MBA in Pharmaceutical Management: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is a two-year postgraduate course designed to equip students with essential skills for success in the pharmaceutical industry. This program integrates business administration principles with an in-depth understanding of the pharmaceutical sector, giving graduates a competitive advantage in this dynamic field.
Admission to the MBA in Pharmaceutical Management program is based on performance in management entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, etc., supplemented by specific procedures unique to each university. Eligibility criteria mandate a minimum of 50% in a bachelor's degree for general category students, with 5% relaxations for those in the reserved categories.
MBA Pharmaceutical Management curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, including pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory affairs, supply chain management, business strategies, and leadership. The average costs for the MBA program range from INR 50,000-5.50 LPA.
Table of Contents
- What is MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Eligibility Criteria
- Why Choose an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Course?
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Admission 2023
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Entrance Exam
- Top MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges with Fee Details
- Types of MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Courses
- MBA Pharmaceutical Management Syllabus and Subjects
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management vs MBA in Healthcare Management
- Courses After MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Salary in India
- Career Options After MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Scholarship
- Skills to be the Best MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Graduate
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Course Details
| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Master of Business Administration in Pharmaceutical Management |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | No age limit |
| Entrance Exam | CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% marks in Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. [Relaxations for the Reserved Category] |
| Average Fees | ₹2 - 5 LPA |
| Similar Options of Study | MBA in Healthcare Management |
| Average Salary | INR 3 - 20 LPA [Source: Payscale] |
| Employment Roles | Pharmaceutical Product Manager, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Clinical Research Associate, Healthcare Consultant, Drug Safety Manager |
| Top Recruiters | Abbott Healthcare, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, Glenmark. |
What is MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of managing pharmaceutical businesses. This program focuses on developing expertise specific to the pharmaceutical industry, preparing students for roles in healthcare, regulatory affairs, marketing, and more. The course is one of the key specializations under MBA courses.
Esteemed institutions offering this program include NIPER, DPSRU, Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University, etc. Upon completing the course, graduates find rewarding MBA in Pharmaceutical Management career opportunities in diverse fields within the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary between INR 3 LPA - 20 LPA. (Source: Payscale)
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management vary by university, however, they often include certain common requirements. These prerequisites are designed to ensure that candidates possess a foundational educational background and aptitude suitable for the specialized field of pharmaceutical management. Some of the common eligibility criteria include:
- Candidate should have a bachelor's degree in BSc/BBA/BA/BCom, etc., with at least 50% aggregate for unreserved category and 45% for reserved category students from a recognized university. The student is also required to clear the cut-off in entrance exams like CAT, MAT, ATMA, etc.
- Students in their final bachelor's year can apply provisionally.
- Some colleges may prefer candidates with a minimum of 2 years of work experience.
- There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.
Why Choose an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Course?
Choosing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management yields unique benefits by merging specialized pharmaceutical insights with vital business skills, unlocking opportunities in areas like pharmaceutical marketing and regulatory affairs. The following are the reasons for pursuing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects encompassing drug development, marketing, regulations, and supply chain management. This diverse curriculum enhances proficiency and expands skill sets.
- Attractive Earnings: Graduates can anticipate competitive average salaries, with notable instances of 100% placement rates from top-tier institutions over the past four years. Initial earnings potential can reach up to INR 15 LPA, as affirmed by NMIMS.
- Growing Demand: Specialised pharmaceutical project management skills are experiencing significant demand, with projections indicating a 29% upsurge in skilled professionals in this domain by 2030.
- Industry Pertinence: Government initiatives such as Make in India and the expansion of the healthcare sector underscore the escalating importance of the pharmaceutical industry. This engenders a promising and influential career panorama for MBA graduates.
- Robust Growth Trajectory: The global presence of the pharmaceutical sector ensures sustained expansion at a commendable CAGR of 9.1%. This translates to enduring career prospects and continuous avenues for growth.
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Admission 2023
The admission to the MBA Pharmaceutical Management course is done on the basis of performance in the entrance exam and merit score. There is no direct admission or management quota available for enrolling in the course. Below listed is the step-wise MBA in Pharmaceutical Management admission process:
- Step 1: Complete the registration process, which can be done online via the university’s official website or in person at the college campus.
- Step 2: Meet the required cut-off scores in the accepted entrance exams, which serve as a basis for shortlisting candidates.
