Quick Summary
- A pharmacy course will teach students how medicines interact with the body and how to use them correctly.
- The minimum eligibility criteria for all courses are Grade 12 with a science stream. The fees and duration of the course depend on the specific program you pursue.
- If you are interested in pharmacy, you can pursue a B.Pharma, BSc Pharmacology, D. Pharm, or Pharm. D.
- Consider your career goals, program accreditation and available specialisations to choose the right pharmacy course for you.
Table of Contents
As healthcare is advancing, new drugs are being developed and administered for both new and existing diseases. The role of a pharmacist is to not only understand the science behind how they work but also to give medicines to patients who need them. If you have completed 12th grade and are interested in pursuing an alternate career in medicine, then pharmacy can be a great choice for you.
After the pursuit of a pharmacy course, there are various careers a student can start. You can work in a community pharmacy, aid people by allowing access to the facility for their medicines and giving them proper instructions and advice for proper application. You can work in a hospital by ensuring that patients get the right medication. Clinical pharmacists work directly with healthcare teams to provide the best treatment for the patient. By pursuing higher degrees, you can also do teaching or clinical research.
This is a guide to information about pharmacy courses that you can pursue in the 12th class. We will let you know about the eligibility criteria, duration, and fee structure of the programs in our interest and which we would apply to seek a career in this field of pharmacy. We will also give details about the major career opportunities, entrance exams, and tips to manage course expenses in this course.
What is a Pharmacy Course?
A pharmacy course is an academic course targeted at equipping students with knowledge about medicines: how they are made and how they will interact with the human body. They help students become pharmacists.
Pharmacy subjects encompass a wide range of medicines and health-related issues. The students of the pharmacy sections of the colleges have a clear view of the drug chemistry, their preparation methods, and their action in human organisms. They are also conversant with the dos and don’ts of dispensing and advising on medication to patients. The courses often include subjects like pharmacology (the study of drug effects), pharmaceutics (how to make and deliver drugs), and pharmacy practice (how to work in a pharmacy setting).
Key Subjects and Areas Covered
The subjects that you will study in a pharmacy course include:
- Pharmacology: Understanding how the human body reacts to various drugs.
- Pharmaceutics: Learning how to prepare and formulate medicines.
- Medicinal Chemistry: Studying the drugs and the chemical properties they possess.
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Learning the legal and ethical aspects of practising pharmacy.
- Clinical Pharmacy: Applying pharmacy knowledge to improve patient care in a clinical setting.
- Pharmacy Practice: Developing skills to work in community and hospital pharmacies.
Pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare system. They make sure that patients receive the right medicines at the right time and also tell them how to use it safely. They teach them how to manage health conditions and prevent diseases.
Pharmacy courses equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to become competent pharmacists. These pharmacists are crucial for the safe use of medicines and the improvement of public health.
Types of Pharmacy Courses After 12th
Pharmacy education offers diverse pathways for students after completing 12th grade, opening doors to various roles in the healthcare industry. Let us look into the pharmacy course details like eligibility criteria and admission requirements below.
Eligibility Criteria
The minimum pharmacy course eligibility criteria is that you must have completed 12th grade with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics). The minimum required percentage varies from one college to another.
In India, several types of pharmacy courses are available after completing 12th grade:
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
This is a 4-year undergraduate program. Eligibility requires completing 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics. Pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics are the subjects covered. After completing B.Pharm, you can work as a pharmacist in pharmaceutical companies or pursue higher studies.
BSc Pharmacy
Bachelor of Pharmacy Course is a 3-year undergraduate program with similar eligibility requirements to B.Pharm. It focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, preparing students for roles in the pharmaceutical industry, research, and development.
Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)
Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) is a 2-year diploma course. Eligibility requires passing 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics. The course covers basic pharmacy education and prepares students to work as pharmacy technicians or assistants. After a D.Pharm, you can also pursue a B.Pharm through lateral entry.
Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Pharm.D has five years of academic study and one year of internship or residency, making it a six-year course. Eligibility requires completing 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics or having a D.Pharm qualification. The focus is on clinical pharmacy and patient care.
Entrance Exams and Admission Process
Admission to pharmacy courses often requires passing entrance exams like GPAT, NEET, or state-level pharmacy entrance tests. Some colleges also admit students based on their 12th-grade marks. The admission process usually involves filling out an application form, appearing for the entrance exam, and attending counselling sessions.
The requirements for the admission process are:
- Documents: You need to provide your 12th-grade mark sheet, entrance exam scorecard, and other relevant certificates.
- Age: You must be at least 17 years of age to attend most of the courses.
- Health: You may need to submit a fitness certificate for some courses.
Pharmacy Course Duration and Details
The duration of various pharmacy courses in India are:
| Course | Duration |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 4 years |
| BSc Pharmacy Course | 3 years |
| Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) | 2 years |
| Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) | 6 years (5 years academic + 1-year internship) |
Detailed Curriculum and Syllabus
The courses and syllabus vary from course to course.
