MD Pharmacology is a specialized doctorate degree (postgraduate) that delves into study of drugs, their mechanism of action, and effect on the human body. The course duration is 3 years encompassing experimental and clinical practices. To enrol in MD Pharmacology, one needs to qualify MBBS and NEET-PG exam along with the permanent registration in State Medical Council.
MD Pharmacology fees vary among different quotas in government and private colleges. Generally, It ranges between INR 5 to 10 Lakhs including hostel, exam, and other expenses. Some government universities charge as low as INR 12,000 to 50,000 and may offer the stipend up to INR 60,000 to 90,000.
During MD Pharmacology, one has to work for a thesis by participating in preclinical or observational studies. After completing the specialization, one can work in clinical setting, research or academia.
MD Pharmacology Course Highlights
The table below showcases the key highlights of the course.
Details | Particulars |
Program Name | Doctor of Medicine in Pharmacology |
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | MBBS and NEET PG |
Admission | Based on NEET PG cut-off or equivalent entrance exam score. |
Average Course Fee | INR 5 to 15 Lakhs |
Average Starting Salary | INR 10 to 15 LPA |
Top recruiting organizations | Cipla, PGIMER, Pfizer Limited, AIIMS, Abbott India, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Biocon, Glaxo Smith Kline India |
To Recruiting Areas | Drug Companies, Colleges, Universities, Marketing Areas, Medical Writing, Hospitals, Clinics, Military Healthcare Services |
Job Positions | Pharmacology Professor, Tutor, Senior Manager, Medical Advisor, Professor Associate, Academic Head |
Why Pursue MD Pharmacology
MD Pharmacology covers areas like Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and clinical trials. Such study imparts various skills like conducting research, analyzing data, and rational prescribing.
- It prepares for a fulfilling career in healthcare, academia, research, and the pharmaceutical industry.
- The knowledge acquired by pursuing MD Pharmacology serves in improving medical research, thereby patients’ lives.
- Pharmacology research is also critical in the development of personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patient needs.
MD Pharmacology Eligibility
MD Pharmacology eligibility criteria is an MBBS degree with a minimum of 55% marks, completion of one-year internship, and a registration certificate from the NMC/Medical Council. Moreover, candidates have to qualify NEET-PG as the admission is based on the merit of the national-level entrance exam.
MD Pharmacology Admission Process
Admission process may vary among the institutes. For your reference, below we’ve listed the admission process for the Sharda University:
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the Sharda University. Navigate to the Academic section, and then click on the Medical section. After that, click on the MD in Pharmacology course. The website will redirect you to the course.
Step 2: On the right hand side of the page, click on the “Apply Now” button. You’ll be redirected to the official admissions page. Start by registering yourself with the website.
Step 3: Start by providing your required details such as your Name, Mobile Number, Email ID, etc. After successfully registering, fill in the form for the SUAT exam (Sharda University Admission Test).
Step 4: Appear for the exam and give your best. Now, the students need to wait for the college to release the cut off list. Keep yourself updated by visiting the official website of the Sharda University.
Step 5: After you get selected in the merit list, you’ll need to submit the relevant documents online and will have to pay the course fees, which is around INR 2,540,649 for the year.
Step 6: After the university has received your payment, they’ll release the confirmation email on your official email ID. The mail will consist of the orientation and commencement date for the program.
MD Pharmacology Colleges in India
In India, there are many colleges/universities offering MD Pharmacology. Some of the best institutes are tabulated below.
Colleges | Location | Ranking | Average Course Fee (INR) |
AIIMS | Hyderabad | - | 12,000 |
Madras Medical College | Chennai | NIRF Ranking 2024: 11 | 1.5 Lakhs |
Stanley Medical College | Chennai | - | 2.9 Lakhs |
Government Medical College | Kolkata | NIRF Ranking 2024: 45
India Today Ranking 2024: 24 | 50,000 |
Lady Hardinge Medical College | New Delhi | NIRF Ranking 2024: 31
India Today Ranking: 9 | 40,000 |
Patna Medical College | Patna | NIRF Ranking 2024: 26 | 70,000 |
Seth GS Medical College | Mumbai | India Today Ranking: 11 | 3 Lakhs |
Government Medical College | Amritsar | - | 4 Lakhs |
BJ Medical College | Ahmedabad | NIRF ranking 2024: 50 | 2 Lakhs |
MD Pharmacology Syllabus
Syllabus of MD Pharmacology covers a wide range of subjects like Basic sciences as applied to Pharmacology, Systemic Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Experimentation, Research, Biostatistics and Education, Recent advances in Pharmacology, etc. According to NMC, the curriculum has to be designed in a way that includes research work and necessary practical skills.
