Pharm.D in India: Eligibility, Entrance Exams, and Top Colleges for Pharmacy Education

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) is a six-year professional doctoral program that aims to train students in various aspects of pharmacy practice. The program is divided into two parts: a two-year pre-pharmacy program, followed by a four-year professional program. The pre-pharmacy program covers basic sciences, while the professional program covers advanced pharmacy topics such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacy practice. Pharm.D graduates are eligible to work as pharmacists in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies. They can also work in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, academia, and research. 

The Pharm.D program is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), which is the statutory body that governs the practice of pharmacy in India. The program is offered by various institutions across India, including universities, colleges, and private institutions. To pursue a Pharm.D program, candidates must have completed their higher secondary education (10+2) with science as the core subject. They must also have qualified in the national or state-level entrance exams conducted for admission to the program. 

Entrance Exams: 

1. All India Entrance Examination (AIET) for admission to Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program conducted by Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. 

2. Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) for admission to various Pharmacy courses including Pharm.D conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). 

3. Andhra Pradesh Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test (AP PGECET) for admission to Pharm.D course in Andhra Pradesh. 

Top Colleges/Universities offering Pharm.D course in India: 

1. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 

2. Manipal Jamia Hamdard University, 

3. New Delhi JSS College of Pharmacy, 

4. Ooty SRM Institute of Science and Technology, 

5. Chennai Poona College of Pharmacy, 

6. Pune Birla Institute of Technology and Science, 

7. Pilani Bombay College of Pharmacy, 

8. Mumbai Job Opportunities: 

After completing the Pharm.D course, graduates can explore a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors, including: Clinical pharmacist in hospitals and healthcare settings. Community pharmacist in retail and independent pharmacies. Pharmaceutical industry in areas such as research and development, regulatory affairs, and marketing. Academia as a lecturer or researcher. Government agencies such as drug regulatory authorities and public health departments. Some popular job roles for Pharm.D graduates include Clinical Pharmacist, Drug Safety Associate, Regulatory Affairs Associate, Medical Writer, Pharmaceutical Scientist, and Research Scientist. It's worth noting that Pharm.D graduates must register with the state pharmacy council and obtain a license to practice as a pharmacist in India.