Project in industry and college - pros and cons - my views

It is a big dilemma whether to do project in college or industry.  Most of the people cannot get an opportunity to do a project in industry without a strong reference.  If one gets a project in industry, there is no scope of learning the subject more. You will be allotted to a team leader as guide and you have to follow his instructions. There will be less chance for you learn something. At the end of the day, you will be given a project to put as thesis.  There are many few industries which will allow you to work on yourselves by utilizing the facilities.  Hence in an industry there is a less scope of developing as a research scientist.  But the advantages of going for project in industry is you can get some contacts and references which will help in job search. You will also be knowing the functioning of industry and it wont look  new when you go for a job.  Coming to the advantages of doing project in college is there is large scope of learning by yourselves regarding how to design a project and how to execute it, different problems that you may encounter and how to overcome them.  But proper guidance and facilities are needed for doing the same. You will also be knowing how to document the research work (thesis) and how to publish article.  Dedication and willingness to learn and do the work is needed. 

Significance of project in M.pharm - My experience

After a long gap, I would like to post based on my real experience.  I would like to emphasize the importance of M.pharm research project when facing the interviews.  Appearing for an interview is itself a difficult task.  You will get the interview by reference provided vacancy is there in a company. For facing the technical interview after M.pharm you need a strong command over your project.  I was interviewed by a senior scientist in Dr.Reddys (Aurigene).  90% of the questions was based on my project only.... I did well on questions on my project but failed to answer some questions based on basics.  Finally, after some time gap I came to know that an experienced person was recruited for the job.  So it is very important to concentrate on project as well as basics.  Whatever the project you select, thorough knowledge on it is required.  The basis for selection of project, significance of it, what is the novelty in it and so on... Everything is important.  So please be careful while selecting a project and ensure that you have thorough knowledge on it and necessarily should know the reasons for selecting that project.  With my experience on doing the project, I can guide some projects and also provide drugs and excipients. Those who are in need can contact me. All the best!!

M.pharmacy and its signficance - my views

As the time for counseling almost started, I would like to share some of my views regarding M.pharmacy. M.pharmacy or post graduation is mainly for entering to the research areas of particular field.  After joining in M.pharm, in second year, we come to know about the basics of a research project.  It will help us in entering to PhD or jobs in industry where we have to handle research projects. I think some of might be thinking about joining in M.pharmacy after knowing about the scope of M.pharm in different subjects.  No one will be ready to hire you immediately after completing M.pharm. But it does not mean joining M.pharm is waste of time. In my view, it adds up another degree and similar is the case with PhD. Industry needs experienced people but not people having degrees.  These degrees will help in achieving faster growth in terms of promotions.  I know some are people who came back from industry to pursue their PhDs as they are missing promotion chances despite of experience but not a degree.  Once you enter into any work or industry, it is difficult to pursue Post graduation.  So, I think it is better to do post graduation if any chance and later enter into industry.  But at the same time, I say that do not invest more money for doing post graduation.  Do not waste the hard work of GPAT or PGCET.  Join in any college you get with the rank.  It is difficult to enter as a fresher.  But once you got some experience, many companies are ready to hire you.  This is the case not only with pharmacy sector but also in other sectors like IT.    You may have to  work along with MSC people or B.pharm people along with you in industry.  But, it is true that the person with higher degree will be given preference over the other for higher level positions.  Finally, do not end up in a confused situation to join the PG or not.  Keep the real situation in mind.  Do not be under impression that pursuing M.pharm will secure a job immediately. Just try to be competitive enough in terms of knowledge and hard work.  Do not get depressed if you do not get a good college or branch you expected. A good college might provide you stipend and facilities and not more than that.   It is the ultimately interest and hard work that may secure results. Go for M.pharm if you qualify in GPAT or PGCET and do not invest more money unnecessarily which may be burden later.  Do not put any expectations on job or salary.  Just keep in mind the real situation and try to be competitive enough,  All the best!!! 

