The science and practice of preparing and dispensing medicines/ drugs is known as pharmacy. It involves ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. The professionals who specialise in use of medicines, composition, effects and other modalities are the pharmacists or druggists. To be a pharmacist or drug inspector, an aspirant must undergo an undergraduate degree to build a career in Pharmacy. At an initial stage, Class 12 candidates have two most sought after options to pursue Pharmacy - B.Pharm (Bachelor in Pharmacy) and D.Pharm (Diploma in Pharmacy). However, most young candidates are in a dilemma to choose one. The table below is an overview of B.Pharm and D.Pharm courses.
| Particulars | Diploma in Pharmacy D.Pharm | Bachelor of Pharmacy B.Pharm |
|---|---|---|
| Name of the course | Diploma in Pharmacy | Bachelor of Pharmacy |
| Level of education | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
| Course type | Diploma course | Degree |
| Duration of course | 2 years | 4 years |
| Internship/training | No | Yes |
| Seats Available @MMA | 60 | 60 |
| Eligibility | Passed class 12 with 55% marks | Qualified class 12 with at least 55% marks |
| Subjects studied | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Admission criteria | State entrance exams, University entrance tests, counselling based, merit based admission | National/State level entrance tests |
The table below discusses the course structure of D.Pharm and B.Pharm. The major subjects which are included in the curriculum of D.Pharm and B.Pharm are mentioned below.
| Particulars | Diploma in Pharmacy | Bachelor of Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects included in the course curriculum | Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Health Education & community pharmacy, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Drug store and Business Management, Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | Pharmaceutical Analysis, Remedial Mathematical Biology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Basic Electronics & Computer Applications, Pharmaceutics, Mathematics, Anatomy, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pathophysiology of Common Diseases, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence & Ethics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Industrial Management |
Career options for both D.Pharm and B.Pharm graduates are similar in nature. However, being a degree course, B.Pharm graduates are often given preference over D.Pharm students. Check the career opportunities after completing B.Pharm or D.Pharm below.