Top Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra: Courses, Eligibility, Career and More

Pharmacy is the study of medicines. It teaches how to make, store, and give the right medicines to people. A person who studies pharmacy is called a pharmacist. They help doctors and patients by giving the correct medicine at the right time. Explore top Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra.

Now, you may wonder – why choose pharmacy as a career? Well, there are many good reasons. First, pharmacy is a respected field. It helps people stay healthy. Second, it gives you many job options. You can work in hospitals, medicine firms, or start your own shop. Pharmacy jobs are always required. This is because people need good healthcare.

Moreover, if you are living in Maharashtra, you are lucky. Maharashtra has some top pharmacy colleges in India. These colleges provide quality education and well-equipped labs. They have experienced teachers. Many students from other states come here to study pharmacy. So, it is a great place to begin your journey.

But before you join any college, it is important to choose the right one. A good college will teach you well. It will have good placement records, smart teachers, and useful courses.

If you want to join a pharmacy course in Maharashtra, that’s a good idea. You’re headed in the right direction. Just read this blog till the end. It will help you learn what you need to know. This includes information about top colleges and career choices. Let’s get started.

 

Eligibility for Pharmacy Courses in Maharashtra

If you want to study pharmacy in Maharashtra, you must first know the rules. These rules are important because they help you check if you can join a pharmacy course or not. But don’t worry – they are simple to understand. So, let’s look at them one by one.

Academic Qualification:

First of all, you must complete Class 12. Also, you must study from the Science stream.

Your subjects should include:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology or Mathematics

Without these subjects, you cannot apply for most pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra. So, choose your subjects carefully.

Minimum Marks Needed:

Next, let’s talk about marks. Although different colleges ask for different cut-offs, in general:

• You need at least 45% marks in Class 12 if you belong to the general category.

• However, if you are from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), you need only 40% marks.

Therefore, try your best to score well in your board exams. This is because it will help you get a good college later.

Entrance Exams

Now comes an important step – entrance exams. Most pharmacy colleges ask for entrance exam scores. Some top exams are:

• MHT-CET – This is the main exam for pharmacy courses in Maharashtra.

• NEET – Some colleges also accept NEET scores.

• GPAT – This exam is only for postgraduate pharmacy courses like MPharm.

That’s why, you must prepare well for these exams. Because these scores decide which college you can get into, they are very important.

Age Limit and Other Rules

Also, you must be at least 17 years old when you start the course. There is no upper age limit in many colleges. Still, it’s better to check each college’s rules.

In addition, some colleges need domicile certificates. This means, you may have to prove that you live in Maharashtra.

In Short:

• Pass Class 12 with Science (PCB or PCM)

• Score at least 45% (or 40% for reserved categories)

• Give entrance exams like MHT-CET or NEET

• Be 17 years or older

So, if you are in Class 10 or 11, start planning early. That way, you will be ready on time and avoid last-minute stress.

Types of Pharmacy Courses Offered

There are many types of pharmacy courses available in India. These courses teach students about medicines and health care. They show how to help people stay healthy. Let us look at the popular pharmacy courses one by one.

Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)

Firstly, D.Pharm is a short-term course. It is a two-year diploma program. Many students choose this course after Class 12 Science. This course is a great option if you want to work quickly in the healthcare field. Once you complete it, you can work as a pharmacist. You can find jobs in hospitals or shops.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

Next, we have the B.Pharm course, which is a four-year undergraduate degree. It teaches you all about making and using medicines. It also covers topics like the human body, chemistry, and the safe use of medicines. These are important subjects to learn. Most students choose B.Pharm if they want to go deeper into pharmacy. After finishing this course, you can work in medicine companies or labs. You can find jobs in government sectors.

Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)

After completing B.Pharm, you can go for an M.Pharm degree. This is a two-year postgraduate course. It helps you focus on one subject in depth. This could be pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, or pharmaceutics. This course is perfect for students who want to become researchers or scientists.

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)

Pharm.D is a bit different. It is a six-year course. This includes five years of study and one year of training in hospitals. It is great for those who want to work closely with doctors and patients. After finishing this course, you can work in hospitals. You will be a clinical pharmacist.

