<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial data extracted from Schering-Plough
Corporation Consolidated Financial Statements, related 10-K Schedules and
Exhibits for the year ended December 31, 1996, and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          535100
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   615000
<ALLOWANCES>                                     73000
<INVENTORY>                                     594100
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               2364600
<PP&E>                                         3362500
<DEPRECIATION>                                 1116200
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 5398100
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          2599100
<BONDS>                                          46400
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        507400
<OTHER-SE>                                     1552500
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   5398100     
<SALES>                                        5655800
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               5655800
<CGS>                                          1077800
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  1077800
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                722800
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  2400
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               45400
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                1606400
<INCOME-TAX>                                    393600
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            1212800
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   1212800
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.30
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     3.26