Updated on May 27, 2024 09:01 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) career in India offers a range of opportunities and is growing in significance within the healthcare sector. Pharm D career provides various job opportunities such as Research Scientists, Regulatory Affairs Managers, Quality Assurance Managers, Pharmacists, etc. The Pharm D salary offered at entry-level positions ranges between INR 2.5 - 4 LPA, for mid-level profiles INR 4 - 6 LPA and for senior-level profiles INR 6 - 10 LPA. 

Pharm D graduates can either go for jobs or pursue further options such as Clinical Research, Public Health, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacovigilance, etc. The top recruiters where candidates can kickstart their Pharm D career are Lupin, Pfizer, Cipla, AbbVie, Piramal, Johnson & Johnson, etc.

The popular colleges that offer Pharm D courses are SRIHER, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Andhra University), Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Parul University, etc.

Pharm D Career: Quick Facts

  • Approximately 13,400 pharmacist positions are expected annually over the next ten years. 
  • The majority of Pharmacy graduates (91%) are employed in various private sector settings such as community pharmacies, hospitals, and cosmetic and medical supply companies. 
  • Sixteen pharmaceutical industries are operating, with roughly 80% of their production being exported to more than sixty international markets, highlighting the significant economic impact of the pharmaceutical sector.
  • In 2016, a 10-year growth of 5.6% from 312,500 to 330,100 pharmacists was projected by 2026.

Suggested Readings for Pharm D Career:

Pharm D Syllabus: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Pharm D Courses: Fees, List, Admission

Pharm D: Admission 2024: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Application, Selection

Top Career in Pharma D in India

Pursuing a Pharm D course in India opens up a wide array of career opportunities. These careers offer diverse paths within the pharmaceutical field, allowing Pharm D graduates to leverage their expertise in various professional settings.

Here are some of the top Pharmacy career options:

Pharm D Jobs

Description

Average Salary 

Clinical Pharmacists

Work in hospitals and healthcare facilities, collaborating with doctors to optimize medication therapy and patient care.

INR 2.9 LPA

Hospital Pharmacists

Manage the dispensing of medications in hospitals, ensuring proper dosage and administration.

INR 2.7 LPA

Community Pharmacists

Operate or work in retail pharmacies, providing medication counselling and healthcare advice to the public.

INR 2.2 LPA

Pharmaceutical Industry

Engage in various roles such as drug development, regulatory affairs, quality control, and production in pharmaceutical companies.

INR 2.5 LPA

Research Scientists

Conduct research in pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to the development of new drugs and therapies.

INR 9.1 LPA

Pharm D Career Useful Links:

Career After M Pharma: A Complete Guide on Career Options After Master of Pharmacy

NIRF Ranking of Pharmacy Colleges in India

High Salary Career Options in Medical without NEET in India

Emerging Trends in Pharma D

The field of Pharmacy is continually evolving, and several emerging trends are shaping the future for Pharm D graduates. 

Here are some key trends:

  • Personalized Medicine: Tailoring medical treatments to individual patient characteristics.
  • Telepharmacy: Remote provision of pharmaceutical care through telecommunications.
  • Pharmacogenomics: Aims to develop effective, safe medications tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.
  • AI and Machine Learning: AI applications in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and patient care.
  • Digital Health and Mobile Health: Use of mobile devices and health apps to support health monitoring and medication adherence.
  • Sustainability and Green Pharmacy: Focus on environmentally friendly practices in the production and disposal of pharmaceuticals.

Suggested Pharm D Career readings:

List of Top Pharmacy Entrance Exams in India

Top Pharmacy Colleges in India

Pharm D Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education

The scope of Pharm D in India is broadening significantly, offering numerous career opportunities across various sectors. Pharm D graduates are increasingly in demand as clinical pharmacists in hospitals, where they collaborate with physicians to optimize medication therapy and improve patient outcomes. They are also essential in community pharmacies, providing medication dispensing, patient counselling, and health advice. 

Additionally, they can pursue careers in academia, teaching and mentoring future pharmacists, and engaging in research. With the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, telepharmacy, and advanced therapeutic areas, the role of Pharm D graduates is expanding, making them integral to the evolving healthcare landscape in India.

Pharm D Career Scope

Description

Pharmaceutical industry

This includes research and development of new drugs, manufacturing, sales, and marketing of medications. 

Healthcare

Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities employ pharmacists to manage medication dispensing and patient care 

Retail Pharmacy

This is the most traditional setting for pharmacists, working in drugstores to dispense medications and provide advice to customers.

Government

There are opportunities for pharmacists to work in government agencies, such as regulatory bodies or public health departments.

Suggested Reading for Pharm D career:

Know more about Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma)

Everything you need to know about Pharmacy Practice 

Courses after Pharm D 

After completing a Pharm D in India, there are several courses and career paths that one can consider to further enhance their knowledge and skills in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. 