In the table below, General Subject Areas in the syllabus followed by AIIMS, Hyderabad is mentioned.
Theory Aspects | Practical Aspects |
General Pharmacology and Allied Sciences | Experimental Pharmacology |
Systemic Pharmacology | Clinical Pharmacology |
Experimental Pharmacology, Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Analytical Techniques |
Clinical Pharmacology and Recent Advances in Pharmacology |
MD Pharmacology Jobs
With an MD Pharmacology, one can find employment in both, government and private organizations. Opportunities after MD Pharmacology is not limited to clinical practice or healthcare services. There is always a growing demand for Pharmacologists in Medical Research to advance drug discovery and improve the quality of life.
Here are some well reputed and high paying positions in government/private organizations.
Academia | Pharmaceutical Industry | Clinical Practice |
Assistant Professor | Medical Advisor | Research Scientist |
Associate Professor | Clinical Development Advisor/Officer | Clinical Pharmacologist |
Professor | Pharmacovigilance Officer | - |
Research Scientist | Drug Inspector | - |
MD Pharmacology Salary in India
Salary of a Pharmacologist varies among the various sectors, location, and job roles. An initial salary of an MD Pharmacology graduate ranges between INR 10 to 15 LPA, with potential to increase up to INR 20-50 LPA with years of experience in the field.
Here is the salary data as per Indeed and Glassdoor analytics.
Average Starting Salary (Location-wise) | |
Delhi | INR 10.5 LPA |
Mumbai | INR 10 to 12 LPA |
Banglore | INR 5 to 10 LPA |
Ahmedabad | INR 7 to 9 LPA |
Pune | INR 15 to 20 LPA |
Average Starting Salary (Job Role Wise) | |
Entry Level
(Junior Resident, Medical Officer, Regional Medical Advisor, or entry-level positions in pharmaceutical companies) | INR 10-13 LPA, for 0 - 3 Years experience |
Mid Level
(Senior Resident, Medical Advisor, Clinical Development Associate, or other specialized roles within pharmaceutical companies) | INR 18 to 30 LPA, for 3 - 6 years experience |
Advance Level
(Consultant Pharmacologist, Professor, Head of Department, or senior leadership positions in pharmaceutical companies or research institutions) | INR 35 to 50 LPA, for those with 6+ years of experience. |
MD Pharmacology Vs. Pharm D.
While both, MD Pharmacology and Pharm D. focus on medications, they differ in the key area of focus, duration, eligibility, and career paths.
The table below represents a major difference between these two courses.
Parameter | MD Pharmacology | Pharm D |
Duration | 3 years | 6 years |
Eligibility | MBBS | 10+2 with Biology |
Qualification | Postgraduate doctor degree | Undergraduate Diploma degree |
Focus | Drug research and development, clinical pharmacology | Medication management and patient care |
Scope of Practice | Research, academia, pharmaceutical industry, clinical practice | Dispensing, counseling, monitoring, and collaborating with other healthcare providers |
Work Settings | Laboratories, universities, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals | Pharmacies, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical industry |
MD Pharmacology FAQs
Can MD Pharmacology become a drug inspector?
Yes, MD Pharmacology graduates can prepare for competitive exams like UPSC for securing a government job as a Drug Inspector.
Which non-clinical branch is best after MBBS?
Some of the well reputed job profiles that do not involve clinical practice are medical writing, healthcare administration, medical research, healthcare consulting, healthcare IT, and medical insurance.
Which degree is required for a drug inspector?
To become a Drug Inspector, bachelor's and master’s degree in pharmacy, pharmacology, microbiology or medicine is required. Further, one has to qualify the recruitment exam conducted at state or national level.
What is the difference between Pharmacology and Pharmacy?
Major difference between Pharmacology and Pharmacy is that pharmacists study all aspects of the preparation and use of medicines, while pharmacologists study the effect of medicines on the body.