- Step 3: Once the entrance test results are announced, colleges and universities will set their admission cut-offs and commence the admission process.
- Step 4: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for Group Discussion (GD) and Interview rounds.
- Step 5: After the selection process, candidates are required to submit essential documents and pay the course fees.
Read More on MBA Admission Process
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Entrance Exam
The MBA in Pharmaceutical Management entrance exams are conducted at the national level such as CAT, MAT, etc., but a few universities like Chitkara University and IIHMR University may conduct their own entrance exam for the selection process. The table below highlights typical entrance exams for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management:
|
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Accepting Colleges |
|
Nov 26, 2023 |
JBIMS, SIBM, Panjab University |
|
|
Feb 25- Dec 17, 2023 |
LPU, Manipal University |
|
|
Oct 10- Dec 19, 2023 |
NMIMS |
|
|
February 2024 |
Jamia Hamdard, JIM, GIM |
|
|
Feb 18, 2024 |
Amity University, SIES, IES |
Top MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges with Fee Details
Pursuing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in India blends business prowess with pharmaceutical intricacies. Renowned private and government institutions like NIPER Hyderabad, Jamia Hamdard College, SIHS Pune, etc., offer this program, preparing students for leadership roles in a vital sector at the intersection of healthcare and business.
Listed below in the table are the top colleges offering MBA in Pharmaceutical Management along with a breakdown of their fee structure.
| NIRF Pharmacy Rankings 2023 | University | Average Fee | Admission Fee | Miscellaneous Fee |
| 1 | NIPER, Hyderabad | INR 2.2 LPA | INR 3,333 | INR 33,000 PA |
| 2 | Hamdard University | INR 2.4 LPA | INR 5,000 | INR 18,000 PA |
| 6 | NIPER, Mohali | INR 2.2 LPA | INR 3,333 | INR 33,000 PA |
| 8 | Panjab University | INR 2.52 LPA | INR 1,000 | INR 25,000 PA |
| 13 | NIPER, Ahmedabad | INR 2.2 LPA | INR 3,333 | INR 33,000 PA |
| 16 | Chitkara University | INR 1.1 LPA | - | INR 40,000 PA |
| 25 | DPSRU | INR 56,000 | INR 5,000 | INR 42,000 PA |
| - | NIMS University | INR 3.5 LPA | INR 6,000 | - |
| - | RIMT University | INR 1.7 LPA | INR 15,000 | - |
| - | SIHS Pune | INR 5.1 LPA | INR 20,000 | INR 96, 450 PA |
[These figures are approximate values and subject to change at the institution’s discretion]
Best MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in India Location Wise
Below listed are location-wise MBA Pharmaceutical Management colleges in India with the average annual fees:
| Location | Average Fees |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Delhi | INR 1.50-5 LPA |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Jaipur | INR 65,000-3.50 LPA |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Chandigarh | INR 95,000-3 LPA |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Mumbai | INR 1-5 LPA |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Lucknow | INR 70,000-4 LPA |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Pune | INR 1-5.50 LPA |
| MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Hyderabad | INR 1.50-4 LPA |
| MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in Allahabad | INR 1-3.50 LPA |
Types of MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Courses
MBA Pharmaceutical Management course can be pursued full-time, distance, and online education mode. Below listed is the MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course details:
| Type | Basic Eligibility | MBA Pharmaceutical Management Duration |
| Full-Time MBA in Pharmaceutical Management | Bachelor's with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category+ Entrance Exam Score + GD/PI performance | 2 Years |
| MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Distance Education | Bachelor's with a minimum of 45-50% marks for the general category and 40-45% marks for the reserved category | 2-4 Years |
| Online MBA Pharmaceutical Management | Bachelor's with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category | 1-2 Years |
Distance MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Course
MBA Pharmaceutical Management distance education is recognized by UGC-DEB in India and is considered a valuable degree. Below listed are distance MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course details:
- The distance MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course can be pursued from colleges like IMTS Institute, NIMS, etc.
- The average course fees is in the range of INR 35,000-55,000 PA.
- The maximum distance MBA Pharmaceutical Management course duration can be extended to 4 years.
Online MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Course
Below listed are online MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course details:
- The online MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course can be pursued from colleges like Online Manipal University, Parul University Online, etc.
- The average total course fees is in the range of INR 75,000-2 Lakhs.
- Students also get the opportunity to get placed in top companies like Lupin, Sun Pharma, Novartis, etc.
