Insights from Dr M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja, Principal of East Point College of Pharmacy Bangalore

East Point College of Pharmacy (EPCP), Bangalore, is a private institution which was established in 2004. The institution has been approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), the Board of Examination Authority, Pharmacy and the Government of Karnataka and is accredited by NAAC. East Point College of Pharmacy has been affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).

Dr M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja, PhD, is an accomplished academician and researcher with over two decades of experience in pharmaceutical sciences. He earned his PhD in Herbal Drug Technology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, and holds a Master's in Pharmacognosy from JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty. Go through the interview below to know more about the EPCP Bangalore.

Careers360: Tell us something about the institute: when it was set up, vision and mission

Dr. M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja: East Point College of Pharmacy (EPCP), established in 2004 under the MG Charitable Trust, is a distinguished institution committed to excellence in pharmaceutical education, research, and clinical practice. Located in East Bangalore, EPCP is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The college is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), ensuring high academic standards and institutional integrity.

EPCP offers a comprehensive range of programs including Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D). These programs are designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical applications, and research. The campus features modern infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratories, smart classrooms, a digital library, and clinical training through East Point Hospital, offering students an immersive and holistic learning experience.

Vision
To emerge as a globally recognised institution known for excellence in pharmaceutical education and research, and for nurturing students toward holistic development.

Mission
To deliver quality education that creates competent pharmacy professionals; to foster innovation, critical thinking, ethics, and teamwork; and to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare, scientific, and economic development of society.

Careers360: Tell us something about the admission process at East Point College of Pharmacy (EPCP)?

Dr. M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja: At EPCP, admissions are simple, student-friendly, and accessible both online and offline. Students can apply online for EPCP admissions by completing a quick registration and uploading the required documents. Academic Advisors guide applicants through every step of the process. For those preferring offline mode, our on-campus Admission Office offers expert counselling to help students choose the right course and specialisation.

Careers360: What kind of infrastructure can students expect at the institute? Please elaborate?

Dr. M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja: EPCP offers a dynamic learning environment with digital classrooms and over 17 advanced laboratories. A team of qualified faculty members engages students in academics and research. The digital library hosts over 10,000 books and provides access to DELNET and HELINET, along with 17 national and international print journal subscriptions. The computer lab supports training in simulations and drug information software.

The college features a Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA)-approved animal house for research and a 150-seat seminar hall for academic events. Pharm.D. students undergo clinical training at East Point Medical College Hospital, a Level 4 teaching hospital. EPCP’s multi-disciplinary campus enables collaboration with students from medicine, engineering, nursing, and management. Hostel, transport, and sports facilities are available, along with opportunities to participate in cultural and intercollegiate events.

Careers360: There is a lot of stress that is being made with regard to interaction with the industry as well as companies that recruit. What are the steps being taken by the institute in this direction?

Dr. M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja: East Point College of Pharmacy actively promotes industry readiness through its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Cell, which conducts regular training programs to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The Institution Innovation Cell (IIC) invites industry experts to share insights on emerging trends, helping students and faculty align their learning with real-world demands. The Placement Committee organises workshops on interpersonal skills, group discussions, interview techniques, and professional confidence-building. Additionally, the Alumni Cell facilitates valuable alumni interactions, offering mentorship, training support, and job opportunities through those already placed in leading organisations. Together, these initiatives ensure students are well-prepared for successful careers.

Careers360: Internships are now mandatory as per guidelines. Does the institute help students with this? If yes, how?

Dr. M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja: At East Point College of Pharmacy (EPCP), Pharm.D. students undergo clinical internships at East Point Hospital, a Level 4 teaching hospital. For other programs, the college has established strong collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and healthcare organisations such as Medreich Limited, Purnayu Bio Science Pvt. Ltd., MedoPharm, Bioplus Life Sciences, Greenchem Biotech, and Apollo Pharmacy. Students are also placed in hospitals and retail pharmacies for hands-on training.

These formal partnerships facilitate internships, industrial visits, collaborative research, training, and placement opportunities. EPCP has signed multiple MoUs with reputed companies to strengthen industry-academia engagement. A recent collaboration with the Atal Incubation Centre (JITFoundation), Bengaluru, further enhances innovation and entrepreneurial exposure for students.

Careers360: Please share placement statistics with information on the average package, highest and lowest package, number of students placed and details of companies that have recruited.

Dr. M. K. Mohan Maruga Raja: The Training and Placement Department at EPCP prepares students through focused training in communication, aptitude, technical skills, and interview readiness. In addition, students benefit from mock placement drives, grooming sessions, and entrepreneurship support, which help them develop industry-relevant competencies. The average package offered to students is Rs 4.8 LPA, with the highest reaching Rs 9.6 LPA and the lowest at Rs 3.6 LPA. Recent placements include companies such as Medreich Ltd., PlasmaGen Bio Science, Apollo Pharmacy, and Omega Healthcare. Top recruiters include Biocon, Cipla, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Strides, Syngene, and several other leading pharmaceutical and healthcare organisations.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a part of the marketing initiative between Careers360 and East Point College of Pharmacy.