Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 2024: Ranking, Course, Branches, Eligibility, Admission, Exams, Career Scope & Placement

Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 2023: India has 1745 Degree colleges and 2875 Diploma colleges approved by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Hyderabad, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Mohali, and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Ahmedabad are the top pharmacy colleges in India according to the IIRF Pharmacy Ranking 2023.

Following the growth of the healthcare industry, pharmacy has become one of the most well-liked academic fields in India. There are many pharmacy courses available at the top pharmacy colleges in India if you are interested in a career as a pharmacist or in a field that is related to pharmacy. You can choose between pharmacy diploma programs and doctoral programs in accordance with your knowledge and interests.

Top Pharmacy colleges in India offer a comprehensive education in the science and practice of pharmaceuticals, catering to a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. These courses typically encompass Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programs. The curriculum includes subjects such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, and pharmaceutical analysis, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for drug formulation, analysis, and clinical application.

Indian pharmacy education combines theoretical learning with practical training, emphasizing the ethical and regulatory aspects of the profession. Graduates can pursue careers as pharmacists, pharmaceutical researchers, regulatory affairs professionals, and more, contributing to the development, production, and safe use of medications. The diverse range of institutions offering pharmacy courses, from government-funded universities to private colleges, allows students to choose programs that suit their aspirations and budget. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector's continuous growth and global relevance make pharmacy education in India an attractive and dynamic field of study.

Branches and Specializations in Pharmacy Courses

Pharmacy covers a vast area of medical education, so it is further divided into various specializations and branches. The students can study each specialization as a separate course at a higher level of education. Some of the specializations that are offered by the top pharmacy colleges in India are mentioned below.

The Major Highlights of the Pharmacy Courses

Pharmacy degree or diploma is mandatory for opening medical stores in India.

• Pharmacy is a rapidly growing sector in which students can hope for a bright professional career.
• Promoting health programs, immunizations, health fairs, and other health-related awareness is part of pharmacy.

Eligibility Criteria 

The students need to fulfill some general eligibility criteria, which are required to get admission to the top pharmacy colleges in different courses. Some of the important eligibility criteria are mentioned below.

For D.Pharma:

• The candidates need to pass a 10+2 examination from a recognized board of education with physics, chemistry, and biology as their primary subjects.
• The candidates need to appear in the entrance examination conducted by the list of top colleges of pharmacy in India.

For B.Pharma:

• The candidates need to pass a 10+2 or an equivalent level of examination with physics, chemistry, and biology as their primary subjects or D.Pharma degree from a recognized institute.
• The candidates need to score at least 50% marks in the qualifying examination.
• The candidates need to appear in the entrance examinations and score the cutoff marks to qualify.

For M.Pharma:

• The candidates need to have an undergraduate degree (B.Pharma) in a similar specialization from a recognized institute.
• The candidates need to score at least 55% at the undergraduate level.
• The candidates need to get the cutoff marks in the entrance examination.

For Ph.D in Pharmacy:

• The candidates are required to have a postgraduate degree (M.Pharma) in a similar specialization from a recognized institute/university.
• The candidates need to score at least 55% in M.Pharma.
• The candidates have to qualify for the entrance examinations with the cutoff marks.
• The minimum age to apply for a Ph.D degree is 17 years old.

Admission Procedure

The admission procedure for a course aat thetop pharmacy colleges in Indiaa typically involves several steps and can vary depending on the type of course (e.g., diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate) and the institution you are applying to. Here's a general overview of the admission procedure for pharmacy courses in India:

Eligibility Criteria: 

The candidate needs to meet the eligibility criteria for the desired pharmacy course. The eligibility criteria for all the pharmacy courses, like D.Pharma, B.Pharma, M.Pharma, and Ph.D in Pharmacy, are mentioned above.

