An overview of MBA Pharmaceutical Management

An MBA in pharmaceutical management integrates science with business to prepare students for employment in the pharmaceutical industry. If you’re looking to learn more about how management works in a field like pharmaceutics, an MBA in pharmaceutical management is a great place to start.

MBA pharmaceutical management course details

Details for the MBA in pharmaceutical management program are provided below:

Course level	Postgraduate
Duration	Two years
Exam type	Semester type
Eligibility	Graduation from a recognized university with at least a 50% aggregate score (45% for SC/ST candidates).
Admission process	Merit-based
Entrance exam	NMAT, CMAT, CAT, SNAP, XAT
Course fees	INR 1,00,000 to 10,00,000 per year
Average starting salary	INR 5 Lakh to 10 Lakhs
Top recruiting companies	Abbott India, Lupin, Sun Pharma, Dabur India Ltd., Ranbaxy Laboratories, Central WareHousing Corp., Infosys, Cipla,  Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Piramal, and other companies.
Top job opportunities	Distributors of pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Purchase Managers, Formulation Pharmaceutical Technology Scientists, Sales Managers, Consultants and Project Managers, Market Researchers and Analysts

What is an MBA in pharmaceutical management?

A program like MBA in pharmaceutical management deals with the health and chemical industries to control medication production, supply, and demand and teaches you how to manage such a business. This course examines a pharmaceutical company’s research, analysis, sales, consultancy, and administration sectors and teaches you how to implement multiple leadership abilities in this business to ensure that it operates seamlessly. 

It also teaches you the fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Sciences and how to adopt various business methods to achieve profit and operate the industry efficiently. The pharma MBA scope and salary are quite appealing. If you are keen on several facets of the pharmaceutical industry, this course will provide you with several options to pursue a career in this industry.

Why choose MBA in pharmaceutical management?

An MBA in pharmaceutical management is a highly desirable program for both professional and personal growth. There are several benefits to taking the course, as mentioned below –

The course promotes knowledge growth and offers several opportunities for job advancement. The theoretical and practical sides of the subject are highlighted throughout the course. Its curriculum comprises a range of assignments, presentations, assessments, and internships that provide students with real-world experience.

Additionally, an MBA in pharmaceutical management student may earn between INR 30,00,000 and INR 10,00,000. Employers may provide CTCs (Cost to Company) ranging from INR 15,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 in some reputed organizations. It also provides students with a broad range of job opportunities. Students can gain experience working for prominent pharmaceutical companies. In addition, students have the option of pursuing even higher education.

Who should choose an MBA in pharmaceutical management?

The following students must pursue an MBA in pharmaceutical management to advance their professions.

• Professionals with two to five years of experience who wish to start a career in a pharma MBA or work for a multinational corporation should pursue an MBA in pharmaceutical management.

• Individuals seeking management abilities, consulting skills, and competence in managing management issues.
• An MBA in pharmaceutical management is appropriate for individuals who want to improve their abilities in diagnosing, analyzing, and addressing operational difficulties in pharmaceutical services.

Admission process

The admission process to the course is determined by a candidate’s performance on an entrance exam. CAT, MAT, SNAP, CMAT, and other key all-India admission tests are held for this purpose. Some colleges also provide merit-based admission. 

Eligibility criteria for MBA pharmaceutical management

Candidates seeking admission to the MBA in pharmaceutical management program must verify that they meet the fundamental eligibility requirements as follows:

• Undergraduate degree in any relevant subject, such as B pharma, BBA, BA, B.Sc, B.Com, or BCA, with a minimum average of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university.

• The qualifying marks for reserved category students (SC/ ST) is 45%.

• Students must have passed the standard entrance examination with high marks, as well as meet the fundamental conditions.

• There aren’t any age restrictions for taking this course.

• Job experience is not required but is strongly desired.

How to apply? 

Admission based on merit:

• Apply for admission to the institutions or universities in which you are interested.
• Perform well in the undergraduate examinations, as the results of these are used to determine admittance.
• Colleges disclose their cutoff list during the admission process. You need to check whether you are eligible for the selected course.
• If you are eligible, go to the college and present all of the necessary documentation.