Here are some options:

Courses After Pharm D

Description

Clinical Research courses

Clinical Research courses focus on the design, management, and regulatory aspects of clinical trials and drug development.

Public Health courses

Public Health courses focus on improving community health through education, research, and promotion of healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.

Pharmacology courses 

Pharmacology courses delve into the study of drugs, their effects on the body, mechanisms of action, and their use in treating diseases and improving health outcomes.

Clinical Pharmacy courses

Clinical Pharmacy courses emphasize the application of pharmacotherapy principles in direct patient care, focusing on optimizing medication therapy, patient counselling, and ensuring safe and effective drug use.

Pharmaceutics courses

Pharmaceutics courses cover the principles and techniques involved in the formulation, manufacturing, and delivery of pharmaceutical products, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and stability.

Pharmacognosy courses

Pharmacognosy courses explore the identification, isolation, and characterization of natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, focusing on their therapeutic properties and applications in medicine.

Pharmacovigilance courses

Pharmacognosy courses explore the identification, isolation, and characterization of natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, focusing on their therapeutic properties and applications in medicine.

Relevant Links for Pharma D Career:

Know about D Pharma

Learn all about M Pharmacy

Pharm D Top Recruiters in India

Graduates with a Pharm D degree possess diverse career prospects across multiple domains within the healthcare sector. Those who have completed the Pharm D course are presented with openings in pharmaceutical companies.

Some of the top Pharmaceutical companies that employ Pharm D graduates are as follows:

Pharm D Top Recruiters

Lupin

Pfizer

Cipla

AbbVie

Piramal

Johnson & Johnson

Sun Pharmaceuticals

GlaxoSmithKline

Aurobindo Pharma

Amgen

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories

Merck

Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Meijr Inc.

Zydus Cadila

Walgreen Pharmacy

Glenmark Pharma

Sanofi

Abbott Laboratories

Emcure

Related Topics for Pharma D Career:

Paramedical Courses after 10th: Online Application, Course Duration & Scope

Paramedical Courses After 12th

Top Colleges for Pharm D Placements

Top colleges for Pharm D in India prioritise practical learning, research, and industry internships, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.

Candidates can check the table below to see the top colleges offering high median salaries:

Pharm D Colleges

Average Package

KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research

8.39 LPA

JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore

8.37 LPA

SRIHER

7.49 LPA

JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty

5.4 - 7.2 LPA

Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences

6.5 LPA

SRM IST

6.4 LPA

Vikas Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

6 LPA

PSG College of Pharmacy

6 LPA

Sri Venkateswara College Of Pharmacy

5.49 LPA

Students also liked these topics related to Pharma D Career:

Top 5 AYUSH Courses in India: BAMS, BHMS, BNYS, BSMS & BUMS

Learn about Pharmacognosy

Pharm D Career FAQs

Q. Is Pharm D a good career option?

A. Yes, choosing a career as a Pharm D can be a promising option for many reasons. Listed below are some reasons: 

  • Growing Healthcare Industry: With the continuous expansion of the healthcare sector, the demand for pharmacists remains strong. 
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Pharm D graduates have a variety of career paths to choose from, including clinical pharmacy, community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research, academia, and pharmaceutical industry roles.
  • Job Stability and Good Salary: Pharmacists typically enjoy job stability and competitive salaries. 
  • Direct Patient Interaction: Pharmacists often work directly with patients, providing medication counselling, and health advice, and ensuring the safe use of prescriptions. 
  • Advanced Knowledge and Skills: The Pharm.D curriculum provides extensive education in pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care, equipping graduates with the expertise needed to handle complex medication regimens and health conditions.

Recommended Links for Pharm D career:

B Pharma Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters/Companies

Career After B Pharma: A Complete Guide on Courses, Job Prospects and Salary

Know about Pharmaceutics

Q. Is Pharm D equal to Doctor?

A. Yes, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) is considered a doctoral degree in the field of pharmacy, but it is different from other doctoral degrees like a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). 

However, while the Pharm D is a doctoral degree that confers the title of Doctor and reflects a high level of education and expertise, it is distinct from other doctoral degrees like the MD or PhD in terms of focus, training, and professional roles. 

Q. Is Pharm D in demand?

A. While the demand for Pharm.D graduates may not be uniformly high across all sectors and locations, yes, there are significant opportunities in clinical roles, specialized fields, and emerging areas of healthcare. 

Prospective pharmacists should consider these trends and be prepared to adapt to changes in the healthcare landscape. Developing specialized skills and staying current with advancements in pharmacy practice can enhance employability and career prospects.

Q. Can we open a clinic after PharmD?

A. In India, pharmacists with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree have increasing opportunities to engage in clinical roles, but opening a clinic specifically as a pharmacist involves navigating certain regulatory and professional considerations. 

Candidates must ensure they are registered with the Pharmacy Council of India and have a valid license to practice as a pharmacist.

While opening a full-fledged clinic independently as a Pharm D graduate in India is currently limited by regulatory constraints, there are significant opportunities to establish practices that focus on medication management, patient education, and preventive care. Staying informed about regulatory changes and actively engaging in professional development can help candidates leverage these opportunities effectively.

Q. Are there any Pharm D doctors working in corporate hospitals?

A. Yes, PharmD graduates are increasingly finding opportunities to work in corporate hospitals in India. These hospitals recognize the value of clinical pharmacists in improving patient care and optimizing medication therapy. 

Here are some key points regarding the roles and opportunities for PharmD professionals in corporate hospitals in India:

 

  • Clinical Pharmacy Services: 

 

Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Pharm.D. professionals manage and optimize medication regimens for patients, particularly those with chronic diseases or complex medication needs.

Patient Counseling: They provide counselling on the proper use of medications, potential side effects, and drug interactions.

Drug Information Services: Pharm.D. pharmacists offer drug information and support to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

 

 

  • Pharmacovigilance and Safety: 

 

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Monitoring: They track and report adverse drug reactions, contributing to patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Medication Reconciliation: Pharm.D. professionals ensure accuracy in patients' medication records, especially during transitions of care (admission, transfer, discharge).

 

 

  • Education and Training:

 

Training Programs: They provide training and education to hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and junior pharmacists, on various aspects of pharmacotherapy.

Patient Education: Conduct educational sessions for patients and caregivers about managing their medications and health conditions.

Q. Is a Pharma.D better than a BDS?

A. Pharm D courses provide in-depth training in pharmacology, therapeutics, and medication management, preparing graduates to work in various healthcare settings.

On the other hand, BDS courses provide comprehensive training in dentistry, covering diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases and disorders.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two course:

Particulars

Pharm D 

BDS

Pharm D Full Form

Doctor of Pharmacy 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Pharm D Course Level

Doctoral

Undergraduate

Pharm D Course Duration

6 years

5 years

Pharm D Course Fees 

INR 2.3 Lakh - INR 9.6 Lakh

INR 16,500 - INR 42.5 Lakh

Pharm D Course Admission Criteria

Entrance-Based/Merit-Based

Entrance-Based

Pharm D Course Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

Class 12 & NEET

Pharm D Entrance Exams

TS EAMCET, AP EAMCET, KCET, GPAT, AP PGECET, TS PGECET, NEET, etc. 

NEET

Popular College for Pharm D Course

JIPMER Puducherry, King George's Medical University, Banaras Hindu University, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, etc.

KGMU, SRIHER, SRM Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. 

Pharm D Job Profiles

Research Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Medical Writer, Clinical Pharmacist, etc.

Dentists, Dental officers in Defense Services, Dentists in Indian Railways, Lecturers, Researchers, etc.

Pharm D Average Salary 

INR 2.30 LPA - INR 10 LPA

INR 3 LPA - INR 9 LPA

Pharm D Top Recruiters

Lupin, Cipla, Piramal, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Zydus Cadila, etc.

Hospitals, Dental Clinics, Educational Institutes, Dental Product Manufacturers etc.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Popular Pharm d doctor of pharmacy Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Pharm d doctor of pharmacy Colleges in India. Learn more about these Pharm d doctor of pharmacy colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 K - 6.08 K
12 - 24 LPA

#1 NIRF

300 - 2.67 L
4.34 - 12.09 LPA

#3 NIRF

111 Courses
7.11 K - 19.5 L
7.53 - 18 LPA

#2 NIRF

650 - 2 L
12.2 - 24.1 LPA

#14 NIRF

130 - 46.58 K
6 - 24 LPA

#5 NIRF

65 Courses
1.5 L - 80.1 L
9.2 - 15.8 LPA

#9 NIRF

Popular Private Pharm d doctor of pharmacy Colleges in India

2.2 L - 10.08 L
3.15 LPA

Top 15 in Bangalore

Medicine & Health Sciences Applications open. Apply Now

3.75 L
43 Courses
2 L - 7 L
5.0
4 L
1.68 L - 7.92 L
3.6 - 4 LPA
3.75 L

Popular Pharm d doctor of pharmacy Specializations

Following are the most popular Pharm d doctor of pharmacy Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

qna

Student Forum

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

Answered 4 days ago

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 4 days ago

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 4 days ago

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 4 days ago

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 4 days ago

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 a week ago

With a rank of 34,599 in EAMCET, one will have to struggle for free seat in Pharm.D since there is high competition from people for government seats. Free seats in government colleges vary based on factors like your category, the number of available seats, and overall performances by other candidate

