PhD in Medicinal Chemistry (Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry)

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry About

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry is a 3-year research level programme that deals into Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The minimum eligibility to seek admissions is a master’s degree in M.S Pharm. in Medicinal Chemistry/ Natural Products or M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry or M.Tech in Pharm or and M.Sc in Organic Chemistry. The admission process to PhD in Medicinal Chemistry course involves a written entrance test followed by final selection through personal interview. A few institutes shall offer admissions on merit and first come first serve basis. Interested candidates must prepare for NIPER Joint Entrance Examination conducted by National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research for all of its institutes across India.
PhD in Medicinal Chemistry programme encompasses a wide spectrum of activities such as studies pursuant to research based on the interaction between drugs and toxic substances along with biological systems and relationship of chemical composition and dynamics to biological function. The total fee charged by institutions across India is between INR 15,000 and INR 84,000. PhD in Medicinal Chemistry scholars from this discipline are highly marketable and receive job offers for the most competitive positions in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. The pay package in this discipline is highly dependent on one’s research aptitude and expertise. However, a Ph.D scholar is likely to get good opportunities in pharmaceutical companies with average salary between INR 2.6 Lacs – 5.9 Lacs.

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry Highlights

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry: What is it About?

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the research level involves the development of new drugs to treat diseases and begins with advanced knowledge of the behavior of chemical substances at the molecular level. Students may elect to complete research in interdisciplinary areas like bio-organic and medicinal chemistry, supramolecular & nano-chemistry, biophysical, oligonucleotides chemistry, neurodegenerative disorders, drug designing, development of synthetic methodology, synthesis of bioactive small molecules and therapeutic development for cancer.

During PhD in Medicinal Chemistry course work, scholars work with field experts in modern laboratories to develop, synthesize, and examine drug compounds. Participants learn about the nature of chemical substances and how chemical properties affect absorption, drug kinetics, distribution, excretion, and metabolism. The research is directed towards the understanding of pharmacological actions leading toward improved drug design.

A PhD in Medicinal Chemistry earns you a degree, and job opportunities and imparts enormous knowledge on modifying designs of drugs available in the market to more safer and effective drugs for treating a condition or disease.

Admission Process for PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

Admission to PhD in Medicinal Chemistry is done on merit obtained in written tests and interviews conducted by the institutions. Interviews of candidates will be conducted based on the merit of the written test. One of the important entrances to this regard is the NIPER Joint Entrance Examination conducted for admissions into all affiliated campuses.

The syllabus for the entrance exam comprises one objective-type question paper containing 170 questions for 85 marks on subjects like Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Pharmaceutical sciences. The question paper will be of master’s level degree in the concerned subject. The paper shall also have questions from General Pharmaceutical Sciences and General Aptitude.

The selection of eligible candidates in some institutions is done through interviews and admission counseling on a first come first serve basis.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

To pursue research-level studies in Medicinal Chemistry a candidate should have a degree in M.S. Pharm. in Medicinal Chemistry or Natural Products, M.Pharm. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M.Tech in Pharm. or M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry with a minimum 60% mark or CGPA of 6.5 on 10 point scale. Reserved category candidates shall be given relaxation in CGPA to 6.25 on a 10-point scale or a minimum of 55% in the eligibility criteria for admission to PhD in Medicinal Chemistry course. 

Syllabus of PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

• Basics of Drug Action
• Spectral Analysis
• Logic in Organic Synthesis-I
• Separation Techniques
• Chemotherapy of Parasitic and Microbial Infections
• Industrial Process and Scale-up Techniques
• Biostatistics
• General Laboratory Experience
• Drug Design
• Logic in Organic Synthesis-II
• Structure and Function of Biomolecules
• Stereochemistry and Drug Action
• Drug Metabolism
• Pharmacological Screening and Assays
• General Laboratory Experience

Job Scope After PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

Career Prospects after PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

Research in Medicinal Chemistry has made a significant contribution to further knowledge in the discipline in the past decade. The funding of research work has increased significantly especially with Government agencies, international firms, and pharmaceutical companies investing resources in clinical research and drug invention. Also, since 2005 after the proliferation of patent regulations, medicinal chemistry research has been on the rise in India. Several research groups have been established both in academic and industrial laboratories.

Government agencies like the Department of Science & Technology (DST), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) show positive signs of scope in the field with substantial investing resources.

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry scholars can go on to make careers in:

• Industry (chemical, pharmaceutical, laboratory medicine, and biotechnology)
• Government Recognized Laboratories
• R&D, Chemical Biology divisions of Government
• Research Institutions
• Educational Institutions

Admission Process for PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2.  Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre-PhD coursework classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by the University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by the University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Finally, after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis, 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by the University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD Program

Q.1 - What is the procedure for a PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at the University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for the M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in the form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - What will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.