Degree Course Type
Bachelors
Entry Level Qualification
Class 10+2
Degree Course Duration
4 Year
Degree Course Entrance Exam
MHTCET, WBJEE
Average Course Fee
400000 - 1000000
Average Salary Offered
200000 - 500000
Course Details
There are several kinds of pharmacy courses in India like diplomas, certificates, undergraduates, postgraduates, etc. Candidates can opt for the pharmacy courses as per their career plans. Pharmacy courses can be divided into the following types:
1. Certificate pharmacy courses
2. Diploma pharmacy courses
3. Undergraduate pharmacy courses
4. Postgraduate pharmacy courses
5. Doctorate pharmacy courses
Certificate pharmacy courses
Course name | Course fees |
Industry Certificate in Pharma Product Management | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharmaceutical Technology Transfer | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharmaceutical Packaging | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharmaceutical Process Engineering | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Technology | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharmacovigilance | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Entrepreneurship | INR 50,000 |
Industry Certificate in Pharma Sales and Marketing Management | INR 50,000 |
Professional Certificate In Pharmacovigilance | INR 15,000 |
Your guide to the pharmaceutical industry- Udemy | INR 740 |
Become a pharmacy technician – Udemy | INR 700 |
Top Drugs 1 - Medications you NEED to Know – Pharmacy- Udemy | INR 700 |
Drugs, drug use, drug policy, and health – Cousera | INR 3650 approx. |
Drug discovery – courser | Free |
Diploma pharmacy courses
Course name | Course duration |
Diploma in pharmacy | 2 Years |
Diploma in ayurvedic pharmacy | 2 Years |
Diploma in Pharmaceutical Marketing | 2 Years |
Diploma in Drug Store Management | 2 Years |
Diploma in Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance | 1-3 Years |
PG Diploma in Drug Store Management | 1-3 Years |
PG Diploma in Principles of Clinical Pharmacology | 1-3 Years |
PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Management | 2 Years |
PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance | 2 Years |
PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 2 Years |
PG Diploma in Herbal Products | 1-3 Years |
Undergraduate pharmacy courses
Course name | Course duration |
B Pharma ( bachelor of pharmacy) | 4 Years |
B Pharm (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | 4 Years |
Bachelor of Pharmacy in Pharmacognosy | 4 Years |
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Pharmacy | 4 Years |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) | 4 Years |
B Pharm (Pharmaceutics) | 4 Years |
B Pharm + MBA | 5 Years |
Post graduate pharmacy courses
Course name | Course duration |
M Pharmacy ( master of pharmacy) | 2 Years |
MSc (Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Clinical Pharmacy) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Industrial Pharmacy) | 2 Years |
MSc (Pharmacology) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutics) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Biopharmaceutics) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Biotechnology) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Medicinal Chemistry) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Drug Discovery and Drug Development) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Cosmeceuticals) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance) | 2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutical Market and Management) | 2 Years |
Doctorate pharmacy courses
Course name | Course duration |
Doctor of pharmacy | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmacology) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmacognosy) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmaceutical Sciences) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmaceutical Medicine) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry) | 3 Years |
PhD (Pharmacy Practice) | 3 Years |
PhD (Phytopharmacy & Phytomedicine) | 3 Years |
Course Highlights
Candidates planning to take admission in pharmacy courses should have knowledge and information about each aspect of courses.
