A Diploma in Clinical Research is a short programme aimed to provide students with awareness around the design, management and doing of clinical research, alongside best practice in clinical research; good clinical practice (GCP), ethics, data management, regulatory and pharmacovigilance.
Typically, the diploma would take from 6 months to 1 year to complete, and the well-respected organizations that provide the course, such as IGMPI, JSS, St. Xavier's College etc. often charge candidates between INR 50, 000 and INR 1,50,000 depending on the organization and mode of delivery.
On completion, participants have job roles such as Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Data Coordinator, Trial Monitor and Pharmacovigilance Officer, and will have learned about potential careers in CROs, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities.
Table of Contents
- Diploma in Clinical Research Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Clinical Research?
- Why Study a Diploma in Clinical Research?
- Who should study for a Diploma in Clinical Research?
- Diploma in Clinical Research Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma in Clinical Research Colleges in India
- Diploma in Clinical Research Admission Process 2025
- Diploma in Clinical Research Syllabus
- Diploma in Clinical Research Job Opportunities in India
- Diploma in Clinical Research FAQs
Diploma in Clinical Research Highlights
Listed below are the features of the Diploma in Clinical Research program in India:
What is a Diploma in Clinical Research?
A Diploma in Clinical Research is a professional program that trains students to serve on (and manage) clinical trials for drugs, drug delivery systems, devices, and ultimately treatments. Programs are designed with attention to ICH-GCP, USFDA, DCGI and other regulatory considerations internationally.
The course consists of theoretical learning combined with practical elements of trial monitoring, protocol preparation, regulatory documentation preparation and multiple aspects of managing clinical data.
An MSc in Clinical Research is a good field, one can only pursue it after achieving a bachelor degree in Clinical research.
Why Study a Diploma in Clinical Research?
Let's go through the many advantages of completing this Diploma in Clinical Research in particular, and what you're walking away with: development and growth, relevance in the industry & global employability.
- Rising Demand of the Industry: The number of Clinical trials in India are expanding at a rapid pace and trained personnel are in significant demand.
- Entry into a Career: A Diploma in Clinical Research can be your entry into a career in Pharma, Biotech, and healthcare research.
- Short Duration and Cost-Effective: In less than 1 year, this course teaches skills you can use in the next phase of your professional life. If you're looking to upskill quickly, this is the absolute best option.
- Variety of employment options: Positions range from site coordination to data analysis across CROs and hospitals.
- Global Opportunities: Trained professionals can also move into jobs at international research organizations.
Who should study for a Diploma in Clinical Research?
Below are the profiles of students and professionals who can benefit the most from this clinical research diploma.
This course is best suited for:
- Graduates in B.Sc (Biology, Biotech, Microbiology), B.Pharm, BDS, MBBS, BHMS
- Medical professionals aiming to switch to research roles
- Nursing or paramedical graduates
- Working professionals seeking specialization in clinical research or pharmacovigilance
Diploma in Clinical Research Eligibility Criteria
Take a look at the basic qualifications and academic background you must meet to apply for this program.
To apply for the Diploma in Clinical Research program:
- Candidates must hold a graduate degree in Life Sciences / Pharmacy / Medicine / Dental / Nursing / Allied Health
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks (may vary)
- Some institutes may conduct personal interviews or screening tests
Diploma in Clinical Research Colleges in India
Here are some of the leading institutions that offer diploma courses in clinical research, along with their fee details and admission process.
Diploma in Clinical Research Admission Process 2025
If you are planning to apply to IGMPI for the Diploma in Clinical Research, you must go through the following steps for successful registration:
Step 1: Check Eligibility: You must be graduated in any discipline. Working professionals can also apply.
Step 2: Choose Your Mode: Decide whether you want to go with the Online Mode (where you have flexibility to attend live classes on the weekends and complete the assessments based on your timetable) or whether you want to go with Regular Mode (face to face).
Step 3: Application Form: Download it or apply online on the IGMPI official website. You must fill out the form correctly.
Step 4: Pay Program Fee: You will submit the requisite tourism fee as per your choosen programme
Step 5: Submit Documents: You will upload or attach necessary documents
Step 6: Valid ID proof: Once you have made payment and IGMPI has processed your application, they will send you a confirmation and they will send you access to the learning material and timetable in that confirmation
Step 7: Attend Orientation and Classes
Required Documents:
- Graduation marksheets and certificate
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Entrance exam scorecard (if required)
Diploma in Clinical Research Syllabus
Here’s a syllabus structure of Apollo Research & Innovations to help you understand the topics covered during your course of Diploma in Clinical Research Syllabus
Diploma in Clinical Research Job Opportunities in India
Once you have obtained your Diploma in Clinical Research you can progress into specialist roles in clinical trials, data management, regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance. These specialist roles can be found in high demand in Contract Research Organizations (CROs), pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and government health agencies.
Diploma in Clinical Research FAQs
Is there any scope for a diploma in clinical research?
There is great scope, especially as India has become recognized as a worldwide hub for clinical trials. Graduates may find job opportunities within pharmaceutical companies/CROs, hospitals, and research organizations both nationally and internationally.Since there is an increasing number of drug development and increasing worldwide trials, the scope of clinical research is growing. The diploma holders are finding jobs within pharma companies, CROs, hospitals, and research labs.
Can I pursue this diploma, if I have a B.Sc in Microbiology?
Yes. Life science graduates, like those with a B.Sc Microbiology, B.Sc Biotech, and B.Sc Biology, are able to take this diploma. If the diploma is only training on clinical research processes, students will, at the very least acquire knowledge to understand the clinical research process and terminology.Yes, life science graduates like B.Sc Microbiology, Biotech, and disciple graduates of Biology can take this course.
Is the diploma valid for jobs outside of India?
Yes. Many diploma programs are based on global standards like ICH-GCP, meaning that many diploma programs (and students that graduate) will be accepted by international CROs and pharmaceutical companies and can expect global opportunities in their careers.Yes, provided that the course follows the international standards (ICH-GCP), students will be able to apply for jobs within global CROs and Pharma MNCs.
What distinguishes a PG Diploma from a Certificate in Clinical Research?
A PG Diploma typically covers more subject matter and provides more timeframe for training, often preferred by candidates aiming for more senior roles than they already hold. A Certificate is shorter and more likely to be used for shorter term or junior roles. A PG Diploma, is a more comprehensive program, and is often for graduates with deeper knowledge, while a certificate is shorter and usually contains more entry-level content.
Do I have to have medical knowledge to pursue this diploma?
You do not have to be a medical graduate, but have to have a background in life sciences or health sciences. You must understand basic life sciences or health sciences. Familiarity with biology and healthcare will provide a framework for you to understand clinical trial concepts. You do not have to be a doctor, you must understand biology and the principles of clinical research.