MBA in Pharmaceutical Management

Students can choose to study an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management. This is in addition to technical courses. This is a two-year management course. It is ideal for students who want to work in the business side of pharmacy. You can learn about marketing and supply chain in medical companies. You can study management in these firms.

Course Duration and Structure

• D.Pharm – 2 years

• B.Pharm – 4 years

• M.Pharm – 2 years

• Pharm.D – 6 years

• MBA in Pharmaceutical Management – 2 years

Each course has both theory and practical training. So, students get real experience while learning.

In short, pharmacy has many course options. Depending on your interest and time, you can choose the right course. Each course offers a good foundation for a career in the pharmaceutical industry. This prepares students for success in their future jobs.

 

Top Government Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has several notable government pharmacy colleges. These institutions give solid education and training in pharmaceutical sciences. They aim to ensure high-quality learning. This is a list of some of the top government pharmacy colleges in the state. It gives a clear overview of each one.

1. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra​

Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) – 4 years​

• Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) – 2 years​

Entrance Exams Accepted:

• MHT-CET​

• NEET​

Approximate Fees:

• B.Pharm: INR 4.9 lakh for the entire course

• M.Pharm: INR 92,000 to 1.92 lakh per year

Hostel and Campus Facilities:

• Hostel fees include:​

  • Students Sports & Cultural Activity Fees: INR 3,000 per year​

  • Other Fees/Charges (Mess Depreciation, Insurance, etc.): INR 2,000 per year

Placement Highlights:

• Average salary package ranges from INR 3 LPA to 8 LPA​

• Top recruiters include Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories

2. Government College of Pharmacy, Amravati

Location: Amravati, Maharashtra​

Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) – 4 years​

• Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) – 2 years​

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) – 6 years​

Entrance Exams Accepted:

• MHT-CET for B.Pharm​

• GPAT for M.Pharm​

Approximate Fees:

• B.Pharm: INR 24,375 for the first year

• M.Pharm: INR 36,265 for the first year

• Pharm.D: INR 40,375 for the first year

Hostel and Campus Facilities:

• The college does not have its own hostel facilities.​

• Students can find cheap places to stay nearby. Rooms cost between INR 1,500 and 3,000 each month.

Placement Highlights:

• Placement rate ranges from 70% to 95%

• Average salary package between INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA​

• Top companies that hire are TCS, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. They are popular among job seekers.

3. Government College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad

Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra​

Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) – 4 years​

• Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) – 2 years​

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) – 6 years​

Entrance Exams Accepted:

• MHT-CET for B.Pharm​

• GPAT for M.Pharm​

Approximate Fees:

• B.Pharm: INR 16,655 per year

• M.Pharm: INR 37,228 per year

• Pharm.D: INR 40,779 per year

Hostel and Campus Facilities:

• Hostel facility available with fees around INR 45,000 per annum

• Rooms are average, but the food quality in the mess is good

Placement Highlights:

• The college has a strong record of helping students find jobs. Many students get jobs at well-known pharmaceutical companies.

4. Government College of Pharmacy, Karad

Location: Karad, Maharashtra​

Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) – 4 years​

• Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) – 2 years​

Entrance Exams Accepted:

• MHT-CET for B.Pharm​

• GPAT for M.Pharm​

Approximate Fees:

• B.Pharm: INR 12,000 to 1,04,000 for the entire course

Hostel and Campus Facilities:

• Two boys’ hostels (“Block A” and “Block B”) with a total intake of 100 students​

• The hostel has a TV and a study area. It offers sports facilities, water geysers, and RO plants.

Placement Highlights:

• The college has a good record for placing students in jobs. Graduates work in different areas of the pharmaceutical industry.