Admission through entrance examination:

• Apply for admission to the institutions or universities in which you are interested.
• Register for the admission examinations that you will need to pass to be admitted to the university of your choice.
• To be considered for subsequent rounds of admission, one has to score over the minimum qualifying percentage given by the institution or university.
• Following the written examination, special group discussions and personal interviews are held to compile the final merit list of individuals who have been shortlisted.
• The schools or universities announce the results and provide a merit list of individuals who were ultimately shortlisted based on the written examination, group discussion, and personal interview.
• The final allotment of seats to candidates occurs following the admission procedure, and the candidate is needed to submit the college tuition fee and register for the academic year.

Selection process

The selection process for the MBA in pharmaceutical management is merit-based. Keep in mind the qualifying conditions and admission procedure. You are eligible for admission to the Pharma MBA program.

Fee structure for MBA in pharmaceutical management

There are several MBAs in pharmaceutical management colleges in India. MBA in pharmaceutical management course prices in India range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000. The following is the fee structure for the most well-known colleges that offer a pharma MBA –

Name of Institute	Average course fees (in INR)
MAHE (with Online Manipal)	INR 2,60,000
SIBM Pune	INR 7,68,000
NMIMS Mumbai	INR 9,25,000
SPJIMR Mumbai	INR 8,75,000
Alliance University, Bangalore	INR 6,25,000
Amity University, Noida	INR 3,40,000
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh	INR 1,80,000
LPU Jalandhar	INR 3,04,000
NIMS University, Jaipur	INR 60,000

What will you learn in MBA pharmaceutical management?

While studying pharma MBA, we may learn about a broad range of topics as mentioned below.

• Drug structure
• Biopharmaceutics 
• Pharmacology drug design
• Microbiology 
• pharmaceutical production and control pharma logistic management
• Anatomy and physiology of humans
• The law of pharmaceuticals
• Marketing administration
• Business intelligence
• Infection and immunity
• Pharmaceutical products and services
• Pharmaceutical research and marketing

MBA Pharmaceutical Management – semester-wise subjects

The MBA in pharmaceutical management is a two-year program. Each year is divided into two semesters. The course syllabus includes a variety of tasks, tests, and presentations. Some institutions require students to do a relevant internship while earning their degree.

The following table displays the semester-by-semester breakdown of the disciplines necessary for this course’s curriculum.

Semester 1 Quantitative techniques in management Managerial economics Managerial accounting Managerial communication Organisational behaviour Principles of management Computer application in management Communicative english: laboratory 1	Semester 2 Business environment Cost and management accounting Marketing management Financial management Production and operations management Human resource management Business research methodology Communicative english: laboratory 2
Semester 3 Strategic management Pharmaceutical management information system Anatomy Physiology and pharmacology Legal aspects of the pharmaceutical business Pharmaceutical multinational management Personality growth lab 1	Semester 4 Entrepreneurship and management of innovations Management control system Corporate governance and business ethics Pharmaceutical advance human resource management Pharmaceutical management research project Practical work: personality growth lab 2

Pharmaceutical Management skills you will learn from an MBA 

Typically, MBA programs emphasize three aspects: leadership development by understanding organizational behavior, communication, and cooperation. 

Given the specialized nature of Pharmaceutical Management, these disciplines and skills are taught at the fundamental level as core courses. Every industry needs a unique set of abilities. Both hard and soft skills are important in this field, and the ability to handle criticism and remain objective will help you succeed in your career. 

The following are some skills that we will learn from a pharma MBA:

• Interpersonal abilities
• Time organization
• Organizational abilities
• Communication abilities
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Leadership qualities
• Decision-making ability

What are the different types of MBAs in Pharmaceutical Management?

The pharma MBA program is offered in different ways which include regular MBA courses, distance mode and online mode. 

Type of MBA in pharmaceutical management	Eligibility	Duration	Highlights
Regular MBA in pharmaceutical management	Undergraduate degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% andvalid results in standard entrance examinations such as CMAT, CAT, GMAT, and XAT.	Two years	It helps students to get an awareness of the pharmaceutical industry, including information on drug research, regulatory requirements, clinical investigations, the approval procedure, and industrial understanding of drug production units.
Online MBA in pharmaceutical management	Undergraduate degree with a minimum aggregate of 50%	Two to four years	It allows the students to gain an understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. It is also adaptable for working professionals who do not wish to leave their careers.
Distance MBA in pharmaceutical management	Undergraduate degree with a minimum aggregate of 50%,valid results in standard entrance examinations such as CMAT, CAT, GMAT, and XAT, and full-time experience of three years.	One to three years	A distance MBA is ideal for students who are unable to attend classes due to employment commitments. It gives people the freedom to work and learn at the same time.