List of clinical research institutes

Gits Academy 11 ratings

Location - No.16, 3RD FLR,, Abv Vijaya Bank, 10th CRS, Sampige Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560003
Call - +(91)-80-66496360
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Computer Training Institutes For Microsoft Excel Advanced, Share Broking Institutes

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Sysplex Bio & Clinical Solutions 6 reviews & ratings

Location - No.B7/B9,Basemant FLR, Gem Plaza, No 66 Infantry RD, Infantry Road, Bangalore - 560001
Call - +(91)-80-66492627
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For Diploma In Clinical Data Management

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Avigna Learning Academy Be First to Rate
Location - #33, 3RD Floor, 15th Cross, 18th Main,, Above Canara Bank., 100 Ft Ring Road , 2ND Phase, J P Nagar, Bangalore - 560078
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For Clinical Research Post Graduate, Institutes For Diploma In Clinical Data Management


Ematrix Enterprise Solutions 3 ratings

Location - No.20/233, Manandi Towers,2ND FLR, Abv ING Vysya Bank, 9TH MN RD, Jayanagar 3RD Block, Bangalore - 560011
Call - +(91)-80-66379375
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Computer Training Institutes For Software, Computer Training Institutes For Accounting-Tally

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Nidhi Infotech 8 reviews & ratings

Location - No 29, 1ST FLR, Nanjappa Cmplx, NT Vijaya Bank, K H RD, Double RD, K H Road, Bangalore - 560027
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Computer Training Institutes For Basic, Software Testing Institutes

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Focus EDU Care 21 ratings

Location - No.119/1, 1ST FLR, Srinidhi Cmplx, Opp Venugopal Swamy Temple, 11th CRS, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560003
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For MBA, Language Classes For English

Photos Video 
Knowledge Quotient Education Services India Ltd Be First to Rate

Location - N0.638, Bh Indiranagar Club, 11th Mn,7th Crs, Indiranagar, Bangalore - 560038
Call - +(91)-80-66498989
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Language Classes For English, Tutorials For PUC


Clinotek India 4 ratings

Location - No.1204, Ashva Plaza, NR Bangalore Centeral, NR Ragigudda Temple, 26th MN,41st CRS, Jayanagar 9TH Block, Bangalore - 560011
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research

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Icbio Clinical Research PVT LTD 1 review & rating

Location - No.16, Icbio Tower, Yelahanka MN RD, Chikkabetahalli, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore - 560097
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes, Institutes For Biotechnology

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Shapra Technologies Be First to Rate
Location - Opp More Super Market, Maruthi Nagar MN RD, BTM Layout, Bangalore - 560068
Call - +(91)-80-66494976
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For Biotechnology, Computer Training Institutes For Bioinformatics


Focus Edu Care 21 ratings

Location - Malleswaram, Bangalore-560003
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For MBA, Language Classes For English

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Manipal Acunova LTD 3 reviews & ratings
Location - Whitefield, Bangalore-560066
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Lab Research & Development


Lotus Clinical Research Academy PVT LTD 7 ratings
Location - Koramangala, Bangalore-560095
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes


Clinical Research Education & Management Academy 2 ratings
Location - Jayanagar, Bangalore-560041
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes


Manipal Universal Learning Pvt Ltd 2 ratings
Location - Indiranagar, Bangalore-560038
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For BDS


Gits Academy 11 ratings

Location - Malleswaram, Bangalore-560003
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Software Testing Institutes, Computer Training Institutes For Java

Photos Video 
Lgc Promochem India Pvt Ltd Be First to Rate
Location - Peenya Indl Area, Bangalore-560058
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research


Clinigene International Pvt Ltd 3 ratings
Location - Electronic City, Bangalore-560100
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Research Clinics, Clinical Chemistry Analyser


Institute Of Clinical Research India 2 ratings
Location - Indiranagar, Bangalore-560038
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research


T John College Of Clinical Research 3 ratings
Location - Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore-560076
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For Hotel Management, Nursing Institutes


Nidhi Infotech 8 reviews & ratings

Location - Lalbagh Road, Bangalore-560027
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Software Testing Institutes, Computer Software Training SAP Basis

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Cliniminds Be First to Rate
Location - Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore-560070
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Corporate Training, Education Online