5. Government College of Pharmacy, Ratnagiri

Location: Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Courses Offered:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) – 4 years

• Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) – 2 years

Entrance Exams Accepted:

• MHT-CET for B.Pharm

• No entrance exam for D.Pharm (based on merit)

Approximate Fees:

• B.Pharm: Around INR 20,000 to INR 25,000 per year

• D.Pharm: Around INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 per year

Hostel and Campus Facilities:

• Hostel facility available for boys and girls

• Mess, study room, library, and common areas are provided

• Sports facilities are also available

Placement Highlights:

• Many students are placed in local pharma companies

• Some students get internships in top medicine companies

• Average package is around INR 2.5 LPA to 4 LPA

6. Government Pharmacy Institute, Mumbai

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Courses Offered:

• Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) – 2 years

Entrance Exams Accepted:

• No entrance exam, admissions are based on 12th marks (Science)

Approximate Fees:

• Around INR 20,000 per year

Hostel and Campus Facilities:

• Hostel for girls is available

• Campus has labs, library, and classrooms

Placement Highlights:

• Students get placed in local chemist shops, hospitals, and small pharma firms

• Some students also go for further studies after D.Pharm

If you want to study pharmacy in Maharashtra, government colleges are a great option. They offer good education, proper training, and a strong future. But make sure to prepare well for entrance exams like MHT-CET and GPAT. Check the college location, hostel, and placement before applying. With the right college, you can build a strong career in the pharmacy field.

 

Top Private Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra

Many students in Maharashtra want to study Pharmacy. Some people select private colleges for their modern labs and skilled teachers. They offer better job placements. It is important to learn more about the best private colleges. Do this before making a choice.

Let’s see some of the top private pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra.

1. Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai

• Location: Kalina, Mumbai

• Courses Offered: D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, PhD

• Course Duration:

  • D.Pharm: 2 years

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • M.Pharm: 2 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: MHT-CET, GPAT

• Approx Fees:

  • B.Pharm: Around ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakhs per year

• Campus and Hostel:

  • Clean hostel rooms, modern labs, library, and canteen

• Placement Highlights:

  • Students get jobs in top companies like Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Glenmark

This college is old and famous. Moreover, it has strong industry ties.

2. Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Pune

• Location: Erandwane, Pune

• Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D

• Course Duration:

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • M.Pharm: 2 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: BVP CET, GPAT

• Approx Fees:

  • B.Pharm: Around ₹1.2 to ₹1.8 lakhs per year

• Campus and Hostel:

  • Green campus, hostel, gym, Wi-Fi labs

• Placement Highlights:

  • Top companies like Pfizer and Abbott visit the campus

The college provides extra coaching and training for jobs.

3. Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai

• Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai

• Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm

• Course Duration:

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • M.Pharm: 2 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: MHT-CET, GPAT

• Approx Fees:

  • B.Pharm: Around ₹1.3 to ₹1.6 lakhs per year

• Campus and Hostel:

  • Modern classrooms, hostel, library, and seminar halls

• Placement Highlights:

  • Good record with pharma companies and hospitals

In addition, the college hosts seminars and guest lectures.

4. MET Institute of Pharmacy, Mumbai

• Location: Bandra West, Mumbai

• Courses Offered: B.Pharm

• Course Duration: 4 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: MHT-CET

• Approx Fees:

  • Around ₹1.7 lakhs per year

• Campus and Hostel:

  • AC classrooms, IT labs, hostel, and playground

• Placement Highlights:

  • MET students work at Glenmark, Novartis, and Dr. Reddy’s

Besides that, the college offers workshops and soft skill training.

5. Sinhgad Institute of Pharmacy, Pune

• Location: Vadgaon, Pune

• Courses Offered: D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm

• Course Duration:

  • D.Pharm: 2 years

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • M.Pharm: 2 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: MHT-CET, GPAT

• Approx Fees:

  • B.Pharm: Around ₹90,000 to ₹1.2 lakhs per year

• Campus and Hostel:

  • Big campus, boys and girls hostels, and buses

• Placement Highlights:

  • Many students placed in Sun Pharma and other big firms

In short, the college gives both learning and fun activities.

