You have completed your B.Pharm or M.Sc degree and you are asking yourself what is next. You have spent sleepless nights with text books, you have passed your exams and the real world is calling you. It is a little bit scary, is it not? You have opened job portals, have searched the web with the keyword, pharma jobs for freshers, and asked yourself, where to start? And, in case it feels like you, and Pune is one of the possible career destinations, you are at the right place.
Pune or the Oxford of the East is fast emerging as the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology powerhouse of India. What does it imply to you? There was a lot of room. The value of the pharmaceutical industry in India is over 50 billion and is poised to touch 130 billion by 2030; a large portion of this expansion is being done right here.
The city of Pune and the areas around it are home to hundreds of pharmaceutical companies, and the ecosystem that is created in this way provides thousands of jobs annually. There is a robust ecosystem of over 100 R&D centers, so the city is not simply packaging medicines, it is discovering them.
So, now we will go on a friendly stroll through the busy pharmaceutical scene in Pune. We will understand why this city is sought after by the best companies, highlight the top 10 pharma companies in Pune you need to know and then look at the actual job vacancies that await you, the ambitious fresher.
Why Pune is a Growing Hub for Pharmaceutical Companies
The reason why pharma companies in Pune prefer Pune is that the city has a number of major benefits. You may consider such advantages as the elements of a recipe of success.
- Availability of Talent: There are numerous good universities and institutes in Pune. Poona College of Pharmacy, Poona College of Pharmacy Bharati Vidyapeeth University and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) churn out very skilled graduates in pharmacy, chemistry, and biotechnology on a yearly basis. This pool of qualified talent can be directly recruited by the companies.
- World-class infrastructure: The city is located adjacent to well planned industrial and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). It is near the Hinjewadi IT Park, Ranjangaon MIDC, Chakan MIDC and Pirangut. These regions offer stable energy, water, and communication, and this aspect can facilitate the establishment and operating of massive production and research facilities.
- Research and development (R&D) ecosystem: Pune also has reputed national laboratories, the most prominent being the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL). This is an innovative environment. The pharmaceutical firms can collaborate with such institutes to create a dynamic research environment that pushes the boundaries of science. This is the reason why there are numerous R&D centers of various companies here.
- Logistics: The fact that Pune is near to Mumbai which is the financial capital of India is a huge benefit. It has direct access to a major international airport and one of the busiest seaports in India (JNPT), which makes exporting of finished goods easy to any part of the world, as well as importation of raw materials. This efficient logistics is one of the biggest advantages of global supply chains.
- Supportive Government Policies: The pharmaceutical and biotech industries have been supported by Maharashtra State. It provides incentives, eases regulations, and promotes investment to establish a business friendly environment, which makes it enticing to companies to either start or expand their operations in this area.
List of Top 10 Pharma Companies in Pune
The following are the key 10 pharma companies in Pune. You will get to hear about them frequently and they are good entry points in your career.
1. Serum Institute of India (SII)
Serum Institute of India is the first thing you have to mention when you speak about pharmaceuticals in Pune or even when discussing top pharma companies in India. Dr. SII was established in 1966 by Cyrus Poonawalla, and is at present the biggest company in the world to produce and distribute doses of vaccines. Serum Institute is now manufacturing at least one vaccine that is administered to about 65 % of children in the world.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SII was the producer of Covishield, and it was known to all people around the world, but the company has battled diseases over decades, and it helped save millions of lives with its low-cost vaccines. SII has partnered with other international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to provide life-saving vaccines to third world countries. Being an employee of Serum Institute is a part of a mission of bringing healthcare to every place. The massive campus of SII in Hadapsar is a landmark in itself, a ray of hope to world health.
Services/Products:
- Vaccines for Diphtheria
- Vaccines for Tetanus
- Vaccines for Pertussis
- Vaccines for Hib
- Vaccines for BCG
- Vaccines for r-Hepatitis B
- Vaccines for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and COVID-19
Location: Sarosh Baug, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharashtra 411028.
