MBA in Pharmaceutical Management: Colleges, Fees, Placements

Vaishali Pandey
July 19, 2024

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MBA in Pharmaceutical Management: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you have a knack for the management of systems and people, along with pharmaceutical knowledge? 

If yes, then you might just be the ideal candidate for an MBA in Pharmaceutical management.  The course helps candidates equip themselves with the skills required to join managerial-level positions in pharmaceutical marketing, brand management and drug manufacturing domains. 

This blog talks about key information such as eligibility, top colleges, and their fees. MBA in Pharmaceutical management salary is also covered. 

What are you waiting for? Keep reading! 

Key Highlights: MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Salary, Top Colleges, and More

Course Particulars Values
Course MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
Duration Two years
Semesters 4 (2 in each year)
Eligibility Criteria Undergraduate degree from a recognised university
Admission Process Based on scores of the Pharma MBA entrance exam
Top Colleges
  • Jamia Hamdard University
  • Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University
  • IIHMR University, Jaipur
Average Fees INR 1.6 Lakhs to 15 Lakhs
Average Salary (starting) INR 8,00,000
Job Roles Market Research Analyst, Pharmaceutical Purchase Manager, Pharmacist
Top Recruiters GlaxoSmithKline, Dabur, Abott, Max Healthcare

What is an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

An MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is a specialised program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. This advanced degree integrates business management principles with a deep understanding of pharmaceuticals, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare economics. 

It prepares graduates for leadership roles in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organisations, biotech firms, and related sectors.

Why Pursue an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

For professionals aspiring to a career in healthcare management, an MBA in pharmaceutical management can prove to be advantageous. 

Here are some outcomes you can expect after completion of the degree:

1. Dual Skill Set

An MBA in Pharmaceutical Management equips students with a dual skill set: comprehensive business management expertise coupled with specialised knowledge of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare. 

2. Enhances Career Prospects

The course enhances career prospects by opening doors to leadership roles in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, healthcare organisations, and regulatory bodies.

3. Key Industry Skills

Students gain proficiency in areas such as drug development processes, regulatory affairs, healthcare economics, and market analysis. Leading employers highly value these specialised skills in the pharmaceutical marketplace.

4. High Salary Potential 

Employers value candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of both business principles and pharmaceutical dynamics. The average MBA in Pharmaceutical management salary upon course completion can go up to INR 15,00,00.

Know more about MBA courses and which MBA specialisation is the best for you!

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management: Eligibility Criteria

Universities typically outline specific eligibility criteria for an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management as follows. 

Criteria Details
Educational Qualification Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as pharmacy, business administration, or a related discipline, is often required with at least 50% marks from a recognised university.
Entrance Exam Scores Valid scores from exams such as CAT, GMAT, XAT, or other equivalent entrance tests.
Work Experience 1-2 years of relevant work experience in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare sector (preferred, not mandatory).

Approval Based on Your 12th Marks. No Co Applicant Required. Check Your Eligibility. 

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management: Admission process 

The admission process for MBA programs in Pharmaceutical Management varies among universities. Here’s how to go about an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management admission in detail.

1. Research Top MBA Colleges

You need to apply to the colleges or universities based on your preference and interest in which you want to get admission. 

We have talked about the top colleges for an MBA in pharmaceutical management below. Stay tuned! 

2. Eligibility Criteria 

Candidates must have a graduation degree with a minimum of 50% from a recognised university.

3. Apply Online

You can apply online by visiting the institute's official website and completing the application form.

4. Entrance Exams 

Admissions are based on standardised entrance exams such as the GMAT, CAT, XAT, and more. Some universities may also accept alternative exams or waive the requirement based on professional experience or academic achievements.

5. Admission Review Process

After submitting your application, the admission committee will review it and announce the list of selected candidates.

6. Document Verification

Final selection includes verifying academic credentials and other required documents.

7. Merit List Publication

Selected candidates are notified and offered admission to the program.

