Updated October 18, 2022
MD Pharmacology or Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology is a Postgraduate course in medicine and biological science that spans over three years. The program focuses on providing the students with deep knowledge of ‘how drugs work and their effects on various diseases in living organisms.’
For admission to the MD Pharmacology course, one must satisfy the minimum required condition, which is completing an MBBS degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate from a recognized University. Admissions to the program are either merit or entranced-based, followed by a GD/ PI round.
Some universities in India that offer MD Pharmacology courses include the Government Medical College (Surat), All India Institute of Medical Science (New Delhi), etc. The average fees for the course range from INR 10K to 10 LPA, depending on the reputation and authority of the colleges/universities.
Major MD Pharmacology Course Details
The table below presents the major highlights of the Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology program. So, check out below to get an overview of this PG Course.
| Course Name | MD Pharmacology |
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Full form | Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology |
| Course Duration | Three years |
| Examination Pattern | Semester-wise |
| Minimum Eligibility | MBBS degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate from a recognized University. |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 10K to 10 LPA |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 3 to 15 LPA |
| Top recruiting Firms | Cipla, Abbott India, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Biocon, Glaxo Smith, Kline India, etc. |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Drug Companies, Colleges, Universities, Marketing Areas, Medical Writing, Hospitals, Clinics, Military Healthcare Services, etc. |
| To Job Profiles | Pharmacology Professor, Tutor, Senior Manager, Medical Advisor, Professor Associate, Academic Head, Faculty, Assistant Manager, Direct Marketing Manager, etc. |
M.D. Pharmacology Admission Process
The admission process for the MD Pharmacology program depends on the college/university candidates choose for the course. Candidates either have to go through an entrance-based or a merit-based admission process for the MD Pharmacology course. If the college you have selected follows a merit-based admission process, then you will be chosen based on your marks in the MBBS degree. And, if the entranced-based admission process is followed, you must clear any relevant entrance exams for the course conducted by either college/university or other administering bodies.
M.D. in Pharmacology Eligibility Criteria
Candidates seeking to pursue MD Pharmacology must satisfy certain conditions. Mentioned below are the minimum prerequisites that must be met by the aspirants to get enrolled in the Program.
- Candidates must have completed MBBS or equivalent degree from a recognized University.
- They should have also scored the minimum aggregate of 55% marks in their MBBS or an equivalent degree.
- Depending on the institute’s selection, one may be required to qualify for any relevant entrance exams, which may be followed by a GD/ PI round.
Top M.D. Pharmacology Entrance Exams
Various entrance tests at the national and university level are conducted for MD Pharmacology. Here we listed some popular entrance exams for the course.
- JIPMER
- NEET-SS
- PGIMER
- NEET PG
- AFMC PG
- AIIMS PG
Top MD Pharmacology Colleges in India
Enlisted are some of the best colleges/universities in India that offer Doctorate of Medicine Pharmacology courses.
- Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
- Kasturba Medical College Manipal
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Government Medical College, Surat
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
- St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore
- Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu
- JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysore
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi
- Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad
- All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi
- Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education, Pune
- Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai
Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology Syllabus
The course syllabus of MD Pharmacology incorporates a wide range of theoretical and practical learnings. However, every institution has a different syllabus, but here we have mentioned the subjects, topics and practical knowledge followed by most institutions offering the program. Tabulated below is the semester-wise break-up of the syllabus for this PG course.
Particulars of MD Pharmacology Syllabus
| Semesters | Subjects/Topics/Practical Learnings |
| Semester I | Renal System |
| Cardiovascular System | |
| Hematopoietic System | |
| Central Nervous System | |
| Autonomic Nervous System | |
| Semester II | Endocrinology |
| Respiratory System | |
| Microbial Resistance | |
| Gastrointestinal System | |
| Semester III | Direct Interactions |
| Pharmacodynamics | |
| Pharmacogenomics | |
| Central Nervous System | |
| Autonomic Nervous System | |
| Qualitative and Quantitative Pharmacokinetics | |
| Semester IV | Rational Drugs |
| Chemotherapy | |
| Respiratory System | |
| Renal Pharmacology | |
| Endocrine Pharmacology | |
| Data Archiving and Management | |
| Semester V | Biostatics |
| Study Design | |
| Semester VI | CPCSEA |
| Dissertation |
Best MD Pharmacology Doctorate Skills
To be the best pharmacology doctorate, you must develop or work on several skills. Some of the required skills are mentioned below.
- Leadership
- Analytical skills
- Decision making
- Effective communication
- Time and resource management
Scope After M.D. Pharmacology Course
After completing a Doctorate of Medicine degree in Pharmacology, graduates can either choose to continue their studies and pursue a Ph.D. course or find a lucrative job in various employment areas like Drug Companies, Colleges, Universities, Marketing Areas, Medical Writing, Hospitals, Clinics, Military Healthcare Services, etc. There are several profitable job options for graduates in the private or government sectors. Opting for a research or Ph.D. course helps candidates to get expertise in the field and find higher job positions with more lucrative salary packages. Some of the higher education options available to students after MD Pharmacology include:
- DNB Medicine
- Ph.D. Radiology
- Ph.D. Pharmacology
- DNS Obstetrics and Gynaecology
MD Pharmacology Jobs and Career Options
Graduates of MD Pharmacology have an excellent career scope and job opportunities. Some of the very best options for MD Pharmacology doctorates are listed below.
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Analytical scientist
- Biomedical scientist
- Clinical research associate
Graduates of MD Pharmacology Salary in India
The average initial salary of an MD Pharmacology Doctorate in India ranges from INR 3 to 15 lakhs per annum. Their salaries vary depending on job profiles, knowledge, skills, recruiters, job location, etc. The fresher graduates start their professional journey with an average salary package, but once they gain experience, it increases up to a certain amount. Below are the popular job profiles after MD Pharmacology with average salary trends.
- Pharmacologist:- INR 11 Lakh Per Annum
- Research scientist:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
- Analytical scientist:- INR 3 Lakh Per Annum
- Biomedical scientist:- INR 6 Lakh Per Annum
- Clinical research associate:- INR 4 Lakh Per Annum
FAQs on Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology
Ans:- Yes, there is an excellent career scope for MD Pharmacology doctorates in India. After completing their MD degree in Pharmacology, candidates are offered various reputable job roles and a decent annual salary package. One of the best job roles offered to the doctorates for MD Pharmacology is Pharmacologist.
Ans:- MD Pharmacology full form Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology is a Postgraduate course in medicine and biological science that spans over three years. The program focuses on providing the students with deep knowledge of how drugs work and their effects on various diseases in living organisms.
Ans:- Although most pharmacologists work in the pharmacy, and some also work as assistants to doctors in clinics, they are not recognized as a doctor. Pharmacologists are often professionals in research and medicine responsible for developing drugs and testing their safety and effectiveness.
Ans:- For pursuing an MD degree in any domain, one needs to have an MBBS degree from a recognized institute, and the same applies here too. So, the answer is “you cannot pursue MD in Pharmacology after Pharm D”. You must complete an MBBS degree along with a valid score in the NEET PG entrance examination to pursue an MD degree in any field.
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