Pharm D or Doctor of Pharmacy is a professional doctoral degree in pharmacy. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills required for a career as a pharmacist. Pharm D course is 6 years long with a mandatory 1-year training.
Pharm D admission is based on entrance exams like GPAT, MHT CET, NIPER JEE, TS EAMCET and more. Some colleges also provide admission based on merit. To be eligible for the Pharm D course, you must clear class 12 with 50% marks with biology as one of the main subjects.
There are various opportunities for Pharm D graduates in the healthcare sector, pharmaceutical industry, pharmacovigilance and more. You can also start your own pharmaceutical business. Amgen, Abbott Laboratories, Cipla, Lupin, and Merck are some of the top recruiters. The average salary of a Pharm D graduate in India is INR 3 LPA with the highest salary being INR 5 LPA.
- What are the eligibility criteria for Pharm D?
1.1 Is Pharm D a graduate degree?
- What is the admission process for Pharm D?
2.1 Is there any entrance exam for Pharm D?
2.2 Does Pharm D require NEET?
- What are the best colleges for a Pharm D in India?
- What is the full syllabus of Pharm D?
4.1 What are the best books for Pharm D?
4.3 What are the areas of specialisation after Pharm D?
- Which is better, MBBS or Pharm D?
- Which is better, Pharm D or B Pharmacy?
- Is going for an MBA after Pharm D a good option?
7.1 Which is better, Pharm D (Regular) or Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate)?
7.2 What are the advantages of a Post Baccalaureate Pharm D?
- What can be the scope of Pharm D in India?
8.1 What is Pharm D salary in India?
- What are the chances in India for a Pharm D student?
9.1 Is a Pharm D doctor eligible to run a private clinic?
- What can I study after Pharm D?
- Pharm D: FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria for Pharm D?
The eligibility criteria for Pharm D courses can vary depending on the institutes offering them. The general eligibility criteria are as follows.
- Candidates must have completed class 12 in the science stream with biology as one of the main subjects.
- They must have scored 50% marks in class 12 from a recognised board. Relaxation is given to reserved category students.
- Candidates with a D Pharma degree approved by the Pharmacy Council of India with 50% marks can also apply.
- Candidates should be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission.
- Candidates with any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy Council of India equivalent to class 12 or D Pharma degree are also eligible.
Is Pharm D a graduate degree?
No, Pharm D is not a graduate degree. It is a professional qualification in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. It is a 6-year program with 1 year of mandatory internship. After completing the course, you can work in pharmaceutical industries, clinical pharmacy and healthcare. You can also explore options in research.
What is the admission process for Pharm D?
Pharm D admission is generally based on entrance exams. Some colleges also provide merit-based admission, but most of the top colleges use entrance exams to select students. GPAT, MHT CET, KCET, TS EAMCET and NIPER JEE are some of the top entrance exams for Pharm D.
Is there any entrance exam for Pharm D?
If you are targeting top colleges for Pharm D courses, you have to appear in the entrance exam to get selected. There are various entrance exams at the state and national levels that you can appear in. Some colleges also conduct their own entrance exams. Some of the top entrance exams for a Pharm D degree are mentioned in the table below.
| Entrance Exam | Registration Dates (Tentative) | Exam Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| GPAT | February - March 2025 | April 2025 |
| NIPER JEE | April - May 2025 | June 2025 |
| MHT CET | January - April 2025 | April 2025 |
| TS EAMCET | February - April 2025 | May 2025 |
| AP EAMCET | March - April 2025 | May 2025 |
| KCET | January - February 2025 | April 2025 |
Does Pharm D require NEET?
No, the NEET exam is generally not required for Pharm D admission. Admission is conducted based on entrance exams conducted by universities or state-level exams. Some colleges also provide direct admission based on your class 12 marks. NEET is required for admission to medical courses.
What are the best colleges for a Pharm D in India?
Despite being started in 2008, Pharm D has become a popular course among pharmacy students. More than 200 colleges in India offer Pharm D courses. You can check some of the top Pharm D colleges in the following table.
| College | Course Fee (INR) | Seat Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune | 1,85,000 | 40 |
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal | 5,18,000 | 40 |
| Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji |
– |
– |
| Chandigarh University (CU), Chandigarh | 2,41,000 |
– |
| NIMS University, Jaipur | 1,75,000 | 40 |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune | 2,50,000 | 40 |
| MS Ramiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore | 3,38, 250 | 30 |
| Karnataka College of Pharmacy, Bangalore | 5,00,000 | 40 |
| Vels University, Chennai | 2,02,000 | 40 |
| RVS College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Coimbatore | 23,550 | 30 |
Does BITs offer Pharm D?