8. Admission Confirmation

Accept the offer and complete the admission process by paying the required fees.

Pharma MBA Entrance Exam: Which One Should You Target

Now, let us look at some of the entrance exams you can target for an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management. 

Entrance Exam for MBA

Registration Date

Exam Date

Eligibility

CAT (Common Admission Test)

August - September 2024

November 24, 2024

Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

August - December 2024

January 5, 2025

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Year-round

Year-round

No specific eligibility criteria; candidates of any age and qualification can apply

MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Four times a year (February, May, September, December)

IBT: August 14 and August 23, 2024

CBT: August 18, 2024

PBT: August 25, 2024

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

November 2024 - January 2025

March 2025

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)

August - November 2024

December 10, 17, 22, 2024

Minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) in UG

NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test)

August - November 2024

October - December 2024 (75-day window)

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

Note:

  • Registration dates and exam fees are approximate and subject to change.
  • Score acceptance varies by university and program. Candidates should verify specific score requirements and preferences of universities offering MBA programs in Pharmaceutical Management. 

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management: Top Colleges and Fees 

Effective planning for your MBA in pharmaceutical management starts with choosing the right college. Several premier institutes offer the course and attract recruiters with lucrative MBA in pharmaceutical management salaries per month. 

Here is a table with key details regarding top colleges for MBA in Pharmaceutical management: 

College

Location

Average College Fees

Exam Scores Accepted

Jamia Hamdard University

New Delhi

INR 3.78 lakhs 

CAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT scores

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)

Mohali, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Hajipur, Kolkata, Raebareli

INR 2.61 lakh 

CAT/GPAT/GMAT scores

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Manipal, Karnataka

INR 6 lakhs 

CAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT scores

NMIMS School of Pharmacy Management

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 12 lakhs 

NMAT by GMAC scores

Institute of Clinical Research India (ICRI)

Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad

INR 4.15 lakhs 

CAT/XAT/CMAT/GMAT scores

How to Get Admission to a Good College?

To secure admission to a top-ranked MBA college in Mumbai and other major cities in India, take note of the following tips. 

1. Understand the Selection Criteria

Know whether the admission is merit-based or entrance-based.

2. Excel in Exams

Achieve high scores in qualifying exams or entrance tests.

3. Start Early

Begin your preparation at least a year in advance for effective learning and revision.

4. Target Your Dream College

Focus your efforts on meeting the specific requirements of your desired college.

‍Minimal Documentation. Higher Chances of Approval. Easy Online Processes. Check Your Eligibility. 

Top Private MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in India

The table below lists the top private colleges offering an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management.

Top Colleges

Average College Fees

IIHMR University, Jaipur

INR 9L

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai

INR 15L

DYPUSM, Mumbai

INR 10.5L

Top Government MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Colleges in India

The table below lists the top government colleges offering an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management.

Top Colleges Average College Fees
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi INR 2.2L
NIPER Ahmedabad INR 4.9L

Distance MBA in Pharmaceutical Management 

You can also consider a few colleges that offer an MBA in pharmaceutical management through distance learning mode. It is ideal for working professionals who want to align their skills with a targeted role. 

Here is a list of the top colleges in India that provide distance MBA in pharmaceutical management along with MBA course fees.

College/University Program Type Duration Average Fees (Total)
Sikkim Manipal University (SMU-DE) Distance Learning 2 years INR 20,000 per semester
ICFAI University Distance Learning 2 years INR 65,000 - 75,000 per annum
Annamalai University Distance Learning 2 years INR 49,000 (total)
Amity University Online Learning 2 years INR 2,80,000 (total)

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MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Syllabus Overview 

An MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business administration principles applied specifically to the pharmaceutical industry. 