6. Other Notable Private Pharmacy Colleges

Find more good private colleges in Maharashtra:

• AISSMS College of Pharmacy, Pune

  • Offers B.Pharm and M.Pharm

  • Good campus and strong academic support

• R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur

  • Known for its research focus

  • Good hostel and lab facilities

• Sharadchandra Pawar College of Pharmacy, Pune

  • Offers D.Pharm, B.Pharm, and M.Pharm

  • Has new buildings and skilled faculty

• Rajgad Dnyanpeeth’s College of Pharmacy, Bhor

  • Calm environment

  • Good for focused study

• Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Pune

  • Modern labs and placement training

Private colleges in Maharashtra deliver quality Pharmacy education. But, students must compare them well. Some colleges have better placements, while others have better teachers. So, choose a college that fits your goals, location, and budget.

 

Deemed and Central Universities Offering Pharmacy Courses in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has many good colleges for Pharmacy. There are government and private colleges. There are some deemed and central universities. They are special because they provide excellent education and have great teachers. They offer good help with job placements.

So, let us now learn more about these top universities.

1. Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University), Wardha

This university is in Wardha, near Nagpur. It is a deemed university. This means it controls its own courses and exams. It is approved by PCI and UGC.

• Courses Offered: D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, PhD

• Course Duration:

  • D.Pharm: 2 years

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • M.Pharm: 2 years

  • Pharm.D: 6 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: MHT-CET, NEET (for Pharm.D), and their own entrance test

• Facilities:

  • Smart classrooms, good hostel, big library

• Placement:

  • Students get jobs in top pharma companies

Moreover, the campus is peaceful and best for focused study.

2. NMIMS School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Shirpur & Mumbai

NMIMS is a famous deemed-to-be university. It has campuses in Shirpur and Mumbai, offering top pharmacy programs.

• Courses Offered: B.Pharm, B.Pharm + MBA (dual degree), M.Pharm, PhD

• Course Duration:

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • Dual Degree: 5 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: NPAT (NMIMS entrance test)

• Facilities:

  • Modern labs, industry training, hostel, gym, and Wi-Fi campus

• Placement:

  • Excellent job offers from pharma and healthcare companies

The B.Pharm + MBA course is helpful for students. It teaches management and pharmacy together.

3. ICT Deemed-to-be-University, Jalna Campus

ICT Mumbai is already famous. It has a new Jalna campus in Marathwada. It provides top-notch education in pharmacy and chemical sciences.

• Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm

• Course Duration:

  • B.Pharm: 4 years

  • M.Pharm: 2 years

• Entrance Exams Accepted: MHT-CET, GPAT

• Facilities:

  • Well-equipped labs, library, and hostel

• Placement:

  • Many students work in top companies like Cipla and Lupin

The campus is growing fast and offers good learning support.

4. NIPER Tie-Ups in Maharashtra

NIPER is a central-level institute. It offers PG and PhD courses in Pharmacy. There is not a main NIPER in Maharashtra yet. But, some partnerships occur with universities and industries in the state.

Students from Maharashtra can apply to NIPERs in Mohali, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. There are more options available as well.

Moreover, a NIPER degree is valuable. It helps students find jobs in research labs and pharmaceutical companies. They can work for government agencies.

Deemed and central universities offer great options for Pharmacy students. They provide better research, modern labs, and good job support. But before you apply, make sure the college is approved by PCI and UGC.

Check the entrance exam needed, course fees, and hostel details. This helps you choose the best college for your bright future.

 

How to Choose the Right Pharmacy College?

Choosing the right pharmacy college is important. It helps you learn better and build a strong career. But many students feel confused. So, here are some simple tips that can help you.

1. Check Accreditation and Approval:

First, make sure the college is approved by PCI and AICTE. These approvals mean the college is safe and trusted.

Check if the college has NAAC or NBA accreditation. This shows the college gives quality education.

2. Look at Faculty Experience:

Second, good teachers make learning easy. So, find out if the college has qualified and experienced teachers.

Choose a college with faculty who have teaching and industry experience. This will help you learn both theory and real-world use.

3. Good Infrastructure and Labs:

Third, you should look at the college building, classrooms, and especially the labs. Pharmacy students need to do many practicals. So, the labs must be clean, safe, and fully equipped.

4. Industry Tie-ups and Training:

Check if the college has tie-ups with pharma companies. This helps students get internships and training during the course.

Such exposure helps you understand how real pharmacy jobs work.