...more

H

Hanshika Baswal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, you can get admission to a Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) course if you meet the eligibility criteria. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Eligibility:

    • You must have completed your 12th grade with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
    • A minimum percentage in your 12th board exams is

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

...more

V

Vaibhav Nalawade

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The cost of tuition fees at the Pharm.D. program at Nizam Institute of Pharmacy remains unknown to the general public. However, the B.Pharm. program is charged about INR1,24,000 per annum fee structure. Since Pharm.D. is an integrated program that spans six years, it would only be expected that the

...more

V

Vaibhav Nalawade

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Having acquired a B.Pharm degree, it might be worthwhile pursuing a Pharm.D. to further one's advancement in the pharmacy profession. Pharm.D. courses are offered by many of the universities in the country to B.Pharm graduates.

 Some of the most prominent of these universities are the University of S

...more

U

Udaya Bhaskar rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

For admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at Annamalai University in 2024, the selection process is based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination, such as the higher secondary or equivalent. For this year, the cutoff marks for Pharm.D. are determined based on a merit lis

...more

V

Vaishnavi Gulhane

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 weeks ago

For Pharm.D admissions at Deccan School of Pharmacy, Nampally, you typically need to qualify in the TS EAMCET exam. Your rank of 45,000 may be on the higher side for general category admissions, but it depends on factors like the category reservation and the cutoff for the specific year. Checking wi

...more

S

Suyash Pandey

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

To get a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D. Post Baccalaureate) at SRM College of Pharmacy in Chennai, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: Have passed 10+2 with English as a subject, and Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (P.C.M) or Biology (P.C.B/P.C.M.B) as optional subjects Have a minimu

...more

Y

Yash Goswami

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

PGP College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research offers a 6 years Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) course at the Doctorate level. The course offers admission to 30 students.

S

Shreya Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at Vignan Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology is a 6-year full-time course approved by the Pharmacy Council of India and affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada. The eligibility criteria include a 10+2 qualification with Physic

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, you can not get admission in D. PHARMA directly. To get admission into D. Pharma in any reputed government or private college you need to qualify Entrance Exam like MHT CET.

78408718
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hi, Here is a list of top Pharm.D colleges in Hyderabad:

  1. G.Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy - Offers both undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy courses, with Pharm.D included. It has a good reputation and placement records.

  2. Chaitanya Deemed to be University - Known for its quality education and wide

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

A minimum KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences cutoff of 100000 to 130000th rank was required for the Pharm D course in the AP EAPCET exam. The institute offers various UG and PG courses. AP EAPCET 2024 exam will be held in the first week of July 2024 (tentatively).

Courses - Cutoff Ran

...more

A

Anchal Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The college allots 70% of the seats on the basis of merit and 30% are for NRI/Management candidates . The eligibility criteria for admission to B.Pharma course at Sultan UI Uloom College of Pharmacy is 45% in 12th standard. The last round closing rank for B.Pharm course in 2020 was 82,126. 

R

Rashi Agrawal

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Admission to Krupanidhi Colleges six-year professional Pharm D programme is available offline. Candidates who are interested must fulfill the requirements for eligibility, which include earning a D.Pharm degree from an accredited board or institution or finishing 10+2 with physics, chemistry and bio

...more

R

Ravi Babu

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, at the doctorate level, Sengundhar College of Pharmacy provides a six years PharmD course to the students. The programme is spread over 12 semesters. Students seeking admission must have passing scores in their past qualifying degree or Intermediate exams. Interested students can visit the offi

...more

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, Haldia Institute of Pharmacy offers PharmaD with a duration of six years. Admission to the courses is based on NEET and CET scores, followed by a counseling. However, applicants are required to pass Class 10 and Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or Biology or D. Pharm. or Diploma

...more

63158629
Jiya Tyagi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, if your are in 4 th year of Pharm.D in India and want to continue in foreign countries, it is definitely possible. You can apply in various countries for your further studies. Although some pharmacy Institutes is foreign countries doesn't accept applicants from abroad. So if you are planning to

...more

H

Harsh Vardhan Singh Deora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

In the case of Andhra University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, the latest cutoff may also differ based on entrance tests such as AP EAMCET or for that matter direct merit. In general, students hailing from Andhra Pradesh who wish to join the Pharm D program tend to obtain very high ranks i

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

With a rank of 19,692 in the TS EAMCET for Pharm.D, you have many colleges to consider for admission. While options may be somewhat limited based on your rank, here are some institutions where you could  have a good chance:

1. Deccan School of Pharmacy: This college had a cutoff for Pharm.D around 11

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

It's arround 15000 rank for all the categories

K

K harsha reddy

Contributor-Level 6

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