Entrance Examinations: 

Depending on the institution and state, you may need to appear for an entrance examination. Some of the common pharmacy entrance exams in India include:

• Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT)
• All India Manipal Entrance Test (MET) for Manipal University
• Common Entrance Test (CET) specific to certain states

Application Process: 

• After determining the eligibility criteria and required entrance exams, you should visit the respective university or college's official website or the exam conducting authority's website to fill out the application form.
• Pay the application fee, if applicable.

Admit Card: 

Download the admit card/hall ticket for the entrance exam. It contains essential information such as the exam date, time, and exam center.

Appear for the Entrance Exam: 

On the scheduled date, take the entrance exam as per the instructions provided in the admit card.

Merit List and Counseling:

• After the exam, the respective authorities will release a merit list based on the exam scores.
• Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling rounds, where they can choose their preferred college and course based on their rank in the merit list.

Seat Allotment:

• Candidates will be allotted seats based on their rank and choices made during counseling.
• Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.

Document Verification:

Candidates need to provide relevant documents (10th and 12th certificates, entrance exam scorecard, category certificate if applicable, etc.) for verification.

Final Admission:

Once the documents are verified, you will be admitted to the pharmacy course at thetop pharmacy colleges in Indiaa.

Commencement of Classes: 

Attend the orientation program and start your academic journey.

Please note that the admissions procedure can vary from one state to another and from one institution to another. It's essential to check the specific admission guidelines and eligibility criteria of thetop pharmacy colleges in Indiaa where you intend to apply. Additionally, keep an eye on important dates and deadlines for application submission, entrance exams, and counseling rounds.

Top Pharmacy Entrance Examinations

To get admission to a top pharmacy college in India, there are various entrance examinations offered by the state government and top private pharmacy colleges. Some of the top pharmacy entrance examinations are mentioned below.

ITM NEST- It stands for “ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test.” It is an entrance examination conducted by ITM University (also known as ITM University, Gwalior) in India. ITM University is a private university with campuses in various cities across India, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as engineering, management, pharmacy, law, and more.

The ITM NEST exam is designed to assess the eligibility of students for admission to various programs offered by ITM University and to award scholarships to meritorious students. The specific details of the ITM NEST exam, including the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, and scholarship opportunities, may vary from year to year and depending on the program you are interested in.

NIPER Joint Entrance Exam- The NIPER Joint Entrance Examination (NIPER JEE) is an entrance exam conducted by the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), India. NIPER is one of thetop Pharmacy colleges in Indiaa dedicated to pharmaceutical education and research. The primary purpose of the NIPER JEE is to determine the eligibility of candidates for admission to various postgraduate and doctoral programs offered by NIPER.

AP EAMCET- It stands for "Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test." It is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). AP EAMCET is held annually, and its primary purpose is to facilitate admissions into various undergraduate professional courses in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

AP EAMCET is used for admissions into undergraduate programs such as B.Tech (Engineering), B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Sc (Horticulture), B.V.Sc & A.H (Veterinary Science), B.F.Sc (Fisheries Science), and B.Pharm (Pharmacy) offered by various universities and colleges in Andhra Pradesh.

GPAT- The GPAT exam, which stands for the "Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test," is a national-level entrance examination conducted in India. GPAT is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This exam is designed to assess the aptitude and knowledge of candidates seeking admission to postgraduate pharmacy programs at top M.Pharma colleges in India.

Syllabus

The syllabus for courses at the top pharmacy colleges in India may vary slightly from one university or institution to another, but there are core subjects and topics that are typically covered in pharmacy programs. Here's a general overview of the syllabus for various pharmacy courses in India:

Please be aware that universities or other organizations may update the pharmacy course syllabus to reflect new developments in the pharmaceutical industry and adjustments to regulatory requirements. The most precise and recent information on the course content and curriculum can be found in the specific syllabus that your institution provides. The degree to which these topics are covered may also vary depending on the specialization and course level (diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate).

Fees

The fees for courses at thetop pharmacy colleges in India can vary widely depending on the type of course (Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate), the institution, and whether the institution is government-funded or private. Here is a general overview of the average fees for different pharmacy courses in India.

Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm):

• Government institutions: The average annual fee can range from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 or even lower in some cases.
• Private institutions: The average annual fee can range from INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000 or more.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm):

• Government institutions: The average annual fees can range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 or more at the top Government pharmacy colleges in India.
• Private institutions: The average annual fees can range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 or more at the top private pharmacy colleges in India.

Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm):

• Government institutions: The average annual fee can range from INR 10,000 to INR 60,000 or more.
• Private institutions: The average annual fee can range from INR 60,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more.

Doctor of Pharmacy (Ph.D):

• Government institutions: The average annual fees can range from INR 20,000 to INR 80,000 or more at the top Government pharmacy colleges in India.
• Private institutions: The average annual fees can range from INR 80,000 to INR 3,00,000 or more at the top private pharmacy colleges in India.

It's important to note that these are approximate figures and that fees can vary significantly based on factors such as the reputation of the institution, the location of the institution (urban or rural), and the specific course specialization. Additionally, fees may be subject to change, so it's advisable to check with the individual universities or colleges for the most up-to-date fee information.

Many top government pharmacy colleges in India offer lower tuition fees compared to private institutions, making them more affordable options for many students. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs may also be available to eligible students to help offset the cost of their pharmacy education.

List of top 10 pharmacy colleges in india

The list of top Pharmacy colleges in India is mentioned in the table below.

Careers After Pharmacy Courses

Over the past ten years, the pharmaceutical industry has experienced tremendous growth, allowing various pharmaceutical companies to produce high-quality drugs and medicines for medical use. The students can pursue a great professional career after completing their academic process at thetop pharmacy colleges in Indiaa. Some of the important professions, employment areas, and top recruiters are mentioned below.

Profession :

Top Recruiters :

Also Read: Top Universities in India, Top Engineering Colleges in India, Top MBA Colleges in India

FAQs

What are the different pharmacy courses available in India?

India offers a variety of pharmacy courses, including Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm), and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D). 

What is the eligibility criteria for pharmacy courses in India?

Eligibility criteria vary but generally require a background in science for B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Pharm.D. For D.Pharm, a 10+2 in science is typically required.

Do I need to appear for an entrance exam for pharmacy courses in India?

Entrance exams may be required for some courses and top pharmacy colleges in India. Common entrance tests include GPAT for M.Pharm and state-level exams for B.Pharm.

What subjects are covered in pharmacy courses?

Pharmacy courses cover subjects such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, and pharmaceutical analysis, among others.

What is the average duration of pharmacy courses?

D.Pharm usually takes 2 years, B.Pharm 4 years, M.Pharm 2 years, and Pharm.D 6 years (including practical training).

Are there any scholarships available for pharmacy students in India?

Yes, various scholarships and financial aid options are available for eligible pharmacy students, including government scholarships and institution-specific scholarships.

What are the career opportunities after completing a pharmacy course in India?

Graduates can pursue careers as pharmacists, pharmaceutical researchers, regulatory affairs professionals, clinical pharmacists, and more in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

What is the average fee structure for pharmacy courses in India?

Fees vary widely based on the course, the institution, and whether it's a government or private institution. On average, fees can range from INR 10,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more per year.

How do I apply for pharmacy courses in India?

To apply, visit the official website of the institution or university offering the course, fill out the online application form, pay the application fee, and submit the required documents.

Is pharmacy education in India regulated?

Yes, pharmacy education in India is regulated by bodies like the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to ensure quality and standards.

Can I pursue higher studies after completing a pharmacy course?

Yes, you can pursue higher studies such as Ph.D. or postdoctoral research in pharmaceutical sciences or related fields after completing your pharmacy course.

What is the scope of pharmacy courses in India and abroad?

Pharmacy graduates from top pharmacy colleges in India have opportunities not only in India but also in countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK, where they can work in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutions, and regulatory agencies.

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