The semester-wise subjects in MBA in Pharmaceutical Management are: 

Semester Subjects
First Semester
  • Management Principles and Practices
  • Managerial Economics
  • Financial Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Quantitative Techniques for Management
Second Semester
  • Pharmaceutical Industry Overview
  • Human Resource Management
  • Operations Management
  • Business Research Methods
  • Legal Aspects of the Pharmaceutical Industry
Third Semester
  • Pharmaceutical Marketing Management
  • Supply Chain Management in Pharmaceuticals
  • Healthcare Systems and Policy
  • Strategic Management
  • Elective (e.g., Pharmacoeconomics)
Fourth Semester
  • Regulatory Affairs in Pharmaceuticals
  • Drug Development Process
  • International Business Management
  • Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
  • Elective 2 (e.g., Clinical Trials Management)

Additional components of the MBA Syllabus in Pharmaceutical Management are as follows: 

  • Elective Courses: The specific electives offered may vary by university and program. Electives allow students to tailor their learning experience based on their career interests and goals within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Practical Training: Many programs include practical training components such as internships, industry projects, or dissertation work, typically conducted during the third and fourth semesters.
  • Guest Lectures and Seminars: Throughout the program, students may benefit from guest lectures, seminars, and workshops conducted by industry professionals to enhance practical insights and industry knowledge.

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management vs Hospitality Management: Overview

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management and Hospitality Management are specialisations in two different domains. While one deals in the pharmaceutical and healthcare niche, the latter deals with skills required in managerial positions in hotels and restaurants. 

Let’s quickly go through differences such as MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Salary per month vs. Hospitality management, their top colleges, recruiters and more : 

Criteria MBA in Pharmaceutical Management MBA in Hospitality Management
Full-Form Master of Business Administration in Pharmaceutical Management Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management
Course Level Postgraduate Postgraduate
Duration 2 years 2 years
Examination Type Semester Semester
Eligibility Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks
Admission Process Entrance Exam followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview Entrance Exam followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview
Course Fee INR 2-10 Lakhs INR 3-12 Lakhs
Average Salary INR 6-15 Lakhs per annum INR 4-12 Lakhs per annum
Top Recruiting Companies Cipla, Pfizer, Dr Reddy's, Novartis Taj Hotels, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt
Skills Required Analytical skills, Problem-solving skills, Communication skills, Leadership Interpersonal skills, Customer service skills, Organisational skills, Leadership

Scope of MBA in Pharmaceutical Management 

Beyond entering the workforce, graduates have several options for further education.

PhD in Pharmaceutics

For those wishing to deepen their expertise, a PhD in Pharmaceutics is a three-year program available to those with a Master’s degree in the field. 

Fellow Programme in Management

Equivalent to a PhD, this program is offered by all IIMs and provides an opportunity for further academic and research pursuits.

Competitive Examinations

Graduates may also prepare for competitive exams for government sector positions, which can lead to high-paying roles within the public sector.

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management Salary

As a learner, you should be aware of the expected MBA in Pharmaceutical Management salary. Here is a breakdown of the roles, top recruiters and the salary offered.

Role Starting Average Salary (per annum) Top Recruiters
Pharmaceutical Product Manager INR 8,00,000 - 12,00,000 Pfizer India, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Healthcare Consultant INR 10,00,000 - 15,00,000 Accenture India, Deloitte India, McKinsey & Company India, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India, Ernst & Young (EY) India
Market Analyst INR 6,00,000 - 9,00,000 IQVIA India, IMS Health India, TCS Healthcare, Cognizant Healthcare, Wipro Healthcare
Regulatory Affairs Manager INR 8,00,000 - 12,00,000 Novartis India, AstraZeneca India, Biocon India, Cadila Healthcare, Lupin Ltd
Pharmaceutical Sales Manager INR 7,00,000 - 10,00,000 Abbott India, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Eli Lilly and Company India, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Lupin Ltd
Healthcare Administrator INR 6,00,000 - 9,00,000 Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Manipal Hospitals, Columbia Asia Hospitals
Clinical Research Manager INR 10,00,000 - 15,00,000 QuintilesIMS India (IQVIA India), Syneos Health India, PPD India, Covance India, ClinTec International India
Supply Chain Manager INR 8,00,000 - 12,00,000 GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Novartis India, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cipla Ltd
Business Development Manager INR 8,00,000 - 12,00,000 Novo Nordisk India, Boehringer Ingelheim India, Teva Pharmaceuticals India, Cadila Healthcare, Lupin Ltd
Medical Affairs Manager INR 10,00,000 - 15,00,000 Merck India, Novartis India, Gilead Sciences India, Abbott India, Johnson & Johnson India

An MBA in pharmaceutical management can help you upscale your career. But it can also prove to be a significant investment. 

