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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
The Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) is a two-year undergraduate program that equips students with basic knowledge and practical skills in pharmaceutical sciences. It covers key areas such as drug formulation, dispensing, and the healthcare system, preparing graduates to work as licensed pharmacists.
This course is an ideal choice for students who want to start their careers in the pharmaceutical industry quickly without committing to long-term degree programs. It provides a solid foundation in pharmacy, allowing students to enter the workforce soon after completion.
D. Pharm also serves as a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue further education, such as a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), to expand their career opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
A D. Pharm course provides a foundation in pharmacy, covering both theory and practical knowledge. Students explore the role of chemistry in medicine, the composition and effects of drugs, and key concepts in biochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Just like stars guide travellers in the night sky, this course guides aspiring pharmacists toward careers in hospitals, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry by equipping them with essential skills in drug formulation and patient care.
The Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) is a two-year course designed for students who have completed their 10+2 education in the science stream. To be eligible for admission, candidates must have studied Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects, along with Mathematics or Biology. The minimum required aggregate score varies between 35% and 45%, depending on the college or university. Admissions are either merit-based or require an entrance exam.
Students must be at least 17 years old to apply. The course fees range from INR 45,000 to 1 lakh per year, and graduates can pursue higher studies like B. Pharm, M. Pharm, or Pharm.D. After completing the course, students can work in various pharmaceutical roles in hospitals, clinics, industries, or wholesale drug distribution.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Type | Diploma |
| Course Full Form | Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Age Eligibility | Minimum 17 years |
| Minimum Qualification | 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology) |
| Minimum Aggregate Requirement | 35%-45% (Varies by college/university) |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based / Entrance Exam |
| Average Course Fees | INR 45,000 – 1 lakh per annum |
| Advanced Study Options | B. Pharm, M. Pharm, Pharm.D |
| Average Salary Offered | INR 3.0 LPA |
| Job Roles | Hospital Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist, Production Chemist, Medical Representative, etc. |
| Placement Opportunities | Govt. & Private Hospitals (AIIMS, Max, Fortis, Apollo), Pharmaceutical Industries (Cipla, Abbott, Dr Reddy’s), Wholesale Drug Distribution, Private Clinics & Nursing Homes |
Also Read:
Diploma Courses After 10th for All Streams
The pharmacy industry is one of the most known fields in medicine. Here is a list of skills needed for d Pharma.
The Diploma in Pharmacy duration is a two-year course with 4 semesters. The diploma in pharmacy course covers the following subjects and syllabus.
Below is a list of the pharmacy subjects covered in the pharmacy course.
| Subject | Description |
| Pharmaceutics Phase I | Dosage forms and their classifications, metrology, pharmaceutical packaging and filtration, extraction, distillation, and pharmaceutical sterilisation processes. |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry-I | Principles of Pharmacy and other laws and Acts such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Acts, and the Narcotics and Poison Acts. |
| Pharmacognosy | Classification, origin, tests, distribution, and pharmaceutical aids. |
| Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology topics, their info, classification, carbohydrates, enzymes, vitamins, and others. |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | Pharmaceutical chemicals include their properties, storage, antioxidants, antidotes, etc. |
| Health Education & Community Pharmacy | Health concepts, communicable diseases, and fundamental principles of microbiology. |
| Pharmaceutics Phase II | Reading prescriptions, studying various types of Incompatibilities, Posology, Dispensed Medications, Types of Powders, and Lipids and dosage forms. |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II | Topics related to organic chemistry, including nomenclature, Antiseptics, Disinfectants, different drugs, coagulants, etc. |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | Drugs and their metabolism, distribution, excretion, their effects on the Central nervous and respiratory systems. |
| Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | Principles of Pharmacy and other laws and Acts such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Acts, the Narcotics and Poison Acts. |
| Drug store and Business Management | Trade concepts such as the commerce and divisions of the drug, sales promotion, marketing, advertising and display, and business management. |
The 1st year D Pharma syllabus is as follows-
The 2nd year Diploma in Pharmacy syllabus is as follows-
This course is ideal for students aspiring to enter the pharmaceutical industry after completing their senior secondary education.
Let’s have a look at the top five D.Pharma colleges in India and the course fees.
