Top 5 pharmacy colleges in India
Pharmacy is essential in healthcare as it ensures the safe use of medications to help improve patient health. Pharmacists are crucial in providing medication guidance, overseeing treatments, and working closely with other healthcare professionals.
Over time, the responsibilities of pharmacists have grown, leading to new job opportunities in the field. Pharmacy education in India offers various possibilities, with numerous pharmacy colleges in India providing programs like Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) at leading Doctor of Pharmacy colleges in India for advanced clinical practice. There are also several best B.Pharm colleges in India offer undergraduate degrees that open up diverse career paths in healthcare, industry, and research. The pharmacy course fees vary by institution, but financial aid options are available. Students can further specialize with a Master's in Pharmacy (M.Pharm).
With growing demand in the healthcare sector, there are a number of pharmacy career options, and the pharmacy salary in India is competitive, especially for those with higher qualifications. India's top pharmacy schools provide excellent education and industry connections for successful careers.
Top Pharmacy College in India:
1. Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara University (JSS), Karnataka
JSS College of Pharmacy, located in Mysuru and Ooty, Karnataka, is one of the top pharmacy schools in India, established in 1973. Managed by JSS Mahavidyapeetha, it is affiliated with the JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, which holds an A+ Grade from NAAC. Recognized as one of the best pharmacy colleges in India, it offers excellent education in pharmacy, including one of the best B. Pharm and Doctor of Pharmacy colleges in India. The college focuses on training skilled pharmacists to meet the healthcare sector's evolving needs.
Course offered:
| Program | Duration | Eligibility | Career Opportunities |
| Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) | 2 years | 12th in Science with minimum of 50% marks | Pharmacy Assistant, Retail Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Sales |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 4 years | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology | Pharmacist, Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Production |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) | 6 years (including 1-year internship) | 12th or D.Pharm qualification | Clinical Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacy, research roles |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) - Post Baccalaureate (PB) | 3 years | B.Pharm with minimum of 55% marks | Clinical pharmacy, teaching, Advanced research |
Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) Specializations: Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutical Analysis. | 2 years | B.Pharm with minimum of 55% marks | Roles in the pharmaceutical industry, research, academia |
| Ph.D. Programs | Research-oriented | Varies by specialization | Research Scientist, academic positions, industry expert |
2. Indira College of Pharmacy (ICP), Pune
Indira College of Pharmacy, located in Pune, Maharashtra, is a well-regarded pharmacy college in India. Established in 2004, the college is committed to delivering excellent pharmacy education. Affiliated with the University of Pune, it emphasizes providing students with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. The college offers a range of programs designed to meet the changing demands of the healthcare industry.
Course offered:
| Program | Duration | Eligibility |
| Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) | 2 years | 12th in Science with minimum of 50% marks |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 4 years | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) | 6 years (including 1-year internship) | 12th or D.Pharm qualification |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) - Post Baccalaureate (PB) | 3 years | B.Pharm with minimum of 55% marks |
Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) Specializations: Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutics. | 2 years | B.Pharm with minimum of 55% marks |
Ph.D. Programs Specializations: Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical chemistry. | Research-oriented | Varies by |
3. Dr NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore:
Dr. NGP Research and Educational Trust, located in Coimbatore, Ta specialization mil Nadu, is recognized as one of the best pharmacy colleges in India, known for offering quality education in pharmacy. Established with the goal of providing a strong academic foundation, it prepares students with the practical skills necessary to meet industry demands. Acknowledged as one of the top Doctor of Pharmacy colleges in India, the trust is affiliated with prestigious universities and is committed to shaping the future of its students.
Course offered:
| Program | Duration | Eligibility |
| Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) | 2 years | 12th in Science with minimum of 50% marks |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 4 years | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) | 6 years (including 1-year internship) | 12th or D.Pharm qualification |
Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) Specializations: Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmacy practice | 2 years | B.Pharm with 55% minimum of marks |
4. Anand Pharmacy College (APC), Anand:
Anand Pharmacy College, situated in Gujarat, is a well-known private institution that was established in 1998. The college is committed to providing high-quality education in the field of pharmacy. Recognized for its academic excellence, it is regarded as one of the best B Pharm colleges in India.
Course offered:
| Program | Duration | Eligibility |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 4 years | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) | 6 years (including 1-year internship) | 12th or D.Pharm qualification |
Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) Specializations: Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical technology and Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs. | 2 years | B.Pharm with at least 55% marks |
5. Kalyani Paramedical & Nursing Research Institute, West Bengal
Kalyani Paramedical & Nursing Research Institute, established in 2016 and located in Kalyani, West Bengal, offers a range of pharmacy courses designed to prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare sector. The institute provides programs like Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), and Doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D)courses. Additionally, the college also offers hostel facilities for its students.
