Master of Pharmacy is a Post Graduate Degree awarded for a program in the field of Pharmacy. It is also called M.Pharm. The program duration is two years. There are four semesters in the M.Pharm program. Examination held at the end of every semester. The course offers many practical elements like instrumental techniques, research methodologies, new areas and pharmacy-based operations etc. the aspirants who need exposure to pharmacy can study the M.Pharm program. Many institutes are offering the program across India.

Advantages or Benefits of M.Pharm

• After the program, the aspirants may get a chance to go and work in foreign nations. Once a candidate finishes the M.Pharm program, they can go for advanced studies such as PhD in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, and M.Phil etc.
• M.Pharm program offers chances to gain practical skills. The candidates can improve their communication skills and confidence after the program.
• The program covers many specializations. Aspirants can choose any of the specialization based on their preference.

Eligibility criteria for M.Pharm

Aspirants who have completed Bachelor of Pharmacy with not less than 50% of marks are qualified to apply for the M.Pharm program. The aspirants must have done their graduation from a recognized institute. For SC/ST applicants, the qualification is a pass in the B.Pharm. The admission done through an entrance test named ‘Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test’ (GPAT). GPAT is an all India exam.

Admission procedure for M.Pharm

Those who are qualified to apply for the M.Pharm program can write the entrance exam for getting admissions into the Pharmacy institutes. Either aspirants can collect the application from by online or offline based on their convenience. After filling the application forms, the applicants should send it to the respective authority with the copy of NET/GATE score sheet. The selected applicants based on the entrance test are called for an interview.

Reference Books for M.Pharm entrance exams

• Comprehensive GATE Questions by Vidya Sagar
• Comprehensive Pharmacy Review by Leon Shargel
• GATE – A Companion by N.N. Inamder
• Industrial microbiology by Cascida
• Industrial microbiology by Prescott & Dunn
• Instrumental methods of Chemical Analysis by B. K. Sarma
• Instrumental methods of Chemical Analysis by Chatwal
• Microbiology by Pelzar
• Spectroscopy by Silverstein
• Text Book of Pharmaceutical Analysis y K. A. Connors
• Text Book of Pharmacognosy by C. K. Kokate
• Text Book of Pharmacognosy by T. E. Walis
• Text Book of Pharmacognosy by Treas and Evans
• The Science and Practice of Pharmacy by Alfonso R Gennaro
• The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy by Lachman

Top 10 M.Pharm colleges in India

• BHU, Benaras
• BITS, Pilani
• Hamdard, New Delhi
• Kakatia University, Warangal
• LMCP, Ahmadabad
• MCOPS, Manipal
• MS University, Baroda
• NIPER, Mohali
• Punjab University, Chandigarh
• UDCT, Mumbai

