M.Pharma - Master of Pharmacy

Master Of Pharmacy (MPharm) is a two-year post-graduate program. The course is based on pharmaceutical sciences that deal with the study of drugs and medicines. It enhances student’s theoretical, technical, and practical knowledge in the field of pharmacy and also develops curiosity among the students to carry out further pharmaceutical research.

To be eligible for MPharm courses, candidates must have passed their BPharm or related course with the required percentage. Some colleges may require candidates to have valid marks in certain entrance exams. Some accepted entrance exams are GPAT, NIPER JEE, AP PGECET and many more. 

Some Top Pharmacy Colleges in India are Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi; Punjab University, Chandigarh; National Institute Of Pharmaceutical Education & Research; Institute Of Chemical Technology, Mumbai; Birla Institute Of Technology & Science, Pilani; Manipal College Of Pharmaceutical Sciences; JSS College Of Pharmacy; JSS Academy Of Higher Education & Research; and many more.

Why study MPharm

Diverse Career Options: After completing M.Pharm, students are eligible to work in the medical industry and retail industry as well. Moreover, they can opt for further research and work as academicians to train the upcoming youth for developing their pharmaceutical skills.

Develop Skills: Students also develop a varied set of skills consisting of problem-solving and decision-making skills. Ambitious students can apply to foreign universities for research work that would broaden their career and job prospects.

Work Flexibility: Pharmacists can work according to a given period, unlike doctors who are required to work in the time of emergencies.

Demand: The increase of diseases among people in the present times is posing a threat to humankind. It leads to an increase in prescriptions and the evolution of drugs simultaneously. It results in the great demand for pharmacists in the medical industry that leads to good career growth.

High Income: It also assures a good earning. M. Pharm graduates can gain a high monetary benefit which results in satisfactory progress in their career.

Admission Process of Master of Pharmacy

The MPharm admission process depends on the academic scores of graduation and the standard M.Pharm national or state level entrance tests.

MPharm Eligibility

M.Pharm has some eligibility criteria. Students should be from a science background. Students will be eligible for an M.Pharm degree by dint of hard work and sincerity.

Students should have a minimum of 50% in Bachelor of Pharmacy(B.Pharm) from a PCI/AICTE approved college or university.

Students should qualify GPAT or any other national & state level M.Pharm entrance test with a valid score.

MPharm Admission Process

The admission criteria for MPharm 2024 are as follows:

First of all, students should appear for the GPAT entrance exam, and they should qualify for the test with an average score. Based on their secured scores and counselling process, students get direct admission to Top MPharm colleges. The institution body also conducts a PI round. Students should clear the PI round to get selected for admission.

If students didn’t appear for GPAT entrance, they can select the colleges based on their choice and fill the application form provided on the official website of respective colleges.

Students should appear for the entrance tests conducted by the respective colleges and institutions. They should secure a decent score at the entrance. While shortlisting candidates based on their scores., a cut-off list is created for every college. One’s score should exceed the cut-off marks of a particular college to get admission into top M.Pharm Colleges. For example, the Birla Institute of Technology(BITS) conducts the BITS HD Pharmacy examination for M.Pharm admission.

After that, final admission depends on counselling and seat allotment rounds carried out by the respective colleges.

Students should qualify for online entrance tests like NIPER JEE & other tests, and they should appear for the counselling process.

Merit-based 

To be eligible for the course candidates must have the required percentage in their undergraduate degree.

The candidates must have a valid entrance exam scorecard.

The candidates will also have to appear for counselling rounds with the conducting rounds.

Some colleges may ask the candidates to appear for personal interview rounds.

MPharm Entrance based

Some accepted entrance exams for admissions to M Pharm courses are:

GPAT conducted by NTA

NIPER JEE conducted by NIPER

AP PGECET conducted by Andhra University

TANCET conducted by Andhra University

TS PGECET conducted by Osmania University

Odisha Joint Entrance Examination conducted by Odisha Joint Entrance Examination Board

AU AIMEE conducted by Annamalai University

HP CET conducted by Himachal Pradesh Technical University

Syllabus of  Master of Pharmacy

Year 1

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutics: Drug formulation, delivery systems, and pharmaceutical technology.

Pharmacology: Drug actions, interactions, and therapeutic uses.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: How drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

Clinical Pharmacy

Clinical Pharmacy Practice: Patient care, medication therapy management, and clinical decision-making.

Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Legal aspects of pharmacy practice, ethical considerations, and professional standards.

