D Pharma course details, full form, eligibility, duration, and career
Table of Contents
D Pharma full form is the Diploma in Pharmacy, which is a two-year undergraduate diploma programme designed to prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy, or hospital-based practice. The full form of D Pharmacy is Diploma in Pharmacy. This course serves as an entry-level qualification for individuals aspiring to become registered pharmacists in India. The duration of the D.Pharm course is 2 academic years, followed by a 3-month compulsory internship or practical training.
To be eligible, candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics from a recognised board. Admission is typically based on merit, though in some states or institutions, D Pharmacy entrance exams such as state-level CETs (e.g., JEECUP for Uttar Pradesh) are conducted to shortlist candidates.
D Pharma full form
D Pharmastands for Diploma in Pharmacy. The "D" in D Pharma represents "Diploma," indicating that the qualification is at the diploma level. The term "Pharma" refers to the pharmaceutical field, which encompasses the study and practice of pharmacy.
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D Pharmacy course details
Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) is a two-year diploma programme designed to train students in the fundamentals of pharmaceutical sciences, drug formulation, dispensing, and healthcare practices. Approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), this course is ideal for students who have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics, and aspire to pursue a career as a pharmacist. After successful completion of the academic curriculum and a 3-month mandatory internship, graduates can register as pharmacists and work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, or pursue further education in pharmacy.
D Pharmacy Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Full Form | Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) |
| Level | Undergraduate Diploma |
| Duration | 2 Years + 3 Months Internship |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics |
| Minimum Age | 17 Years |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based / Entrance Exam (JEECUP, DCECE, etc.) |
| Regulatory Body | Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) |
| Internship Requirement | 3 Months (Hospital/Pharmacy/Health Centre) |
D Pharmacy course duration
The duration of the Diploma in Pharmacy course is typically 2 years. This period includes both theoretical and practical training, designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in the pharmaceutical field. The curriculum is usually divided into two parts, each lasting one academic year, with an emphasis on classroom learning, laboratory work, and internships or industrial training.
D Pharma syllabus
Here is the D Pharmacy Syllabus as per the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), divided into Part I (First Year) and Part II (Second Year). This syllabus is followed by most universities and institutions offering the Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) across India.
First Year (D Pharmacy Part-I)
| Subject Name | Description |
| Pharmaceutics – I | Introduction to pharmacy, dosage forms, prescriptions, pharmaceutical calculations |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry – I | Basics of chemistry, acids, bases, buffers, and inorganic compounds |
| Pharmacognosy | Study of medicinal plants and crude drugs |
| Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | Biomolecules, enzymology, and diagnostic pathology basics |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | Structure and functions of human body systems |
| Health Education & Community Pharmacy | Public health, nutrition, communicable diseases, and first aid |
Second Year (D Pharmacy Part-II)
| Subject Name | Description |
| Pharmaceutics – II | Dispensing pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, surgical dressings, incompatibilities |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry – II | Organic chemistry, analysis of pharmaceuticals, and identification tests |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | Drug actions, adverse effects, dose-response relationships |
| Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | Pharmacy laws, ethics, and regulatory affairs |
| Drug Store and Business Management | Inventory control, accounting, marketing, and drug distribution |
| Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | Hospital organisation, drug interactions, and patient counselling |
D pharmacy Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course in India, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions as per the guidelines laid down by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and respective state authorities:
Educational Qualification
- The candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- The qualifying subjects must include Physics and Chemistry, along with Biology or Mathematics.
- Students from the Science stream (PCB/PCM) are eligible.
Minimum Marks Required
- A minimum of 45% aggregate marks in the qualifying exam (40% for SC/ST/OBC categories in most states).
- Some states or private institutions may have their cut-offs or merit lists.
Age Limit
- The applicant should be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission.
- There is no upper age limit for D.Pharm admission unless specified by a particular university or state authority.
Entrance Exam (if applicable)
- In some states, admission is based on entrance exams like:
- JEECUP (Uttar Pradesh)
- DCECE (Bihar)
- AP/TS POLYCET (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)
- In other cases, admission may be offered through direct merit-based selection.
