Diploma in Pharmacy

D.Pharm Overview

D Pharma Course

D Pharma or Diploma in Pharmacy is a professional diploma course that prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry. The duration of D Pharma course is 2 years. D Pharma is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a long-term career in the medical sector of pharmaceutical sciences, beginning with entry-level positions. The course curriculum of D Pharmacy is designed to prepare applicants for applying to D Pharma jobs in hospitals, community pharmacies, and other pharmaceutical-related industries under the supervision of a certified pharmacist. After completing D Pharma, candidates can choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Many candidates go on to finish MBA in Pharmaceutical Management after completing D Pharma degree.

Some of the popular specializations of D Pharma are Master of Public Health, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Pharmacy Practices. Popular colleges offering D Pharma programme to their students include Institute of Chemical Technology, Jamia Hamdard University, JIS University, and NMIMS. In India, the typical D Pharma fee ranges between INR 10,000 and INR 1 LPA per year. The D Pharma salary offered to a pharmacy diploma holder ranges between INR 2 LPA and INR 5 LPA, with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the area the salary increases. Students can pursue higher education and other diploma programmes after completing D Pharma degree.

All About D Pharmacy

  • To be eligible to apply to this course, students must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 50% marks. 
  • Admission to D Pharma courses is either entrance or merit-based. The most popular entrance tests are GPAT, JEE Pharmacy etc.
  • The average tuition fee charged by colleges or universities for this course in India lies anywhere between INR 10,000 and 1,00,000 per annum. The fee varies as per the type of the institution. 
  • After completing this course, students will be able to find work in various private and public sectors as a Pharmacist, Scientific Officer, Quality Analyst, Production Executive, Medical Transcriptionist etc.
  • Average initial salary offered to a Pharmacy diploma holder ranges somewhere between INR 2,00,000 and 5,00,000 per annum, which may increase with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field
  • On completion of this course, students can pursue higher studies and advanced academic exploration through B Pharma and other Diploma courses. This course essentially provides a solid basis for further studies and related prospects. 

Particulars

Details

CourseD Pharma
Full-FormDiploma in Pharmacy
Duration2 Years
Regulatory BodyPharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Eligibility CriteriaClass 12th Board exams with 50% aggregate mark in science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Math.
Entrances ExamAU AIMEE, GPAT, etc.
Average FeeINR 10,000 – INR 1 LPA
Average Salary EarnedINR 2 LPA – INR 5 LPA
Job ProfilesPharmacists, Scientific officers, Quality Analysts, Production executives, medical transcriptionists, etc.
Higher EducationM Pharma, MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, PG Diploma in Pharmacy.
D.Pharm Jobs

 Diploma in Pharmacy, also known as D Pharma, is a career oriented course program in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, specifically designed for candidates to impart knowledge and skills of the fundamentals of Pharmaceuticals. D Pharma syllabus allows students to peep into all the essential training and knowledge required in the field of the pharmaceutical industry. Jobs after D Pharma are always in demand across various fields like clinics, Private hospitals, Government hospitals, Community health centers, private hospitals, drug stores, and other pharmaceutical services. With the ever-expanding healthcare sector in India, with rapid growing changes across the country, the scope for D Pharmacy graduates have only increased in the recent past.

Job options after D Pharma are available in both Government as well as Private sectors. The average salary after D Pharmacy can be expected in the range between INR 3 LPA to INR 7 LPA approximately. To define the scope of D Pharmacy jobs, let's take a quick example: The average D Pharma salary range offered to candidates with no prior experience is between INR 3 LPA to INR 7.5 LPA approximately, whereas the highest salary offered to the same, with adequate prior experience, may range between INR 6.5 LPA to INR 10 LPA approximately. After completing a Diploma in Pharmacy, candidates are usually offered a wide range of job roles, such as Pharmacists, Production executive, Analytical Chemists Clinical, Hospital Pharmacy Director, Assistant Professor, Sales and Marketing Executive, Food and Drug Administration, etc. To know about the details of D Pharma Jobs in India, find out the information provided below.

