- Post Graduate Program
Pharm D.
A patient-focused doctoral programme integrating pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and healthcare to develop skilled pharmacy professionals.
Pharm D.
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) is a professional doctoral programme designed to prepare students for patient-focused careers in pharmacy and healthcare. The six-year programme, comprising five years of academic study followed by one year of mandatory internship or residency, combines pharmaceutical sciences with clinical training and healthcare practice.
The curriculum focuses on clinical pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, hospital and community pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, and patient care. Students develop a strong understanding of rational drug use, pharmacotherapeutics, and evidence-based medicine, enabling them to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Through a combination of classroom learning, laboratory training, hospital postings, and hands-on clinical practice, students develop essential professional skills in prescription review, patient counselling, medication monitoring, drug information services, and clinical research.
Graduates can pursue diverse career opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, clinical research organizations, pharmacovigilance centres, pharmaceutical industries, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions. The programme also provides a foundation for advanced education and research in clinical pharmacy and related disciplines.
The Pharm.D programme is approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and prepares graduates with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies required to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in India and international healthcare settings.
Academic Plan
Eligibility Criteria – Pharm.D
A. Pharm.D Part-I Course
Candidates seeking admission to the Pharm.D Part-I programme must meet any one of the following qualifications:
- 10+2 / PUC: Passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects, along with Mathematics or Biology.
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm): Passed the D.Pharm programme from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) under Section 12 of the Pharmacy Act.
- Equivalent Qualification: Passed any other qualification recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) as equivalent to the above qualifications.
- Age Requirement: Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before 31 December of the year of admission.
- Reservation: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) will be provided in accordance with the applicable guidelines issued by the Central Government, State Government, or Union Territory Administration from time to time.
B. Pharm.D (Post Baccalaureate) Course
Candidates seeking admission to the Pharm.D (Post Baccalaureate) programme must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) under Section 12 of the Pharmacy Act.
- Reservation: Reservation of seats for SC, ST, and OBC candidates will be provided in accordance with the applicable government regulations and guidelines issued from time to time.
Intake Capacity
The number of admissions to Pharm.D programmes is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The prescribed intake is currently:
- Pharm.D Programme: 30 students
- Pharm.D (Post Baccalaureate): 10 students
Pharm.D. Regulations, 2008
Regulations framed under Section 10 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 (8 of 1948).
As approved by the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
CHAPTER I – Preliminary
1. Short Title and Commencement
These regulations may be called the Pharm.D. Regulations, 2008.
They shall come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Pharm.D. Qualification
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) qualification shall be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the prescribed course of study and passed the examinations as specified in these regulations. The qualification enables registration as a pharmacist for practicing the profession under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
CHAPTER II – Duration of the Course
1. Duration of the Course
A. Pharm.D. Programme
The Pharm.D. programme shall be of six academic years, comprising five years of academic study followed by one year of internship or residency training on a full-time basis.
Each academic year shall extend over a period of not less than 200 working days.
The six-year programme shall be divided into two phases:
Phase I – Academic Study
This phase comprises the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth academic years, covering the prescribed academic coursework, practical training, and related educational activities.
Phase II – Internship / Residency Training
The Sixth year shall consist of internship or residency training, including postings in various speciality units. During this phase, students are exposed to actual pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacy services and develop professional skills under appropriate supervision, enabling them to gradually become capable of functioning independently.
B. Pharm.D. (Post Baccalaureate) Programme
The Pharm.D. (Post Baccalaureate) programme shall be of three academic years, comprising two years of academic study followed by one year of internship or residency training on a full-time basis.
Each academic year shall extend over a period of not less than 200 working days.
The three-year programme shall be divided into two phases:
Phase I – Academic Study
This phase comprises the First and Second academic years, covering the prescribed academic coursework, practical training, and related educational activities.
Phase II – Internship / Residency Training
The Third year shall consist of internship or residency training, including postings in various speciality units. Students are exposed to actual pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacy services and develop professional skills under supervision, enabling them to acquire the competence required to function independently as pharmacy professionals.
Related Downloads
- Syllabus Pharm.D