Website/Careers: https://www.seruminstitute.com/careers.php
2. Emcure Pharmaceuticals
Emcure Pharmaceuticals is a typical story of success in Pune. It was founded in 1981 by Mr. Satish Mehta and it has grown to be a global powerhouse with over 70 countries being served. The company has its headquarters here in Pune and its state of the art research and development is displayed in the large R&D facility in Hinjewadi. It is one of the best pharma companies in Pune. The product range of Emcure comprises a wide range of therapeutic areas including cardiology, oncology, gynecology, and anti-infectives.
The company excels in its technical capability particularly in the production of difficult products such as chiral molecules and bio-therapeutics. Emcure is also a pioneer in the introduction of new-generation products in India. New graduates will find Emcure an exciting place to work in because the entire process of the pharmaceutical business, including research and development, marketing, etc., takes place within the same building.
Services/Products:
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
- Formulations
- Biologics
- A wide range of branded generics.
Location: Emcure House, T-184, M.I.D.C., Bhosari, Pune 411026.
Website/Careers: https://www.emcure.com/
3. Lupin Limited
Lupin is a large player in the Indian pharmaceutical market and the Pune facility is a key one. The company was established in 1968 by Dr. Desh Bandhu Gupta. It started by manufacturing vitamins and today it is a world leader especially in the anti-TB and cardiovascular drug segments. Lupin is among the largest generic pharmaceutical companies in terms of revenue in the world.
It has a research park in Pune that drives innovation in generic formulations, novel drug delivery systems, and new chemical entities. The culture of the company is based on quality and ethics and its mission is to make life better through science. Being an employee of Lupin is an opportunity to be involved in a long history of success and serve a company that makes sure that the necessary medicine is available to patients all over the world.
Services/Products:
- Generic and Branded Formulations
- Biotechnology Products
- APIs
- Specialises in Cardiovascular
- Diabetology
- Asthma, and Anti-TB medications.
Location: Lupin Research Park, Nande Village, Mulshi Taluka, Pune 412115.
Website/Careers: https://www.lupin.com/career-page/
4. Viatris (formerly Mylan Laboratories)
Viatris is a new company that was launched in 2020 when Mylan, a previous name, merged with the Upjohn division of Pfizer. Today Viatris is a big international healthcare company that aims at helping people in every stage of life to stay healthy. It has a solid foundation in India and uses its local production and research and development facilities to do a lot of its global operations.
It is one of the best pharma companies in Pune. The Pune plants manufacture a wide range of medicines including generics, complex generics, and biosimilars which have high volume and high efficiency. Viatris also provides most of the antiretroviral agents used to treat HIV/AIDS, thus contributing to global public health. As a job seeker, Viatris will provide you with an opportunity to work in a really global and diversified company with clear processes and numerous learning opportunities.
Services/Products:
- Generic and Specialty Pharmaceuticals
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) products
- Biosimilars, and APIs.
Location: Multiple location
Website/Careers: https://www.viatris.com/en/careers
5. Cipla Ltd.
Cipla is older than 85 years. It is reputable in India as a company that is trustworthy and has low prices. The purpose of this company is to take care of life. In the early 2000s, Cipla made anti-HIV medications available in Africa at a cost of less than a dollar a day. It has its headquarters in Mumbai today, but its major plants and research facilities are in Pune, notably in Patalganga and Kurkumbh.
These facilities, which have a broad manufacturing scope, stock a variety of medicines, including respiratory drugs that Cipla is a global leader in manufacturing. The company invests heavily on green and sustainable practices. Being employed at Cipla is the opportunity to be a part of the organization that is concerned about the patients and demonstrates the nationalistic and humanitarian values.
Services/Products:
- Respiratory drugs
- Anti-retrovirals
- Urology, Cardiology, and Anti-infective medicines.
Location: Manufacturing units are located in the industrial corridors near Pune, like Kurkumbh.
