Jagpreet
01 February, 2025
Table of Contents
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is growing significantly and is expanding further. This industry is valued at $50 billion however, projections indicate that the industry could reach $130 billion by 2030 (PIB 2024). This is the ideal time to study for an MBA in pharmaceutical management if you have worked in pharmacy, life sciences, or a similar sector and want to improve your job prospects with business acumen. It is perfect if you are currently employed in the pharmaceutical sector and wish to advance into leadership or managerial positions.
The pharmaceutical course of study gives you a competitive edge in the employment market by providing the information and abilities to successfully navigate the competitive pharmaceutical market. After completing an MBA in pharma, there are numerous job opportunities and diverse career options, such as regulatory affairs manager and pharmaceutical product manager within pharmaceutical companies. Read the blog to learn about eligibility, scope, and a list of top colleges offering this degree.
India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally, contributing over 20% of global pharmaceutical exports. (IBEF)
The Indian Pharma Industry is on an impressive growth trajectory:
Expected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030
Projected to hit an amazing US$ 450 billion by 2047!
Pharmaceutical management is a branch of management courses that integrates with the chemical and medical sciences. It guarantees the secure and safe use of pharmaceuticals. It includes development, research, pharmaceutical administration, and nursing. An MBA degree in pharmaceutical management is a postgraduate management degree. It lasts two years including 4 semesters. This course involves studying chemical and health sciences, management, and marketing.
In addition to covering various pharmaceutical industry topics, the course incorporates managerial, research, and business strategy skills, as well as sales, consultation, administration, and distribution.
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Course Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Graduation with 50% (Some colleges/universities offer discounts and offers for reserved categories) |
Age | No age bar |
Entrance Exams | CMAT, XAT, CAT, MAT, GMAT |
Average Fees | INR 80,000 to 2,00,000 |
Average Salary | INR 6 LPA – 25 LPA |
Top Colleges |
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Job Profiles |
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This course aims to give you the resources necessary to succeed in managerial and associated roles within the pharmaceutical sector. You may learn essential skills, including operations management, sales and marketing, consulting, and business growth. Your MBA coursework covers research, communication, management, accounting, finance, pharmaceutical science, and other aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. The course includes assignments, presentations, quizzes, and internships, balancing theoretical understanding and practical application.
An MBA in pharmaceutical management has a wide range of potential applications. With this degree, you can work in the pharmaceutical industry as a business development manager, sales and marketing executive, consultant, or operations manager, among other positions. You can work in pharmaceutical consulting, healthcare administration, and drug distribution.
The benefits of an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management are given below.
The eligibility criteria and duration to pursue an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management are below.
The table below shows the semester syllabus for the MBA in Pharmaceutical Management.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Pharma Sector & Management | Business Research Methods |
Managerial Accounting | Management Information Systems |
Managerial Computing | Data Science and Analysis |
Pharma Sector Business Environment | Pharmaceutical Advertising and Sales, Promotion Management |
Probability and Statistics | Intellectual Property Rights in Pharma |
Managerial Economics | Financial Management |
Managerial Communication | Ethical Issues in Pharmaceutical Management |
Pharmaceutical Marketing Management | Regulatory Affairs in Pharmaceuticals |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
---|---|
Project Management | Scouting and Nurturing Innovations |
Strategic Management | Contemporary Issues in Pharmaceutical Management |
Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Major Project (Thesis and Viva) |
Principles of Epidemiology | Advance Electives: Marketing/Data Analytics/Finance, HR, Strategy, Innovation |
Quality Management in Pharmaceutical, Operations | – |
Pharmaceutical Brand Management | – |
Quantitative Methods for Decision Making | – |
Various colleges offer Pharma MBA. The table below lists some prominent MBAs in pharmaceutical management colleges in India.
Institution Name | Recognition/Accreditation | Fee Structure |
---|---|---|
Online Manipal (Online Mode) | UGC, NAAC A+, AICTE | INR 2,80,000 (Course fee) |
Chitkara University (Online Mode) | UGC, NAAC A+, AACSB | INR 2,00,000 (Total Fees) |
Parul University (Full Time) | UGC, NAAC A++ | INR 81,550 Yearly |
IIHMR University (Full Time) | UGC, NAAC A | INR 1,100,000 |
NMIMS (Full Time) | UGC, NAAC A | Not disclosed |
Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (offers an MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management, a dual specialisation programme with an elective in Pharmaceutical Management.) | UGC, AICTE, NAAC A++ | Not disclosed |
NIPER Ahmedabad (Full Time) | NAAC A, PCI | INR 1,32,040 |
Check out the list of best Pharma jobs and their description that you are offered after completing an MBA in pharmaceutical management.
The salaries offered by pharmaceutical companies are highly competitive. Check out the average salaries below for your reference.
Job Role | Average Salary Range in INR |
---|---|
Pharmaceutical Product Manager | 7 LPA – 20 LPA |
Pharmaceutical Purchase Manager | 8 LPA – 23 LPA |
Drug Distribution Manager | 7 LPA – 20 LPA |
Regulatory Affairs Manager | 7 LPA – 18 LPA |
Clinical Research Manager | 10 LPA – 25 LPA |
Pharmaceutical Sales Manager | 11 LPA – 25 LPA |
You can acquire the abilities and information required to succeed in the pharmaceutical sector by pursuing an MBA in pharmaceutical management. You may acquire knowledge in fields including supply chain management, marketing, product development, and regulatory affairs. With this degree, you may promote innovation and efficiency in the healthcare industry and take on various leadership responsibilities. This MBA specialisation helps you to advance your career in a stimulating and fulfilling sector while making a big difference by ensuring that people who need prescription drugs can get them. So start your pharma journey now!
The fee structure depends on the different colleges that offer this specialisation in mBA. However, the average fee structure lies between INR 100,000 and 2,00,000.
Many colleges in India accept CAT scores for admission into MBA in pharmaceutical management. Some colleges are Online Manipal, Chitkara University, and Parul University.
The scope of an MBA in pharmaceutical management is vast. You can work as a product manager, purchase manager, distribution manager, manager of regulatory affairs, manager of clinical research, and manager of sales.
The average salary range is INR 7 LPA to 25 LPA. However, the range depends on one’s level of expertise and experience.
The best MBA for the pharmaceutical sector is in healthcare management or pharmaceutical management. It has endless benefits, including the ability to get a good job and secure your future.
The top 5 pharma MBA colleges are Online Manipal, Chitkara University, Parul University NMIMS and Symbiosis.
Some of the best entrance exams for pharma MBAs are the CAT, MAT, and GMAT. The scores of these exams are needed to get admission into an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management.
Yes, an MBA in Pharmaceuticals is a good fit for someone with a science background. It strengthens your managerial abilities in the pharmaceutical sector and aligns with your scientific background.
Some career opportunities are job roles in product management, procurement, drug distribution, regulatory affairs, clinical research, and sales.
Yes, there are part-time and executive MBA options available in pharmaceutical MBA programmes. NMIMS offers an executive MBA in Pharmaceutical Management.
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