Can I pursue an MBA in pharmaceutical management online?

Yes, an MBA in pharmaceutical management may be obtained online. Working professionals who do not want to leave their jobs or education might consider an online pharma MBA. UGC, AICTE, NAAC and other organizations have authorized online MBA programs. The online pharma MBA intends to upskill and update professionals on the most recent and in-demand skills and advances in the pharmaceutical industry. You can study pharmaceutical marketing, production management, and other important topics to become future-ready professionals.

Which is the best place to learn MBA in Pharmaceutical Management online?

The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving. As a result, it is critical to stay up-to-date with the evolving trends. The MBA in Pharmaceutical Management offers several job prospects both within and outside of India. Graduates of this MBA degree are employed as product specialists, marketing executives, and other positions by international organizations. Enrolling in MAHE’s online MBA program at Online Manipal will prepare you for a job in the pharmaceutical business by incorporating practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

Career options after MBA in Pharmaceutical Management

Pharma MBA students have a solid career path, especially if they have previous job experience. The following are some MBA careers in the pharmaceutical industry:

• Business development manager

They are responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring critical business development initiatives for the coordinating specialist unit in the medical services and allied life sciences field.

• Research analyst and drug developer

Market research analysts investigate and collect data to assist a company in marketing its products or services. They collect data about customer socio-economic backgrounds, preferences, requirements, and shopping habits.

• Sales manager

A sales manager is responsible for achieving the company’s sales goals through practical planning and budgeting.

• Drug distribution manager

Pharmaceutical distributors act as the intermediary between manufacturers and drug stores, and other suppliers.

• Pharmaceutical purchase manager

Purchasing professionals have a variety of goals, including cost management, developing and managing supplier partnerships, enabling progress, and expanding the store network.

Job roles for MBA graduates in pharmaceutical management 

The most exciting aspect of this course is the salary of an MBA in pharmaceutical management graduate. A few of the top MBA in pharmaceutical management job profiles, as well as their associated income packages, are included below –

Job roles	Expected income
Business development manager	INR 7 LPA
Research analyst and drug developer:	INR 5 LPA
Sales manager	INR 10 LPA
Drug distribution manager	INR 5 LPA
Pharmaceutical purchase manager	INR 5 LPA

ALSO READ: Career options after MBA Pharmaceutical Management

Higher education options after an Pharma MBA

Alongside looking for a job after a pharma MBA, students might also pursue further education. The following are some of the higher education alternatives available to students:

• Ph.D

If one desires to continue their study in the same sector, the first program option is a Ph.D in Pharmaceutics. It is a three-year program, and eligibility requirements include a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics. Ph.D programs in any of the relevant subjects are available to students.

• Competitive examinations

Another option for postgraduates is to study for competitive examinations. The most popular exams are those for career chances in government agencies. Students will have the opportunity to obtain the highest-paying employment in this industry.

• Other courses

After completing MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, students are eligible to apply for the fellow education program in management (similar to a Ph.D) offered by all IIMs.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts 

MAHE’s online MBA in pharmaceutical management is the ideal option for individuals who want to learn about the management and business aspects of India’s pharmaceutical industries. Pharmaceutical management is one of the management courses with the quickest growth and biggest reward, and it has a bright future. 
Choosing the correct course to achieve your desired degree is a significant decision, but it can appear exceedingly tough at times. Visit Online Manipal, end for an MBA in pharmaceutical management, and benefit from the exceptional teaching faculty and an effective course structure.

Key takeaways:

• An MBA in pharmaceutical management is a program that allows you to study the pharmaceutical sector from both a business and a management standpoint.

• Online Manipal’s MBA in pharmaceutical management will prepare you to thrive in the pharmaceutical industry and help you become a competent leader in a changing modern environment.

• Pharma MBA students have a promising career path, especially if they have prior experience in the industry, such as drug analysis and discovery, sales management, pharmaceutical purchase manager, business development, and so on.