Best Pharmacy Courses After 12th: Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Types & Course Details

The pharmacy plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, linking medicine, science, and patient well-being. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to grow, so does the need for trained professionals who understand how medicines work, how they are made, and how they should be used safely.

If you are interested in science and want a practical and purposeful career, choosing a course in pharmacy after 12th is the right decision.

In this blog, we explore the best pharmacy courses after 12th, entrance exam for pharmacy after 12th, types of pharmacy courses, and more, helping you make an informed choice.

Types of Pharmacy Courses After 12th

A course in pharmacy after 12th offers promising career opportunities. Pharmacy courses after 12th are available as undergraduate degrees, certificate programmes, and diploma programmes. The various types of pharmacy courses include the following:

Pharmacy Course Eligibility

The general eligibility criteria for pharmacy courses after 12th include:

• Educational Qualifications: You must have completed Class 12 with a science stream, including subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics. Some short-term certificate courses in pharmaceutical sales and management may accept students from non-science backgrounds.
• Minimum Marks: The required percentage may vary depending on the institution, but a minimum qualifying score is generally expected.
• Entrance Exam For Pharmacy After 12th: Depending on the programme and college, some courses may require entrance tests such as NEET, GPAT, or university-specific exams.

Pharmacy Course Details After 12th

You must know the essential pharmacy course details after 12th, which will help you make an informed decision. The details of popular pharmacy courses after the 12th are given below.

1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

A Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is a graduate-level course that trains students for roles in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, research, and academics. It offers theoretical and hands-on learning about medicines, how drugs are made, and their use in real-world healthcare settings.

• Duration: 4 Years
• Eligibility: 12th Science (PCB/PCM) with a minimum of 50% marks
• Entrance Exams: WBJEE, GCET, HPCET, State-Level Common Entrance Tests
• (CETs), University-Specific Entrance Exams, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)

2. B.Pharm Ayurveda

This course focuses on studying Ayurvedic medicine, which is traditional Indian medicine. 

• Duration: 4 Years
• Eligibility: 12th Science (PCB) or a diploma in Ayurveda
• Career Opportunities: Ayurvedic Clinics, Medicine Manufacturing 
• Entrance Exams: WBJEE, HPCET, GCET

3. B.Pharm (Hons.)

This is a more advanced version of the regular BPharm course, with added focus on research-based subjects. It is a good option for those who are keen to build a career in pharmaceutical research and development.

• Duration: 4 Years
• Eligibility: 12th Science (PCB) with 50% aggregate
• Career Opportunities: Testing Labs, Medicine Lab Technology, Sales and Marketing Department, Health Centres, Hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy and Research and Development

4. B.Pharm Pharmaceutics

This specialised programme focuses on drug formulation, dosage design, and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.

• Duration: 4 Years
• Eligibility: 12th Science (PCB)
• Career Opportunities: Drug Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Control

5. B.Pharm Pharmaceutical Chemistry

This course focuses on the chemical side of drug development, covering areas like pharmaceutical analysis and medicinal chemistry in detail.

• Duration: 4 Years
• Eligibility: 12th Science (PCB)
• Career Opportunities: Analytical Chemistry, Drug Testing, Research and Development

6. Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)

This 2-year course provides the essential groundwork for a career in pharmacy. It trains students with basic knowledge of medicines, how drugs are prepared, and some understanding of pharmacy-related business practices.

• Duration: 2 Years
• Eligibility: 12th Science (PCB)
• Career Opportunities: Drug Testing, Healthcare Logistics, Pharmacy Stores

7. Certificate in Pharmaceutical Management

This short-term course is designed for students who want to explore the business side of pharmacy. It blends healthcare knowledge with management skills, preparing learners for marketing and administrative roles in pharmaceutical companies.

• Duration: 4-6 Months
• Eligibility: 12th in any stream
• Career Opportunities: Healthcare Administrator, Sales Representative, Quality Control Officer

Conclusion

A pharmacy is the right choice for those who want a career in patient care and the business of medicines. Numerous types of pharmacy courses can be opted for after class 12. With multiple pharmacy courses available after 12th, it’s important to assess your interests, pharmacy course qualification and career goals. Thorough research will help you choose the course that aligns best with your aspirations and sets a strong foundation for your future.

FAQs

Q1: What are the eligibility criteria for pharmacy courses after 12th?

A1: The eligibility criteria for the B. Pharm course include a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate marks in Class 12 with science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Math).

Q2: What is the difference between B.Pharm and Pharm.D?

A2: B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) is a 4-year comprehensive undergraduate degree focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and practices. Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a 6-year professional doctorate emphasising patient care and clinical pharmacy.

Q3: What is the scope of pharmacy courses in India after the 12th?

A3: Pharmacy courses in India after the 12th offer a wide career scope. The pharmacy graduates can work as:

• Pharmacist
• Quality control inspector
• Drug technician
• Research associate
• Hospital drug coordinator

Q4: Which pharmacy course is best?

A4: Some of the best pharmacy courses include:

• Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
• Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)
• B.Pharm (Hons.)
• B.Pharm in Pharmaceutics

Q5: How many years is a pharmacy course?

A5: Various pharmacy courses have different durations. A few examples include:

• Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) - 2 years
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) - 6 years
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) - 4 years

Q6: Can I do Pharm D after 12th?

A6: Yes. You can do a Pharm D after the 12th. The eligibility for Pharm D includes an aggregate of 50% marks in class 12th with PCB. You also need to pass the specific entrance exams for pharmacy. However, certain colleges consider Class 12th scores as well.

Q7: How to do B Pharma after 12th?

A7: To do a B Pharma course, one needs to pass class 12th with 50 per cent aggregate marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Maths). Admissions are mainly based on class 12th scores, but specific pharmacy courses may require qualifying for state- or university-specific entrance exams. Some institutes also consider NEET scores.