Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharma) is a 2 years diploma course. Students who wish to pursue a career in the medical field of pharmaceutical sciences, starting in entry-level positions are suitable for this course. Diploma in Pharmacy is a short-term program for aspirants who want to foray into the pharmaceutical business and pharmacy jobs.
The programme covers basic pharmacy education including the application of chemistry in the pharmaceutical industry, concepts of biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. The programme enables the students to learn about different chemical salts, their application and their uses in medicine.
Diploma in Pharmacy Course Eligibility Criteria
1. Applicants must have a 10+2 qualification from a recognized board on Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects in Class 12th.
2. Applicants must achieve at least 50% to 60% of the points in the relevant proficiency tests.
3. Eligibility conditions for candidates from SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories will be 45% marks in the qualifying examinations.
4. Applicants must not be younger than 17 at the time of application.
Admission Process
1. Colleges publish admission notices on their website from June when most Indian universities would have finished degree exams.
2. Candidate to apply for each college, as each college considers each mark the cut-off mark.
3. Some private colleges and deemed universities perform their counselling process by conducting their university-level entrance exams.
4. Some colleges require a minimum of 50% aggregate in the qualifying examination.
5. Candidates who qualify for the test are called for an interview before the final seat allotment.
6. Paramedical Admission is done on the basis of both Entrance Exams as well as the basis of Merit. Various Entrance Exams such as UPSEE, GPAT, NEET etc are conducted to enrol students for Paramedical courses.
Career after D.Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy)Career Scope & Job Opportunities in the Pharmacy field are huge. Students holding PharmD degrees get wide opportunities such as research and development, quality assurance and improvement, technical advancements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Due to the opening of large pharmaceutical companies, the future in the field of pharmacy is bright.
Numerous jobs are available for pharmacists in government as well as private organizations. After completing your studies, you can easily find jobs in pharmaceutical industries, government departments, colleges and universities, hospitals, investigation and research institutes etc.
D.Pharma can be important for a good start because it will help you understand the basics of pharmacy while you practice. You can choose to pursue B.Pharm and M.Pharm degrees in the future. There is also scope of higher studies after D. Pharma. Person can directly apply for second year of Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma), after completing Diploma in Pharmacy course.
Consultant Pharmacists
Clinical Pharmacist
Dispensary Manager
Dispensary Pharmacist
Community Pharmacist
Hospital Pharmacist
Medicines Safety Manager
Medicines Management
Technician Pharmacy Assistant
Senior Clinical Pharmacists
Employment Area / Major Recruiters (Govt. & Private sector)
Government hospitals
Clinics Private hospitals
Community health centers
Private drug stores
D Pharmacy Course Highlights
Level |
Diploma |
Duration |
2 Years |
Course Fee |
INR 4,000 to INR 4 Lakhs |
Exam Type |
Annual/Semester |
Minimum Qualification |
10+2 |
Minimum Aggregate Score Requirement |
45%- 55% |
Selection Process |
Merit-Based/ Entrance Exam |
Employment Sectors |
Govt. Hospitals, Clinics, Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes, etc |
D Pharmacy Syllabus
First Year |
Second Year |
Pharmaceutics I |
Pharmaceutics 2 |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1 |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2 |
Biochemistry Clinical Pathology |
Antibiotics |
Human Anatomy Physiology |
Hypnotics |
Health Education Community Pharmacy |
Pharmacology and Toxicology |
- |
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence |
- |
Drug Store Business Management |
- |
Hospital Clinical Pharmacy |
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course and the associated career opportunities:
Q1: What is a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)?
Ans: A Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) is a short-term course designed to prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry and community pharmacy. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice, drug formulation, and patient care.
Q2: How long does it take to complete a D.Pharm course?
Ans: The duration of a D.Pharm course is typically 2 years, which may include practical training or internships.
Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for enrolling in a D.Pharm course?
Ans: Candidates are generally required to have completed their high school education (12th grade) with a focus on science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Some institutions may also require a minimum percentage or GPA.
Q4: Is there an entrance exam for admission?
Ans: Some institutions may require an entrance exam, while others may admit students based on their high school grades or other criteria.
Q5: Are there any practical training components in the course?
Ans: Yes, practical training is a crucial part of the D.Pharm course, including laboratory work and internships in pharmacies, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies.
Q6: Can a D.Pharm lead to further education in pharmacy?
Ans: Yes, after completing a D.Pharm, graduates can pursue further education such as a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and eventually an M.Pharm or other advanced degrees.
Q7: Is the D.Pharm course recognized by professional bodies?
Ans: Yes, it is important to ensure that the D.Pharm course is accredited by relevant professional bodies such as the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) or equivalent organizations in other countries.
Q8: Can international students enroll in this course?
Ans: Many institutions welcome international students, but it is essential to check specific admission requirements and visa regulations.
Q9: How much does a D.Pharm course cost?
Ans: The cost can vary widely depending on the institution and country. On average, it can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
Q10: Are there financial aid or scholarship options available?
Ans: Some institutions offer financial aid or scholarships to eligible students. It’s best to check with the specific institution for available options.
Q11: How do I apply for a D.Pharm course?
Ans: Applications are usually submitted online through the institution’s website. Applicants will need to provide academic transcripts, a completed application form, and any other required documents.
Q12: When is the application deadline?
Ans: Application deadlines vary by institution. It’s important to check the specific deadlines for each program.
Q13: What skills will I gain from a D.Pharm course?
Ans: Students will gain skills in drug formulation, dispensing medications, patient counseling, understanding drug interactions, and pharmaceutical calculations. They will also learn about regulations and ethics in pharmacy practice.