Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 2026 - Admission, Rankings & Courses
Planning to study in the best pharmacy colleges in India in 2026? India has emerged as one of the global hubs for pharmaceutical education and research, with more than 3,000 pharmacy colleges offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in pharmaceutical sciences. These institutions cater to students aspiring to build careers in drug development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Choosing the right pharmacy college in India is a crucial decision that can significantly impact academic growth and long-term career prospects. With a wide range of government, private, and deemed universities available, students must carefully assess multiple academic and career-oriented parameters before finalizing a college.
Key factors to consider while selecting a pharmacy college in India
-
NIRF rankings and accreditation by PCI, AICTE, and NAAC
-
Placement records and average salary packages offered to pharmacy graduates
-
Return on investment (ROI) based on total fees versus placement outcomes
-
Campus location and industry exposure, especially proximity to pharma hubs
-
Faculty qualifications, research output, and laboratory infrastructure
-
Specializations offered, such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacy, and Biotechnology
-
Accepted entrance exams, including GPAT, state-level CETs, and institute-level tests.
Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 2026: Highlights
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Colleges in India | 100+ |
| Top Exams Accepted | NEET, NEET PG, GPAT, AP EAMCET, KCET, Other state CETs, CUET (UG), MHT-CET |
| Ownership | Approximately 70 to 75 percent Private, 25 to 30 percent Government or Public |
| Top Recruiters | Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Lupin, Ranbaxy, Johnson & Johnson, HCL, Infosys, TCS (for pharma IT and consulting roles occasionally) |
| Average Fees | ₹1.4 Lakh to ₹25 Lakh and above |
| Average Placement | ₹2.7 Lakh to ₹9 Lakh |
Top Pharmacy Colleges in India by Rankings 2026
Choosing the right pharmacy college is a crucial step for students aiming to build a successful career in pharmaceutical sciences, research, clinical practice, or the healthcare industry. For aspirants planning admissions in 2026, national rankings play an important role in identifying institutes that offer quality education, strong academic infrastructure, and better career outcomes.
The NIRF 2025 (National Institutional Ranking Framework) ranking is widely regarded as the most reliable and transparent benchmark for evaluating pharmacy colleges in India. Released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, NIRF ranks institutions using a data-driven methodology that focuses on both academic excellence and real-world impact.
Why NIRF Rankings Matter for Pharmacy Colleges
NIRF evaluates pharmacy institutions on multiple performance indicators, ensuring a holistic assessment rather than focusing on a single factor. These parameters include:
-
Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) – faculty strength, qualifications, student-teacher ratio, and academic facilities
-
Research and Professional Practice (RP) – quality and quantity of research publications, patents, and funded projects
-
Graduation Outcomes (GO) – placement records, higher education progression, and student success rates
-
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) – regional diversity, gender balance, and support for economically and socially challenged students
-
Perception (PR) – reputation among academics, employers, and industry experts
Because of this comprehensive approach, NIRF rankings are trusted by students, parents, recruiters, and academic institutions across India.
Top Pharmacy Colleges in India 2026 (As per NIRF 2025)
| Rank | College Name | Location | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamia Hamdard | New Delhi | Deemed University |
| 2 | National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) | Mohali | Government |
| 3 | Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) | Mumbai | Government |
| 4 | JSS College of Pharmacy | Ooty | Private |
| 5 | Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Manipal | Private |
| 6 | Panjab University | Chandigarh | Government |
| 7 | JSS College of Pharmacy | Mysuru | Private |
What Students Should Consider Along with Rankings
While rankings provide a strong starting point, students should also evaluate colleges based on personal career goals and preferences. Key aspects to consider include:
-
Availability of specializations such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or Clinical Pharmacy
-
Industry exposure, internships, and tie-ups with pharmaceutical companies
-
Placement support and average salary packages
-
Quality of laboratories, research facilities, and faculty expertise
-
Location, campus infrastructure, and overall learning environment
In conclusion, the top pharmacy colleges in India for 2026, as per NIRF 2025 rankings, are known for their academic rigor, research excellence, and strong graduate outcomes. Shortlisting institutes from this list can significantly improve a student’s chances of receiving quality education and long-term career growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
Government Pharmacy Colleges in India 2026
| College / Institute | Average Annual Fees | Accepted Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Package | Highest Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panjab University, Chandigarh | ₹40,000 – ₹1.2 lakh per year | NEET, PU CET, CUET | Around ₹4.5 LPA | Around ₹4.5 LPA | ₹8–9 LPA and above |
| Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai | ₹60,000 – ₹2 lakh per year | MHT-CET, NEET | Around ₹7.6 LPA | Around ₹7.6 LPA | ₹10 LPA and above |
| Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru | ₹79,500 – ₹1.07 lakh per year | NEET, CUET | Varies by institute | Varies | Varies |
| PGIMS Rohtak (Department of Pharmacy) | Around ₹39,000 per year | NEET, CUET | Not officially reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Other Government Colleges (Including NIPERs) | ₹50,000 – ₹1.2 lakh per year | GPAT, NEET | ₹5–9 LPA (typical) | ₹6–8 LPA (typical) | Up to ₹20 LPA and above |