MBA Pharmaceutical Management Syllabus and Subjects
MBA Pharmaceutical Management extends over a span of two years, divided into four semesters each year. The syllabus for the first year focuses on business principles and an overview of the pharmaceutical industry. The second-year syllabus delves deeper into understanding advanced pharmaceutical marketing, pharmaceutical market research, and analytics, health economics, etc.
Below listed are the few important MBA in Pharmaceutical Management subjects in detail:
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management Subjects | Topics Covered |
| Fundamentals of Management | Managerial Economics, Organisational Behaviour, Quantitative Techniques in Management, etc. |
| Pharmaceutical Management | Physiology, Pharmacology, Drug Regulatory Affairs and Intellectual Property Rights, Pharma Sector Business Environment, etc. |
| Sales and Distribution Management | Industrial Marketing, Service Operations Management, Consumer Behaviour, etc. |
| Industrial Marketing | Market Segmentation, Competitive Analysis, Relationship Marketing, Pricing Strategies, etc. |
| Service Operations Management | Pharmaceutical Quality Management, Process Improvement, Resource Planning, Customer Satisfaction, Service Innovation, etc. |
| Consumer Behaviour | Decision-Making Processes, Psychological Factors, Cultural Influences, Buying Motives, etc. |
Read More: MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Syllabus and Subjects
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management vs MBA in Healthcare Management
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management and MBA in Healthcare Management are distinct yet interconnected fields catering to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The former delves into pharmaceutical intricacies, focusing on drug development, marketing, and regulatory affairs.
Meanwhile, the latter offers a broader perspective on healthcare administration, including patient care, policy, and healthcare systems. The table below entails course comparisons between an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management and an MBA in Healthcare Management:
|
Parameter |
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management |
MBA in Healthcare Management |
|
Full-Form |
Master in Business Administration in Human Resources |
Master of Human Resource Management |
|
Overview |
Development of business skills specialized for the pharmaceutical sector, encompassing drug development, marketing, and regulations |
Focuses on managing the functions of healthcare organizations by providing leadership and direction to healthcare units |
|
Course Duration |
2 years |
2 years |
|
Eligibility |
50% in graduation for unreserved category and 45% for SC/ST/PwD students |
50% in graduation for unreserved category and 45% for SC/ST/PwD students |
|
Top Colleges |
IIM Bangalore, MDI Gurugram, Delhi University, Amity University Noida |
IIT, Kharagpur, Annamalai University, DBRAU, St Xavier's College, Jaipur |
|
Average Fees |
INR 50,000-5.50 LPA |
INR 1.5 - 9 LPA |
|
Average Salary |
INR 3 - 20 LPA |
INR 4 - 14 LPA |
|
Job Role |
Pharmaceutical Product Manager, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Healthcare Consultant, Drug Safety Manager. |
Healthcare Project Manager, Medical Group Practice Manager, and Healthcare Policy Analyst. |
Read More: MBA in Healthcare Management
Courses After MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
After completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, you have various options to further enhance your skills and expertise. Consider these post-MBA courses:
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Management: Deepen your research skills and contribute to academia or industry with advanced studies.
- Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate Programs: Specialised certificates in areas like clinical research, healthcare compliance, or regulatory affairs can enhance your knowledge.
- Executive MBA: Short-term executive courses at prestigious institutions can refine your leadership and strategic abilities.
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Salary in India
Upon completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, earnings can significantly vary due to job roles and geographic location. Roles in marketing, regulatory affairs, and more impact salaries, while different regions offer diverse compensation based on economic factors. The average entry-level salary of an MBA Pharmaceutical Management graduate ranges from INR 3-5 LPA, graduates after having five years of work experience can earn upto INR 20 LPA.