D pharma Admission process
Admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharm) programme in India is conducted either through merit-based selection or entrance examinations, depending on the state and the institution. The process typically follows these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics. Minimum 45% marks (40% for reserved categories).
- Apply Online/Offline: Submit the application form with required documents on the college or state authority portal.
- Entrance Exam (If Applicable): Appear for state-level exams like JEECUP (UP), DCECE (Bihar), or direct admission based on merit.
- Merit List & Counselling: Qualified candidates are shortlisted for counselling and seat allocation.
- Fee Payment & Document Verification: Pay the admission fee and verify original documents at the allotted college.
- Final Admission: Complete enrolment and begin classes as per the academic calendar.
Research institutions and deadlines well in advance. Fees and specific requirements can vary .
D Pharma Entrance exams
Admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) in many states is conducted through state-level entrance exams, while some institutions offer direct admission based on 10+2 merit. Below are the key entrance exams for D Pharma:
Top D Pharma Entrance Exams in India
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Applicable State | Eligibility |
| JEECUP | Joint Entrance Exam Council, UP | Uttar Pradesh | 10+2 with PCB/PCM |
| DCECE | Bihar Combined Entrance Board | Bihar | 10+2 with PCB/PCM |
| MHT CET | State CET Cell, Maharashtra | Maharashtra | 10+2 with Science |
| AP POLYCET | State Board of Technical Ed. | Andhra Pradesh | 10th or 10+2 (varies) |
| TS POLYCET | SBTET Telangana | Telangana | 10th or 10+2 (varies) |
D Pharma best colleges
Here is a curated list of some of the top D Pharma colleges in Uttar Pradesh (UP), including both government and private institutions. These colleges are recognised by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and affiliated with respective state boards or universities.
Top D Pharma Colleges in Uttar Pradesh – Overview Table
| College Name | Location | Type | Approval | Admission Mode |
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) | Moradabad | Private | PCI Approved | Direct / JEECUP |
| Government Polytechnic, Lucknow | Lucknow | Government | PCI Approved | JEECUP |
| Government Polytechnic, Kanpur | Kanpur | Government | PCI Approved | JEECUP |
| Government Polytechnic, Gorakhpur | Gorakhpur | Government | PCI Approved | JEECUP |
| Institute of Pharmacy, KGMU | Lucknow | Government | PCI Approved | Merit-Based |
Why choose TMU for D pharma?
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad, is a premier PCI-approved institution offering a robust and industry-aligned Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharma) programme. TMU stands out as a preferred destination for pharmacy education due to its academic excellence, practical training, and healthcare integration.
Key Reasons to Choose TMU for D Pharma
- PCI-Approved Curriculum
TMU’s D Pharma programme is fully approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and designed to meet current industry standards and patient-care competencies. - Hospital-Based Practical Exposure
TMU offers hands-on training at its 850+ bed NABH-accredited multispeciality hospital, ensuring real-time clinical and community pharmacy experience. - Modern Infrastructure & Labs
The university houses advanced pharmaceutical laboratories, drug testing facilities, and simulation-based learning environments. - Experienced Faculty
TMU’s pharmacy faculty comprises PhDs, industry experts, and clinical pharmacists dedicated to student mentorship and academic excellence.
D Pharma course fees
The fees for a D Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) course can vary significantly based on the institution and its location.
| Type of Institution | Average Annual Fees (₹) | Additional Costs |
| Government College | ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000 | Textbooks, lab materials, and other resources |
| Private College | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 | Textbooks, lab materials, and other resources |
D Pharma Course Fees at TMU
The total tuition fee for a Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharm) program at Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) is ₹241,200 for the entire course duration (likely 4 years).
