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Future Pharmacist Seeking Guidance: Best Colleges and Requirements in India

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |388 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Jul 13, 2024

Dr Nagarajan JSK is an associate professor and former head of medical research at the JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty.
He has over 30 years of experience in counselling students towards making the right career choices, particularly in the field of pharmacy.
As the JSS College placement officer, he has helped aspiring professionals prepare for and crack job interviews.
Dr Nagarajan holds a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the JSS Academy of Higher Education And Research, Mysore, and is currently guiding five PhD scholars.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
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Career

What are some of the best colleges to study pharmacy in India after class 12? What is the approximate fee and requirements for this course?

Ans: Hi,
Greetings.
There are many top colleges available across India, with at least 4-5 in every state. After Class 12, three different programs are available in the pharmacy stream:
Program Duration Tuition Fees (approx. & Requirements (Eligibility)
depend upon the colleges)
Diploma in Pharmacy 2 years INR 4000 - 65000 Minimum qualification: A pass in 10+2 exam (regular
science academic stream) with Physics, Chemistry
and Biology or Mathematics. or
Any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy
Council of India as equivalent to the above exam.
Bachelor of Pharmacy 4 years INR 25,000 - 2,50,000 Pass in 10+2 exam conducted by the Board of Higher
Education, with English as one of the subjects and
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (P.C.M) and or
Biology (P.C.B / P.C.M.B.) as optional subjects
individually.
Pharm D 6 Years INR. 3,00,000 A pass in 10+2 examination / A pass in D.Pharm

"Hope this provides the clarification you need for your questions."
Thank you.
Career

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |388 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Career
Sir can you give me full information of b pharmacy course after 12th ? Step to step
Ans: ADMISSION:
Eligibility criteria: (EXTRACTED FROM PCI, NEW DELHI).

3. Duration of the course. – B. Pharm: The duration of the course shall be four academic years (annual/semester) full time with each academic year spread over a period of not less than two hundred working days for annual pattern and hundred working days for each semester.


4. Minimum qualification for admission to –
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pham.) Course Regulations, 2014 No. 14-154/ 2010- PCI.—In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 10 and 18 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 (8 of 1948), the Pharmacy Council of India, with the approval of the Central Government hereby makes the following regulations; namely– CHAPTER-I 1. Short title and commencement (1) These regulations may be called the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) Course Regulations, 2014. (2) They shall come into force from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.

2. B. Pharm shall consist of a certificate, having passed the course of study and examination as prescribed in these regulations, for the purpose of registration as a pharmacist to practice the profession under the Pharmacy Act, 1948. CHAPTER-II

3. Duration of the course. – B. Pharm: The duration of the course shall be four academic years (annual/semester) full time with each academic year spread over a period of not less than two hundred working days for annual pattern and hundred working days for each semester.

4. Minimum qualification for admission to – A. First year B. Pharm – A pass in any of the following examinations -

i. Candidate shall have passed 10+2 examination conducted by the respective state/central government authorities recognized as equivalent to 10+2 examination by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with English as one of the subjects and Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology as optional subjects individually. “However, the students possessing 10+2 qualification from non-formal and non-class rooms based schooling such as National Institute of Open Schooling, open school systems of States etc. shall not be eligible for admission to B.Pharm Course.”

ii. Any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy Council of India as equivalent to any of the above examinations. Provided that a student should complete the age of 17 years on or before 31st December of the year of admission to the course. Provided that there shall be reservation of seats for the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes in accordance with the instructions issued by the Central Government/State Government/Union Territory Administration as the case may be from time to time.


6. Course of study. – The course of study for B. Pharm shall include the subjects, number of hours in a week devoted to each subject for its teaching in theory, practical and tutorial as may be prescribed by the Pharmacy Council of India from time to time.

7. Practical Training: The student is required to undergo practical training of 150 hrs either in (A) Pharmacy Practice (Hospital/Community pharmacy) or (B) Pharmaceutical and allied Industries spread over a period of not less than one month during the course of study after second year.

8. Syllabus. – The syllabus for each subject of study shall be as prescribed by the Pharmacy Council of India from time to time.

14. Minimum marks for passing examination.? A student shall not be declared to have passed examination unless he or she secures at least 50% marks in each of the subjects separately in the theory and practical examinations, including sessional marks. The students securing 60% marks or above in aggregate in all subjects in a single attempt at B. Pharm shall be declared to have passed in the First Class. Students securing 75% marks or above in any subject or subjects shall be declared to have passed with distinction in the subject or those subjects provided he / she passes in all the subjects in a single attempt.

course: 14 (a). Eligibility for the promotion to the next year. – All the students who have appeared for all the subjects and passed the First year Annual Examination are Eligible for promotion to the second year and so on. However, failure in more than two subjects shall debar him /her from promotion to the next year classes.

15. Approval of examinations.? Examinations mentioned in regulations 10 to 12 and 14 shall be held by the examining authority which shall be approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under sub-section (2) of section 12 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948. Such approval shall be granted only if the examining authority concerned fulfills the conditions as specified in Appendix–(B) to these regulations.

16. Certificate of passing examination.? Every student who has passed the examinations for the B. Pharm shall be granted a certificate by the examining authority.

ENTRANCE TEST:
In order to secure admission, candidates are required to take the entrance test administered by either government or private universities. Admission is granted based on the candidates' scores.

..Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |388 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Mar 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 20, 2025Hindi
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Career
Sir what are some of the top colleges in India to study pharmacy after class 12? What is the eligibility criteria? Is NEET compulsory?
Ans: Hi,

I’m not sure where you’re from, but according to the NIRF, the top colleges are located in Ooty, Mysuru, Manipal, and Mumbai. In most states, NEET eligibility is not required for admission, but state-level exams are necessary. Many deemed-to-be universities conduct their own entrance exams, so if you’re interested in joining one of these universities, you can reach out to them for further information.
Eligibility Critieria:(https://gurus.rediff.com/question/qdtl/career/give-neet-exam-12th-maharashtra-board-marks-less-than-150/5186648)

Minimum qualification for admission to –(extracted from Pharmacy council of India.)
A(after HSC). First year B. Pharm – A pass in any of the following examinations - i. Candidate shall have passed 10+2 examination conducted by the respective state/central government authorities recognized as equivalent to 10+2 examination by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with English as one of the subjects and Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology as optional subjects individually. “However, the students possessing 10+2 qualification from non-formal and non-class rooms based schooling such as National Institute of Open Schooling, open school systems of States etc. shall not be eligible for admission to B.Pharm Course.” ii. Any other qualification approved by the Pharmacy Council of India as equivalent to any of the above examinations. Provided that a student should complete the age of 17 years on or before 31st December of the year of admission to the course. Provided that there shall be reservation of seats for the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward Classes in accordance with the instructions issued by the Central Government/State Government/Union Territory Administration as the case may be from time to time. B. B. Pharm lateral entry (to second year/third semester) - A pass in D. Pharm course from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under section 12 of the Pharmacy Act

Best wishes.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8354 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
What is SIP, Can I start at the age of 55?
Ans: You are asking a very important question. Appreciate your curiosity.

Let’s go step by step.

What is SIP?
SIP means Systematic Investment Plan.

It is a way to invest small amounts every month in a mutual fund.

You can start with as low as Rs.500 per month.

The money gets auto-debited from your bank account.

It helps you build wealth slowly and steadily over time.

Can I Start SIP at Age 55?
Yes, absolutely. You can start SIP even at 55.

There is no age limit to start a SIP.

Many people start SIPs even in their 60s.

What matters more is your investment goal and time horizon.

What Are The Benefits of SIP?
Helps in building corpus gradually.

Gives benefit of rupee cost averaging.

You don’t need to time the market.

Helps in financial discipline.

Can be linked to your retirement goal.

Is SIP Risky?
It depends on where you invest the SIP.

If it’s equity mutual funds, there will be market ups and downs.

But if held for long, they can give better returns than FD or gold.

Debt mutual fund SIPs are more stable but give lower returns.

How Long Should I Stay Invested?
Try to stay invested for at least 5 to 10 years.

Even at age 55, you can stay invested till age 65 or 70.

Retirement doesn't mean stopping SIPs. You can continue post-retirement too, if income allows.

Where Should I Start SIP?
Since you asked, let me also highlight something important.

If someone told you to invest in direct mutual funds, here’s what you need to know:

Why Regular Mutual Funds are Better than Direct Funds for You?
Direct plans look cheaper, but they don’t give personal guidance.

At age 55, wrong fund choice can cost you years of savings.

Regular mutual funds bought through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer ongoing review, advice, and goal-based support.

CFPs help you align investments with your needs—like retirement, health, or your son’s wedding.

The small fee involved in regular funds is worth the peace of mind and expert care.

Should You Do Equity or Debt SIP?
This depends on your needs.

If you have more than 7 years, then equity mutual funds are better.

If you need money in 3 to 5 years, then hybrid or debt funds are better.

Do not put all money in one category. Balance it.

SIP is Not a Product – It is a Mode
This is often misunderstood.

SIP is not a fund or product.

It is a way to invest in a fund in small regular steps.

You can do SIP in equity fund, debt fund, or hybrid fund.

Can I Stop SIP Anytime?
Yes. You can pause or stop SIP anytime.

You are not locked in (except for tax-saving SIPs).

Flexibility is a major advantage of SIPs.

Should You Start SIP at 55?
Yes, and here’s why:

You still have more than 25 years of life ahead.

Life expectancy is increasing. You need money even after retirement.

SIP gives you an edge to build that retirement income.

Don't wait for perfect time. Start small, and scale up later.

How to Start?
First, consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

They will assess your goals, risks, and duration.

Then they will recommend right mutual funds and SIP amount.

Make sure the SIP aligns with your retirement income needs.

What Mistakes to Avoid?
Don’t go only by past performance.

Don’t do SIP in random funds or based on friends’ advice.

Avoid direct funds unless you can manage everything yourself.

Don’t withdraw early unless necessary.

What If You Need Monthly Income Later?
After few years, SIP can be turned into SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

SIP builds the wealth, SWP gives you monthly income post-retirement.

This helps create regular cash flow, like pension.

Final Insights
SIP is simple, flexible and useful at any age.

55 is not too late. It is a perfect time to start.

Retirement may come soon. Start preparing today with small, consistent steps.

SIP is not magic. It needs patience, time, and guidance.

Let your money work even when you rest.

Take professional support from a Certified Financial Planner. That ensures peace of mind.

Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |642 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 14, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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