- B.Pharm: Includes pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacy practice. Subjects cover drug manufacturing, drug interactions, and patient care.
- BSc Pharmacy: Focuses on pharmaceutical sciences with subjects like pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug formulation.
- D.Pharm: Covers basic pharmacy education, including pharmacognosy, hospital and clinical pharmacy, and community pharmacy.
- Pharm.D: Comprehensive study of clinical pharmacy, including pharmacotherapeutics, clinical research, and patient care. Also involves a year of practical training in hospitals.
Practical Training and Internships
Practical training and internships help in providing hands-on experience and this is needed to be successful in this field. Students gain valuable insights by applying theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.
- B.Pharm and BSc Pharmacy: Include practical lab sessions and internships in hospitals or pharmaceutical companies.
- D.Pharm: Practical training in hospital and community pharmacies.
- Pharm.D: Includes a year-long internship or residency in a clinical setting, focusing on patient care and clinical research.
Pharmacy Course Fees and Financial Aid
Average pharmacy Course Fees for Various Pharmacy Programs are as follows:
| Course | Fees |
| B.Pharm | ₹ 120000 |
| BSc Pharmacy | ₹206000 per year |
| D.Pharm | ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year |
| Pharm.D | ₹2,18,000 |
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Many colleges offer scholarships based on academic performance, entrance exam scores, or financial need. Government scholarships and private scholarships are also available. A few scholarships available are:
| Scholarship | Allowance | Eligibility |
| Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship | ₹3000 monthly for BPharm girls and ₹2500 for BPharm boys. | Boys with 65% marks and girls with 60% marks |
| NSP Scholarships for Students with Disabilities | Up to ₹1100 for eligible candidates | Students with at least 40% disability & monthly family income should not be more than ₹15000. |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | ₹12,000 for the first three years and Rs. ₹20,000 per annum for the fourth and fifth years. | Students with a family income of less than 4.5 lakhs and have completed XII with more than 80th percentile. |
Building a Career in Pharmacy
Pharmacy education is essential for those looking to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists ensure the safe use of medicines, provide critical health advice, and work closely with other healthcare professionals.
There are different pharmacy courses available after Class 12: B.Pharm, BSc Pharmacy, D.Pharm, and Pharm.D. These courses vary in duration, content, and career scopes. B.Pharm and BSc Pharmacy provide in-depth knowledge over 3-4 years, while D.Pharm is a shorter 2-year course. The Pharm.D course is more extensive, lasting up to 6 years, with a focus on clinical practice.
Choosing the right pharmacy course depends on your interests, goals, and the amount of time you are willing to commit to your education. Check the curriculum, fee structure, and career prospects of each course. Additionally, prepare for entrance exams and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
A career in pharmacy can be rewarding, with high demand for pharmacists in sectors like community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions. With the right education and dedication, you can make a difference in patients’ lives and contribute significantly to healthcare development.
Embrace this journey and stay focused on your goals. There are rich career opportunities in pharmacy waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the eligibility criteria for pharmacy courses after 12th?
To be eligible for pharmacy courses, you must have completed 12th grade with science subjects, typically Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics. The minimum required percentage varies by college but usually ranges between 50% to 60%. Additionally, you may need to pass entrance exams such as the GPAT, NEET, or state-level pharmacy entrance tests. Each college may have specific eligibility criteria. Check the requirements of the institutions you are interested in.
What is the duration of a Bachelor of Pharmacy course?
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) course typically lasts 4 years. During this time, students complete both theoretical and practical studies. The curriculum includes subjects like pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacy practice. There are also lab sessions and internships to provide hands-on experience. Some universities offer integrated courses or allow lateral entry for students who have completed a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), which can shorten the duration.
How much does a pharmacy course typically cost?
Based on the type of program and the institution, the cost of the pharmacy course varies. On average, the fees for a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) range from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year. BSc Pharmacy costs between ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year. Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) fees range from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year. Pharm.D courses are more expensive, costing between ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year.
What are the different types of pharmacy courses available?
There are several types of pharmacy courses available after 12th grade:
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma): A 4-year undergraduate program.
BSc Pharmacy: A 3-year undergraduate program focused on pharmaceutical sciences.
Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm): A 2-year diploma course providing basic pharmacy education.
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D): A 6-year course including 5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship, focusing on clinical pharmacy and patient care.
What career opportunities are available after completing a pharmacy course?
After completing a pharmacy course, you have multiple career options to choose from. You can work in community pharmacies or hospitals and give people the right medicines. You can work in firms and help in research and quality control. Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals or clinics and improve the care of patients. You can also pursue roles in public health and consultancy.
Also Read:
DMLT Course – A Medical Course without NEET
These Short Term Courses after B.Sc Nursing will boost your Career
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?