The table below provides an overview of various job positions, accompanied by their descriptions and average salary figures for both entry-level (fresher) and individuals with 5 years of experience.
|
Job Designations |
Average Salary for Freshers |
Average Salary after 5 Years |
|
Pharmaceutical Product Manager |
INR 4.1 LPA |
INR 9-17 LPA |
|
Regulatory Affairs Manager |
INR 4.4 LPA |
INR 10-18 LPA |
|
Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager |
INR 4 LPA |
INR 10-15 LPA |
|
Clinical Research Associate |
INR 3.8 LPA |
INR 10-14 LPA |
|
Supply Chain Manager (Pharmaceuticals) |
INR 4 LPA |
INR 12-20 LPA |
Career Options After MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
After completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, graduates have a range of career options in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Some potential job roles include:
|
Job Designations |
Hiring Companies |
Average Entry Level Salary |
| Market Research Analyst | Novartis, SI-Insights, Hetero, etc. | INR 5.50 LPA |
| Healthcare Consultant | Hinduja Global Solutions, Hindustan Wellness, NTT Data, etc. | INR 5 LPA |
| Clinical Data Manager | Novartis, IQVIA, Pfizer, PPD, etc. | INR 5.50-6 LPA |
| Pharmaceutical Data Scientist | Abbott Healthcare, IQVIA, Biosense Technologies, etc. | INR 5-8 LPA |
Top Recruiters for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
Detailed below are some top pharma company recruiters with their average salaries for various positions such as product managers, pharmaceutical operations managers, health policy analysts, etc.
| Top Recruiters | Average Entry Level Salary |
| Abbott Healthcare | INR 4-7 LPA |
| Nipro Medical | INR 5-6.50 LPA |
| Cipla Pharmaceutical | INR 5-7.50 LPA |
| Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | INR 6-8 LPA |
| Lupin | INR 4-7.50 LPA |
| Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd | INR 5-8 LPA |
Read More: Career Scope of MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Scholarship
The students who want to study MBA Pharmaceutical Management can get scholarships from private and government colleges or schemes based on merit scores, annual income, and other related factors. Below listed are a few scholarships for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course:
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount |
| IIHMR University Scholarship | Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks | Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Shri P. D. Agarwal Scholarship |
The students must have secured at least 80% or above aggregate marks in any other bachelor’s degree |
Upto INR 1 Lakh |
| Shoolini University Scholarship | The candidate having 90 percentile in NMAT, 80 percentile in CAT, and a GMAT score of 600. | Upto 20% Tuition Fee Waiver |
Read More: Pharmacy Scholarship
Skills to be the Best MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Graduate
To excel as the best MBA in Pharmaceutical Management graduate, you need a combination of business acumen, industry-specific expertise, and leadership skills. Here are some key skills to focus on:
- Pharmaceutical Insight: Develop a profound grasp of the pharmaceutical landscape, encompassing drug development, compliance, and healthcare trends.
- Effective Communication: Showcase adeptness in conveying ideas eloquently both in writing and verbally, fostering collaboration and impactful presentations.
- Critical Analysis: Cultivate the ability to dissect data, derive astute conclusions, and resolve intricate problems.
- Leadership: Hone leadership qualities, adeptly steering teams, orchestrating projects, and catalysing initiatives.
- Adaptive Aptitude: Thrive in evolving pharmaceutical terrains by effortlessly navigating changes and seizing opportunities.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Exhibit sound judgement that aligns with both ethical principles and legal considerations.
- Innovative Instinct: Channel creativity into innovative strategies, redefining solutions and identifying unexplored prospects
Top MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges
Top Management Entrance Exams
Exam Date: May 19, 2024
MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Fee Structure
FAQs on MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
Q: What is an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?
A: An MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is a specialised program that combines business management principles with a focus on the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.
Q: Who is this program suited for?
A: MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is ideal for individuals with a background in pharmacy, life sciences, healthcare, or business who wish to enter or advance in the pharmaceutical sector.
Q: What is MBA in Pharmaceutical Management eligibility criteria?
A: The candidate should have completed a bachelor's degree such as BSc/BBA/BCom, etc., with 50% marks for the unreserved category and 45% marks for the reserved category.
Q: What is MBA in Pharmaceutical Management duration?
A: An MBA in Pharmaceutical Management usually takes around 2 years to complete, similar to a traditional MBA program.
Q: What is MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course fees?
A: The MBA in Pharmaceutical Management fee is in the range of INR 50,000-5.50 LPA.
Q: Is an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management available online?
A: Some institutions offer online or hybrid versions of the MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, allowing flexibility for working professionals or those unable to attend classes in person.
Q: What career opportunities are available after completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?
A: Graduates with MBA in Pharmaceutical Management can pursue careers in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, healthcare consulting, regulatory agencies, and more. Roles may include product management, market research, business development, etc.
Q: What is the average salary of an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management course?
A: The average salary of an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management graduates is in the range of INR INR 3 - 20 LPA [Source: Payscale].