Admission to the D Pharmacist course is competitive, with several state and national-level entrance exams. Below is an overview of key exams and dates.
| Exam Name | Exam Date | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| NEET 2025 | 4 May 2025 | NEET Exam Date 2025 |
| CUET 2025 | 8 May – 1 June 2025 | CUET Exam Date 2025 |
Note: The information is sourced from official websites and may be subject to change.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 6 – 8 Mar 2025 | NEET PG 2024 special stray vacancy round registration & choice filling |
| Mar 2025 | INI CET 2025 July session basic registration (Tentative) |
| 12 Mar 2025 | NEET PG 2024 special stray vacancy round result |
| 13 – 20 Mar 2025 | NEET PG 2024 special stray vacancy round reporting |
| Mar – Apr 2025 | NEET PG 2025 registration (Tentative) |
| 29 – 30 Mar 2025 | NEET SS 2024 exam (Tentative) |
| May 2025 | NEET SS 2024 Counselling (Tentative) |
| 4 May 2025 | NEET 2025 Exam |
| 18 May 2025 | INI CET 2025 exam date for July session |
| May 2025 | NEET 2025 Provisional Answer Key Release (Tentative) |
| May – Jun 2025 | NEET 2025 Answer Key Challenge Submission (Tentative) |
| Jun 2025 | NEET PG 2025 Admit Card (Tentative) |
| Jun 2025 | NEET 2025 Final Answer Key Release (Tentative) |
| Jun 2025 | NEET PG 2025 Exam Date (Tentative) |
| Jun 2025 | NEET PG 2025 Result (Tentative) |
| Jul 2025 | KEA NEET Option Entry 2025 (Tentative) |
| Jul – Nov 2025 | NEET 2025 Counselling (Tentative) |
| Aug 2025 | KEA NEET Mock Allotment Result 2025 (Tentative) |
| Aug 2025 | Option to Change KEA NEET Option Entry (Tentative) |
| Feb 2028 | Next Step 1 Exam (Tentative) |
The Diploma in Pharmacy course offers diverse career opportunities in the pharmaceutical field. Selecting the right college is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in this profession. Below is a comparison of D Pharmacy course fees in top government and private colleges in India.
| College Name | Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| DMIHER | 2.16 Lakh |
| Jamia Hamdard | 44,000 – 2 Lakh |
| Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University | 40,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 50,100 |
| University of Lucknow | 1.6 Lakh |
| Government Polytechnic College, Lakhimpur | 23,740 |
| L M College of Pharmacy | 2,200 |
| Annamalai University | 32,760 |
| CSJM | 2 Lakh |
| T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha | 10,510 |
| College Name | Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee | 1.2 Lakh |
| Parul University | 2 Lakh |
| GLA University | 2.33 Lakh |
| Adichunchanagiri University | 1.44 Lakh |
| IUL | 1.8 Lakh |
| Jaipur National University | 1.47 Lakh |
| SGT University, Gurgaon | 2.4 Lakh |
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University | 2.41 Lakh |
| Galgotias University | 2 Lakh |
| SVSU | 1.9 Lakh |
This fee structure helps candidates compare and choose the best-suited college for pursuing a D Pharmacy course in India.
When comparing D Pharmacy (Diploma in Pharmacy) and B Pharmacy (Bachelor of Pharmacy), several differences stand out. D Pharmacy is a two-year diploma course generally offered based on merit, while B Pharmacy is a four-year undergraduate program with admissions mostly through national or state-level entrance exams. The B Pharmacy course has a broader curriculum, offering more subjects and deeper learning. Below is a detailed comparison table to help understand the key differences.
| Particulars | D Pharmacy | B Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Course Level | Diploma | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 2 years | 4 years |
| Course Fee | ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Entrance Exams | OJEE, MHT CET, AIAPGET, GPAT, GUJCET, WBJEE, KCET | NEET, CUET |
| Top Colleges | AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, King George’s Medical University, Banaras Hindu University | Sri Ramachandra Institute, Madras Medical College, BITS Pilani, SOA University |
| Job Profiles | Pharmacist, Medical Transcriptionist, Pharmaceutical Executive, Research Officer | Medical Writer, Clinical Researcher, Drug Inspector, Pharmacy Business Owner |
| Top Recruiters | Astra Zeneca, Sun Pharma, Pfizer, Himalaya Drug Company | Dr Reddy’s, Cipla, Biocon, Divis Laboratories |
| Average Annual Salary | ₹2 LPA – ₹4.2 LPA | ₹4 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
D Pharmacy (Diploma in Pharmacy) and Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) are distinct courses in the pharmacy field, differing in duration, curriculum, and career opportunities. D Pharmacy is a two-year diploma course focusing on foundational knowledge, preparing graduates for roles like pharmacy technicians or assistants. In contrast, Pharm D is a six-year doctoral program that offers advanced training for direct patient care and clinical roles. Below is a detailed comparison for better understanding.
