Pharmacology is a part of science that manages the investigation of medications and their activities on living frameworks - that is, the investigation of how medications work in the body. To comprehend this we have to look at what a medication is, how it influences our physical, enthusiastic and mental prosperity, the sort of drugs being utilised, the methods of organisation, how the medication is retained and the qualities of the individual taking it.
Studying a pharmacy course offers a range of superficial and academic benefits. Professionally, it opens diverse career opportunities in community pharmacies, hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. These roles often have strong potential for advancement, attractive salaries, and job stability. Academically, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences, drug therapy, and patient care, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, pharmacy graduates contribute to public health and can specialise in various fields, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful career.
Course Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharm) |
Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) |
Completion of higher education from a national or state-level education board. Completing coursework in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, and English. Attainment of 17 years of age by December 31 of the admission year. |
Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) |
Candidates who have completed a B Pharmacy degree with the required minimum qualifying marks from a Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) approved college. |
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) |
Candidates should have completed their higher education from any recognised state or national education board. They must have studied Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects, along with either Mathematics or Biology. Candidates must be at least 17 years old in the year of admission. Alternatively, candidates holding a pharmacy diploma are also eligible, provided they meet all the other conditions listed above. |
To enrol in a Pharmacist course, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, pass relevant admission tests from various pharmacy colleges and institutes, and undergo a selection procedure based on academic qualifications, valid scores, and ranks in entrance exams. Researching the exact dates on the respective websites is recommended. Here is a list of Pharmacy entrance exams:
Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Undergraduate |
|
NEET |
05 May '24 |
MHT CET |
16 Apr '24 - 30 Apr '24 |
CUET |
15 May '24 - 31 May '24 |
AP EAMCET |
May '24 |
TS EAMCET |
May '24 |
KCET |
18 Apr '24 - 19 Apr '24 |
JEE Main |
24 Jan '24 - 01 Feb '24 (Session I) 01 Apr '24 - 15 Apr '24 (Session II) |
KEAM |
May '24 |
GUJCET |
31 Mar '24 |
WBJEE |
28 Apr '24 |
Postgraduate |
|
GPAT |
May '24 |
NEET PG |
7 July '24 |
CUET PG |
11 Mar '24 - 28 Mar '24 |
AP PGECET |
June 24 |
TS PGECET |
May '24 |
INI CET |
19 May '24 |
A student enrolled in an undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or PhD program in Pharmacy will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialised pharmaceutical subjects, assignments, projects, industrial training, and internships. In addition to these core components, the Pharmacy syllabus incorporates the development of communication skills, studies in environmental science, and adherence to ethical practices and regulations set by the Pharmacy Council of India.
Semester |
Subjects |
1 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Pharmaceutical Analysis I Pharmaceutics I Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry |
2 |
Human Anatomy and Physiology II Biochemistry Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry I Pathophysiology |
3 |
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry II Physical Pharmaceutics Pharmaceutical Microbiology Pharmaceutical Engineering |
4 |
Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry III Physical Pharmaceutics II Medicinal Chemistry I Pharmacology I |
Undergraduate Pharmacy Course Duration
The theory and application of medicine and drug usage are the main topics covered in the Pharmacy UG programmes. The course's main objective is to evaluate students' theoretical and practical knowledge. Pharmacy courses at the UG level place a lot of emphasis on practical labs as one of the course's most crucial components. Every semester, practical lab courses are available. The top undergraduate pharmacy courses and their course duration are listed in the table below.
Name of the Course |
Duration |
B Pharm (Pharmaceutics) |
4 Years |
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Pharmacy |
4 Years |
B Pharm (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) |
4 Years |
B Pharma (Bachelor of Pharmacy) |
4 Years |
Bachelor of Pharmacy in Pharmacognosy |
4 Years |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) |
4 Years |
B Pharm + MBA |
5 Years |
Highlighted below are some of the best postgraduate programmes in Pharmacy. Typically, these courses span two years. The table below showcases the top Pharmacy courses along with their respective durations.