Course offered:
| Program | Duration | Eligibility |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | 4 years | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) | 6 years (including 1-year internship) | 12th or D.Pharm qualification |
| Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) | 2 years | Applicant must have passed B pharm |
Pharmacy course fees and Admission criteria:
- Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara University (JSS), Mysuru:
Admission: Admission in this college to pharmacy programs is based on entrance exams or merit.
Course Fees: The fees for B.Pharm and M.Pharm range from ₹ 1, 00,000 to ₹ 2, 00,000 per year.
- Indira College of Pharmacy (ICP), Pune:
Admission: Students can gain admission through state-level entrance exams like MHT-CET or through a management quota.
Course Fees: The annual fees for B.Pharm are approximately ₹ 1, 00, 000 to ₹ 1, 50,000.
- Dr. NGP Research and Educational Trust, Coimbatore:
Admission: Admission is based on Tamil Nadu state entrance exams or through management quota.
Course Fees: B.Pharm fees typically range from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 1, 00,000 per year.
- Anand Pharmacy College (APC), Anand:
Admission: Admissions are usually based on entrance exams or merit criteria set by the Gujarat State Education Board.
Course Fees: The fee structure for B.Pharm programs is around ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 75,000 per year.
- Kalyani Paramedical & Nursing Research Institute, Kalyani:
Admission: Admissions in this college are conducted through merit-based processes or entrance exams depending on the program.
Course Fees: The fees for nursing and paramedical courses generally range between INR 30,000 and INR 80,000 annually, depending on the specific program.
Pharmacy career option:
| Pharmacist | A pharmacist is responsible for dispensing medications, educating patients, and ensuring the safe and effective use of drugs in various healthcare environments. |
| Clinical Pharmacist | Working in hospitals, a clinical pharmacist provides specialized pharmaceutical care, collaborating with healthcare teams to enhance patient outcomes. |
| Community Pharmacist | A community pharmacist operates in retail pharmacies, offering medication management and providing health advice directly to patients in the community. |
| Pharmaceutical Sales Representative | A pharmaceutical sales representative promotes and sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills. |
| Quality Assurance Specialist | A quality assurance specialist ensures that pharmaceutical products meet established standards and comply with industry regulations. |
| Regulatory Affairs Specialist | This professional manages the approval process for new drugs, ensuring they meet governmental regulations and guidelines. |
| Medical Writer | A medical writer produces scientific documents, reports, and educational materials for the pharmaceutical industry, simplifying complex information for broader audiences. |
| Drug Inspector | A drug inspector oversees compliance with pharmaceutical laws and regulations, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medications in the market. |
Pharmacy salary In India:
Overview of Salary Expectations:
- D.Pharm: Graduates can expect starting salaries of around ₹1.4 lakh per year, with potential earnings reaching up to ₹ 3 lakh as they gain experience in the field.
- B.Pharm: Entry-level positions typically offer salaries starting at approximately ₹2.5 lakh, while experienced professionals may earn up to ₹6 lakh annually.
- M.Pharm: Graduates usually start with a salary of about ₹4 lakh, and with experience and specialization, their earnings can rise to around ₹10 lakh per year.
- Pharm.D: Starting salaries for Pharm.D graduates are generally around ₹2.5 lakh, with the potential to earn up to ₹5 lakh as they progress in their careers.
You can find these top 5 pharmacy colleges on Docthub and you can also apply to your preferred pharmacy course.
FAQs:
1. How Many Pharmacy Colleges are there in India?
India has over 4500 pharmacy colleges, with more than 2800 of them approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
2. Does pharma need NEET?
NEET is not required for D.Pharm and B.Pharm courses, but it is mandatory for the Pharm.D course in many institutions.
3. Which is the No. 1 pharmacy college in India?
Jamia Hamdard in New Delhi is ranked as the top pharmacy college in India, along with NIPER institutes in Mohali and Ahmedabad.
4. How to Become a Pharmacist in India?
To become a pharmacist, complete a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India.
5. Which pharmacy course has the highest salary in India?
Roles like Medical Research Scientist (₹6-10 LPA), Drug Regulatory Affairs Specialist (₹7-10 LPA), and Quality Assurance Manager (₹4-8 LPA) offer some of the highest salaries in pharmacy.