| Overall Government College Range | ₹12,000 – ₹2 lakh per year | NEET, CUET, GPAT | ₹5–9 LPA | ₹5–8 LPA | Up to ₹25 LPA |
Private Pharmacy Colleges in India 2026
| College Name | Average Total Fees | Accepted Entrance Exams | Average Placement Package | Median Package | Highest Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamia Hamdard University | Approx. ₹7.0 L total (₹1.75 L per year) | NEET, Merit-Based | ₹4 to ₹5 LPA | ₹5.1 LPA (B.Pharm) | ₹7 to ₹8 LPA and above |
| BITS Pilani (Pharmacy) | Approx. ₹25 L total (₹6 to ₹6.5 L per year) | BITSAT, Other Tests | Around ₹10 LPA | ₹13.7 LPA | ₹25 LPA and above |
| Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Approx. ₹14.7 L total (₹3.5 to ₹4 L per year) | MET, Other Exams | ₹4 LPA | ₹4 LPA | ₹7 LPA and above |
| JSS College of Pharmacy (Mysore / Ooty) | Approx. ₹4 to ₹5 L total | JSS AHER, NEET | ₹5 to ₹7 LPA | ₹5 to ₹7 LPA | ₹10 LPA and above |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Pharmacy) | Approx. ₹9 L total | SRMJEE, CUET | ₹5 to ₹7 LPA and above | ₹5 to ₹7 LPA | ₹10 LPA and above |
| Typical Private Pharmacy Colleges | ₹1.5 L to ₹7 L and above per year | BITSAT, MET, CUET, JSS AHER, NEET | ₹6 to ₹14 LPA | ₹5 to ₹10 LPA | Up to ₹25 to ₹35 LPA and above |
In-Demand Pharmacy Courses in India 2026
| Course Name | Leading Colleges | Accepted Entrance Exams | Average Total Fees | Average Salary Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) | AFMC Pune, DMIMS, UHSR, RGUHS Bengaluru, DPSRU | NEET, State CET, Merit-based | ₹1.0 L to ₹4.9 L (2 years) | ₹2.2 L to ₹12.0 L |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) | Jamia Hamdard, BITS Pilani, Panjab University, ICT Mumbai, MCOPS Manipal | NEET, State CET, CUET, BITSAT, MET | ₹3 L to ₹25 L (total) | ₹3 L to ₹16 L |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) | RGUHS Bengaluru, MGR University, JSS Mysore | NEET, State CET | ₹1.0 L to ₹27.5 L (6 years) | ₹4 L to ₹8 L |
| Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) | NIPERs, Jamia Hamdard, ICT Mumbai, Panjab University, JSS Mysore | GPAT, College-level Exams | ₹2 L to ₹12 L (2 years) | ₹2.5 L to ₹22.7 L |
| Pharm.D (Post Baccalaureate) | RGUHS Bengaluru, MGR University, JSS Mysore | NEET, College-level Exams | ₹1.0 L to ₹11.3 L | ₹5.5 L to ₹8 L |
FAQs
The pharmacy offering the highest salary in India is generally associated with top pharmaceutical companies and premium roles in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical marketing. Companies like Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Johnson & Johnson are known to provide lucrative packages, especially for candidates with advanced degrees like M.Pharm, Pharm.D, or specialized certifications. Salary can vary widely depending on experience, location, and job profile, with fresh graduates earning around 3 to 5 lakh per annum while senior professionals in managerial or research roles can earn 20 lakh per annum or more. For those aiming to maximize earnings in the pharmacy sector, positions in multinational corporations and niche fields like clinical trials, drug development, and regulatory affairs are considered the most rewarding.
The best college of pharmacy in India is widely considered to be Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, known for its top-ranking pharmacy programs, advanced research facilities, and strong industry connections. Other leading institutions include National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Mohali, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, which consistently produce highly skilled pharmacists and researchers. These colleges are recognized for their comprehensive curriculum, excellent faculty, modern laboratories, and high placement rates with top recruiters like Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. For students aiming for NEET, GPAT, or state-level pharmacy entrance exams, choosing these institutions ensures quality education, exposure to cutting-edge research, and better career prospects in clinical research, pharmaceutical industries, and academic fields across India.
The best state for pursuing a B Pharmacy course in India depends on factors like quality of colleges, industry exposure, and placement opportunities. States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi are highly preferred due to top-ranked pharmacy colleges, strong research facilities, and excellent campus recruitment by leading pharmaceutical companies like Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Maharashtra offers reputed institutions with a mix of government and private colleges, while Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are known for advanced laboratories and practical training programs. Choosing the right state also depends on entrance exams accepted, including NEET, GPAT, MHT-CET, AP EAMCET, and other state CETs, ensuring students can access both quality education and vibrant career prospects in the pharmaceutical industry.
For students aiming to pursue a Pharm D in India, the NEET score required typically depends on the college and category. Generally, to secure admission in top government pharmacy colleges, a NEET score of around 450 to 550 out of 720 is considered competitive, while private colleges may accept scores as low as 300 to 400. Factors like state quotas, entrance cut-offs, and previous year trends also play a role in determining the exact score needed. Candidates are advised to check official counseling notifications and college-specific cut-offs to plan their admission strategy effectively.
Yes, you can study pharmacy in India without NEET by opting for private colleges and universities that offer Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) admissions through state-level entrance exams, merit-based selection, or management quota. While NEET is mandatory for pursuing medical courses like MBBS and BDS, pharmacy admissions often accept scores from exams such as GPAT, AP EAMCET, KCET, MHT-CET, or CUET depending on the state and institution. Some top private pharmacy colleges also allow direct admission based on 12th-grade marks in science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Choosing the right college requires checking eligibility criteria, course fees, accreditation, and placement opportunities. This makes pharmacy a flexible career option even for students who do not qualify for NEET.
