How to Become a Pharmacist in India: Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing any career option, especially in medical & healthcare, is a vital decision for any student. Among the many options available, pharmacy has turned out to be one of the most trustworthy & stable fields in India.
Nowadays, pharmacists have become very valuable in hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical industries, research labs & even in community health. Because of this. students are now interested in building a pharmacy career in India since this ensures respect & promises long-term growth.
But how does one actually become a pharmacist? What exams do one need to take? Which courses do one need to opt for? And what does the journey look like after finishing school?
These are questions that are common to almost every student & parent. Thus, this step-by-step guide will help one understand the complete path in a very simple & clear way to make the right decision for your future.
Step 1 - Finish your 12th with Science (PCB/PCM)
The first & foremost step to becoming a pharmacist is completing your 12th with Science. You must have either PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). Chemistry is of utmost importance in this field because pharmacy concerns medicines, their chemical composition, drug reactions & research.
Most pharmacy colleges admit students with at least 45–50% marks in the 12th boards. Though a high score helps you enter good colleges, the most important thing is to have basic knowledge & interest in science.
Why This Step Matters
Choosing the right subjects in 12th gives you a strong foundation. As pharmacy involves biology, chemistry & technical knowledge, studying these subjects early will keep you confident during your higher education.
Step 2 - Choosing the Right Course in Pharmacy
There are two major options after the 12th class.
• Option 1 is the D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy)
It is a 2-year course that imparts basic knowledge of pharmacy. On completion of D.Pharm, one is permitted to practice as a registered pharmacist, besides having an opportunity to join the second year of B.Pharm through lateral entry.
• Option 2 is the B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
It is a 4-year undergraduate course & is one of the highly chosen courses by students. It gives broad knowledge about the development of drugs, chemistry, medical formulations, pharmaceutical engineering & clinical pharmacy.
Choosing the right course for a career in pharmacy is very crucial in India as it decides one’s learning level, job opportunities & future growth.
Step 3 - Qualify Entrance Exams (If Required)
Admission to many colleges in India is done on the basis of merit but a few colleges conduct entrance exams. The following are some of the common pharmacy entrance exams:
• GPAT
• UPSEE
• BCECE
• WBJEE
• University entrance exams (depends on the institutes)
Preparing for such exams helps you get into the top colleges that will have better facilities, practical labs & placement support.
Why Entrance Exams Help
A cleared entrance exam increases your chances of admission into a reputed institute. A good college ensures better exposure, strong academic training & guidance for future goals.
Step 4 - Take Admission to a Recognized Pharmacy College
Once you qualify, the next step is to find a good college that can offer you ample academic support with modern practical training. The college has to be approved by PCI; only PCI-approved courses enable you to work as a registered pharmacist.
A good institute choice also assures experienced faculty, updated laboratories, internships & exposure to industry. If one considers taking up studies in Uttarakhand, then the best pharmacy course in Dehradun will guarantee strong academic growth with practical learning opportunities due to the growing healthcare environment.
Step 5 - Complete Your D.Pharm or B.Pharm Course
In your course, you will study several subjects including
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Drug Regulatory Affairs
Apart from the theoretical classes, you will also get practical exposure in labs which form an important part of pharmacy education.
Why Practical Training Matters
Working in a pharmacy is not just about theory; it is a real skill to work with medicines, understand the reaction of different drugs, handle prescriptions & communicate with doctors or patients properly. That is what practical training gets you ready for.
Step 6 - Complete the Internship & Training
Most pharmacy programs include internships in hospitals, pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies. This internship provides hands-on work experience & helps you understand how pharmacists work in different environments.
You may work in
- Hospital pharmacies
- Retail/Community pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical industries
- Research laboratories
- Quality control departments
This experience is extremely useful when you apply for jobs later.
Step 7 - Registration with the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
The last step after completion of your course is to register yourself with the State Pharmacy Council. Once you are registered, you are an official Registered Pharmacist in India & are allowed to practice professionally.
The registration is a requirement necessary for anyone who intends to work in retail pharmacies or in hospitals or as an inspector of drugs.
Career Options After B.Pharm
After completing the degree course, there is scope for exciting career options after B. Pharm such as
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Drug Inspector
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Quality Control Officer
- Production Chemist
- Medical Representative
- Pharmacovigilance Specialist
- Community Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing
The variety of career options after B.Pharm makes pharmacy one of the most flexible fields in the healthcare sector.
Why Pharmacy Is a Great Career Choice Today?
A pharmacy career in India is secure, well-regarded & continuously evolving. And with the rise of healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies & medical research in India, the demand for trained pharmacists is increasing every year. New technologies & advanced medicines call for similarly skilled professionals who understand drug safety, quality & regulations.
Final Thoughts
A career as a pharmacist in India is highly rewarding owing to the various exciting paths available. From studying science at school to choosing the right pharmacy course & gaining hands-on experience, every step goes towards building a strong & meaningful future in healthcare.
And if you are looking for a trusted institute to begin this journey, KIITS College stands as a great option. The strong academic support, experienced faculty & modern labs make the college offer just the right environment for building a successful pharmacy career.