Name of the Course |
Duration |
M Pharmacy (Master of Pharmacy) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutical Market and Management) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Cosmeceuticals) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Drug Discovery and Drug Development) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Medicinal Chemistry) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Biotechnology) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Biopharmaceutics) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Pharmaceutics) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Industrial Pharmacy) |
2 Years |
M Pharm (Clinical Pharmacy) |
2 Years |
MSc (Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance) |
2 Years |
MSc (Pharmacology) |
2 Years |
A pharmacist’s responsibilities extend far beyond dispensing medications. They are actively involved in market research, monitoring all medicinal products, and collaborating with medical practitioners and distributors to identify and manage adverse effects, reactions, and allergies. Although medications undergo rigorous evaluation in laboratories before reaching the market, the variability among individuals means that different outcomes can result from the same medication. Consequently, pharmacists must continually engage in research and development at multiple levels to optimize medicines and prescriptions.
Pharmacy education covers a broad spectrum of topics related to health and wellness, including the food we consume, cosmetics, lifestyle products, health care, and various chemical items.
The career prospects for pharmacists within the healthcare industry are substantial. According to the "Pharmacy at a Glance 2015-2017" survey by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), community pharmacies employ the majority of registered pharmacists (75.1%), followed by hospital pharmacies (13.2%). The range of services provided by pharmacists includes:
1. Enhancing Medication Use: This encompasses reviewing medications, managing treatments for hypertension, overseeing short-course treatments, reconciling medications, and developing new drugs.
2. Product-Centric Services: This includes compounding personalized medications based on prescriptions and removing expired medicines from the market.
3. Public Health Services: This involves promoting health initiatives, administering vaccinations, organizing health camps, and raising health awareness.
In India, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to bolster the pharmaceutical sector by enhancing drug regulations, volume, and trade, thus positioning pharmaceuticals as a key component of India’s growth. The WHO collaborates closely with the Indian government to strengthen the sector through strategic partnerships and improvements.
Access to medicines is pivotal to achieving the WHO 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. WHO India’s strategy focuses on reinforcing the regulatory framework to ensure access to high-quality, safe, effective, and affordable medical products impartially. Additionally, WHO India is working on establishing robust pharmacovigilance systems, integrating these with public health programs, promoting the rational use of medicines via the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, and enhancing procurement and supply chain management systems.
Pharmacy encompasses the study of a wide range of disorders and diseases, along with the evaluation of various medications. The Pharm programme offers students an extensive and diverse educational experience. Information about the Pharmacy programme can be conveniently accessed on the college website. With the rising demand for professionals in this field, Pharmacy salaries in India have seen a significant increase. Additionally, Pharmacy graduates have the advantage of finding employment in numerous settings, including:
In India, individuals who have completed Pharmacy courses have a wide array of career opportunities across multiple sectors. These sectors include industry, healthcare, research, and regulatory affairs. The diverse range of roles available allows pharmacy professionals to choose a career path that best suits their interests and qualifications. Aspiring pharmacists should explore these options thoroughly to select a career path that aligns with their personal goals and interests.
Here are some potential job profiles that pharmacy graduates can consider pursuing:
Job Profile & Description |
Average Salary (INR) |
Pharmacist Their responsibilities encompass guiding healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, regarding pharmaceuticals. This includes information on proper usage, recommended dosages, and potential side effects. |
2.6 LPA |
Drug Inspector A drug inspector's responsibilities encompass overseeing medications through different stages of research, development, distribution, and sales, ensuring compliance with established standards. |
2.8 LPA |
Clinical Trial Research Associate The role of the CTR Associate encompasses the meticulous validation of vaccinations, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and assorted clinical surveillance apparatus. |
3.4 LPA |
Pharmacologist A Pharmacist meticulously examines and refines pharmaceutical formulations by the stringent guidelines of Pharmacy Regulations. |
4.5 LPA |
Food and cosmetic products development scientist In the pursuit of catering to individuals with specific dietary restrictions, such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance, researchers in the field of pharmacy are tirelessly exploring avenues to craft food options devoid of these allergenic elements. By innovating in this realm, they aim to provide safer and more inclusive culinary choices for those prone to serious allergic reactions upon consuming such foods. |
4.8 LPA |
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