Other Reputed Colleges/ Universities offering M.Pharm

• Advance Institute of Biotech & Paramedical Sciences
• Advance Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research
• Aissms College of Pharmacy
• Al - Ameen College of Pharmacy
• Alwar College of Pharmacy
• Amrutvahini College of Pharmacy
• Annai Veilankanni Pharmacy College
• Annamacharya College of Pharmacy
• Anuradha College of Pharmacy
• Apollo College of Pharmacy
• Arihant School of Pharmacy and Bio-Research Institute
• Avanthi Institute of Pharmaceutical Science
• Azad Institute of Pharmacy and Research (AIPR)
• B.L.D.E.A’s College of Pharmacy
• B.S. Patel Pharmacy College
• Banasthali University
• Bansal College of Pharmacy
• Bapatla College of Pharmacy
• Barkatullah University
• Berhampur University
• Bharathi College of Pharmacy
• Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy
• Biju Patnaik University of Technology
• Birla Institute of Technology & Science
• Blue Birds College of Pharmacy
• C.T. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• C.V.S.R. College of Engineering
• Calcutta Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology & Allied Health Sciences
• Columbia Institute of Pharmacy
• Dadhichi College Of Pharmacy (DCP)
• Dayananda Sagar College of Pharmacy
• Devi Ahilya University
• Dibrugarh University
• Doon Valley Institute of Pharmacy & Medicine
• Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences
• Dr.D.Y. Patil Vidya Pratishthan Society’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research
• G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy
• Goa College of Pharmacy
• Government Medical College
• Grace College of Pharmacy
• Gujarat Ayurved University
• Gujarat Technological University
• Gupta College of Technological Sciences
• Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University
• Hindu College of Pharmacy
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Institute of Foreign Trade and Management
• Institute of Pharmacy
• Integral University
• Invertis University
• J.S.S. College of Pharmacy
• J.S.S. College of Pharmacy, Ooty
• Jadavpur University
• Jaipur National University
• Jamia Hamdard
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
• Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University
• K.B. Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
• K.L.E.College of Pharmacy
• K.L.R. Pharmacy College
• Kadi Sarva Vishvavidyalaya
• Kamla Nehru Institute of Management and Technology (Pharmacy)
• Karavali College of Pharmacy
• Karnataka College of Pharmacy
• KLE University
• Krishna University
• Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy
• Lachoo Memorial College Science and Technology
• Lovely Professional University
• Luquman College of Pharmacy
• M.L.R. Institute of Pharmacy
• M.N.R. College of Pharmacy
• Madras Medical College
• Mahakal Institute of Pharmeceutical Studies
• Mahamaya Technical University (MTU)
• Maharishi Arvind Institute of Engineering & Technology
• Maliba Pharmacy College
• Meerut Institute of Engineering & Technology
• Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
• N.G.S.M. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nalanda College of Pharmacy
• Nehru College of Pharmacy
• Nimra College of Pharmacy
• Nirma University
• Nitte University
• NMIMS University
• Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology
• North Maharashtra University
• Osmania University
• P.S.G.V.P. Mandal’s College of Pharmacy
• Periyar College of Pharmaceutical Sciences for Girls
• Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology
• R.C. Patel College of Pharmacy
• R.D. College of Pharmacy
• R.K.D.F. College of Pharmacy
• R.R.Institute of Technology
• R.V.S. College of Pharmaceutical Science
• Raghavendra Institute of Pharmacutical Education and Research (RIPER)
• Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology
• Rajasthan University of Health Sciences
• Rajgad Dnyanpeeth’s College of Pharmacy
• Rajiv Gandhi Technical University
• Rameshwaram Institute of Technology and Management (RITM)
• Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University
• Rayat Institute of Pharmacy
• Rishiraj College of Pharmacy
• S.A.S.T.R.A. University
• S.R. College of Pharmacy
• S.S.D.J. College of Pharmacy
• S.V.B. Pharmacy College
• Sagar Institute of Research & Technology
• Sai Pranavi College of Pharmacy
• Saroj Institute of Technology and Management
• Satara College of Pharmacy
• Saurashtra University
• Shadan College of Pharmacy
• Shaheed Bhagat Singh College of Pharmacy
• Sharadchandra Pawar College of Pharmacy
• Shivaji University
• Shivdan Singh Institute of Technology and Management
• Shree H.N. Shukla Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
• Shree S.K. Patel college of Pharmaceutical Education Reaserch
• Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Womens University (Churchgate)
• Shri Vishnu College of Pharmacy
• Sigma Institute of Pharmacy
• Siksha O Anusandhan University
• Singhania University
• Sinhgad Institute Of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Sinhgad Institute of Pharmacy
• Smt Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy
• Smt. R.D. Gardi B.Pharmacy College
• Sri Krishna Chaithanya College of Pharmacy
• Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University)
• Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Science / College of Pharmacy
• Sri Venkateswara University
• Srinivas School of Pharmacy
• Swami Vivekanand College of Engineering
• T. John College of Pharmacy
• Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy
• Teerthanker Mahaveer University
• Trinity College of Pharmacy
• University of Pune
• Utkal University
• Uttarakhand Technical University
• V.L. College of Pharmacy
• Venkateswara Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Vinayaka Missions University
• West Bengal University of Technology
• Yalamarty B.Pharmacy College

M.Pharm course curriculum

First semester

Theory

• Advances in Pharmacognosy
• Drug Regulatory Affairs & Intellectual Property Rights
• Evaluation of Drugs
• Modern Analytical Technique
• Pharmaceutical Biostatistics & Computer Application