No, BITs does not offer Pharm D courses across any of its campuses. The campuses have well-established pharmacy departments that offer courses like B Pharma, M Pharma and PhD. BITs is known for its pharmacy courses and constantly ranks among the top pharmacy colleges in India. If you are interested in Pharm D, you will have to look at other colleges offering this degree.
What is the full syllabus of Pharm D?
Pharm D syllabus is covered in 6 years in an 8-semester format. Students are also required to undergo 1-year mandatory training. The following table highlights the Pharm D subjects in a year-wise format as prescribed by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
| Ist Year Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | Pharmaceutics |
| Medicinal Biochemistry | Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry |
| Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry | Remedial Mathematics/Biology |
| IInd Year Syllabus | |
| Pathophysiology | Pharmaceutical Microbiology |
| Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmaceuticals | Pharmacology - I |
| Community Pharmacy | Pharmacotherapeutics - I |
| IIIrd Year Syllabus | |
| Pharmacology - II | Pharmaceutical Analysis |
| Pharmacotherapeutics - II | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence |
| Medicinal Chemistry | Pharmaceutical Formulations |
| IVth Year Syllabus | |
| Pharmacotherapeutics - III | Hospital Pharmacy |
| Clinical Pharmacy | Biostatistics and Research Methodology |
| Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | Clinical Toxicology |
| Vth Year Syllabus | |
| Clinical Research | Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics |
| Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacotherapeutic Drug Monitoring | Clerkship |
| Project Work (6 months) |
– |
| VIth Year Syllabus | |
| Internship or Residency Training |
– |
What are the best books for Pharm D?
Books can be useful as they will provide you with detailed explanations and knowledge on various pharmaceutical-related topics. They also serve as a valuable resource for exam preparation. Some of the top books that you can consider are as follows.
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy | Paradkar, Siddique, Yadav |
| Clinical Pharmacology | Roger Walker |
| Pharmacy Practice | Harikishan Singh |
| Pharmacotherapeutics | Dipiro |
| Pharmaceutics | Aulton |
| Pharmacognosy | Dr C K Kokate |
Is Pharm D hard to study?
Pharm D course can be challenging because of the wide and rigorous syllabus. You will learn different subjects like clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and more. Along with the theory, you will be required to undergo practicals and an internship, making the course more demanding. While the course can seem difficult and long, you can excel in it with proper dedication and consistent effort.
What are the areas of specialisation after Pharm D?
Specialisations in Pharm D courses will allow you to focus on specific pharmaceutical areas and improve your expertise. You have to undergo additional training to become well-versed in the specialisation of your interests. Some of the common specialisations that you choose are mentioned in the table below.
| Clinical Pharmacy | Paediatric Pharmacy | Industrial Pharmacy |
| Pharmaceutical R&D | Pharmaceutical Technology | Pharmaceutical Pathology |
Which is better, MBBS or Pharm D?
MBBS and Pharm D are different courses and choosing between them will depend on your career goals. MBBS will train you to become a doctor and treat patients. There is a broad range of subjects that you have to study. You can also specialise in specific fields of medicine. If you are interested in patient care and are willing to undergo a rigorous curriculum, you should go with MBBS.
In contrast, Pharm D is a professional degree that will provide you with a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences. You will learn about drug management, clinical pharmacy, pharmacology and more. You will work with healthcare professionals to ensure the safe administration of medicines. You can also explore roles in drug development and research.
Which is better, Pharm D or B Pharmacy?
Pharm D and B Pharmacy are two different courses in the field of pharmacy. Pharm D is a professional course which is clinically oriented. The course is 6 years long in which you will learn about topics like drug manufacturing, clinical pharmacy and more. Extensive emphasis is given to practical learning. You will work in clinical settings where you will manage drugs, administer medicine for patient care and more.
On the other hand, B Pharmacy is a bachelor’s degree. In the 4-year program, you will learn about production, formulation, regulatory affairs and more. After completing the degree, you can explore roles in the pharmaceutical industry and research. If you are interested in industrial or technical roles, you should opt for B Pharmacy.
Is going for an MBA after Pharm D a good option?
Yes, pursuing an MBA after Pharm D can be a good choice. If you are looking to broaden your knowledge beyond clinical pharmacy and are interested in managerial roles, you should opt for it. An MBA will provide you with the management and administrative skills that can be helpful in pharmaceutical management roles, healthcare administration, marketing and regulatory affairs. You can also explore higher roles with this combination and good pay.
Which is better, Pharm D (Regular) or Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate)?
Pharm D is a professional degree program that will prepare you for a career in the pharmaceutical industry and its related fields. Pharm D courses are of two types which are as follows.
