D Pharma or Diploma in Pharmacy is a diploma program that aims to provide the basic knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences. You will learn about basic pharmacy, dispensing medicine, drug interactions and more in a 2-year curriculum.
D Pharma Admission is based on entrance exams like CUET, BITSAT, MHCET, GUJCET and more. You can also explore colleges that provide direct admission based on merit. To be eligible for D Pharma, you must have cleared class 12 with 50% marks in the science stream.
D Pharma can act as a gateway to the pharmaceutical industry. Thriugh the syllabus, you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills required to explore entry-level roles like a pharmacist. You can also opt for courses like B Pharma for better career prospects.
The eligibility criteria for D Pharma can vary based on different colleges. However, the general criteria remain the same. You can check the common D Pharma eligibility criteria below.
D Pharma admissions are generally based on entrance exams. You must clear the exam and appear in the counselling process to get selected. CUET, MH CET, BITSAT and GUJCET are some of the top entrance exams. Many colleges also offer direct admission to their D Pharma courses based on merit. Your class 12 marks will be considered to provide admission.
There are many entrance exams that you can appear in to get admission to a D Pharma course. Different colleges accept different entrance exams for selecting students. You can check some of the top entrance exams in the table below.
| Entrance Exam | Registration Dates (Tentative) | Exam Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| CUET | February 2025 – March 2025 | May 2025 |
| BITSAT | Phase I January 2025 – April 2025 Phase II May 2025 | May 2025 June 2025 |
| MH CET | January 2025 – April 2025 | April 2025 |
| GUJCET | January 2025 | March 2025 |
| OJEE | January 2025 – March 2025 | May 2025 |
| UPJEE | January 2025 – February 2025 | March 2025 |
No, the NEET exam is not required for D Pharma. D Pharma admissions are generally based on entrance exams conducted by colleges and different states. Many colleges also provide direct admission. You must have cleared class 12 in the science stream to be eligible for the course. NEET is required for admission to medical courses in India.
No, the online/distance D Pharma course certificate is not valid. Practicals are an important part of the curriculum which cannot be conducted in the online/distance education mode. Most D Pharma courses are conducted in regular on-campus mode.
Colleges offering D Pharma and other pharmacy courses are required to be affiliated with a university and recognised by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). Online/distance D Pharma programs can compromise the legitimacy of the certificate. You must ensure that the offering institute is accredited and the certificate is recognised before enrolling.
Many colleges in India are known for their placement records for pharmacy students. These colleges have strong industry connections and placement rates. You can expect to secure good positions in pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. While the placement data is mostly available for B Pharma or higher courses, you can expect the same for D Pharma. Some of the top colleges are listed below.
No, D Pharma is not available in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The Department of Pharmacology at AMU offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses in different disciplines. However, the department does not have any diploma courses.
D Pharma syllabus will provide you with an understanding of different aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. You will develop the knowledge and skills required in the pharmaceutical industry. The syllabus is prescribed by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and is covered in 2 years. You can check the year-wise syllabus in the table below.
| 1st Year Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutics | Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
| Pharmacognosy | Human Anatomy and Physiology |
| Social Pharmacy | Practicals |
| 2nd Year Syllabus | |
| Pharmacology | Community Pharmacy and Management |
| Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology | Pharmacotherapeutics |
| Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy | Pharmacy Law and Ethics |
| Practicals |  – |
D Pharma being a diploma course does not have many elective subjects to choose from. However, some colleges may provide elective courses allowing students to develop skills in a specific area of pharmaceutical science. You can check some of the common electives listed below.
Choosing between B Pharma or D Pharma will depend on your career goals. B Pharma is a bachelor’s degree that will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences in a 4-year course. You will learn about drug development, clinical pharmacy and other advanced topics. B Pharma is also the most widely accepted degree in the pharmaceutical sector. You can also opt for higher courses after B Pharma.
In contrast, D Pharma is a diploma program completed in 2 years. It deals with the fundamentals of pharmaceutical sciences. With this degree, you can explore entry-level roles in the pharmaceutical industry like a pharmacist. Career growth compared to B Pharma is generally limited.
