Updated on Jun 14, 2022 12:04 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Pharmacy course forms the foundation of medical science. A perfect combination of science, health care, computer technology, business, math, and consultation, professionals getting training and knowledge in this domain are considered people’s person. The pharmacy course equips a person with the know-how of disseminating the medicines prescribed by the doctor for a particular illness and if required they have the ability to suggest a better medication to alleviate the prevailing ailment. With high prospects of growth in the pharmaceutical industry, currently pursuing pharmacy courses is the right and equally significant to becoming a doctor. A pharmacist is that front-line worker who serves the afflicted masses during outbreaks, epidemics or any sort of disease by putting their life at stake.

What are Pharmacy Courses?

In India, pharmacy education is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), however, the management of institutions offering pharmacy courses and their approval is granted by another highly esteemed educational body, AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education), New Delhi. A pharma degree makes you a qualified graduate thereby imparting and developing a problem-solving and critical thinking approach to desl with diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and unknown pathogens. A financially rewarding career, the field of pharmacy offers promising growth to even start your own establishment. Pharmacists are highly trusted professionals of society because they are imminent to the healthcare industry.

Find out all about the type of courses/programmes, duration, eligibility, entrance exams, and upcoming trends that define the growth of this industry in the future.

Unlock your potential to achieve your goals. Here are complete details about what it takes to become a qualified pharmacist.

Level of Courses

Aspirants who have passed their schooling (12th) with a science stream and are ambitious to have a career in Pharmacy can look into the courses below. Lined courses below are perfect for the learners to get identical learning and achieve professional goals in a systematic manner.

Courses

Duration

BPharma

Four Year

BPharma Lateral

Three Year

BPharma Hons

Four Year

BBA

Three Year

DPharma

Two Year

Certificate in Pharmaceutical Mgt.

6months to One Year

Undergraduate Level Courses in Pharmacy

The undergraduate level courses after class 12 are degree programmes (BPharma) and BPharma (Hons.), diploma courses (DPharma), and Certificate courses available in both online and offline mode.

All the programmes require candidates to have qualified from the science stream with PCB pr PCM in class 12.

At the undergraduate level, candidates will be able to pursue the following courses:

Courses

Duration

Basic Eligibility

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

4 Years

10+2 in Science Stream with PCB

BPharma (Hons.)

4 Years

10+2 in Science Stream with PCB

BTech Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology

4 Years

10+2 in Science Stream with PCB

BBA in Pharmaceutical Management

3 years Passed in 10+2 with 45% marks

Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharm)

2 Years

10+2 in Science Stream with Physics, Chemistry, biology/Mathematics

Certificate in Drug Development Product Management Specialization (Online)

3 months

10+2 in Science Stream

Certificate in Pharmaceutical Management

4 months

10+2 in Science Stream

BPharma Popular Specialisations

Here is the list of some common subjects taught in the pharmacy colleges in India. Students interested to pursue pharmacy as their career choice will be able to gain expertise in the following areas:

  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • Pharmaceutics

  • Pharmacognosy

  • Ayurveda

  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • BPharma + MBA (Integrated 4+2 year course) 

Postgraduate Level Courses in Pharmacy

Candidates who successfully complete their graduation course (degree or diploma) are eligible to apply for postgraduate programmes. Admission to the Postgraduate pharmacy course is generally granted through an entrance exam conducted at the national, state, or institute level to screen the candidates. Here is a list of programmes that a student can pursue in pharmacy after completing a three or four-year degree/diploma programme:

Courses

Duration

Basic Eligibility

Masters of Pharmacy (MPharma)

2 years

50% aggregate in BPharma

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management

2 years

Minimum 50% marks in BBA in Pharmaceutical Management

MTech Pharmaceutical Technology

2 years

At least 50 percent or an equivalent CGPA in their B.E./B.Tech

Specializations offered in MPharma Course

Some popular specializations that students can opt to pursue in MPharma are:

  • Biopharmaceutics

  • Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokienetics

  • Biotechnology

  • Clinical Pharmacy

  • Cosmecuticals

  • Nanotechnology

  • Industrial Pharmacy

  • Quality Assurance

  • Natural Products

  • Phamacology & Toxicology

  • Drug Development and Regulatory Sciences

Doctoral Level Courses in Pharmacy (Pharm D)

After completing the master’s level course, candidates interested in pursuing research can further their studies with Pharm D (PhD in Pharma). Popular specializations offered by institutes in this area are:

  • Biotechnology

  • Pharmaceutical Medicine

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • Pharmaceutics

  • Pharmacy practice

  • Phytopharmacy and Phytomedicine

  • Pharmacology

  • Pharmacognosy

Top Entrance Exams in Pharmacy

Here is the list of top pharmacy entrance exams which are conducted at national, state, and institute level to select the deserving candidates:

Exam

Level

Courses

GPAT

National

MPharma

NIPER JEE

National

MPharma, MBA in Pharma, MTech in Pharma, PhD

Delhi CET

State

Diploma

Gujarat CET (GUJCET)

State

Degree and diploma programmes

UKSEE

State

BPharma and MPharma

WBJEE

State

BPharma

RUHS Pharmacy

Institute

BPharma and DPharma 

Jamia Hamdard Pharmacy Exam

Institute

BPharma, MPharma, PhD

Upcoming Trends in Pharmacy

The past two years have witnessed one of the most challenging times of this century where a global pandemic had taken a toll on the lives of the masses. However, advancements in the medical science and pharmaceutical industry made it possible to give hope to mankind by developing a vaccine in a record time of one year.

For the next decade, a sound ecosystem is required that supports the pharma professionals to meet challenges if any in the future. Therefore, aspirants vying for a career in  Pharmacy will see a big leap in driving the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, here are some upcoming and anticipated trends in pharmacy that will lead the next generation of aspirants:

Pharma Supply Chain Automation – To ensure a smooth and speedy flow of medication, oxygen supply, and vaccines, automation in the supply chain is the need of the hour.

Artificial Intelligence Integration – AI algorithms in pharmacy will boost research and development, save valuable time and resources, and provide cost-friendly medications to patients in need of treatment.

Predictive Medicine – It focuses on the development of drugs that can prevent illness even before it arises.

Pharma Digitalisation - Digital tools also help companies access classified data on demand without compromising breach of confidentiality. Digitalization also helps governments keep track of vaccination drives, and public healthcare data, and manage national healthcare facilities effectively.

Beyond the Pill” Healthcare – An increased impetus on Wearables, trackers, and health apps to monitor and improve the overall health of patients on a daily basis. 

Specialized drug production – Newer medications are expected to be launched by the pharmacology industry in upcoming years for patients.

FAQs regarding Pharmacy Course

Q: Are there any pharmacy courses after 12th?

A: Yes, there are several degree, diploma, certification courses such as Bachelor of Pharmacy (Bpharm), BTech Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, BBA in Pharmaceutical Management, Diploma in Pharmacy (Dpharm), Certificate in Pharmaceutical Management offered by some of the best colleges in the country.

Q: Are there any entrance exams for BPharma Programme?

A: Yes, you will have to appear for either national, state and institute level entrance exams to get shortlisted for admission to the BPharma programmes.

Q: Are there any entrance exams for MPharma Programme?

A: Yes, you will have to appear for GPAT, NIPER, or state and institute level entrance exams to get shortlisted for admission to the MPharma programmes.

Q: Which Pharmacy courses can I pursue after completing graduation degree?

After completing graduation, interested candidates can apply for Masters of Pharmacy (Mpharma), MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, and MTech Pharmaceutical Technology programmes to scale heights in their career.

Q: What is the minimum eligibility to apply for BPharma degree courses?

A: A candidate should have completed class 12 with either PCB, or PCM to be eligible for admission to BPharma programmes.

Q: What is the minimum eligibility to apply for MPharma degree courses?

A: A candidate should have completed graduation with a minimum of 45% or 50% (differs for every institute) marks from a recognized college or university to apply for MPharma programmes.

Q: Can I pursue MBA in Pharmacy?

A: A candidate should have completed graduation with minimum 45% or 50% (differs for every institute) marks from a recognized college or university in the relevant discipline to apply for a full-time MBA (Pharmacy) course.

Q: Can I pursue certification courses in pharmacy?

A: Yes, there are several certification courses available for candidates who have completed their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology.

Q: Can I pursue a pharmacy degree from distance learning?

A: IGNOU provides pharmacy degree from distance learning mode. There are several other colleges that provide pharmacy degrees from distance learning mode in India.

Q: Is there a doctoral degree in pharmacy?

A: Yes, A candidates should have completed Master’s with a minimum of 45% or 50% (differs for every institute) marks from a recognized college or university in relevant discipline to apply for a full-time doctoral degree (PhD in Pharma).

Q: What is the Predictive medicine trend in the pharmaceutical industry?