Candidates can get a quick overview of the pharmacy courses below:
Particular | Details |
Industry | Pharmaceutical |
Duration | UG- 4 years PG- 2 years |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam or Merit Based |
Entrance Exam | MHT CET, UPSEE, WBJEE, NIPER |
Top Colleges in India | Jamia Hamdard. University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Birla Institute of Technology and Science. Institute of Chemical Technology. |
Top Colleges in Abroad | University of Oxford Monash University Harvard University University of Toronto |
Fees | INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
Salary | INR 2 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
Job Options | Clinical Research, Pharmacist, Drug Inspector, Pharmacologist, Medical science liaison |
About Course
Pharmacy is the branch of health sciences that deals with the preparation and dispensing of drugs. Its aim is to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. Candidates can pursue pharmacy after 10th, 12th, or UG. The course duration also varies between 2-7 years based on when aspirants choose to opt for the programme. Candidates who graduate from a pharmacy course are deemed responsible for checking medicines’ side effects, reactions, allergies, etc. They play a much larger role in the healthcare industry than one can realize. Aspirants have to appear for entrance exams such as West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam, BITSAT, Central Universities Common Entrance Test, GLA University Entrance Test (GLAET), NIPER Joint Entrance Exam, BITS Higher Degree Admission Test, Manipal University Online Entrance Test, and more to get admission into different pharmacy courses.
The studies are primarily conducted in classrooms. However, there are certain certificate and Diploma courses that offer opportunities for both online and offline modes. Top renowned colleges such as Jamia Hamdard, Panjab University, BITS, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, JSS College of Pharmacy, and more grant aspirants admission into pharmacy courses. The course fees can vary between INR 20,000 to INR 20,00,000. Pharmacy courses have emerged as one of the most popular career paths because of the rising demand in the medical sector. Some of the most popular careers that graduates can opt for are pharmacist, drug inspector, clinical research associate, drug safety associate, Scientific Writer, Pathological Lab Scientist, etc.
Why Choose Course And Required Skills
There are various reasons to choose pharmacy courses. Many of the candidates opt for pharmacy because they hold an interest in health and medicine and want to make a career in it. A significant reason you should select pharmacy courses is the variety of professional paths that a pharmacy study might provide. From nuclear pharmacy, which uses radioactive medications to treat diseases such as cancer, to veterinary pharmacy, which deals with medication for animals, one can easily choose a vocation that suits them. Qualifying in pharmacy can lead to a range of work options, many of which offer strong professional advancement. In addition to becoming a pharmacist, you may use your medical skills to work as a research scientist, pharmacologist, medical science liaison, or toxicologist, among other things.
Required skillset for Pharmacy Courses
A pharmacy course is quite different from another course as it involves research work, keen observation, and advanced level computer skills.
Some of the skills required for pharmacy courses are:
1. Research Skills
2. Computer skills
3. Communication skills
4. Observation skills and an eye for detail.
5. Scientific Paper Writing Skills
6. Analytical Skills
7. Proofreading Skills
8. Mathematical Skills
9. Ability to Multitask
10. Counselling Skills
Eligibility
Candidates can check the various types of pharmacy courses eligibility criteria given below:
Course level | Eligibility criteria |
Certificate courses | Candidates should have completed class 10th (in some cases) or class 12th with science subjects i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. |
Diploma courses | Candidates should have completed class 10+2 with science subjects i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics |
Undergraduate courses | Candidates must have passed class 10+2 from a recognized board and studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, and English subjects. |
Postgraduate courses | Candidates who have a B.Pharm degree with minimum qualifying marks as required from a pharmacy college that is approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). |
Doctorate courses | Candidates must have completed higher education from any recognized board and studied Physics, Chemistry with Mathematics or Biology as optional subjects. Candidates with a diploma in pharmacy degree are also eligible for PharmD course. |
Entrance Exams Details
Pharmacy Courses Entrance Exam for the UG Programmes
BITSAT- BITS Pilani administers the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test at the national level. Every year, BITSAT is organized to give admission to B.E., B.Pharm, M.Sc., and other courses offered at BITS campuses.
MHT CET- The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test, also known as MHT CET, is an entrance exam used to shortlist candidates for admission to undergraduate Engineering and Pharmacy programs at various Maharashtra colleges.
Pharmacy Courses Entrance Exam for the PG Programmes
NIPER JEE- The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Joint Entrance Test, or NIPER JEE 2022, is a computer-based exam for postgraduate programs in MPharm, MTech (Pharm), MBA (Pharm), and PhD in pharmacy.
