Pharmacy Courses After 12th in India: Eligibility, Duration, Scope & Career Opportunities
The healthcare industry in India is displaying rapid growth and has emerged as a stable and lucrative career option after the 12th standard. Pharmacy courses after 12 in India combine healthcare skills with their scientific expertise.
Below is a detailed overview of pharmacy courses after 12th in India, detailing eligibility criteria, popular course options, course duration, fees, career scope & opportunities for jobs.
Pharmacy Courses After 12th in India:
The pharmacy course covers the know-how of medicines such as their preparation, dispensing methods and their appropriate usage. The course is suitable for students with an interest in medicine, chemistry and healthcare.
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) are the regulatory bodies that govern pharmacy courses in India. After completing 12th standard, students can opt for a diploma, undergraduate, or integrated pharmacy course based on their career goals and academic background.
Popular Pharmacy Courses After 12th Include:
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharma)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma)
- Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy, which is an integrated course)
Pharmacy Courses After 12th: Overview
Multiple pharmacy courses available to the students after 12th standard vary in duration, academic depth and career opportunities. The popular options are diploma courses which enable quick entry into the professional world of pharmacy, while undergraduate degree courses offer wider career opportunities. Integrated professional courses are suitable for clinical and hospital-based roles.
Students can select a course based on whether they want early employment or opt for further higher studies or research.
Read Also - Which Pharmacy Course is Best after 12th Science for a Successful Career
Eligibility for Pharmacy Courses After 12th
The eligibility criteria for diploma, undergraduate or integrated pharmacy courses option after 12th standard is generally similar. Students must have passed 10+2 (science stream with mandatory Physics and Chemistry subjects & either of Maths/ Biology) with a minimum 45% marks (relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per norms).
Diploma in Pharmacy After 12th (D. Pharma):
A Diploma in Pharmacy program after 12th is one of the most popular short-term pharmacy courses in India. It provides the students opportunity for being employment ready in the pharmaceutical sector earlier than other options.
Key highlights of the D.Pharm course are:
- Builds fundamental pharmaceutical concepts;
- Students can work as registered pharmacists.
- Practical training oriented and imparts medicine dispensing skills
- After completion of the course, students can register with the State Pharmacy Council and legally work in medical stores, hospitals and clinics.
- This course is especially suitable for students who aspire to a cheaper and quicker entry into the pharmacy profession.
Read Also -D Pharma Course Details: Full Form, Admission, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Fees, Colleges, Jobs
B. Pharmacy Course After 12th
The B. Pharmacy course after 12th is a four-year undergraduate degree program that provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of pharmacy. This option is preferable to students who aspire for richer roles/ positions or further research opportunities.
Key attributes of the B.Pharm course are:
- Disseminates in-depth knowledge for subjects like pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacognosy
- Also includes industrial training and practical laboratory work
- Suitable for students aspiring for further education, e.g., M. Pharmacy, MBA or Pharm D.
After completing the B. Pharmacy course, the students get wide career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, research labs, regulatory institutions and healthcare bodies.
Pharmacy Course Duration and Fees:
One of the critical factors required by a student for choosing amongst various courses are its duration and fees. A general idea of the same is reproduced below to help students plan their education effectively.
| B.Sc Course | Course Duration | Course Fees |
|---|---|---|
| D. Pharma | 2 years | INR 40,000 – 1,00,000 Per Year |
| B. Pharma | 4 years | INR 80,000 – 2,50,000 Per Year |
| Pharm D | 6 years (5 years academic + 1 year internship) | INR 1,50,000 – 3,00,000 Per Year |
It is further mentioned that the above fees vary from institution to institution based on government or private institutions, location and facilities offered.
Career Scope in Pharmacy in India:
There is a bright career scope for pharmacy students in India owing to the rapid growth and expansion in healthcare, pharmacy manufacturing, biotechnology and clinical research.
The above growth is further sustained as India is one of the largest producers of generic medicines in the world, which leads to a constant need for skilled pharmacy professionals. There are numerous jobs after pharmacy courses.
After completing the course, the career opportunities extend beyond medical shops to extremely technical roles such as drug development, quality control and also extend to patient care.
Pharmacy Graduates Can Work in:
- Pharmaceutical companies;
- Hospitals and healthcare centers;
- R & D laboratories of the pharmacy industries;
- Government health departments;
- Regulatory authorities.
With increased experience and completion of further education, the pharmacy professionals get opportunity for managerial and leadership roles as well..
Read Also - Pharm D Course Details: Full Form, Eligibility, Fees, Admission, Top Colleges and Scope
Popular Job Roles After Pharmacy Courses:
- Pharmacist
- Drug Inspector
- Medical Representative
- Quality Control Analyst
- Production Executive
- Clinical Research Associate
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Regulatory Affairs Officer
Further, the students can also open their own medical store or pharmacy, pursue higher studies (M. Pharma, MBA, PhD.), and work abroad after meeting licensing requirements. Initially, a student can expect to get a remuneration/ salary of INR 2.5 to INR 5 LPA, which increases with further experience, specialization, and industry exposure.
Conclusion:
Pharmacy is a growing and respected career choice for science students after 12th standard, and Mangalayatan University is one of the best University in Uttar Pradesh that caters to the requirements of students who want to pursue pharmacy courses after completing senior secondary education with science stream.
With multiple pharmacy courses after 12th in India, students get lots of options to decide based on their interests and financial capacity. With the above details, students can make informed decisions and build a successful career in the pharmacy and healthcare sector.