The salary range after D Pharma is defined by a number of factors like the employment sector, department, location, expertise, skills, and knowledge. A large number of Private as well as Government agencies offer employment opportunities to D Pharmacy graduates in India. Refer to the table mentioned below for the highlights of D Pharmacy Jobs: 

Particulars

Details

Course Title Diploma in Pharmacy 
Commonly Known AsD Pharma
Course Duration 2 Years
Average D Pharmacy Course FeeINR 45,000 to INR 2 LPA (Average)
Average D Pharmacy Job SalaryINR 3 LPA to INR 7 LPA (Average)
Employment Areas Government and Private Sectors
Job Profiles Hospital Pharmacy Director, Hospital Staff Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Pharmacist in Charge, Assistant Professor, Sales and Marketing Executive, Food and Drug Administration, Retail Pharmacist, Pharmacologist, Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Data Analyst, Business Development Manager, Research Scientist
Skills Required Interpersonal Skills, Stress Management, Communication Skills, Multitasking, Patient Counselling, Analytical and Critical Thinking, Time Management, Decision-Making, Practical Knowledge of the Field
Top Recruiters of D Pharmacy Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited, Reddy’s Laboratories, Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mankind Pharma Limited, Wockhardt Limited, Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Cadila Healthcare Limited, Glenmark Pharma Limited, Biocon Limited, Divis Laboratories Limited, Lupin Limited, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited, Piramal Enterprises Limited, Abbott India Limited, Cipla Limited
Higher Education (Courses to Pursue After D Pharmacy)Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) Lateral Entry, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Ayurveda), Master of Pharmacy (M Pharm), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Postdoc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, etc.
Study D Pharmacy Abroad United States, Switzerland, Canada, Germany and United Kingdom

 

Career Opportunities After D Pharma Course

There are numerous career options after completing a Diploma in Pharmacy in India. Candidates pursuing the course are eligible to opt for a career in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Thus, after completing a D Pharma degree, a student is exposed to a variety of employment opportunities in different areas, in India as well as abroad. Thus, the scope of D Pharma jobs is constantly expanding in the following areas of recruitment:

  • Government Hospitals
  • Healthcare Clinics
  • Private Hospitals
  • Community Health Centre
  • Private Drugs Sores
  • Pharmaceutical Firms
  • Educational Institutes
  • Sales and Marketing Department
  • Research Agencies
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Research Labs

Some of the top professional D Pharma job roles for all willing candidates are mentioned below:

  • Junior Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
  • Data Analyst
  • Pharmacist
  • Pharmacist in Charge
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Hospital Pharmacy Director
  • Hospital Staff Pharmacist
  • Assistant Professor
  • Sales and Marketing Executive
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Retail Pharmacist
  • Retail Staff Pharmacist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
  • Business Development Manager
  • Research Scientist

D Pharma Job Profiles with Details

After completing a D Pharma course, candidates become eligible to determine the type of employment they want for themselves, which further dictates the expected salary for the job profile. Currently, there is an abundance of D Pharmacy jobs in India due to the recent emergence of large pharmaceutical companies across the country, and therefore, jobs after D Pharma are relatively easier to crack. As a result of this expansion, there has been a significant increase in the demand for pharmaceutical graduates abroad as well, thus opening newer opportunities for D Pharma graduates to seek job options after D Pharmacy abroad. In short, career options after D Pharmacy offer lucrative opportunities with great salary packages. Thus, let's take a detailed look at the list of job roles available in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, for candidates who graduate a Diploma in Pharmacy:

Job Profiles Description Average Salary Range (INR)
PharmacistThey are responsible for preparing medications through thorough reviewing and interpreting physician orders and detecting therapeutic incompatibilities.INR 2 LPA (approx.)
Medical TranscriptionistThey are responsible for converting medical records such as office visit notes, test results, referral letters, and other documentation needed for accurate patient records into written format.INR 2.5 LPA (approx.)
Scientific OfficerThey are responsible for a company's scientific functions, including basic and applied research projects, development of new processes, technologies, or products.INR 6 LPA (approx.)
Production ExecutiveThey determine the best and the most efficient use of the available resources, like equipment and labor, for meeting production goals.INR 5 LPA (approx.)
Analytical ChemistThey are responsible for keeping a check on food and pharmaceutical consumption, the use of natural resources, criminal investigations, and the development of manufacturing processes.INR 4.8 LPA (approx.)
Research OfficerThey are responsible for managing research projects, creating test parameters, and determining the project's objectives, methods, and goals.INR 8 LPA (approx.)
Pathological Lab ScientistThey are responsible for analyzing samples and specimens, detecting and understanding abnormalities along with their causes.INR 3.4 LPA (approx.)
Research & Development ExecutiveThey are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all research and development activities of an organization.INR 5.7 LPA (approx.)

Note: The salary range of D Pharma jobs may vary based on the experience level of the individual. For example, a fresher in the field will automatically be offered a less package in comparison to the one with prior work experience. 

 

Top Companies Hiring D Pharma Course Graduates

Students graduating D Pharma courses from renowned institutes are eligible to opt for placements across various employment areas, in India as well as abroad. Some of the top recruiting agencies of D Pharmacy graduates in India are mentioned below:

Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries LtdReddy’s Laboratories
Mankind Pharma LtdIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Wockhardt LtdAurobindo Pharma Ltd
Cadila Healthcare LtdGlenmark Pharma Ltd
Cipla LtdBiocon Ltd
Torrent Pharmaceuticals LtdLupin Ltd
Abbott India LtdPiramal Enterprises Ltd
Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals LtdProjects & Development India Ltd
Rajasthan Drugs & Pharmaceuticals LtdBharat Immunological & Biological Corporation Ltd
Orissa Drugs & Chemicals LtdIndian Medicines & Pharmaceutical Corporation Ltd
Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals LtdHindustan Antibiotics Ltd
Hindustan Fluorocarbons Ltd-

 

D.Pharm Syllabus

D Pharmacy Syllabus

This Diploma in Pharmacy course is taught in traditional yearly based curriculums. Below is mentioned the detailed syllabus of the two years. The syllabus of D. Pharm may be different to an extent as per the curriculum of each institute, but the basic structures and topics remain the same for the entire curriculum offering this particular diploma course.

First Year

Second Year 

Pharmaceutics IPharmaceutics 2
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2
Biochemistry Clinical PathologyAntibiotics
Human Anatomy PhysiologyHypnotics
Health Education Community PharmacyPharmacology and Toxicology
-Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
-Drug Store Business Management
-Hospital Clinical Pharmacy

D Pharmacy Course Content

Year I

 
Pharmaceutics IIntroduction to different dosage forms
Metrology
Packaging of pharmaceuticals
Size separation by Shifting
Clarification and Filtration
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1Acids, Bases and Buffers
Antioxidants
Gastrointestinal Agents
Topical Agents
Dental Products
Definition, History, and Scope
Pharmaceutical Aids
Various systems of Classification of Drugs and Natural Origin
Adulteration and drug evaluation
Biochemistry Clinical PathologyIntroduction to Biochemistry
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Vitamins
Enzymes
Therapeutics
Human Anatomy PhysiologyScope of Anatomy and Physiology
Elementary Tissues
Skeletal Systems
Cardiovascular Systems
Respiratory Systems
Muscular Systems
Health Education Community PharmacyConcept of Health
Nutrition and Health
First Aid
Environment and Health
Fundamental Principles of Microbiology
Communicable Diseases

Year II

 
Pharmaceutics 2Reading and Understanding Prescriptions
Study of Various types of Incompatibilities
Posology
Dispensed Medications
Types of Powders
Lipids and Dosage forms
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2Introduction to Nomenclature of Organic Chemical Systems
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Antileprotic Drugs
Pharmacology and ToxicologyIntroduction to Pharmacology
Scope of Pharmacology
Drugs: Their Advantages and Disadvantages
General Mechanism of Drug Action
Drugs acting on the Central Nervous System
Pharmaceutical JurisprudenceOrigin and Nature of Pharmaceutical Legislation in India
Principles and Significance of Professional Ethics
Pharmacy Act, 1948
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
The Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954
Drug Store Business ManagementIntroduction
Drug House Management
Sales
Recruitment and Training
Banking and Finance
Introduction to Accounting
Hospital Clinical PharmacyDefinition, Function, and Classification of Hospitals
Hospital Pharmacy
The Drug Distribution System in the Hospital
Manufacturing
Drug Information Service
Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy
Modern Dispensing Aspects
D.Pharm Skills