| Particulars | D Pharmacy | Pharm D |
|---|---|---|
| Course Level | Diploma | Doctoral |
| Duration | 2 years | 6 years |
| Course Fee | ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹2.3 Lakh – ₹9.6 Lakh |
| Entrance Exams | OJEE, MHT CET, AIAPGET, GPAT, GUJCET, WBJEE, KCET | TS EAMCET, AP EAMCET, KCET, GPAT, NEET, AP PGECET, TS PGECET |
| Top Colleges | AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER, King George’s Medical University, Banaras Hindu University | JIPMER Puducherry, King George’s Medical University, NIMHANS |
| Job Profiles | Pharmacist, Medical Transcriptionist, Laboratory Assistant, Research Officer | Clinical Pharmacist, Research Scientist, Medical Writer, Quality Assurance Manager |
| Top Recruiters | Astra Zeneca, Sun Pharma, Pfizer, Himalaya Drug Company | Lupin, Cipla, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories |
| Average Annual Salary | ₹2 LPA – ₹4.2 LPA | ₹2.3 LPA – ₹10 LPA |
After completing the D Pharmacy (Diploma in Pharmacy) course, graduates can register as pharmacists, pursue further studies like B Pharmacy, or start their careers in the pharmaceutical sector. Career options include becoming a pharmacy store owner, sales and marketing executive, or working in both government and private pharmaceutical companies. The sector offers a variety of job roles with promising salary packages.
| Job Profile | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Assistant | Conducts tests, prepares samples, and ensures accurate data in laboratory settings. | 3 LPA |
| Medical Transcriptionist | Converts audio recordings from healthcare professionals into official reports. | 3.7 LPA |
| Pharmacist | Expert in medication use and administration. | 2.8 LPA |
| Pharmaceutical Executive | Analyzes business strategies and industry regulations. | 4.4 LPA |
| Scientific Officer | Conducts research and development in scientific labs. | 3.8 LPA |
Note: Salaries are sourced from Ambitionbox.com and may vary.
| Astra Zeneca Pharma India Limited | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited |
| Pharma Impex Laboratories Private Limited | Pfizer |
| Gleam Pharmaceuticals Private Limited | Himalaya Drug Company |
| Cipla Limited | Ipca Laboratories Limited |
| Divi’s Laboratories | Novartis |
| Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories | East India Pharmaceutical Works Limited |
Graduates can explore diverse roles and industries, contributing to a growing healthcare sector while securing lucrative job opportunities.
A Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm.) provides the necessary qualification to practice as a registered pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act. Graduates can work in hospitals, and community pharmacies, or even start their online pharmacy, a growing business in India. The course trains students in dispensing medication, handling prescriptions, managing patient records, and understanding drug formulations. With a strong focus on pharmacology, medical terminology, and pharmacy practices, it prepares candidates for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry.
There are many benefits to pursuing a D Pharma course. It opens up plenty of job opportunities. The profession has flexible work hours. It is a field with higher salaries.
An entry-level tertiary pharmacy certificate in India is the Diploma in Pharmacy (commonly abbreviated as D Pharma or D.Pharm). It is achieved after a two-year training period.
A Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) offers great career opportunities as the pharmaceutical industry continues to grow, especially after the rising demand for healthcare services post-COVID-19. Pharmacy combines science, healthcare, patient care, and business, making it a rewarding field. India has the third-largest pharmaceutical market, and a D. Pharm is the minimum qualification required to become a registered pharmacist in the country.
Both B Pharma and D Pharma degree have their specialities. A D pharma course is ideal for exploring entrepreneurship and working in a pharmacy. The B pharma is perfect for pursuing research-based careers and higher education in pharmaceutical science.
Yes, the Diploma in Pharmacy (D-Pharm) is typically a 2-year course in India. It is designed to provide foundational knowledge and training in pharmacy practices, including drug formulation, patient care, and pharmacy laws.
Typically, a full pharmacy degree or diploma (like a Diploma in Pharmacy or a Bachelor of Pharmacy) cannot be completed in just 1 year. The standard durations are:
Diploma in Pharmacy (D-Pharm): Usually 2 years.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B-Pharm): Generally takes 4 years.
The Diploma in Pharmacy course is a great option for students who want to start their pharmacy career quickly without committing to long-term programs. It provides basic knowledge of pharmacy, serving as a strong foundation for further studies like B. Pharm and Pharm.D.
Eligibility Criteria for Pharm D:
To apply for a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program, candidates must:
Complete 10+2 with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects.
Have studied Biology or Mathematics as an additional subject.
Pass English as a subject.
Be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
Secure a minimum of 50% marks in the Science stream.
Hold a D. Pharm qualification from a Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) approved institution (if applicable).
Meet any other equivalent qualifications recognized by PCI.
Pharm D graduates can use the prefix “Dr.” before their name, as approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for those who have completed the degree from recognized universities.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