Practical

• Evaluation of Drugs
• Modern Analytical Technique

Second semester

Theory

• Industrial Pharmacognosy
• Phytopharmaceuticals
• Recent Development in Pharmacognosy
• Synopsis of the proposed dissertation

Practical

• Industrial Pharmacognosy
• Phyto pharmaceuticals

Semester-III & IV

• Dissertation
• Presentation & Viva Voce

M.Pharm Projects

• AntiDiabetic & Antioxidant Studies of Helictere Isora Roots
• Control charts to establish process consistency in analytical measurements
• Enhancement of dissolution of irbesartan using different techniques
• Enhancement of dissolution rate of aceclofenac with meglumin as a novel ternary component
• Formulation and evaluation of atomoxetine HCL buccal drug delivery system
• Formulation and evaluation of capecitabine tablets for colon specific drug delivery system
• Formulation and evaluation of diclofenac sodium matrix tablets using new natural polymer
• Formulation and evaluation of duloxetine HCL delayed release enteric coated capsules
• Formulation and evaluation of fast disintergrating tablets and films for carbinoxamine maleate
• Formulation and evaluation of frusemide semi solid matrix capsules by liquid filling technology
• Formulation and evaluation of implantable drug delivery system for temozolamide
• Formulation and evaluation of ornidazole topical emulgels

M.Pharm entrance exams in India

• Birla Institute of Technology and Science(BITS) Entrance Exam
• GATE
• Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT)
• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Entrance Exam

How to fill in M.Pharm application form

The application forms and catalog can be collected from the office of the institute or university. Forms can be downloaded from the college website also. The aspirants should take a photocopy of the application form and fill it first to avoid errors. The students should write correct information about their age, academic qualifications, contact details etc. they should paste a recent photo in the application form.

Master of Pharmacy entrance exam pattern

The entrance test duration is of 2 hours. The exam includes multiple choice type questions. Most of the syllabus is from B.Pharm and M.Sc. There will be negative marking for every wrong answer. Some of the topics included in the entrance exam are Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry etc. There will be options for every question. The students need to select the most appropriate answer from the given choices.

Coaching Centers for M.Pharm

• Akash Institute, Chandigarh
• Ctet coaching centre, Chandigarh
• Eureka Pharmakon Solutions
• IMS Chandigarh
• Ratiram Academy of Higher Education (RAHE)

M.Pharm Specializations

• Bio pharmaceutics
• Biotechnology
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Drug Discovery and Drug Development
• Drug Regulatory Affairs
• Industrial Pharmacy
• Master of Public Health
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Administration
• Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical market & Management
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmaceutics
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmacognosy
• Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Practice
• Phytopharmaceuticals & Natural Products
• Quality Assurance

M.Pharm Course Evaluation

The Master of Pharmacy program duration is 2 years from the beginning of the academic term. The program includes lectures, seminars, symposia, journal analysis, conferences, practical sessions etc. The course has four semesters. By the end of each semester, there will be examinations. There are theory and practical classes. There is a viva voce held at the end of 2 years.