Admissions Open India 3 ratings
Location - Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore-560043
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For Pre University, Engineering Institutes


Best Biotek Research Labs Pvt Ltd 1 rating
Location - Gnanabharathi, Bangalore-560056
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Institutes For Biotechnology, Institutes For Life Science


Clintrac International Pvt Ltd Be First to Rate
Location - Whitefield, Bangalore-560066
Also See - Institutes For Clinical Research, Lab Biotech

Scope of clinical research after B.pharm

Many of B.pharm completed students those qualified in GPAT or PGCET or who have not qualified are thinking about to join in Clinical research related courses.  In this regard, I would like to give some information about those courses.  The first thing that you do remember is there are opportunities in Clinical research.  Many institutes are offering courses in it.  They are attracting students by saying that they provide placements and charging heavy amount of fee.  Please do not fell into their trap. Clinical research courses are good, opportunities are there, but institutes are not doing well by providing placements, necessary subject required. Clinical research related jobs can be classified broadly into Clinical data management, SAS related, Clinical research associate.  All the B.pharm completed students already know what is clinical research and how it is carried out.  The job of a Clinical research associate is to assist the doctors in monitoring the adverse effects of drugs under trail. After recording the data from subjects, they have to be compiled in a specified format which comes under Clinical data management.  The next step is analyzing the data.  This analysis requires SAS (A statistical software).  The work of CRA (Clinical research associate) is in the site that is hospitals.  According to the study designs(similar to bioavailability study designs, Random block, Incomplete block etc), drugs are administered to different number of subjects and ADRs are monitored. A doctor along with CRA will monitor the ADRs.  This will be documented and handed to the project manager who handles the database of different drugs. A Clinical data manager(CDM) will maintain the databases of different studies and records them in a specified format.  The next step is, analysis of such data.  This is the responsibility of a person who is well thorough with statistics(Biostatistician) who generates the output using SAS and other software. Not all the clinical research related industries necessarily use this SAS software. So, the jobs in these areas are mostly software related.  Person with B.pharm or medical background are preferable because we are familiar with terminology of ADRs while software people are not.  And again we are not so perfect in database management and SAS as software people. So, do remember that we may face competition from software people and medical background persons. Similar to any job, it is difficult to enter into those fields as a fresher by learning some clinical data management, SAS courses. There are opportunities in this field abroad.  But, you need experience first. Salaries are attractive at present for those persons who know about CDM, SAS and CRA. Reference and recommendations are must.  If you want to pursue your career in join in right institutes in Banglore, Hyderabad.

I thank my friend shruthi for giving information

Pharm.D Is it really required? - my views

Much discussion is going on pharm.D course in India.  In my view, starting pharm.D course is only to serve the purpose of colleges.  Very huge gap between supply and demand of pharmacy students have occurred.  Many pharmacy students are coming out every year (Both B.pharm and M.pharm), but they are not finding jobs. Students are becoming aware of it.  Seats in new colleges are not being filled up.  So it became necessity to introduce a new course and attract students towards pharmacy colleges.  They support the starting of course by various reasons for change in health care system.  Doctors have already started agitation against the course.

http://www.pharmainfo.net/og/pharmindia/section-medical-doctors-launches-campaign-against-starting-pharm-d-course-india#comment-40140  I doubt whether it really happens. Even if, pharm.D students are allowed in hospital setting, salary will not be that much attractive.  They are saying that Pharm.D students are also eligible to work in clinical research areas.  In fact, there is much competition in this area also from students of institutes like ICRI, Crema academy and also pharmacology students. I do not think in India, the importance of pharmacists will be recognized so early.  There are many problems to be addressed regarding medicines in India and Indian Health care system.  So, right now I think future of Pharm.D person is questionable.  They have to face many challenges and struggle to accommodate in any area either it is hospital or clinical research area or any other. It is said by president of PCI, Dr.B.Suresh itself as join the Pharm.D course if you are willing to face challenges in Pharmacy sector. 

