Pharmacology: Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope & Salary 2024

Pharmacology is a part of science that manages the investigation of medications and their activities on living frameworks - that is, the investigation of how medications work in the body. To comprehend this we have to look at what a medication is, how it influences our physical, enthusiastic and mental prosperity, the sort of drugs being utilised, the methods of organisation, how the medication is retained and the qualities of the individual taking it.

Why Study a Pharmacy Course?

Studying a pharmacy course offers a range of superficial and academic benefits. Professionally, it opens diverse career opportunities in community pharmacies, hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. These roles often have strong potential for advancement, attractive salaries, and job stability. Academically, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences, drug therapy, and patient care, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, pharmacy graduates contribute to public health and can specialise in various fields, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful career.

Pharmacy Course: Eligibility Criteria

Pharmacy Course: Entrance Exams 2024

To enrol in a Pharmacist course, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, pass relevant admission tests from various pharmacy colleges and institutes, and undergo a selection procedure based on academic qualifications, valid scores, and ranks in entrance exams. Researching the exact dates on the respective websites is recommended. Here is a list of Pharmacy entrance exams:

Pharmacy Course: Syllabus

A student enrolled in an undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or PhD program in Pharmacy will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialised pharmaceutical subjects, assignments, projects, industrial training, and internships. In addition to these core components, the Pharmacy syllabus incorporates the development of communication skills, studies in environmental science, and adherence to ethical practices and regulations set by the Pharmacy Council of India.

Undergraduate Pharmacy Course Duration

The theory and application of medicine and drug usage are the main topics covered in the Pharmacy UG programmes. The course's main objective is to evaluate students' theoretical and practical knowledge. Pharmacy courses at the UG level place a lot of emphasis on practical labs as one of the course's most crucial components. Every semester, practical lab courses are available. The top undergraduate pharmacy courses and their course duration are listed in the table below.

Postgraduate Pharmacy Course Duration

Highlighted below are some of the best postgraduate programmes in Pharmacy. Typically, these courses span two years. The table below showcases the top Pharmacy courses along with their respective durations.

Scope of Pharmacology: Job Profiles & Salaries

A pharmacist’s responsibilities extend far beyond dispensing medications. They are actively involved in market research, monitoring all medicinal products, and collaborating with medical practitioners and distributors to identify and manage adverse effects, reactions, and allergies. Although medications undergo rigorous evaluation in laboratories before reaching the market, the variability among individuals means that different outcomes can result from the same medication. Consequently, pharmacists must continually engage in research and development at multiple levels to optimize medicines and prescriptions. 

Pharmacy education covers a broad spectrum of topics related to health and wellness, including the food we consume, cosmetics, lifestyle products, health care, and various chemical items.

The career prospects for pharmacists within the healthcare industry are substantial. According to the "Pharmacy at a Glance 2015-2017" survey by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), community pharmacies employ the majority of registered pharmacists (75.1%), followed by hospital pharmacies (13.2%). The range of services provided by pharmacists includes:

1. Enhancing Medication Use: This encompasses reviewing medications, managing treatments for hypertension, overseeing short-course treatments, reconciling medications, and developing new drugs.

2. Product-Centric Services: This includes compounding personalized medications based on prescriptions and removing expired medicines from the market.

3. Public Health Services: This involves promoting health initiatives, administering vaccinations, organizing health camps, and raising health awareness.

In India, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to bolster the pharmaceutical sector by enhancing drug regulations, volume, and trade, thus positioning pharmaceuticals as a key component of India’s growth. The WHO collaborates closely with the Indian government to strengthen the sector through strategic partnerships and improvements.

Access to medicines is pivotal to achieving the WHO 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. WHO India’s strategy focuses on reinforcing the regulatory framework to ensure access to high-quality, safe, effective, and affordable medical products impartially. Additionally, WHO India is working on establishing robust pharmacovigilance systems, integrating these with public health programs, promoting the rational use of medicines via the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, and enhancing procurement and supply chain management systems.

Core Industries in Pharmacy

Pharmacy encompasses the study of a wide range of disorders and diseases, along with the evaluation of various medications. The Pharm programme offers students an extensive and diverse educational experience. Information about the Pharmacy programme can be conveniently accessed on the college website. With the rising demand for professionals in this field, Pharmacy salaries in India have seen a significant increase. Additionally, Pharmacy graduates have the advantage of finding employment in numerous settings, including:

• Universities
• Research Facilities
• Private and public industries
• Hospitals
• Clinics

Pharmacy Salary in India 

In India, individuals who have completed Pharmacy courses have a wide array of career opportunities across multiple sectors. These sectors include industry, healthcare, research, and regulatory affairs. The diverse range of roles available allows pharmacy professionals to choose a career path that best suits their interests and qualifications. Aspiring pharmacists should explore these options thoroughly to select a career path that aligns with their personal goals and interests.

Here are some potential job profiles that pharmacy graduates can consider pursuing: