Ph.D in Clinical Research is a doctoral program of 3 to 6 years, depending on the progress of the research. This program is focused on building expertise in clinical trial research to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of novel treatments and therapies to enhance human health.
A candidate must hold a master's degree in medical science, pharmacy, or a related field, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks to pursue this course. ICMR JRF, UGC-NET, CUET-PG, and GPAT are some of the most sought-after entrance exams for a Ph.D in Clinical Research.
Ph.D in Clinical Research offers candidates an education in research conducting, including methodologies, ethical issues, and data analysis methodologies. A few of the positions one can apply for after a PhD are Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist. Clinical Research PhD recipients can expect an average package between INR 10 - 15 lakhs annually.
PhD Clinical Research Course Highlights
The basic details of a Ph.D in Clinical Research are as follows:
Particulars | Course Details |
Course Name | PhD Clinical Research |
Duration | 3 - 6 Years |
Eligibility | Candidates must have a master's degree in medical science, pharmacy, or a related area, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks |
Admission Process | Entrance Based |
Entrance Examinations | UGC-NET/CUET (PG)/ICMR JRF/GPAT |
Average Course Fees | INR 2-5 LPA |
Career Prospects | Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
Average Package after PhD | INR 10 - 15 lakhs per annum |
What is PhD Clinical Research?
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Research is a 3 to 6-year doctoral course that deals with advanced study in clinical trials, drug development, and healthcare innovations. The program equips the students with knowledge of disease patterns, treatment efficacy, and patient safety in order to enhance medical practices and healthcare policies.
Following a Ph.D in Clinical Research, research can be conducted on the effectiveness of a new cancer medication, and its effect on patients and possible side effects can be examined. This assists in creating safer and more efficient treatment plans.
A PhD in Clinical Research equips applicants with skills in biomedical research, data analysis, and regulatory affairs. Applicants learn to be expert critical thinkers, scientific investigators, and designers and implementers of clinical trials with accuracy.
Why Pursue a PhD in Clinical Research?
A Ph.D in Clinical Research provides candidates with various career options in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare institutions, regulatory agencies, and academia. The course also provides in-depth knowledge of drug development, medical ethics, and clinical trial methodologies.
The demand for clinical research professionals is growing due to the increasing need for new treatments, medical innovations, and evidence-based healthcare decisions. Experts in Clinical Research play an important role in advancing medicine and ensuring patient safety.
PhD Clinical Research Eligibility
The candidates should have the following eligibility to be admitted to the Ph.D Clinical Research:
- The candidates must have a master's degree in medical science, pharmacy, or a related area.
- Candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 55% in post-graduation.
- Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET, ICMR JRF, GPAT, and CUET-PG.
PhD Clinical Research Entrance Exams
Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D in Clinical Research include UGC-NET, ICMR JRF, GPAT, and CUET-PG. The important dates of these exams are mentioned below:
Entrance Examination | Registration Date | Date of Examination |
UGC NET 2026 | 19 November to December 10 2025 (Tentative) | 3 to 16 January 2026 (Tentative) |
CUET (PG) 2025 | 2 January to 8 February 2025 | 13 March to 1 April 2025 |
ICMR JRF 2025 | April 2025 | July 2025 |
GPAT 2025 | 1 April to 21 April 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
PhD Clinical Research Top Colleges in India
Some of the top colleges for Ph.D Clinical Research based on NIRF Ranking 2024 are as follows:
NIRF Ranking 2024 | College Name | City, State | Fees |
86 | Sharda University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 2,30,000 |
- | Galgotias University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 2,50,000 |
- | COER University | Roorkee, Uttarakhand | INR 3,70,000 |
- | ICRI - Jagannath University | Delhi | INR 3,40,000 |
- | Indian Institute of Public Health - IIPH | Haryana | INR 4,80,000 |
PhD Clinical Research Jobs
The basic details of jobs after a Ph.D in Clinical Research are as follows:
- Industry: The PhD holders can take up jobs in Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions, Biotechnology Companies, and Contract Research organisations.
- Employment Demand: A PhD in Clinical Research is in high demand, offering jobs like Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
- Average Salary: The average salary after a PhD in Clinical Research varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 10- 15 lakhs per annum.
There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Clinical Research. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience is mentioned in the table below:
Job Roles | Entry level | Experience level |
Clinical Trial Manager | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 10-12 LPA |
Clinical Research Manager | INR 7-10 LPA | INR 15-20 LPA |
Regulatory Affairs Specialist | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 6-12 LPA |
Clinical Research Associate | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 8-15 LPA |
PhD Clinical Research FAQs
What are the typical research topics students can choose from in the PhD Clinical Research program?
The Ph.D in Clinical Research students can choose any of the research topics to work on from their curriculum. Some of the topics include drug development, patient safety, clinical trial design, epidemiology, and healthcare policies. These help them improve medical treatments and healthcare systems.
How does the internship component benefit PhD Clinical Research program candidates?
The internships usually provide practical or hands-on experience to the students. The internships also provide a very good idea of the type of work the companies and organizations would be expecting from them.
What are the key challenges students face when writing a dissertation?
Students struggle with time management, gathering reliable data, and maintaining motivation. Writing a well-structured, research-backed dissertation requires critical thinking and strong analytical skills.
How does PhD support students in balancing academic coursework and clinical research?
PhD programs support students by offering flexible schedules, mentorship, and structured timelines. This helps them manage academic studies while conducting research.
