Pharmacy is considered a very popular profession in India nowadays. There is great need for chemistry in spheres like drug making, research, healthcare and education. Because the health industry is expanding, the country now needs more pharmacy graduates than before. You can follow two main career paths in this region which are D.Pharm and B.Pharm.
In this article, we will find out what are the differences between D.Pharm and B.Pharm which one is better for your career, the fee structures, colleges available, various career choices and future prospects in both fields.
What is the definition of Pharmacy?
It involves creating, getting ready, using and giving out drugs. A pharmacy mainly exists to provide patients with proper medications, in the right quantity and without any harm. Pharmacy is devoted to people trained as Pharmacists. Having a degree in pharmacy from an institution is essential to start a career in the field of pharmacy.
In what ways do the courses D.Pharm and B.Pharm differ? (D.Pharm vs B.Pharm Overview)
| Feature | D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy) | B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Course | Diploma | Degree |
| Level | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 2 years | 4 years |
| Specialization | No | Yes |
| Internship / Training | No | No |
| Eligibility | Class 12 with PCB (55%+) | Class 12 with PCB (55%+) |
| Admission Process | State/University-level entrance exams | National/State-level entrance exams |
| Major Entrance Exams | AP EAMCET, State-level counseling | BITSAT, MET, UPSEE, WBJEE, etc. |
Course Curriculum Comparison Major subjects taught in D.Pharm:
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
- Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Health Education and Community Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy
- Drug Store and Business Management
Major subjects taught in B.Pharm:
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
- Physiology of Common Diseases
- Pharmaceutical Industrial Management
- Remedial Maths and Biology
- Anatomy, Pharmaceutics, Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and Ethics
Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
| College Name | City |
|---|---|
| National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research | Hyderabad |
| Jamia Hamdard | New Delhi |
| BITS Pilani | Rajasthan |
| JSS College of Pharmacy | Ooty |
| Institute of Chemical Technology | Mumbai |
| NIPER | Mohali |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh |
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Manipal |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore |
Fee Comparison (D.Pharm vs B.Pharm Fee Structure)
| Institute | D.Pharm Annual Fees | B.Pharm Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Jamia Hamdard | ₹80,000 | ₹1,20,000 |
| Institute of Chemical Technology | — | ₹1,78,000 |
| NIPER, Mohali | — | ₹1,36,000 |
| DIPSAR | ₹12,085 | ₹22,385 |
| Manipal College | ₹60,000 | ₹2,85,000 |
| Panjab University | — | ₹14,665 |
It is clear that B.Pharm fees are higher than D.Pharm, but the degree is also more comprehensive and in-depth.
- Career Options After D.Pharm vs B.Pharm
- Career Options After D.Pharm:
- Pharmacist in Government Hospital
- Sales/Distribution in Pharmaceutical Company
- Opening a Medical Store
- Working in a Private Pharmacy
- Preparation for Drug Inspector
- Continuing Further Studies in B.Pharm
- Career Options After B.Pharm:
- Drug Inspector
- Pharma Research Scientist
- Analyst
- Pharmacist in Government or Defense Sector
- Clinical Trial Specialist
- Pharma Consultant
- Pharma Teacher/Lecturer
- Higher Studies like M.Pharm or MBA
Which Pharmacy Course is Best?
If you want to start a job early and your budget is limited, then D.Pharm can be a good option. It is completed in 2 years and after this you can open a medical store or become a pharmacist.
If you want to go deeper into the pharma industry, want research, government job or higher positions, then B.Pharm is a better option for you. Further, the path of M.Pharm, MBA or Ph.D. also opens up.
Conclusion
Both D.Pharm and B.Pharm courses are excellent means to enter the world of pharmacy. Choose the right course considering your career goals, budget and time. If you want to be limited to only drug distribution, then D.Pharm is better. But if you want to go into a field like research, development or teaching in pharmaceutical science, then B.Pharm is your way.