BITS HD- BITS (Birla Institute of Technical Science) Pilani administers the BITS HD online entrance exam. Birla Institute of Technical Science Higher Degree is the full name of BITS HD. This entrance exam is for individuals who want to apply for admission to BITS' higher degree programs leading to M.E./M. Pharma, which is available at all three campuses Hyderabad, Pilani, and Goa.
Degree Course Syllabus
Below we have provided a list of pharmacy course subjects that a student may encounter while pursuing a pharmacy degree.
Subject name | Subject description |
Human Anatomy and Physiology | It involves studies related to the human body and its structure. |
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry | Studies related to chemical aspects associated with drugs and medicines are included in this subject. |
Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry | Uses of inorganic substances in pharmaceuticals including preparatory methods, properties, etc. are covered in this subject. |
Pharmaceutical Microbiology | Microorganisms that contribute towards the development and scaling up of pharmaceuticals are studied in this subject. |
Pharmacology | The influence of drugs on living beings is studied in this subject. |
Computer Applications in Pharmacy | The use of computers in retail pharmacy along with CADD (Computer -Aided Design of Drugs), data storage, computer-based learning, etc. are included in this subject. |
Pharmaceutical Analysis | How to identify, separate, purify, and determine pharmaceutical products are explained in this subject. |
Industrial Pharmacy | Marketing, development, manufacturing, and quality assurance activities are covered in this subject. |
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry | Concepts related to modern Pharmacognosy and the development of Phytochemistry are to be studied in this subject. |
Pharmaceutical Engineering | It covers topics related to quality control, discovering, manufacturing, and analysing drugs and their formulas. |
Remedial Biology/ Remedial | How to use biological agents to eliminate contaminants from the water or any other medium is explained in this subject. |
Mathematics | Measurements and methods of calculations used to determine, prescribe, and develop medication are covered in this subject. |
Physical Pharmaceutics | Concepts of Chemistry and Physics that are associated with Pharmacy are covered in this subject. |
Biochemistry | It involves studying concepts related to living organisms and chemical processes happening within their bodies. |
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | Drugs and their physicochemical characteristics are covered in this subject. |
Top Colleges
Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
In India, there are many colleges that offer admission for pharmacy courses. One can choose the colleges as per liking, fee structure, specialization they want to pursue, placement rates, NIRF rankings, etc. Some of those top pharmacy colleges in India are listed below-
College Name | Location |
Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University | Ahemdabad |
Punjab University | Chandigarh |
I. S. F. College of Pharmacy | Moga |
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Udupi |
Institute of Chemical Technology | Mumbai |
Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research | New Delhi |
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute | Chennai |
Jamia Hamdard | New Delhi |
Poona College of Pharmacy | Pune |
Birla Institute of Technology | Ranchi |
Birla Institute of Technology & Science | Pilani |
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research | Hyderabad |
Study Pharmacy Courses Abroad
Studying pharmacy overseas sharpens your skills in dealing with consumers from diverse backgrounds and who speak a range of languages. There are various other benefits of studying pharmacy abroad-
1. Studying abroad in pharmacy programmes will assist you to learn more about the domestic health care system while evaluating how other nations' systems work.
2. You will be fairly familiar with the international healthcare model and how pharmacists work, but many other nations have different approaches to medical, health care, and pharmacy. Learning these ways may aid in the development of my abilities as a pharmacy student.
3. Along with the academics, you will get global work experience through internship programmes, field trips, and practical projects.
