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. 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 |
|
|
Postgraduate courses |
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
6 LPA |
|
|
5 LPA |
|
|
4 LPA |
|
|
4.5 LPA |
|
|
7 LPA |
|
|
Kolkata |
|
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.
- 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
Popular Exams
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 |
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.Pharma Clinical ResearchChitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Chandigarh
- Data Management for Clinical ResearchCoursera
- Design and Interpretation of Clinical TrialsCoursera
- Drug DiscoveryCoursera
- Drug DevelopmentCoursera
- Medical Technology and EvaluationCoursera
- Antimicrobial resistance - theory and methodsCoursera
- Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) for Clinical ResearchUDEMY
- Clinical Data Management (CDM) Online CourseUDEMY
- B.Sc. in Clinical Research and Healthcare ManagementICRI - Jaipur National University, Jaipur
Popular Clinical Research UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.Sc.
35 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
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 680k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
- Ayurveda
- Homeopathy
- Audiology & Speech Therapy
- Clinical Psychology
- Immunology
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Record Technology
- Medical Transcription
- Occupational Therapy Courses
- Operation Theatre Technology
- Optometry
- Physician Assistant
- Radiology Courses
- Clinical Data Management
- Pharmacovigilance
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmacognosy
- Hospital Management Course
- Public Health