pharmacy abroad - my views

Some people want to study in abroad after completing B.pharmacy here.  I would like to give a clear picture of it as far as my knowledge is concerned.  The first thing you have to know is pharmacy is more of profession or practice related in abroad.  It is not like that as here where we go to industries after completing pharmacy either B.pharm or M.pharm.  The first thing or doubt that comes to mind is selection of subject.  One suggestion I would like to give is, do not go to abroad for the sake of pride or with an expectation, we can earn more if we go there.  Go to abroad to learn something in your subject of interest.  Pharmacy people are considered as science graduates there and we can opt for any subject related to science like chemistry, microbiology, nanotechnology, Immunology, pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, health sciences etc.  Do not select any subject with a view of doing MS.  First, you decide on what side you want to be, go along with science groups or practice pharmacy profession.  Special training and exams like FPGEE or NAPLEX are required to practice pharmacy profession in a hospital or community pharmacy.  I think you very well know about pharmacy profession in India.  So, studies or experience of pharmacy practice or profession there may not be useful when you return here and you may also face tough competition from pharm.D people here.  If you go for a science subject, research experience on that particular subject will help you.  If you can show any review or research article or any other type of presentation in that subject, it may help you in getting the seat in same specialization.  Whatever the subject you select, try to love that and learn as much as possible.  Once you go there, you have to spare at least 4 or 5 years to complete the graduation or Phd or fetch a job.  As you are investing some money, one expects the same returns.  Your economic condition highly matters if you want to do graduation there.   Getting a job there is as much difficult as here.  The same situation exists there that you should have any reference or recommendation of your professor or senior or some other.  The second thing you have to consider is the university.  I think consultancies may help here in selection of university and select the university depending on its grade and your profile of aggregate percentage, GRE, TOFEL performance.  The last but not the least, is try to get an idea of life style there completely and be prepared for that.  

National seminar on Particulate Drug delivery systems

I would like to inform all about the national seminar on particulate drug delivery systems.  Resource persons from various universities are attending the seminar.  Oral seminars and poster from M.pharm students are invited.  Please see the below link for more details.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3Q8vqzVroyNZThiMDUzNDgtOWU5ZS00MzQzLWJhN2QtNzU3Njg1OWNiYjFh&hl=en_GB

Bapatla college of pharmacy - details of M.pharm during academic year 2010 -11Counselling

I am keeping the details of people admitted in Bapatla college of pharmacy under various categories during academic year 2010-11.  This is officially collected from the college.  This is for your idea only and do not expect that you can get the same.  Because, we do not know the state wise ranks as this is central wide exam. You can know about your local rank if anyone take a lead as we did during academic year 2009.  During that time, counselling for M.pharm became very confusing to us. Initially, we applied in response to the PGEC notification as ever year people did.  Unfortunately, APSCHE took sudden decision of decentralizing the counselling. It gave the responsibility to universities to carry out admissions to M.Pharm or M.tech in the university(including respective colleges).  It became so hard that on same date, counselling was carried out at different universities.  Counselling dates were clashed.  On the same day, counselling was conducted at AU and JNTU. I took the initiation along with my friends, we approached APSCHE regarding this issue.  They said that they cannot recall it back of decentralizing the counselling.  We requested them to place at least the details of local ranks as we have applied for PGEC admissions.  The next day, they kept all the details of people who applied for PGEC admissions.  This helped me a lot and I attended the counselling at JNTU.  My friends who have nearer ranks to me went to AU.  Finally, I became lucky by getting seat in Bapatla.  So, anyone of you can take initiation and request to APSCHE for giving such data which will help a lot in selection of colleges and branches.  Another doubt, I would like to clarify, there is no difference in the university name.  You can join in a college affliated to any university.  I am giving the details of GPAT ranks admitted in Bapatla.

Last year, there was a confusion on second shift and another 18 seats were added at the last moment.  This created some confusion.  This year is there is no such situation. There are 36 seats in pharmaceutics and also analysis in Bapatla.