D Pharma and Pharm D are different courses in pharmacy. D Pharma is a 2-year diploma course that focuses on the basics of pharmaceutical sciences. You should opt for this course if you are exploring entry-level positions like pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry.
On the other hand, Pharm D is an advanced and comprehensive course, including five years of curriculum and 1 year of mandatory internship. The syllabus covers broader subjects and more emphasis is given to practical learning. With this degree, you can pursue advanced clinical roles in different healthcare settings. You can explore disciplines like drug management, patient care and more after Pharm D.
You can open a medical store with both, a B Pharma or a D Pharma degree. With D Pharma, you will get the opportunity to complete the course earlier and apply for the license. B Pharma is a longer 4-year degree compared to D Pharma which you can complete in 2 years.
After completing the course, you have to apply for a license with your certificates in the state pharmacy council. You have to appear in the exit exam conducted by PCI to become a registered pharmacist.
D Pharma has a significant scope in India given the exponential growth of the pharmaceutical industry. Valued at $42 billion in 2021, the market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030. India’s dominance as the largest producer of generic medicines by volume (20%) and its role in supplying over 60% of vaccines in the world, underscores the sector’s contribution. As per the Pharmexcil and Economic Survey 2023, the Indian pharmaceutical export revenue reached $25.3 billion in 2022-23 and the domestic pharmaceutical market turnover was $41 billion respectively.
The increasing demand for pharmaceutical products requires skilled pharmacy professionals who can address the situation. With your D Pharma degree, you will be placed in a perfect spot to explore opportunities. As Indian pharmaceutical products continue to penetrate regulated markets across the world, the demand is going to increase. D Pharma can provide you with a stable career in the thriving industry. You can always upskill or pursue higher courses to improve your career prospects.
The average salary of a D Pharma graduate in India is INR 2.5 LPA. Freshers have to start with a low salary between INR 1 LPA to INR 1.5 LPA. With experience, you can move to higher roles and earn up to INR 4 LPA.
D Pharma can be a good career choice if you are looking to enter the pharmaceutical industry in a short period of time. The degree will provide you with the fundamental knowledge required in entry-level pharmaceutical roles. You will be required to develop new skills with time to advance to higher roles. It can act as a practical solution for those looking for stable roles in the industry.
There are various career options that you can consider after completing your D Pharma degree. You have to start with entry-level positions and with added skills and experience, explore higher roles. You can check some of the top job profiles below.
| Designation | Job Description | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Provide drugs and their usage details in different pharmaceutical settings. | 2.7 LPA |
| Retail Pharmacist | Provide medicine and advice to customers in retail settings. | 2.4 LPA |
| Medical Representative | Promote and educate healthcare providers about new products and treatments. | 3.6 LPA |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Executive | Develop contacts with hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare professionals to promote their company’s products and services. | 3.1 LPA |
| Hospital Pharmacist | Manage drug inventory and prepare patient prescriptions in hospitals. | 2.5 LPA |
After D Pharma, pursuing a B Pharma can be a good choice. It is a full-time bachelor’s degree that will provide you with a comprehensive and deeper understanding of pharmaceutical sciences. You will learn new topics like drug development, clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research and more in a 4-year curriculum. The career opportunities will also improve with a B Pharma degree.
If you are looking to further advance your knowledge in the pharmaceutical sciences, you can opt for higher courses like M Pharma or Pharm D. Certifications in specific fields of pharmaceutical science can also improve your career prospects.
Ques. After D Pharma, Can I join Pharm D?
Ans. No, you cannot join a Pharm D course after completing your D Pharma. The minimum eligibility for Pharm D is a bachelor’s degree. You must first complete a B Pharma degree and then apply for Pharm D. With D Pharma, you can enter directly to the second year of B Pharma.
Ques. I am a commerce student. Can I do D Pharma after my 12th?
Ans. No, the basic eligibility criteria for D Pharm is class 12 with 50% marks in a science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics). With your commerce background, you did not meet the eligibility requirements to pursue a D Pharma course.
Ques. Can I do a D Pharma course after completing my BCA?
Ans. Yes, with your BCA degree, you can pursue the D Pharma course. Many colleges accept students from diverse backgrounds. You must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and have a science stream in class 12 to be eligible.