Top Pharmacy Colleges Abroad
The abroad universities also offer pharmacy courses in various disciplines. Candidates who want to get global exposure and are able to afford the high fees can take admission to the abroad colleges. Some of the top pharmacy colleges abroad are-
College Name | Location |
Harvard University | US |
National University of Singapore | Singapore |
University of Cambridge | UK |
Karolinska Institute | Sweden |
University of Oxford | UK |
Monash University | Australia |
University of Tokyo | Japan |
Imperial College London | UK |
University of Michigan | US |
University of Melbourne | Australia |
Course Fees
The pharmacy courses fees are as follows:
Type of course | Fees (approx) |
Bachelors in Pharmacy Fees | INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
Masters in Pharmacy Fees | INR 2.5 LPA (average) |
Doctorate in Pharmacy Fees | INR 6 LPA to INR 20 LPA |
Diploma in Pharmacy Fees | INR 2.5 LPA (average) |
Top Recruiters And Salary
The demand for jobs in the pharmacy sector is very high. Candidates can find jobs in India as well as in abroad.
Some of the top pharmaceutical companies that hire candidates who have degrees in pharmacy courses are-
Indian recruiters | International recruiters |
Lupin Cipla Piramal Sun Pharmaceuticals Aurobindo Pharma Dr, Reddy’s Laboratories Serum Institute of India Ltd Biocon | Pfizer AbbVie GlaxoSmithKline Johnson & Johnson GlaxoSmithKline Amgen Merck |


Salary
Salaries for B.Pharmacy graduates in India vary according to qualification, experience level, and employer type. A pharmacist's annual income ranges from INR 2 to 5 Lakhs. The salary after pharmacy courses depends on the job profile also.
Candidates can check the pharmacy salary as per the job profile given below:
Job profiles | Average salary |
Clinical Research Associate | INR 3-4 lakhs |
Pharmacist | INR 2-5 lakhs |
Drug Safety Associate | INR 3.5-5 lakhs |
Drug Inspector | INR 6-8 lakhs |
Pharmacy Business | INR 8 lakhs |
Scientific Writer | INR 3 lakhs |
Pathological Lab Scientist | INR 3.25 lakhs |
Course Scope And Career Options
Pharmacy Courses Scope in India
In India, pharmacy is a popular career choice since it allows you to work in a variety of settings, including research labs, pharmacies, hospitals, the armed forces, government institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. The health sector in India is also increasing as the government is opening various hospitals and dispensaries for the public welfare, which in turn is developing several job opportunities. Many job profiles are available to welcome the applicants in the private as well as government sectors. In addition, if one wishes, he/she can come up with his/her own pharmacy store setup.
Job Options
After completing the pharmacy course candidates can secure jobs in government as well as the private sector. Candidates can get their pharmacist licenses and start their own businesses. Following are some of the job options after the pharmacy courses.
Job profiles | Job description |
Clinical Research Associate | CRAs are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the execution of studies and clinical trials. |
Pharmacist | They ensure that the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable. |
Drug Safety Associate | They are responsible for assessing the safety of pharmaceutical drugs once they are on the market. |
Drug Inspector | They monitor drug’s safety, utility performance, and consistency from the time it is manufactured until it is sold in a retail outlet. |
Pharmacy Business | A business carried on at a pharmacy and includes the business of providing pharmacy services. |
Scientific Writer | They write and edit scientific news, articles and features, for business trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals and the general media. |
Pathological Lab Scientist | They work to analyze a variety of biological specimens. |
Admission Process
The admission process for the pharmacy courses depends upon the type of course you opting for.
Pharmacy Courses Admission Process for Diploma
Most colleges base their Diploma Pharmacy admissions on the results of a university or state-level entrance examination, such as GUJCET, MHCET, UPSEE, and so on. Some colleges have their own entrance tests such as BITSAT, MET, etc for the diploma pharmacy admission.
Pharmacy Courses Admission Process for Undergraduate Degree
To get admission into the pharmacy course undergraduate degree candidates should have passed class 10+2 and sit for the state-level pharmacy entrance examination. Candidates should have scored the rank in the state-level entrance examination
Pharmacy Courses Admission Process For Postgraduate Degree
Admission to postgraduate Pharmacy courses is based on graduation marks as well as scores in the pharmacy entrance examination.