PhD in Pharmacy is the Doctor of Philosophy degree, considered the mark of highest achievement in preparation for creative scholarship and research. It is the highest degree conferred by our universities and, by nature and tradition, is a research degree. It is not conferred merely as a certificate of completion of a prescribed course of study and research. Every Ph.D.-offering department has the responsibility to assure that the degree be granted only to candidates who have demonstrated present capability and future promise for scholarly work and independent research - in other words, to be independent and creative thinkers.

 In some countries, including the US, it is a first professional degree, and a prerequisite for licensing. In India, D. Pharm (2 years course) is the minimum qualification required to be a registered pharmacist in India. B.Pharm (4 years course) course is offered in various universities. The Pharmacy Council of India permitted few universities to start Pharm.D (Doctor in pharmacy 6 years) full working year internship in a 300 bedded hospital. .