Therapeutics

Disease Management: Understanding and managing various diseases and conditions, including cardiology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Techniques for monitoring and optimizing drug therapy.

Research Methods

Pharmaceutical Research: Research methodologies, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.

Biostatistics: Statistical methods and their applications in pharmaceutical research.

Professional Skills

Communication Skills: Patient counseling, effective communication with healthcare professionals.

Pharmacy Practice: Practical experience in community and hospital settings.

Year 2: Advanced Topics and Specializations

Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences

Advanced Pharmaceutics: Novel drug delivery systems and advanced formulation techniques.

Pharmacogenomics: The study of how genetic variations affect drug response.

Clinical and Therapeutic Specialties:

Specialized Therapeutics: Focus on specific areas such as oncology, neurology, or pediatrics.

Clinical Pharmacy Skills: Advanced clinical skills, including patient assessment and therapeutic decision-making.

Research and Development:

Pharmaceutical R&D: Drug discovery, development processes, and regulatory affairs.

Research Project: Conducting and presenting original research as part of a dissertation or thesis.

Professional Practice:

Advanced Clinical Practice: Enhanced practical placements in clinical settings.

Leadership and Management: Skills for managing pharmacy departments or running a pharmacy business.

Electives and Specializations:

Elective Courses: Opportunities to explore specific interests or emerging fields in pharmacy.

Specialization Areas: Depending on the institution, options might include areas like clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, or drug policy.

Assessment Methods:

Exams: Written and practical exams to test theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Assignments and Projects: Research projects, case studies, and presentations.

Practical Placements: Hands-on experience in pharmacy settings, evaluated through practical assessments.

Additional Components:

Workshops and Seminars: Participation in workshops and seminars to stay updated on recent advancements and practices.

Professional Development: Opportunities for networking, conferences, and continuing education.

Entrance Exam: Preparation Tips

Students should have a clear idea about the exam pattern, the number of questions, allotted time, and the syllabus. They should have a thorough understanding of pharmaceutical concepts taught in B. Pharm courses like Pharmaceutical Analysis, Clinical Pharmacy, and Therapeutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, etc., and basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology.

They should take the help of proper GPAT preparation books that will enable them to go through it thoroughly, prepare a specific schedule for study, and give adequate time based on the concepts and topics.

Students shall refer to the previous year's question papers which give them a clear idea about the possible questions.

Nowadays, there are available options to gather study materials for entrance exams other than books. Students can watch youtube videos of sample questions and answers related to M.Pharm.

They can also join Telegram channels regarding Exam purposes and studies to stay updated with the latest exam-related information.

Future Scope of Master of Pharmacy

MPharm in any domain can provide ample opportunities in both the education and job sectors.

One can pursue a PhD in Pharmacy specialization based on his interest and choice. It allows him to have a mastery over this subject which in return fetch him lucrative job positions. Some specializations are PhD Pharmaceutics, PhD Pharmacology, or PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences

Students can also pursue MBA or PGDM and LLB programs which will enhance their career prospects. An MBA degree will help them get a managerial level job, and an LLB degree will fetch them corporate lawyers in a pharmaceutical company.

There are numerous reputed Pharmaceutical Companies, Food & Fermentation Units, Educational institutes, Drug Control Administration, Sales & Marketing departments, Research Agencies, Industries, Laboratories, Hospitals both in India & abroad to offer various job roles.

If students seek jobs in the public sector, they can also work as drug inspectors and pharmacists. A Master's degree in Pharmacy helps the students in a quick promotion which brings growth in their career.

Students can also begin their own pharmaceutical companies and medical stores that are equally beneficial for their career advancement.

Top Recruiters  of Master of Pharmacy

Apollo Hospitals

IQVIA

Teva Pharmaceuticals

AG Medical Communications

Sun Pharmaceuticals

Novartis

Novozymes

Cipla

Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Lupin

Aurobindo

Zyduscadila

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Abbott India

Biocon

Wockhardt

Ranbaxy

Adani Group

Taj Pharmaceuticals, etc

Skills Required  Master of Pharmacy

MPharm is a highly beneficial degree and the graduates need to have a varied set of skills to work in a challenging environment based on the job roles. Some of the skills which must be present in M.Pharm employees are:

Problem Solving Skill

Analytical Skills

Soft skills including written & verbal communication

Organizational and Disciplinary Skill

Cooperation among peer groups

Ability to handle pressure

Knowledge about chemical entities

Medical writing & Ethics

Marketing Skills

Strategic Thinking