A: The predictive medicine trend of the pharmaceutical industry thrives to become artificially intelligent to prevent illness even before it arises using medicines.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Pharmacy Course. Students interested in pursuing a career on Pharmacy Course, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

4 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 counselling result

6 Jan ' 25 - 13 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 counselling reporting

Mar '25

NEET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

NEET 2025 Application Correction

TENTATIVE

4 Jan ' 25 - 9 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 reporting

3 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 seat allotment result

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

Popular Pharmacy Course Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Pharmacy Course Colleges in India. Learn more about these Pharmacy Course colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
44 K - 8.8 L
4.95 - 6.95 LPA

#37 NIRF

6 Courses
1.45 L - 3.48 L
4.75 - 5.25 LPA

Top 25 in Maharashtra

64.43 K - 76.02 K
6.8 LPA
5 Courses
2.11 K - 3.33 K
20 - 22 LPA

#1 NIRF

94.62 K - 4.07 L
6 LPA
22 Courses
1.16 L - 17.07 L
7.2 - 10.76 LPA

Top 15 in Tamil Nadu

Popular Private Pharmacy Course Colleges in India

3.6 L - 15.95 L
3.9

Pharmacy Applications open. Apply Now

5.13 L - 9.48 L
4.5 - 6.5 LPA

Pharmacy Applications open till Jan 21, 2025. Apply Now

7 Courses
3 L - 7.65 L
3.0

Top 15 In Pune

Pharmacy Applications open. Apply Now

1.47 L - 8 L
4.4

Pharmacy Applications open. Apply Now

4 Courses
3.2 L - 7 L
3.8

Top 10 in Ahmedabad

Pharmacy Applications open. Apply Now

2.76 L - 9.6 L
4.1

Popular Pharmacy Course UG Courses

Following are the most popular Pharmacy Course UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Pharmacy Course Specializations

Following are the most popular Pharmacy Course Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Pharmacy Course PG Courses

Following are the most popular Pharmacy Course PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for Pharmacy Course based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).
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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 20 hours ago

Hi, listed below are the top courses offered by best Pharmacy colleges in Nagpur:

Courses OfferedNo. of Colleges
D Pharma20+
B Pharma20+
M Pharma8
MD3
PhD2

 Hope this helps!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 20 hours ago

Hi, you can surely go for Pharmacy in Nagpur and listed below are some of them:

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of PharmacyINR 12,000Merit-Based
Nagpur College of PharmacyINR 12,000Merit-Based
Dadasaheb Balpande College of PharmacyINR 12,000Merit-Based
Taywade College of PharmacyINR 12,000Merit-Based
G.H. Raisoni Institute of Life SciencesINR 1.6 lakhMerit-Based

Hope this helps!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Hello greetings!

OJEE preparation 2025 should include a strategy that has long-term and short-term plans that you can alter as per your progress with the exam syllabus. Odisha Joint Entrance Exam (OJEE) is a state-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various unde

...more

78650300
Manish Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered Yesterday

Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) Jhanjeri does not provide a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) program. But, they offer a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) course which is 4 year undergraduation program. If you want to apply for Diploma in Pharmacy from other colleges then you may check it on our website

...more

H

HARDIK TANK

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

BPharm graduates of Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute can find career opportunities in various branches like marketing, production, sales, etc. Here are some of the options that the graduates could choose to pursue:

  • Choose to work in private sectors, such as hospitals, clinical research organ

...more

N

Nidhi Madavi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Yes, BPharm graduates from Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute can look for central and state government jobs in various sectors. Some of the government jobs may require graduates to take various competitive exams conducted by different authorities, such as UPSC or SSC. Following is the list o

...more

K

Kanishk Katariya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

The scholarships granted in the Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute for the BPharm students predominantly coincide with the Central Sector Scheme Scholarship for College and University Students as prescribed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Although the inst

...more

B

Bhumika Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The average salary of the Pharm D course an get up to 3.5 LPA, while that of a B Pharmacy course can get up to INR 2.8 LPA.

Pharm D course graduates typically earn more than BPharm graduates due to the advanced level of education and clinical training they receive. 

P

Parul Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

PharmD and BSc are distinct programs with different focuses, so one is not necessarily "better" than the other; it depends on career goals. 

Pharm D course is a professional doctoral degree specifically designed for those aiming to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy, patient care, and medication ma

...more

J

Jaya Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Pharm D course graduates are not typically involved in the manufacturing of medicines. Their primary role revolves around the clinical aspects of pharmacy, such as medication therapy management, patient counselling, and ensuring the safe use of medications. 

However, they may work closely with pharma

...more

M

Mani Sahni

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

No, the Pharm D course is not equal to the MD. 

PharmD is a professional doctorate in Pharmacy that focuses on drug therapy management, medication counselling, and patient care, preparing graduates to work as clinical pharmacists. It does not grant the authority to diagnose or treat medical condition

...more

M

Mamona Jain

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

The highest degree in pharmacy is the Pharm D course. 

It is a professional doctoral degree that prepares graduates to become clinical pharmacists, equipped with advanced knowledge in drug therapy management, patient care, and healthcare systems. 

