Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Kirti Mehendiratta
Ph.D Clinical Research: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Job & Salary
A Ph.D. in Clinical Research is a doctoral-level program that typically spans between 3 to 6 years, depending on research progress. This program aims to develop expertise in the research of clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of new treatments and therapies for improving human health.
To be eligible for a Ph.D in Clinical Research, candidates must have a master's degree in medical science, pharmacy, or a related area, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. Some of the popular entrance exams for a Ph.D in Clinical Research include ICMR JRF, UGC-NET, GATE, CUET-PG, and GPAT.
Ph.D in Clinical Research provides candidates with the knowledge of conducting research including methodologies, ethical considerations, and data analysis techniques. Some of the job roles available after Ph.D in Clinical Research are Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Clinical Research can expect an average package in the range of INR 10 - 15 lakhs per annum.
PhD in Clinical Research Course Highlights
The basic details of a PhD in Clinical Research are as follows:
| Particulars | Course Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | PhD Clinical Research |
| Duration | 3 - 6 Years |
| Eligibility | Candidates must have a master's degree in medical science, pharmacy, or a related area, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based |
| Entrance Examinations | GATE/ UGC-NET/CUET (PG)/ICMR JRF/GPAT |
| Average Course Fees | INR 2-5 LPA |
| Career Prospects | Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Average Package after PhD | INR 10 - 15 lakhs per annum |
What is a PhD in Clinical Research?
A PhD in Clinical Research is a 3 to 6-year doctorate program that focuses on advanced research in clinical trials, drug development, and healthcare innovations. The course provides students with the knowledge of disease patterns, treatment effectiveness, and patient safety to improve medical practices and healthcare policies.
After PhD in Clinical Research, one can do research on the efficacy of a new cancer drug, and can analyze its impact on patients and potential side effects. This helps in the development of safer and more effective treatment protocols.
A PhD in Clinical Research provides candidates with expertise in biomedical research, data analysis, and regulatory affairs. Candidates become proficient in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the ability to design and execute clinical trials with precision.
Why Pursue PhD in Clinical Research?
A PhD in Clinical Research provides candidates with various career options in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare institutions, regulatory agencies, and academia. The course also provides in-depth knowledge of drug development, medical ethics, and clinical trial methodologies.
The demand for clinical research professionals is growing due to the increasing need for new treatments, medical innovations, and evidence-based healthcare decisions. Experts in Clinical Research play an important role in advancing medicine and ensuring patient safety.
PhD in Clinical Research Eligibility
Students should have the following eligibility to be admitted to PhD Clinical Research:
- The candidates must have a master's degree in medical science, pharmacy, or a related area.
- Candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 55% in post-graduation.
- Candidates should have cleared entrance exams like UGC-NET, ICMR JRF, GPAT, GATE, and CUET-PG.
PhD in Clinical Research Entrance Exams
Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Clinical Research include UGC-NET, ICMR JRF, GPAT, GATE, and CUET-PG.
| Entrance Examination | Registration Date | Date of Examination |
|---|---|---|
| UGC NET | 19 November to December 10 2024 | 3 to 16 January 2025 |
| GATE | 28 August to 11 October 2024 | 1, 2, 15, 16 February 2025 |
| CUET (PG) | 2 January to 8 February 2025 | 13 March to 1 April 2025 |
| ICMR JRF | April 2025 | July 2025 |
| GPAT | 1 April to 21 April 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
Top Colleges in India for Ph.D Clinical Research
Some of the top colleges for Ph.D Clinical Research based on NIRF Ranking 2024 are as follows:
| NIRF Ranking 2024 | College Name | City, State | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86 | Sharda University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 2,30,000 |
| - | Galgotias University | Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh | INR 2,50,000 |
| - | COER University | Roorkee, Uttarakhand | INR 3,70,000 |
| - | ICRI - Jagannath University | Delhi | INR 3,40,000 |
| - | Indian Institute of Public Health - IIPH | Haryana | INR 4,80,000 |
PhD in Clinical Research VS MSc Clinical Research
PhD in Clinical Research is a 3-6 year doctoral-level program that focuses on advanced research, innovation, and leadership. This course is suitable for those who want to conduct independent research, publish scientific papers, or work in academia. After completing PhD in Clinical Research one can pursue a career as Clinical Research Scientists, Principal Investigators, Professors, Medical Science Liaisons, and Regulatory Experts in universities, government agencies, and biotech companies.
An MSc in Clinical Research is a postgraduate degree that typically takes 1 to 2 years and provides students with knowledge of clinical trial design, regulatory guidelines, and data analysis. The course prepares candidates for the roles of Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Trial Coordinator, Data Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research organizations.
PhD in Clinical Research Jobs
The basic details of jobs after PhD in Clinical Research are as follows:
- Industry: A PhD in Clinical Research can lead to jobs in Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions, Biotechnology Companies and Contract Research Organizations.
- Employment Demand: A PhD in Clinical Research is in high demand, offering jobs like Clinical Research Manager, Clinical Trial Manager, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
- Average Salary: The average salary after PhD Clinical Research varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The average salary is between INR 10- 15 lakhs per annum.
There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Clinical Research. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience are mentioned in the table below:
| Job Roles | Entry level | Experience level |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Trial Manager | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 10-12 LPA |
| Clinical Research Manager | INR 7-10 LPA | INR 15-20 LPA |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 6-12 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 8-15 LPA |
Fig: Salary of jobs after PhD Clinical Research
PhD Clinical Research FAQs
What are the typical research topics students can choose from in the PhD Clinical Research program?
Students in a PhD Clinical Research program can study topics like drug development, patient safety, clinical trial design, epidemiology, and healthcare policies. These help them improve medical treatments and healthcare systems.
How does the internship component benefit students in the Clinical Research program?
Internships give students hands-on experience in real-world clinical settings. They help students apply theoretical knowledge, gain practical skills, and build professional connections for future career opportunities.
What are the key challenges students face when writing a dissertation?
Students struggle with time management, gathering reliable data, and maintaining motivation. Writing a well-structured, research-backed dissertation requires critical thinking and strong analytical skills.
How does PhD support students in balancing academic coursework and clinical research?
PhD programs support students by offering flexible schedules, mentorship, and structured timelines. This helps them manage academic studies while conducting research.
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