Here's a breakdown of the fees:
| Fee Description | Amount |
| Tuition Fee (per semester) | ₹60,300/- |
| Total Tuition Fee (2 years) | ₹241,200 (assuming 2 semesters per year) |
| Additional Fees (one-time) | |
| Admission Registration Fee | ₹5,000 |
| Admission Processing Fee | ₹2,500 |
| Lab Charges (per year) | ₹1,000 (information might need verification) |
Other Pharmacy Courses
| Courses | Specialisations | Fees and Duration |
| B Pharm |
| 72,000/- per sem and 2 years |
| Pharm D Pharm D (Post Baccalaureate) |
| 90,000/- per sem and 6 years 75,600/- per sem and 3 years |
M Pharm
|
| 80,100/- per sem and 2 years
|
D Pharma vs Pharm D
Here is a clear and professional comparison between D Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) and Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy), suitable for educational guidance, academic pages, or student counselling materials:
D Pharma vs Pharm D – Key Differences
| Feature | D Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) | Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) |
| Full Form | Diploma in Pharmacy | Doctor of Pharmacy |
| Level | Undergraduate Diploma | Professional Doctoral Degree |
| Duration | 2 Years + 3 Months Internship | 6 Years (5 Years + 1 Year Internship) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with PCB/PCM (Science stream) | 10+2 with PCB/PCM or D.Pharm (for lateral entry) |
| Nature of Programme | Basic entry-level course in pharmacy | Advanced clinical and practice-oriented programme |
| Focus Area | Dispensing medicines, retail pharmacy, basic drug knowledge | Clinical pharmacy, patient care, pharmacotherapy |
| Career Scope | Pharmacist, medical store owner, drug representative | Clinical pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, healthcare consultant |
| Prescribing Authority | Not eligible to prescribe | Can participate in drug therapy management (with doctors) |
| Higher Education Path | B.Pharm, Pharm D (Post Bacc.), B.Sc in Life Sciences | Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Research Fellowships |
| Job Sectors | Retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, sales | Hospitals, clinical research, pharmacovigilance |
Summary:
- D Pharma is a 2-year diploma course providing foundational knowledge and skills in pharmacy. It prepares students for entry-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry, retail pharmacies, and hospitals.
- Pharm D is a 6-year professional doctoral program focusing on advanced clinical practice and patient care. It includes extensive clinical training and an internship, preparing graduates for more specialised roles in healthcare settings, research, and academia.
D Pharma vs B Pharma
| Criteria | D Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) | B Pharma (Bachelor of Pharmacy) |
| Duration | Typically 2 years | Typically 4 years |
| Curriculum | Focuses on fundamentals of pharmacy practice | In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences |
| (pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmacy laws) | (drug discovery, formulation development, pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacy) | |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in Science stream or equivalent | 10+2 in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics |
| Career Path | Pharmacy technicians, medical representatives, assistant pharmacists | Pharmacists, researchers, drug safety associates, regulatory affairs specialists |
| Scope | Practical skills for immediate job entry | Comprehensive understanding, advanced roles, or further studies |
D Pharma Jobs And Salary in India
The job prospects for D Pharmacy graduates in India are generally positive. The Indian healthcare industry is growing rapidly, which means there's a demand for qualified pharmacy professionals.
Here are some reasons why D Pharmacy can be a good career choice:
- Variety of work options:With a D Pharmacy diploma, you can work in various sectors like hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and even government agencies.
- Government jobs:There are opportunities for D Pharmacy graduates in government hospitals, educational institutes, and even the Food and Drug Administration.
- Relatively shorter course:Compared to B Pharmacy, D Pharmacy is a shorter program, allowing you to enter the workforce faster.
Here are some of the job titles you can target after D Pharmacy:
- Pharmacist:This is the most common role for D Pharmacy graduates. You can dispense medications, advise patients on proper use, and maintain pharmacy records.
- Clinical Research Associate (CRA):You can assist with clinical trials by managing data and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Production Executive/Assistant:You can work in pharmaceutical manufacturing units, involved in production processes and quality control.
