Pharmacist
Stores, prepares and dispenses medication, and advises on how to take it safely.
Overview
A Pharmacist is a healthcare professional specializing in the usage and administration of medication. They are specifically trained to store, handle, prepare, and dispense various medications. They also guide on how to use medications, and let you know about any potential adverse effects of what you take.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmaceutical stores
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You will typically work 6 to 7 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can also set up private practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have strong communication skills
- You pay attention to detail
- You are a careful and organised person
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Pharma)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Pharma)
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma programme in Pharmacy (D.Pharma)
- 2For admissions, you have to clear entrance exams such as UPSEE, GPAT, NEET, BITSAT, MHT-CET and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
UPSEE, GPAT, NEET, BITSAT, MHT-CET and similar. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by Medical Colleges/Universities. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Government College of Pharmacy, Karad, Maharashtra
- Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, New Delhi
- Madurai Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu
- SLT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
- Government Pharmacy College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Christian School of Pharmacy, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Institute of Pharmacy, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Dr D Y Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pune, Maharashtra
- Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- LM College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Pharmacist → Pharmacist → Entrepreneur, Medical Sales Representative
- 2Junior Pharmacist → Pharmacist → Senior Pharmacist → Chief of Pharmacy, Head of Department
Expected income
₹11,500 – ₹65,000 per month at fresher level
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Medical Representative
Promotes and sells a pharmaceutical company's products to doctors, hospitals and clinics.
Medical Technician
Runs medical equipment and procedures — MRI, X-ray, ECG, EEG — and keeps instruments working.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. T.V. Narayana — An iconic figure in the field of Pharmacy Profession, particularly pharmacy education with a rare blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurship, organizational and management skills, leadership qualities and above all, an everlasting enthusiasm to serve the field of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Education. Dr. T. V. Narayana completed his B. Pharma, M. Pharma from Andhra University and M.Phil and PhD from ANU.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 403 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Pharmacist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.