
Punjab is a key destination for pharmacy education, offering a range of programs that cater to students aiming for a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. This blog covers the top pharmacy colleges in Punjab, providing insights into courses, fees, cutoff, admission process for 2024, ranking, and entrance exams.
Why Choose Pharmacy Colleges in Punjab?
- High Educational Standards: Punjab’s pharmacy institutions are known for quality education, modern infrastructure, and excellent faculty.
- Strategic Location: Close proximity to pharmaceutical industries and healthcare sectors helps students get industry exposure.
- Accreditation: Most colleges are approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and AICTE.
Top Pharmacy Colleges in Punjab 2024
Below is a table summarizing the top pharmacy colleges in Punjab, including details about the courses offered, fees, eligibility criteria, admission process, and cutoff.
| College Name | Courses Offered | Eligibility Criteria | Admission Process | Cutoff (Approx.) | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab University, Chandigarh | B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% marks | Entrance-based (PU CET) | 60-70 percentile | INR 70,000 – INR 1,50,000 |
| Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Landran | B.Pharm, M.Pharm | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% marks | Entrance-based + Merit-based | 55-65 percentile | INR 80,000 – INR 1,80,000 |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar | B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 60% marks | LPUNEST | 60-70 percentile | INR 1,00,000 – INR 2,40,000 |
| Chitkara University, Patiala | B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% marks | Entrance Test (CU CET) | 55-65 percentile | INR 1,20,000 – INR 2,50,000 |
| Rayat Bahra University, Mohali | B.Pharm, M.Pharm | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 45% marks | Merit-based | 50-60 percentile | INR 90,000 – INR 2,00,000 |
| Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar | B.Pharm, M.Pharm | 10+2 with PCB/PCM, 50% marks | Entrance-based + Merit-based | 55-65 percentile | INR 80,000 – INR 1,70,000 |
Popular Pharmacy Courses in Punjab
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics (PCB/PCM), minimum 50% marks.
- Admission: Based on entrance exams like PU CET, LPUNEST, or merit-based selection.
- Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: B.Pharm degree with at least 50% marks.
- Admission: Entrance-based via exams like GPAT or university-specific tests.
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
- Duration: 6 years (including internship)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB/PCM or D.Pharm.
- Admission: Based on exams like PU CET, LPUNEST, or merit-based selection.
Eligibility Criteria for Pharmacy Colleges in Punjab
- B.Pharm:
Students must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics (PCB/PCM) with at least 50%-60% marks, depending on the college. Admission is either entrance-based or merit-based. - M.Pharm:
Candidates should have a B.Pharm degree with at least 50% marks. Admission is based on scores from GPAT or university-specific entrance exams. - Pharm.D:
Students need to have completed 10+2 with PCB/PCM or D.Pharm. Admission is typically based on entrance exams.
Admission Process for Pharmacy Colleges in Punjab
- Entrance Exam-Based Admission:
Admission to top pharmacy colleges in Punjab is often conducted through entrance exams like PU CET, LPUNEST, or GPAT for M.Pharm courses. - Merit-Based Admission:
Some institutions offer merit-based admissions based on 10+2 scores or B.Pharm scores. - Counseling Process:
After the entrance exams, qualified candidates are called for counseling, where they are allocated seats based on their ranks and preferences.
Fee Structure for Pharmacy Courses in Punjab
The fee structure for pharmacy courses varies across colleges in Punjab. Below is an approximate breakdown of the fees for different programs:
- B.Pharm: INR 70,000 – 2,50,000 per year
- M.Pharm: INR 80,000 – 2,50,000 per year
- Pharm.D: INR 1,00,000 – 3,00,000 per year
Cutoff for Pharmacy Colleges in Punjab 2024
The cutoff marks vary across colleges and entrance exams like PU CET, LPUNEST, and GPAT. The typical range is:
- B.Pharm Cutoff: 55-70 percentile
- M.Pharm Cutoff (GPAT): 60-75 percentile
- Pharm.D Cutoff: 60-75 percentile
Ranking of Pharmacy Colleges in Punjab 2024
Punjab boasts some of the top-ranked pharmacy institutions in India. Rankings are typically based on factors like academic performance, infrastructure, faculty quality, and placement records. Some of the top-ranked pharmacy colleges in Punjab are:
- Punjab University, Chandigarh
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
- Chitkara University, Patiala
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Landran
Entrance Exams for Pharmacy in Punjab
Here are the major entrance exams conducted for admission into pharmacy programs in Punjab:
- PU CET (Punjab University Common Entrance Test): For B.Pharm and Pharm.D admissions.
- LPUNEST: Conducted by Lovely Professional University for its pharmacy programs.
- GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test): National-level exam for M.Pharm admissions.
Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates in Punjab
Graduates from Punjab’s pharmacy colleges can explore multiple career opportunities, including:
- Hospital Pharmacists and Community Pharmacists in clinics, hospitals, and retail pharmacies.
- Pharmaceutical Researchers in R&D departments of pharma companies.
- Pharma Marketing and Quality Control roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Clinical Pharmacists providing patient care and drug management.