Pharmaceutics  OC (Boys) - 2608 Girls-904 to 2292.  PGCET - no one under OC
                       BC-A        -  Boys - 3118  Girls - 4538 PGCET - none
                       BC-B       - Boys    - none  Girls - 1295, 5883  PGCET - none
                        BC-C         Boys  -  no one  PGCET - none
                        BC - D       Boys   - 721, 4046, 4263
                        BC - E        Boys - none Girls - none PGCET - 73
                        SC              Boys   - none Girls - 1610  PGCET - 4467 Girls - 2701
                        ST               Boys - none  Girls - 8865  PGCET - 4678

Do remember that category will not be changed, if a SC GPAT candidate is not available, it will be given to PGCET SC candidate.

Selection of branch and college for pursuing M.pharmacy - my views

It is preferable to select a branch based on your interest.  Yes, I do agree that there is a tremendous increase in competition for pharmacy.  One has to try a lot to stand first among others. There is a lot of confusion for selection of branch, college etc.  Some people might be looking to pursue MS (PG in foreign countries) I shall post about the situation in foreign countries later.  The present post is about my views for selection of branch and college. Those students who got good ranks may be looking for admission into various universities like Manipal, BITS.  Keep aside about selection of college or university or degree where you are studying.  The additional advantage of studying in a good college or university is that you may get placement, expose to good infrastructure and professors. College or university has nothing to do with the job.  They need a degree and do not care about college studied. If you study in good college, chances of getting job are easier by references and all.   First decide about the branch in which you may want to pursue PG.  Many people might be worrying about the scope of each branch. Stop thinking about scope.  Of course, it is necessary to know about the scope of branch you want to join.  But, do not change take decision depending on the scope.  First, you think about your interest either it is pharmaceutics, analysis, pharmacology, biotechnology or pharmacognosy. I have already posted about scope of pharmaceutics.  I do agree that there is heavy competition for this branch and at the same time, there are many job opportunities for a pharmaceutics person. After selection of branch, think about stipend.  All colleges are not offering stipend.  You take the initiation along with other GPAT qualified candidates in your college and ask the college principal and management for stipend.  They need not to do anything except knowing the procedure and applying for it.  We cannot say whether stipend will be issued or not even applied, because its up to the Central government under the control of AICTE, MHRA. But application is important.  Do not expect any placements from any college of Andhra Pradesh.  You may get it or not.  No one can say.  If the college principal is interested and have some contact in industries, they will recommend you to an industry and if only he is interested on a specific candidate.  Universities and colleges from other states are doing good in this aspect.  They can bring campus placements and you can show your talent to get through the interview. JSS ooty or Mysore, Manipal, BITS are able to bring campus placements. If you have enough money to join such colleges, go for them.  But do not be under impression, placement is guarantee.  My sincere request is do not join in any college by paying huge amounts of money under donation category if you cannot afford to do so by taking loans.  It will be burden to you later. You think of job opportunities. So, first think of the branch you are interested to join and later the college.  Any comments or suggestions are welcome.  All the best!!!!

Objectives of my blog

My blogs will be mostly dependent on my experience. I shall try to help the students in confusing situation to go in right direction based on my experience and knowledge.  I shall try to give some suggestions for facing this ever increasing competition

Review article or research article help

Publishing a review article or research article on your name spices up your resume and increases your job opportunities.  You may have already presented posters at different seminars in various colleges.  In a similar way, research article or review article can be published in B.pharm or M.pharm. Feel free to contact to me through mail or phone if you are interested in publishing either review or research articles on your name.

Scope of pharmaceutics

Pharmaceutics… what it is related to?

There is a misconception pharmaceutics is saturated.  Whatever the branch may be, there is heavy competition due to increasing number of colleges.  Of course, I do agree that Pharmaceutics people are many in number as in every college, pharmaceutics is the first branch for which M.pharm course is started.  By this time, you all may know the two types in pharmaceutical industry.  One is related to manufacturing of bulk drugs and the other is formulations related.  Let us leave that bulk drug industry to chemistry people.  A formulation industry cannot exist without the presence of a pharmaceutics person.  People cannot take the bulk drug that is chemical as it is without making into a formulation.  So, there is life to pharmaceutics person as long as the pharmaceutical industry exists.

What is the job of a Pharmaceutics person?