Required Skills Set for D Pharmacy

All candidates who are interested in enrolling into a D Pharmacy course must possess a variety of skill sets in order to understand their concepts and get the most out of their studying experience. In pharmacy, these abilities are also essential for a successful career and effective performance. Participants can improve their skills and knowledge during their time in the programme.

The most essential D Pharmacy required skills are listed here:

  1. Communication and interpersonal skills
  2. Medical and scientific research skills
  3. Curiosity and persuasion skills
  4. Business skills such as marketing and organizing
  5. Science wizard and technical skills
  6. Sharp memory and wicked knowledge
  7. Therapeutic and counselling skills
  8. Medical writing and ethics
  9. Determination and consistency skills
D.Pharm Admission

D Pharmacy Admission Process

D Pharma Admission is usually based on the score obtained by a candidate in an entrance exam. Some of the major entrance exams conducted for this purpose  are GPAT, AU AIMEE etc. Some colleges also offer admission on merit basis. The various steps involved in the admission process are given below. 

Merit Based Admission

  • Submit the application to the colleges or universities you wish to seek admission into. 
  • Get a good score in Class 12 exams. 
  • In due course of time, colleges release their merit lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course. 
  • If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.

Entrance-Based Admission

The guide to apply for entrance exam based admission is as follows.

  • Registration: Candidates have to register themselves online by visiting the official website of the conducting body. 
  • Filling up of Application Form: Fill up the application form with all necessary details with care. 
  • Upload documents: Scan and upload all required documents like mark sheets. Documents need to be uploaded in a specific format only, as specified by the institute’s application portal.
  • Application fee: Pay the requisite amount of application fee
  • Download admit card: Admit cards are released once all applicants are judged for eligibility. The admit card must be downloaded and printed out to be used on the day of the examination.
  • Examination: Prepare for the exam as per the syllabus and past papers. Appear for the examination on the date announced.
  • Results: Results are announced after a couple of weeks of the exam day. If a candidate is successful in qualifying the entrance examinations, they can move on to the next round.
  • Counseling and admission: Counselling is held for students who have cleared the entrance examinations. The student can now take admission in the D Pharma course.

D Pharmacy Admission Process

The D Pharmacy admission can either be done through merit or an entrance exam. The detailed D Pharma Admission Process is listed below.

Eligibility

Students who wish to pursue a Diploma in Pharmacy course must fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

  • The candidate must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board. 
  • Students must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics as compulsory subjects. 
  • The candidate must have a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
  • 10% relaxation in marks will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories.

 

D Pharmacy Entrance Exams

There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into the D Pharma program. 

Entrance ExamsExam Full FormExam Level
AU AIMEE PharmacyAnnamalai University All India Medical Entrance Exam PharmacyNational Level 
WBJEE-PharmacyWest Bengal Joint Entrance Examination State Level
GUJCETGujarat Common Entrance Test State Level
OJEE-POdisha Joint Entrance Examination – PharmacyState Level
KCETKarnataka Common Entrance Test State Level
MHT CETMaharashtra Common Entrance Test – PharmacyState Level 
RUHS-PRajasthan University of Health SciencesState Level 
D.Pharm FAQ
Why Pursue D Pharmacy ?
Who Should do a D Pharmacy ?
When to do a D Pharmacy ?
Is D Pharma a good career?
Is the Entrance examination compulsory for D Pharma?
What can I opt for after D Pharma?
Is becoming a D Pharm graduate worth the cost?
What are the fixed working hours for D Pharma?
How can I fill out the D Pharmacy form?