Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm)
The Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) is the entry-level statutory qualification for registration as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948. ELIMS College of Pharmacy offers a full-time D. Pharm programme governed by the Education Regulations 1991 of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), with admissions and seat allotment regulated by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Government of Kerala, and academic affiliation under the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).
The two-year curriculum (four semesters) is followed by a mandatory 500 hours of practical training spread over not less than three months in a hospital or community pharmacy, as required by the PCI Education Regulations. On successful completion and registration with the State Pharmacy Council, candidates qualify to practise as Registered Pharmacists.
The programme combines classroom instruction, laboratory practicals, dispensing-pharmacy training and supervised hospital postings to ensure graduates are competent in compounding, dispensing, patient counselling and the safe handling of medicines.
Program Highlights
📚 PCI ER-1991 Curriculum
Course content as per the PCI Education Regulations 1991 — Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Health Education, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Drug Store & Business Management and Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy.
🏥 500 hrs Practical Training
Mandatory hands-on training of not less than 3 months in an approved hospital or community pharmacy, with hospital postings facilitated through our MOU with Daya General Hospital, Thrissur.
🧪 Equipped Laboratories
Dedicated dispensing, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical chemistry labs as per PCI norms with student-friendly batch sizes.
🪪 Pharmacist Registration
On qualifying, graduates are eligible for registration with the Kerala State Pharmacy Council and entitled to practise as Registered Pharmacists under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
Eligibility
As prescribed by the PCI Education Regulations 1991 and the Government of Kerala Prospectus issued by DME / Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE):
- A pass in the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) of the Government of Kerala or any examination recognised as equivalent.
- Subjects: Physics and Chemistry as compulsory, along with one of Biology, Mathematics or Computer Science.
- Candidates appearing for the qualifying examination may also apply, subject to producing the pass certificate at the time of admission.
- Minimum age of 17 years as on the 31st December of the year of admission.
- Physical fitness as per the Government of Kerala / DME norms.
Course Structure (PCI ER-1991)
First Year
- Pharmaceutics – I
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry – I
- Pharmacognosy
- Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Health Education & Community Pharmacy
Second Year
- Pharmaceutics – II
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry – II
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Drug Store & Business Management
- Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy
Followed by 500 hours of practical training (minimum 3 months) in a hospital or community pharmacy as a pre-condition for award of the diploma.
Examination & Award of Diploma
Examinations are conducted by the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) in line with the PCI Education Regulations 1991. A candidate must secure the minimum prescribed marks in each theory and practical paper and complete the 500 hours of practical training to be eligible for the award of the D. Pharm diploma.
How to Apply
Admissions to D. Pharm seats in self-financing pharmacy colleges in Kerala are governed by the prospectus issued by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Government of Kerala:
- 50% Merit (Government) seats — filled by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) based on the rank list / index marks of the qualifying examination as notified by DME.
- 50% Management quota seats — filled by the Kerala State Self Financing Pharmacy College Management Association (KSSPCMA) as per the Government-approved prospectus.
Candidates are advised to refer to the latest prospectus and notifications published by DME Kerala and KSSPCMA each admission year.