Website/Careers: https://www.cipla.com/careers
6. Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Gennova is an Indian biopharmaceutical company owned by Emcure pharmaceuticals. Gennova is located in Pune, where it has offices and laboratories. Its primary objective is to conduct research, develop, manufacture, and market biotherapeutics to cure severe diseases. Gennova made headlines across the world in August 2021 when it introduced the first domestically developed mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, demonstrating its high level of research.
The company is also a manufacturer of biosimilars, cheaper copies of complex biological drugs that treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Working in Gennova is a thrilling opportunity for young professionals to be involved in the high-tech future-oriented segment of pharmaceuticals. At this place, you will be able to contribute to the development of innovative biologics and remain on the cutting edge of medical research.
Services/Products:
- mRNA vaccines
- Biosimilars for Oncology and other autoimmune diseases
- Novel Biologics.
Location: MIDC, Hinjewadi Phase-II, Pune, Maharashtra 411057.
Website/Careers: https://gennova.bio/careers/
7. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
This is a company based in Hyderabad that was founded by Dr. Anji Reddy. It has large operations around Pune now. The company is guided by the motto of Good Health Can not Wait and it deals in generic medicines as well as in proprietary products. It operates three core businesses: Pharmaceutical Services and Active Ingredients (PSAI), Global Generics and Proprietary Products.
The company is based on profound science and research and development and constantly seeks innovative, affordable medicines. Its plants are of top quality and compliance. Dr. Reddy is a good place to establish a good career base in the pharmaceutical industry especially to young professionals since there is a clear career path with good learning and development.
Services/Products:
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
- Custom Pharmaceutical Services (CPS)
- Generics
- Biosimilars
- Differentiated Formulations.
Location: Operations are primarily in the industrial belts connected to Pune.
Website/Careers: https://careers.drreddys.com/
8. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Sun Pharma is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and the fourth largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company in the world. It is an influential entity in the world, and it has a significant operation base in and around the major industrial centers of Maharashtra, such as Pune. It is one of the best pharma companies in Pune.
The strategic acquisitions have been undertaken by the company with the most notable acquisition being the Ranbaxy Laboratories. Sun Pharma has a large product portfolio, but it is especially strong in specialty products such as dermatology, ophthalmology and oncology. Its quality commitment and vertical integration, which is the act of producing API to formulation, provides it with a competitive advantage. A career at Sun Pharma will expose you to a large scale, fast paced environment where excellence is the norm.
- Services/Products:
- Branded and Generic Formulations
- Specialty pharmaceutical
- APIs across a wide range of therapeutic areas.
Location: in major MIDC areas near Pune.
Website/Careers: https://sunpharma.com/careers/
9. Bilcare Research
Bilcare Research provides individuals with an exclusive and fascinating career path within the broader pharmaceutical industry. Bilcare is an Indian company headquartered in Pune and it is not a drug manufacturing company. Rather, it is a world leader in innovative packaging solutions to pharmaceutical firms. Bilcare is aware that the packaging of a medicine can significantly influence its safety, stability and efficacy.
The company provides high-barrier packaging films, special foils, and anti-counterfeiting technologies that help medicines resist moisture and light and ensure the safety of patients. Bilcare incorporates material science, engineering and pharmaceutical know-how to come up with these solutions. Working in Bilcare is an excellent option to a person who would like to be in the pharma field, but would prefer to be more interested in technology, material science and innovation outside drug discovery.
Services/Products:
- Pharma Packaging Films
- Foils
- Brand Protection and Security Solutions
- Clinical Trial Material Management.
Location: 601, ICC Trade Tower, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune 411016.
Website/Careers: https://www.bilcare.com/
10. Syngene International Ltd.
Syngene is a contract research organization (CRO). It is a major pharmaceutical and biotechnological company and a favorite of new graduates in the life sciences field. It is a subsidiary of Biocon, another Indian biotechnology pioneer. Syngene is a global provider of integrated scientific services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
They can be considered as the scientists-for-hire assisting other companies with their research and development. Their ultra-modern facility in the vicinity of Pune has an extensive scope of services such as medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology and clinical development. A career at Syngene is ideal to a person who is passionate about research and wants to work on a variety of challenging projects with various global clients and is not limited to a single company pipeline.
