How to become a Pharmacist

What does a Pharmacist do?

Pharmacists check prescriptions, dispense medicines and guide patients on safe use. In India you need a PCI-approved D.Pharm, B.Pharm or Pharm.D and registration with your State Pharmacy Council.

A pharmacist reads prescriptions, dispenses the right medicine and dose, checks for harmful combinations and explains to patients how and when to take their medicines. They also manage stock and storage.

In India pharmacists work in hospital pharmacies, retail chemist shops, government health centres, pharmaceutical companies and drug regulatory offices.

How to get there

1. Class 10Study Science well
2. Class 11–12Complete Class 12 in Science
3. CourseComplete a PCI-approved D.Pharm (2 years) or B.Pharm (4 years)
4. RegistrationD.Pharm holders from the 2022-23 batch onward pass the Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination
5. register with the State Pharmacy Council (minimum age 18)
6. First roleWork as a pharmacist in a hospital, retail pharmacy or health centre

Courses that lead here

Further study

• Bachelor of Pharmacy
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Colleges for these courses

Skills you need

• Attention to detail
• Inventory management
• Knowledge of medicines
• Patient counselling
• Prescription checking

It suits people who are

• Careful
• Trustworthy
• Helpful
• Organised

Where you work and how you grow

Where people work

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Government health centres
• Pharmaceutical companies

Growth path

1. Pharmacist → Senior or chief pharmacist → Pharmacy manager, or move into industry, regulatory or research roles

Related careers

Frequently asked questions