D. PHARMACY (Diploma in Pharmacy)

D. PHARMACY (Diploma in Pharmacy)

Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) is a two-year full-time diploma programme designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The course provides a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and prepares students to work effectively under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

The programme emphasizes a balanced approach to theoretical learning and practical training, enabling students to gain proficiency in dispensing of medicines, understanding pharmaceutical formulations, and adhering to professional and ethical standards of pharmacy practice.

Course Objectives

• To impart fundamental knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences
• To develop skills in dispensing and compounding of medicines
• To create awareness about drug safety, storage, and regulatory requirements
• To prepare students for professional roles in community and hospital pharmacy

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Qualification

• 10+2 (HSC) passed from a recognised board.

• Mandatory subjects:

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Biology or Mathematics

• Minimum marks: Generally 45%–50% aggregate (varies by state/college).

• English as a compulsory subject.

Age Criteria

• Minimum age: 17 years on or before 31st December of the admission year.

3. Admission Process

• Admission is usually merit-based (12th marks).

• Some states follow centralised admission processes (CAP rounds).

• No national-level entrance exam is mandatory for D.Pharm in most states.

4. Course Duration & Structure

5. D. Pharmacy Syllabus & Subjects

First Year Subjects

• Pharmaceutics – I

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry – I

• Pharmacognosy

• Human Anatomy & Physiology

• Health Education & Community Pharmacy

• Practical Laboratory Work

Second Year Subjects

• Pharmaceutics – II

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry – II

• Pharmacology & Toxicology

• Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence

• Drug Store & Business Management

• Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy

• Practical Training

(Syllabus is as per Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) norms.)

6. Practical Training (Internship)

• 500 hours of practical training in:

  • Hospital pharmacy or

  • Community (retail) pharmacy

• Mandatory for pharmacist registration.

7 . Career Opportunities After D. Pharmacy

Job Roles

• Registered Pharmacist

• Hospital Pharmacist

• Community / Retail Pharmacist

• Medical Store Manager

• Drug Store Supervisor

• Pharmaceutical Sales Executive

Employment Areas

• Hospitals & Clinics

• Retail & Wholesale Medical Stores

• Pharmaceutical Companies

• Government Health Departments

8. Higher Education Options

After completing D.Pharm, students can pursue:

• B. Pharmacy (Direct admission to 2nd year via lateral entry)

• Certification courses in healthcare & pharma sales

• Entrepreneurship (own medical store after registration)

9 . Professional Registration

• Graduates must register with the State Pharmacy Council.

• Only PCI-approved colleges allow eligibility for pharmacist registration.

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