- Pharm D (Baccalaureate) - It is the regular Pharm D course. It is 6-year long and focuses on training students to become successful pharmacists. You are required to complete 5 years of academic study and a mandatory 1-year internship or residency training. If you have cleared class 12 and wish to pursue Pharm D, you should opt for the regular baccalaureate mode.
- Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate) - The post baccalaureate course in Pharm D is designed for B Pharma students who wish to pursue a Pharm D course. They are given lateral entry to the 4th year of the Pharm D program. They have to complete 3 years of academic study along with a mandatory 1-year internship or residency training. If you have a B Pharm degree and are looking to pursue Pharm D, you should go with Pharm D Post Baccalaureate.
What are the advantages of a Post Baccalaureate Pharm D?
There are many advantages that a Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate) offers over the regular course. It is shorter in duration than the regular program. If you have a B Pharma degree, you can complete it in 3 years. This will allow you to earn a professional degree faster and build upon the knowledge gained during the B Pharma. You will develop expertise in clinical pharmacy and patient care allowing you to explore roles in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
What can be the scope of Pharm D in India?
Because of the exponential growth of the pharmaceutical sector, Pharm D has an excellent scope in India. The market is expected to grow from $42 billion in 2021 to $130 billion by 2030, clearly indicating the demand for skilled pharmacy professionals. India is also the largest producer of generic medicines, 20% by volume, further showing the role of industry. 60% of the world’s vaccines are also supplied by India.
Moreover, the pharmaceutical export revenue was $25.3 billion in 2022-23 with the domestic market turnover being $41 billion as reported by Pharmexcil and Economic Survey 2023. Pharm D will enable you to explore various roles and ensure efficient drug development and production. You can explore opportunities in sectors like hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical industries and more. Due to the rapid increase in the demand for skilled professionals, the demand for Pharm D graduates is expected to expand. You can also find roles in regulatory affairs, clinical research and academia.
What is Pharm D salary in India?
The average salary of a Pharm D graduate in India is INR 3 LPA. The initial salary can be low but with experience and added skills you can earn up to INR 5 LPA. The average monthly salary ranges between INR 21,498 to INR 23,139.
What are the chances in India for a Pharm D student?
There are many opportunities for Pharm D graduates in India. You can explore options in both, the government and private sectors. The following table mentions some of the top job profiles that you can consider as a Pharm D graduate.
| Designation | Job Description | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Pharmacist | Ensure the safe and effective use of medication in healthcare settings | 3 LPA |
| Hospital Pharmacist | Overlooks the pharmacy operations in a hospital and provides clinical pharmacy services. | 2.7 LPA |
| Community Pharmacist | Work in retail pharmacy and provide healthcare services. | 2.2 LPA |
| Pharmaceutical Consultant | Provide advice and consultancy on issues related to pharma strategies and drugs. | 3.48 LPA |
| Medical Officer | Oversee a healthcare facility's healthcare and clinical operations, ensuring its efficient working. | 6.7 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate | Take part in clinical trials and ensure that protocols and regulations are followed in data collection and analysis. | 4.5 LPA |
Is a Pharm D doctor eligible to run a private clinic?
No, Pharm D graduates cannot open a private clinic in India as per the Pharmacy Act. You can work closely with healthcare professionals and offer services like drug administration, patient counselling, medication management and more. You can work as a clinical pharmacist or in other roles in the healthcare industry. Opening clinics, diagnosing diseases and prescribing medicine are only allowed to medical doctors.
What can I study after Pharm D?
There are various courses that you can pursue after Pharm D. This will allow you to further enhance your knowledge and skills and specialise in specific areas improving your career prospects. Some of the top courses are listed below.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- MS Pharmacy.
- Master of Public Health (MPH).
- MBA.
- Pharmacy Residencies (PGY1 and PGY2).
- Board of Pharmacy Specialities (BPS) Certification.
- Clinical Certifications like CPE, CGP, CDE and more.
Pharm D: FAQs
Ques. Can I go for forensic science after completing Pharm D?
Ans. Yes, you can go for forensic science courses after Pharm D. Many colleges in India offer courses in forensic science. Your pharmacy background can provide you with a strong base in many subjects that are also present in forensic science. Forensic pharmacology is a popular field that you can explore.
Ques. Am I eligible for CSIR JRF after Pharm D?
Ans. Yes, you are eligible for CSIR JRF after Pharm D. You must check the exam eligibility criteria and try to score the highest marks to get selected. After clearing the exam, you can pursue research across various disciplines in research institutes in India, including pharmaceutical sciences.
Ques. Can I use Dr after Pharm D?
Ans. You can use the Dr prefix after completing the Pharm D degree. As per Regulation 18 of the Pharm D Regulations, 2008, the PCI has issued instructions to include the Dr prefix while awarding the Pharm D degree.
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