I think many of you people have thinking in mind about setting up a pharmaceutical industry as you have prepared tablets using a tablet compression machine. We can prepare a tablet using any excipient. But it is the excipients used and their concentration is the key to success of particular formulation.  So, the formulation process begins with developing a successful formula. This is where the actual skill and knowledge of a pharmaceutics person is needed.  So F R&D (formulation research and development) is the dream department where a pharmaceutics person wants to join.  But, coming to the actual scenario of a person who did M.pharm in pharmaceutics is different.  As these industries have been established long back and there are very well experienced people in developing different formulations, after completing your M.pharm pharmaceutics you have to work as trainee.  Your team leader will assign you some work like doing granulation or mixing or punching etc.  A B.pharm person can also do that.  After some experience, you can try to become a team leader (higher salaries) and from here actual work starts.  You have to handle projects.  Indian industries are largely concentrating on ANDA (Abbreviated new drug application).  Some people may already know what it is.  Regulatory authorities in European countries are very strict, before approving a particular product to enter into their market; one has to show that it is similar to already existing product (innovator brand) in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety.  We have to prove that it is bio-equivalent to the already existing product.  Such filing is ANDA.  These types of projects will have to be handled after becoming a team leader.  Later, you will be promoted to higher levels depending on your knowledge.

Novel Drug Delivery systems (NDDS)

All of you may be having some knowledge on this area.  Many type of new drug delivery systems like Transdermal patches (TDDS), Medicated chewing gums, Muco-adhesive patches or tablets, different type of creams and gels with wide variety of drug release profiles like sustained, controlled, pulsatile delivery, targeted drug delivery are in research and development stage.  They have to be commercialized.  This is very interesting area.  But one needs good exposure in handling of such type of research projects.  This type of research requires high investments to commercialize and very few companies do that.   It is also difficult to find jobs in these areas.  But, if you once try for that and enter into it, attain some experience, there will be future.  Many of you may be seeing advertisements on Nicorette(helps in stop smoking) that is available as lozenges and gums. Pharmaceutics people are required in the development of such kind of dosage forms.

Pharmacokinetics

According to my knowledge, there is a good scope in this area and there is shortage of people with good knowledge.  All of you might be exposed to compartmental modeling in determining various pharmacokinetic parameters.  There will be two compartment modeling and even non-compartmental approach for determination of these pharmacokinetic parameters.  These are generally carried out for new drugs or dosage forms.  The concept of this type of modeling is required.  You can develop interest in this area.  And again not many companies may do this. It is difficult to find jobs in this area. But, if you can enter into it, growth will be good.

Other interesting areas are Drug regulatory affairs and Intellectual property rights. Drug regulatory affairs deals with, filing of approvals for export of drugs and pharmaceuticals to other countries.  Intellectual property rights is another department.  They deal with patenting the inventions either related to process or product.  

A Pharmaceutics person can also enter into other departments like production and quality assurance.  Your signatory power is valuable there.  With the reference of recommendations you can enter into these areas

NIPER Entrance Tips

NIPER Entrance Tips

Hello friends,  

                     Most of the people want to join in NIPER for post graduation in pharmacy.  Chances of getting placements are high if one aspires to join in NIPER.  NIPER Mohali is the first branch to establish under NIPER Act and you can get placements easily there for all branches of pharmacy. NIPER Guwahati is best for pharmacology and pharmacy practice.  NIPER kolkotta is best for chemistry.  Recently, Pharmaceutics is started in NIPER Hyderabad.

Tips for preparing NIPER Entrance examination (NIPER JEE)

Introduction to NIPER :-

NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Institute) was established under NIPER Act. The first NIPER institute was started at Mohali (Punjab). Currently, there are 7 NIPER institutes located at various places of India. Mentor institutes are present for every NIPER institute. These mentor institutes help in the constant development of institute by giving access to their equipments and other facilities to those students studying in respective NIPER colleges. Three types of courses M.Pharm, MS, Ph.D. and pharmaceutical MBA are offered. Pharmaceutical MBA is present only at NIPER Mohali. It is very important to note that MS courses in various branches are not recognized by PCI or AICTE. Hence, those students studying MS in NIPER institutes are not eligible to work as teachers in various university and private colleges. Simply, NIPER institutes can be compared with IITs of engineering. Once, if you are willing to join in NIPER institutes you have to train up your minds to go to research areas in their respective branches. Various courses offered, branches, Number of seats, Mentor institutes and other information about NIPER can be obtained from www.niper.nic.in