Services/Products:
- Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS)
- Drug Discovery, Development, and Manufacturing services.
Location: Growing presence and hire from the Pune talent pool for their operations.
Website/Careers: https://www.syngeneintl.com/careers
Best Pharma Companies in Pune for Freshers
Getting your first job is a big step. There are pharma companies in Pune that are known to employ new graduates and train them. The following is a small list of excellent places to apply.
| Company Name | Common Fresher Roles | Average Fresher Salary Range (Approx. per annum) |
| Emcure Pharmaceuticals | Production Trainee, Quality Control (QC) Chemist, R&D Associate | ₹2.8 Lakhs – ₹4.5 Lakhs |
| Serum Institute of India | Trainee – Production, Quality Assurance (QA) Trainee, Research Assistant | ₹3.0 Lakhs – ₹5.0 Lakhs |
| Lupin Limited | Junior Officer (Production/QC), Graduate Engineer Trainee, Research Trainee | ₹3.0 Lakhs – ₹4.8 Lakhs |
| Viatris (Mylan) | Associate (Production/QA/QC), Trainee Scientist | ₹2.7 Lakhs – ₹4.2 Lakhs |
| Gennova Biopharmaceuticals | Research Trainee (Biotech), Production Trainee (Biologics) | ₹3.2 Lakhs – ₹5.5 Lakhs |
Average Salary in Pharma Companies in Pune
You may ask yourself how much you are going to earn. The more experience and skill you have, the higher your pay will be. The following table indicates average salaries that are paid to typical positions in the pharma industry in Pune.
| Role Name | Starting Salary Range (Approx. 0-2 years experience) |
| Production Chemist/Officer | ₹2.5 Lakhs – ₹4.0 Lakhs per annum |
| Quality Control (QC) Chemist | ₹2.5 Lakhs – ₹4.2 Lakhs per annum |
| Quality Assurance (QA) Officer | ₹2.8 Lakhs – ₹4.5 Lakhs per annum |
| R&D Associate / Research Chemist | ₹3.0 Lakhs – ₹5.5 Lakhs per annum |
| Medical Representative | ₹3.0 Lakhs – ₹5.0 Lakhs per annum (including incentives) |
| Regulatory Affairs Associate | ₹3.2 Lakhs – ₹5.0 Lakhs per annum |
Conclusion
Pune is not only a beautiful city with a rich history but it is also a good place to start a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Serum Institute, a large global vaccine firm, is headquartered here and smaller R&D leaders such as Emcure and Gennova are also based here. Each of these companies will provide you with the opportunities to learn, develop, and make a big difference in the health of people.
The first thing to do is to visit the career pages of these companies, update your CV, and apply. It is normal to get rejections in the beginning so do not give up. Join a Network on LinkedIn, go to seminars on pharmaceuticals when you have the chance and continue learning. Your professional life in the pharmaceutical industry is just starting and Pune is an outstanding destination to start your first chronicle.
FAQs
What are the required jobs to work in a pharma company in Pune?
In the majority of technical jobs (such as Production, QC, R&D), a degree in B.Pharm, M.Pharm, M.Sc in Chemistry/Biotechnology or B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering is required.
Is the pharma industry in Pune difficult to get a job in as a fresher?
There is a lot of competition in the sense that there are many graduates who apply, yet there are a lot of openings as well. Business organizations are always on the hunt of new talent.
Do pharma companies have jobs to offer to non-science graduates?
Yes. Other professionals recruited in the pharma companies are in the HR, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain Management and IT. You can find good career opportunities in case you have an MBA, degree in commerce or other similar qualifications.
Where would be good to stay in Pune in case I work in a pharma company?
This is according to the location of your workplace. In Hinjewadi or Pirangut, Hinjewadi, Wakad, and Baner are the preferred locations of the companies. In the case of people in Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC) or Bhosari, it is convenient to live in PCMC.
