. in Clinical Research and Healthcare ManagementICRI - Jaipur National University, Jaipur
Popular Clinical Research UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.Sc.
36 Colleges
- UG Diploma
8 Colleges
- BBA
2 Colleges
- B.Sc(Hons.)
2 Colleges
Popular Clinical Research PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.Sc.
70 Colleges
- PG Diploma
44 Colleges
- MBA/PGDM
2 Colleges
- M.Pharma
1 College
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
Clinical Research involves planning, conducting, and monitoring clinical trials, ensuring drug safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. It focuses on hands-on research, trial documentation, and patient data management.
Medical Writing, on the other hand, emphasizes preparing scientific documents
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Clinical Research is generally more intuitive for Science graduates due to their understanding of biology, chemistry, and pharmacology. They quickly grasp clinical trial protocols, drug interactions, and medical terminology.
However, non-science graduates can also succeed by focusing on research meth
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Prior medical knowledge is helpful but not mandatory for Clinical Research courses. It allows students to better understand drug mechanisms, patient care, and trial protocols, which can improve performance in technical roles.
For those without a Medical background, institutes often provide foundation
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, graduates from BBA or BCom can enter Clinical Research through specialised postgraduate diplomas or certification courses. These programs focus on research methodology, clinical trials, and regulatory guidelines, which can be learned without a medical degree.
Such graduates often excel in manage
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Arts or Commerce students can pursue Clinical Research courses, especially Diploma or certificate programs. While they may not have a Medical background, strong analytical, research, and communication skills can help them succeed.
Non-science graduates often require extra training to understand
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, Clinical Research is highly suitable for B Pharma and MBBS graduates as these courses align with their knowledge of drugs, human anatomy, and medical procedures. This foundation helps in understanding clinical trials, pharmacology, and regulatory compliance.
These graduates often find it easier
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The starting salary for freshers in Clinical Research typically ranges from INR 2.5–4 LPA in India. Roles such as Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or data coordinator often offer this range, depending on the institute and organization.
With experience, professionals can earn ?6–10 LPA or more, espec
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
While a Medical or Science background is helpful, it is not strictly necessary to pursue Clinical Research. Many institutes accept students from various streams, provided they have strong analytical and research skills.
However, Science graduates like BPharm, BSc, or MBBS may grasp technical concepts
Y
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Absolutely, Pharmacognosy plays a significant role in R&D since it focuses on natural drug sources, aiding in the discovery of new therapeutic compounds and providing scientific validation of traditional medicines.
In Clinical Research, it supports the design of herbal trials, evaluation of bioactive
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Here's a list of top skills employers look for after a Clinical Research course:
Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
Clinical trial monitoring and management
Regulatory compliance and documentation
Patient recruitment and safety management
Data analysis and interpretation
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Of course. Opportunities in drug development, clinical trials, and patient safety are provided by clinical research, which serves as a link between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare.
Students can find employment in healthcare consultancies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and CROs (Cont
Y
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Indeed, clinical research courses are very applicable to research positions in hospitals. Hospitals that conduct clinical trials frequently need qualified experts to oversee research, handle patient data, and guarantee adherence to moral standards.
Candidates are well-prepared for hospital research r
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The entire trial process, including protocol design, patient recruitment, monitoring, ethics, and regulatory compliance, is the main topic of clinical research courses. From beginning to end, they provide a comprehensive understanding of clinical trials.
In contrast, clinical data management (CDM) co
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Although it can be beneficial, prior knowledge of biology, pharmacy, or medicine is not always required for Clinical Research courses. The majority of programs are made to teach beginners the fundamentals.
Although candidates from other streams can succeed with hard work, students with backgrounds in
P
Contributor-Level 10
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What is the difference between Clinical Research and Medical Writing?