Y

Yatendra Pradhan

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Pharm D course is a highly specialised programme designed to prepare students for clinical pharmacy roles and patient-centric healthcare. Pharm D course is considered a good option for those passionate about healthcare, medication therapy management, and direct patient care. 

Pharm D course offers ex

...more

P

Parul Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

The choice between the Pharm D course and BPharm depends on your career aspirations. Pharm D course is a six-year programme that focuses on clinical pharmacy, equipping students to work as clinical pharmacists, and consultants, or pursue opportunities in research and academia. It also enables direct

...more

L

Loveleen Choudhury

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

The admission to the BPharm programme at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute should apply as soon as their Class 12 results are declared. The admission dates may vary each year, so it is essential to stay informed. Usually, the application process opens shortly after the announcement of Class

...more

A

Aashi Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Hello! 

 B.Pharm, CSE, and Biomedical Engineering  both are good and choosing one of them more depends upon your interests.

  1. B.Pharm: Ideal for those interested in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Roles in pharmacy, clinical research, and drug manufacturing offer salaries around ?3-5 LPA for freshers, w

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The selection of the candidates at DR MGR Educational and Research Institute for BPharm is based on their performance in the last qualifying exam. Candidates must have passed their Class 12 or an equivalent exam from a recognised board with at least 50% aggregate to be eligible to apply for the prog

...more

N

Nishtha Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

The application fee for BPharm at MGR Educational and Research Institute is INR 1,000. Candidates can pay the application fee online or by demand draft or online for INR 1,100 DD in favour of 'Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute,' payable at Chennai with the full address of the applicant. It

...more

N

Nishtha Pruthi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute conducts the BPharm application process online. The BPharm application fee is INR 1,000 or by demand draft or online for INR 1,100 DD in favour of "Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute" payable at Chennai with full address of the applicant. For online a

...more

N

Nikita Pandey

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

Yes, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute provides students with equal opportunity to apply for scholarships. The scholarships provided by the Institute are based on the candidates' results of the Senior Secondary Examination. This scholarship is available for economically disadvantaged student

...more

B

Bhumika Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Candidates can get seats in the Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute BPharm based on their merit in the last qualifying exam. A merit list with the names of selected candidates is released upon completion of the selection process. Shortlisted candidates are required to pay the programme fee to

...more

K

Kanishk Katariya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

A total of 60 seats are available at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute for its BPharm course. Candidates must meet the required eligibility to get a seat in Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute BPharm. They can confirm their seat by paying the course fee. However, the selected aspirants

...more

A

Aashi Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

The curriculum of Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute has been designed after a thorough analysis by experts from different academic and industrial domains. Find below the subjects offered in the first semester of the BPharm programme at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute: 

  • Human Anatomy

...more

S

Shiksha Divya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

The objective of the Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute BPharm programme is to equip students with all the skills and knowledge in the field of pharmacy. Given below are some objectives of the BPharm programme offered at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute:

  • Guest Lectures and Seminars by

...more

N

Nishtha Dhawan

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute BPharm admissions 2025 are expected to begin soon. However, the Institute may accept applications for direct admissions for the academic year 2025. The application deadline has not been revealed by the Institute. Interested students can visit the Institute's

...more

A

Anya Vimal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute offers a BPharm programme at the UG level. This four-year, full-time programme is further divided into eight semesters. The institute offers BPharm and BPharm (Lateral Entry). For more information, candidates can refer to the following table:

Particular

Highlights

Duration

Four years

Course Level

UG Degree

Mode of Course

Full Time

Seat breakup

60

 

J

Jaya Madavi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

To secure admission at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute for a BPharm, candidates must start by submitting a duly filled application form. The form has to be submitted along with the required documents and an application fee. After the application process, the Institute shortlists the candid

...more

N

Nishtha Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute BPharm admission is primarily merit-based. Aspirants are shortlisted based on their merit in the Class 12 or equivalent exam, subject to the fulfilment of the requisite eligibility criteria. However, students are not required to take any entrance exam to sec

...more

N

Nishtha Pruthi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 days ago

Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute has specified the eligibility criteria that the applicants must fulfil to secure BPharm admission at the Institute. To be eligible to pursue a BPharm at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, applicants must have passed Class 12/ 'A' Level or its equival

...more

N

Nikita Pandey

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, B.Pharma course is currently available in many colleges. In India B.pharma course have huge demand. Many colleges have been increasing B.pharma seats in colleges. B.Pharama course have huge demand in industry and lot of students are interested in joining in B.pharma. Many colleges in India are

...more

S

SUJITHREDDY

Contributor-Level 6

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