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FAQs About MBA in Pharmaceutical Management

What is the average salary after completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

The average MBA in Pharmaceutical management salary per month varies depending on factors such as job role, employer, location, and the individual's experience. Generally, salaries range from INR 6,00,000 to 15,00,000 per annum in India, with higher salaries possible in senior management roles or with multinational companies.

What factors influence the salary of MBA graduates in Pharmaceutical Management?

Several factors influence a student’s MBA in pharmaceutical management salary per month, including their educational background, work experience, skills, the reputation of the institution, industry demand, and geographical location. Specialisations within pharmaceutical management and additional certifications may also impact salary levels.

Can you provide insights into the salary range per month for MBA pharmaceutical management salary per month graduates in Pharmaceutical Management?

MBA in pharmaceutical management salary per month ranges from INR 50,000 to INR1,00,000 per month, depending on the various factors. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior roles in areas like consulting or senior management may offer higher salaries.

Who are the top recruiters for Pharma MBA entrance exam graduates in Pharmaceutical Management?

Top recruiters for MBA graduates in Pharmaceutical Management include leading pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and Indian companies like Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Cipla. 

Consulting firms like Deloitte, Accenture, and McKinsey also recruit MBA graduates for healthcare consulting roles.

What entrance exams are required for admission into MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs?

Common entrance exams required for admission into MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs in India include CAT (Common Admission Test), MAT (Management Aptitude Test), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), and sometimes specific exams conducted by individual universities or institutes.

How should I prepare for Pharma MBA entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or GMAT?

Preparation for entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or GMAT involves understanding the exam pattern, practising with mock tests, and revising fundamental concepts in quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability. Joining coaching classes or online preparation courses can also be beneficial.

What is the syllabus covered in MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs?

The MBA in Pharmaceutical Management syllabus typically covers core management subjects such as management principles, economics, finance, marketing, operations management, and organisational behaviour. Specialised subjects include pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory affairs, healthcare systems, and strategic management specific to the pharmaceutical industry.

Is there a specialisation offered within MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

Yes, MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs often offer specialisations or elective courses in areas like pharmacoeconomics, clinical trials management, healthcare analytics, supply chain management, and international pharmaceutical business.

How long does it typically take to complete an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs are usually completed in two years if pursued full-time. Part-time or executive MBA programs may have different durations depending on the structure and scheduling options offered by the institution.

What are the career prospects after completing an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

Career prospects after completing MBA in Pharmaceutical Management are promising, with opportunities in roles such as pharmaceutical product manager, healthcare consultant, market analyst, regulatory affairs manager, and business development manager. 

Graduates can also explore opportunities in healthcare administration, clinical research, and supply chain management within pharmaceutical companies.

Are internships or industry projects mandatory during the Pharma MBA entrance exam program?

Yes, many MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs require internships or industry projects as part of the curriculum. These experiences provide practical exposure to the industry, enhance skills, and often lead to full-time employment opportunities with the internship host organisation.

What are the skills and competencies developed through an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management?

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management programs develop skills such as strategic thinking, leadership, decision-making, project management, communication, and analytical skills. Students also gain industry-specific knowledge in pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory affairs, and healthcare economics.

How does an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management differ from a traditional MBA in terms of syllabus and focus?

The MBA in pharmaceutical management syllabus includes courses tailored to pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory affairs, drug development processes, and healthcare policies, preparing graduates for specific roles within pharmaceutical companies.

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