Overview of NIPER entrance test ( NIPER JEE):-

NIPER entrance consists of 200 questions which are to be answered in 2hrs (120min) which clearly indicates that time management is very important to get success in NIPER entrance. Understanding the question quickly is very important to pick the right choice. Each question carries one mark (total 200 marks) with ¼ negative marking for every wrong answer. It is wise to leave the question if you do not know the answer perfectly. Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical analysis are the core subjects from which questions are being asked. There is no need to worry about Pharmacognosy or forensic pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Judispudence) as in GPAT. There is no official syllabus prescribed by NIPER institute for the entrance examination. Today, some coaching centres are available to train for the NIPER. Their materials and model question papers help to review the subject and practice time management. Some websites are conducting online course, competitions, giving model questions papers. www.pharmatutor.org is one of such web sites best known conducting online competition fair (OCF) for free of cost. Even though, if you are not able to afford the cost of coaching, you can secure a good rank in NIPER entrance if you can plan and prepare accordingly. Let us now see about subject wise preparation.

Chemistry:
Basic organic chemistry and biochemistry is required to answer the questions. There is no need to by heart the complex structures of drugs or SAR aspects as in GPAT. Stereochemistry, Named reactions, Basic methods of synthesis of various organic compounds is required. Thorough concepts of stereochemistry are required. You will be asked to identify the type of stereoisomer by giving various structures or the number of isomers that are possible for a structure. So be prepared for such type of questions.

Books: Sameuel (good for stereochemistry), Bahl and Bahl and Morrison Boyd (Named reactions, various methods of synthesis of organic compounds)

Pharmacology:
Types of receptors, receptor characterization, mechanism of actions, classification of drugs, overview of clinical trials, preclinical trials are to be concentrated. Importance should be given to the typical, specific type of adverse effects of drugs.

Books: Rang and Dale (You can answer maximum number of questions if you can read this book entirely)

Biochemistry, Biotechnology:

Classification of enzymes and their functions, mechanism of action of enzymes are to be given importance. Blotting techniques(Western, southern), Gel electrophoresis, Gene cloning, Immunoassays, protein, RNA, DNA synthesis, rDNA technology.

Books: U.Satyanarayana

Pharmaceutical analysis:
Entire spectroscopy and chromatographic techniques should be covered (UV-Visible, NMR, IR, Mass, XRD, Fluorimetry, HPLC, GC, LCMS). Thorough knowledge on interpretation of IR and NMR peaks is required. There is no need to study the entire instrumentation or the process. Principle involved in various techniques, examples of some drugs and columns is sufficient.

Books: YR Sharma, Chatwal

Other types of questions:
In addition to these subjects, there is a need to know about the recent drug molecules approved by USFDA and names of the scientists who made some important discoveries or inventions. Simple mathematics, logical questions, questions based on English language will be given. Students who can answer these types of questions will definitely have an edge over other students. Finally, efficient time management by answering the questions correctly in the limited time available will ultimately lead to success in NIPER entrance examination.

Resources: (Source: http:// gpatniper.weebly.com/ )

NIPER JEE Study Material:

• Notes
• QSAR Software list
• QC Tests

NIPER JEE question papers :

• 2003
• 2005
• 2006
• 2008
• 2005 and 2006

Acknowledgements:

My sincere thanks my co-author Pavan Kumar Samudrala, who secured 199 rank in NIPER without any coaching and only by his hard work for helping me in writing this.

HOPE THIS WILL HELP YOU IN GETTING THROUGH THE NIPER EXAMINATION. HARD WORK NEVER FAILS. TRAIN UP YOUR MINDS TO GO TO RESEARCH FIELD FOR THE BETTER FUTURE OF YOU AND AS WELL AS COUNTRY.