D Pharma Salary in India
| Job Sector | Starting Salary (₹) | With Experience (₹) | Senior Position (₹) |
| Retail Pharmacy | 15,000 - 25,000 | 25,000 - 35,000 | 35,000 - 50,000+ |
| Hospital Pharmacy | 20,000 - 30,000 | 30,000 - 40,000 | 40,000 - 60,000+ |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | |||
| Production/Quality Control | 20,000 - 30,000 | 30,000 - 45,000 | 45,000 - 70,000+ |
| Sales Representative | 18,000 - 30,000 | 30,000 - 50,000 | |
| Government Jobs | 25,000 - 35,000 | 35,000 - 50,000 | 50,000 - 80,000+ |
| E-Pharmacy | 20,000 - 30,000 | 30,000 - 45,000 | 45,000 - 60,000+ |
D Pharma Internships
D Pharma internships are a crucial part of the program, allowing students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of pharmacy. These internships typically occur in the final year of the program and last for a specific period mandated by your institution. Here's a breakdown of D Pharma internships:
Benefits?
- Get hands-on:Learn how pharmacies work, not just from books.
- Level up your skills:Practice dispensing meds, talking to patients, and more.
- Boost your resume:Show future employers you're serious about pharmacy.
- Find your fit:Try out different pharmacy settings to see what you like best.
Types of D Pharma Internship Settings:
- Hospital Pharmacy.
- Community Pharmacy.
- Pharmaceutical Company.
Finding D Pharma Internships:
- College Placement Cell:Many colleges have placement cells that assist students in finding internship opportunities.
- Online Job Portals:Look for internship postings on websites like Internshala or Indeed, filtering for D Pharma internships in your area.
- Direct Contact:Approach local pharmacies, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies to inquire about internship possibilities.
Conclusion
In summary, the D Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) program offers a foundational, two-year diploma course that equips students with essential pharmaceutical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for entry-level positions in various pharmacy settings. This program focuses on key subjects such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacognosy, along with practical training in community and hospital pharmacy. Eligibility typically requires completion of higher secondary education with a science background.
On the other hand, the Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a more extensive six-year doctoral program emphasising advanced clinical practice and patient care, including a significant clinical internship component. Graduates of Pharm D are prepared for specialised roles such as clinical pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, and pharmaceutical researchers. The Pharmacy Council of India regulates both programs and offers distinct career paths within the pharmaceutical industry, with D Pharma providing a quicker route to the workforce and Pharm D offering deeper clinical training and broader professional opportunities.
FAQs
Q1: What is the D Pharma?
Ans: D Pharma, or Diploma in Pharmacy, is a two-year undergraduate diploma course that introduces students to the fundamentals of pharmaceutical science, drug formulation, and dispensing. Designed for science stream students (PCB/PCM), it enables them to become registered pharmacists in India after completing a 3-month mandatory internship. Approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), D Pharma serves as a foundation for careers in retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or further studies like B.Pharm or Pharm.D.
Q2: Which is better, B Pharm or D Pharm?
Ans: B Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) is generally considered better than D Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy) for long-term career growth, as it offers a more comprehensive curriculum and wider job opportunities in pharmaceutical industries, research, and higher education. D Pharm is suitable for those seeking quick entry into retail pharmacy or basic healthcare roles. B Pharm graduates can pursue advanced studies like M.Pharm or Pharm D, while D Pharm holders often need to upgrade through lateral entry into B Pharm for better prospects.
Q3: What is B Pharma's salary?
Ans: The average salary after completing a B Pharma (Bachelor of Pharmacy) in India typically ranges from ₹2.5 LPA to ₹5 LPA for fresh graduates, depending on the role, location, and employer. Job roles include pharmacist, medical representative, quality analyst, and drug safety associate. With experience and higher qualifications like M.Pharm or MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, professionals can earn ₹6–10 LPA or more, especially in clinical research, regulatory affairs, or production management sectors.
Q4: Is D pharmacy a good career?
Ans: Yes, D Pharmacy is a good career option for students interested in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. It offers early entry into the pharmacy profession with opportunities in hospitals, retail drug stores, pharmaceutical companies, and government sectors. D.Pharm graduates can become registered pharmacists, open their own chemist shops, or pursue higher education like B.Pharm or Pharm.D. With the growing demand for healthcare services in India, D Pharmacy provides a stable and respectable career path with good earning potential and growth opportunities