M.Pharm Text Books

• Advanced methods in plant breeding & biotiechnology by David R Mirray
• Ayurvedic formulary of India
• Bibiliography of Pharmacognosy of Medicinal Plants by Mitra Roma
• Biotechnology application to tissue culture by Shargool
• Biotechnology by purohit & Matherr
• Biotechnology theory & technique vol I by Jack. G. C
• Breeding field crops by John M.P. & David. A.S
• Chemistry of Marine Natural Products by Paul J Schewer
• Chromatography of Alkaloids by Varpoorte Swendson
• Comparative Phytochemistry by T. Swain
• Comprehensive biotechnology by Mooyoung
• Cultivation and Utilization of aromatic plants by CK Atal and BM Kapoor
• Cultivation of Medicinal Plants by CK Atal and BM Kapoor
• Elements of Biotechnology by P.K. Gupta
• Elements of chromatography by PK Lata
• Essentials of Molecular biology by Dovid. F.A. George. M.M
• Experiments in plant tissue culture by John, H.D. & Lorin W.R
• Good manufacturing practices for pharmaceuticals by SH Willing
• Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia
• Identification of organic compounds by Silver stein
• Indian material Medica by K.M. Madkarni
• Indian meidicinal Plants by Kirthikar, Basu
• Instrumental methods of chemical analysis by B. K. Sharma
• Introduction to Molecular Phytochemistry by CHJ Wells
• Introduction to plant tissue culture by M.K. Razadam
• isolation & identification of drugs by Clarke
• Jenkins Quantitative pharmaceutical chemistry by AN Kenwell
• Law and drugs by S.N. Katju
• Marine Phamacognosy by Dean F. Martin & George Padilla
• Medicinal chemistry edited by Alfred Burger
• Modern methods of plant analysis by Peach & M.V. Tracey
• Modern methods of plant analysis by Peach & M.V. Tracey
• Molecular biology & Biotechnology by J.M. Walker & E.D. Gingo
• Natural products – A Laboratory guide by Raphel Ikhan
• Natural products chemistry by Nakanishi Golo
• New drug approval process by RA Guarino
• Pharmaceutical Sciences by Remington
• Pharmaceuticals Biotiechnology S.P. Vyas & V.K. Dixit
• Pharmacognosy by G.E. Trease & W.C.Evans ELBS
• Pharmacognosy by VE Tyler, LR Brady and JE Robbers
• Pharmacopoeial Standards for Ayurvedic formulations
• Phramcognosy by G.E. Trease, W.C. Evans, ELBS
• Phytochemical methods of chemical analysis by Harborne
• Plant cell & tissue culture by Jafferey. W. Pollard & John. M. Walker
• Plant phydiology by Frank B. Salisburry, Cleon, W.Ross
• Plant propagation – principle & practices by hertamann Kester
• Practical Pharmaceutical Chemistry by A. H. Beckett & J. B. Stenlake
• Principles of instrumental analysis by Skoog Holler Nieman
• Protection of industrial property rights by P Das and Gokul Das.
• Selected topics in Experimental Pharmacology
• Text book of Pharmacognosy by T.E.Wallis
• The Alkaloids : Chemistry & Physiology by RHF Manske
• The essential oils by Ernest Guenther and Robert E. Kreiger
• The use of Pharmacological techniques for the evaluation of natural products by BN Chavan andRC Srimal
• Thin layer chromatography by E. Stahi
• Unani Medical Systems

Job and Career options for M.Pharm

Those who finish the Master of Pharmacy course can get opportunities in teaching, health care and research fields. There is a great increase in the number of health care firms, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies etc. Therefore, the demand for Pharmacy graduates is also increasing. The M.Pharm holders will get jobs in state and central government sectors. Opportunities are available in the cosmetics and food industries also. After the program, the aspirants can register in the State Pharmacy Council.

Job Types

• Analytical Chemist
• Customs Officer
• Data Manager
• Drug Inspector
• Lecturer
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Regulatory Manager
• Researcher
• Teacher

Employment Areas

• Chemist Shops
• Drug Control Administration
• Educational Institutes
• Food and Drug Administration
• Health Centers
• Hospitals
• Medical Dispensing Store
• Pharmaceutical Firms
• Research Agencies
• Sales and Marketing Department

What to do after M.Pharm?

After the M.Pharm program, aspirants can go for either job or higher education. The higher study options available for the M.Pharm students are M.S (Pharm), M.Pharm, M.Tech (Pharm) and MBA (Pharm). Once they finish any of these programs they can get opportunities in reputed institutes. The aspirants will get jobs in private and government sector. The M.Pharm holders can work in Universities, Research based firms, government departments etc.

Remuneration after M.Pharm

Once the candidates complete the M.Pharm program they will get chances in the government as well as in private sector. In the public sector, candidates will get various pay scales. This is based on their job profile. Their remuneration ranges between Rs. 8000 – 25,000 per month with other benefits. In the private firms, they will get Rs.4000 from the starting stage itself. Those who are working in the research area can earn Rs.10, 000 – Rs. 40,000 per month. A medical representative can earn a salary of Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 per month. Pharmacist can earn from Rs.5000 onwards.