5. Past Placement Records:

Then, ask about placement records. Good colleges help their students get jobs in top pharma companies.

6. Location and Hostel Facilities:

Choose a college that is safe and easy to travel to. If you plan to stay in a hostel, check if the hostel is clean and has good food.

So, visit the college website. Try to talk to old students if you can. Choosing the right college today will help you shine tomorrow.

 

Career Opportunities After Pharmacy Degree

After completing a pharmacy course, students have many job options. In fact, a career in pharmacy is not only rewarding but also helps others. Moreover, you can work in many places and take up different roles. So, let’s look at some common job roles and work areas.

Common Job Roles in Pharmacy

Here are some popular pharmacy job roles you can explore:

1. Pharmacist: A pharmacist works in a hospital or medical store. Usually, they give the right medicines to patients. Also, they explain how to take the medicine safely.

2. Clinical Research Associate (CRA): A CRA helps in testing new medicines. For example, they check how the drug works on people. This means, the job needs careful work and good record-keeping.

3. Drug Inspector: A drug inspector checks if medicines are safe and made properly. Often, they visit factories and test samples. In addition, this is a government job and has a good salary.

4. Quality Control Analyst: This person tests medicine quality in the lab. Before the medicines are sold, they ensure all drugs meet safety rules. Therefore, their job is very important for public safety.

5. Production Chemist: A production chemist operates in medicine factories. Here, they help in mixing chemicals and producing tablets or syrups. Besides that, they check machines and tools as well.

6. Medical Representative (MR): An MR talks to doctors and promotes new medicines. As a result, doctors learn more about the drugs. Also, MRs explain how the drug works and why it is useful.

To sum up, there are many career choices after a pharmacy degree. Whether you like labs or fieldwork, there is something for everyone. So, keep learning and find what suits you best.

Where Can You Work?

After pharmacy, you can work in many areas. Let’s explore some of the main work sectors:

• Hospitals – Pharmacists work with doctors and nurses. In these jobs, they give the right medicines to patients. Also, they explain how to use them safely.
• Drug Manufacturing Companies – These companies make tablets, capsules, and syrups. In fact, many job roles are available here. So, if you like factory work and machines, this is a good choice.
• Research Labs – If you enjoy science and experiments, labs are a great option. Here, you can work on making new medicines. Moreover, you get a chance to learn new things every day.
• Retail and Wholesale Pharmacies – You can run your own shop or work with someone. That way, you can sell medicines and help buyers. Besides that, you will guide people on how to use medicines.
• Government Departments – You can also get jobs in the government. For example, you can become a Drug Inspector or a Government Pharmacist. However, you must pass some exams for these jobs.

So, there are many career options after pharmacy. You can either choose a lab job or a shop job. Sometimes, you may even work in both. No matter what, pharmacy is a safe and growing career.

With the right college and training, you can build a bright future. Therefore, keep learning and stay updated to grow in this field.

Read more: Future Scope of B Pharmacy Degree in India

 

FAQs: Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra

 

Conclusion: Pharmacy Colleges in Maharashtra

Pharmacy is a great career for science-loving students who also wish to help others. In fact, it is not only about making medicines. It is also about how medicines work and how to help people use them safely.

In Maharashtra, there are many top pharmacy colleges. Some are government colleges, and some are private. However, it is very important to choose a college that is approved by PCI or AICTE. No matter what, you should always check this before you apply. Moreover, good colleges have trained teachers, clean labs, and also give placement help. So, picking the right college really matters.

If you wish to study pharmacy, you should start preparing early. First of all, choose the science stream after Class 10. Then, try to score good marks in Class 12 and entrance exams like MHT-CET or NEET.

After completing your course, there are many job options in this field. You can become a pharmacist or a drug inspector. Besides that, you could also work for big medicine companies. Later on, some students also choose to study MBA in Pharmaceutical Management.

To grow faster in your career, you should try to do internships and extra courses. These not only help you learn new skills, but they also help you get better jobs.

In short, if you like science and want a good future, pharmacy is a smart option. It can truly lead to many exciting opportunities. So, keep learning, stay curious, and always try your best.