Top Pharmacy Colleges in India as per NIRF Rankings – Updated List & Insights
Likhith
August 8, 2025
Introduction: Why NIRF Rankings Matter for Pharmacy Aspirants
If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, understanding where the top pharmacy colleges India stand according to official rankings is step one. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), launched by the Ministry of Education, provides a trusted ranking system that evaluates colleges based on parameters like teaching, placements, infrastructure, research, and outreach.
So if you’re wondering, “Which are the top pharmacy colleges India offers in 2024?” – you’ve landed at the right place. We’re diving deep into the NIRF 2024 rankings and exploring what these premier institutions offer, their admission processes, and more importantly, what strategic options exist if you don’t secure seats in the highest-ranked institutions.
Understanding the top pharmacy colleges India landscape becomes crucial for making informed decisions about your pharmaceutical education and career prospects. This is where having a solid Career Plan B becomes critical for your academic and professional success.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Pharmacy Colleges in India – NIRF 2024
Here are the top 10 pharmacy institutes in India according to the latest 2024 NIRF rankings:
| Rank | College Name | City, State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamia Hamdard | New Delhi, Delhi | 84.01 |
| 2 | NIPER Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | 80.29 |
| 3 | BITS Pilani | Pilani, Rajasthan | 78.95 |
| 4 | JSS College of Pharmacy (Ooty) | Ooty, Tamil Nadu | 77.13 |
| 5 | Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 74.69 |
| 6 | JSS College of Pharmacy (Mysore) | Mysore, Karnataka | 72.89 |
| 7 | Panjab University | Chandigarh | 72.76 |
| 8 | Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Udupi, Karnataka | 72.27 |
| 9 | NIPER Mohali | Mohali, Punjab | 70.86 |
| 10 | SVKM’s NMIMS | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 69.94 |
Each of these colleges offers specialized pharmacy programs, state-of-the-art labs, research projects, and great industry connections. If you’re aiming for a high-impact career in the pharmaceutical sector, these should be your top choices.
Admission Process in Top Pharmacy Colleges
If you’re in Class 12 or recently passed and planning for B.Pharm, or a graduate planning for M.Pharm or PhD, here’s how the admissions generally work:
For B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
- Entrance Exams: CUET, MHT-CET, WBJEE, KCET, OJEE, or state-specific exams.
- Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB or PCM with at least 50% marks.
- Direct Admission: Some private and deemed universities offer merit-based or management quota seats.
For M.Pharm / PhD
- Entrance Exams: GPAT is essential for M.Pharm. For premier institutes like NIPERs, you must clear NIPER-JEE.
- Eligibility: B.Pharm degree with a valid GPAT score and relevant specialization interest.
It’s recommended to apply early, check reservation quotas, scholarship options, and state domicile benefits.
“Career Plan B utilizes psychometric testing and personalized exam strategy planning—CUET, GPAT, NIPER JEE or state CETs—to ensure every pharmacy aspirant gets expert guidance on what to prepare and how to apply efficiently”
Colleges Ranked 11 to 20– Excellent Alternatives
| Rank | College Name | City, State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | SRM Institute of Science & Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 68.90 |
| 12 | NIPER Guwahati | Guwahati, Assam | 68.82 |
| 13 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | 68.07 |
| 14 | NIPER Raebareli | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 65.53 |
| 15 | NIPER Ahmedabad | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | 64.89 |
| 16 | Lovely Professional University | Phagwara, Punjab | 64.73 |
| 16 | Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU) | Delhi | 64.73 |
| 18 | Jadavpur University | Kolkata, West Bengal | 64.14 |
| 19 | Chitkara University | Rajpura, Punjab | 64.05 |
| 20 | Chandigarh University | Mohali, Punjab | 64.01 |
These colleges are also well-ranked, provide robust infrastructure, and offer competitive placements. Some of them even have strong international collaborations and incubators for pharma startups.
1. Personalized Career Assessment & Psychometric Profiling
Career Plan B begins with detailed assessments covering aptitude, interests, personality, and strengths to map your best-fit academic and career path. For pharmacy aspirants, this can clarify whether B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, regulatory affairs, or clinical research suits you best.
2. Tailored Entrance Exam Guidance
They provide insights and planning strategies for entrance exams that matter to pharmacy—like CUET-UG, GPAT, NIPER-JEE, or state CETs (e.g. MHT-CET or WBJEE). Their framework helps you understand timelines, preparation roadmaps, and exam-specific strategies to maximize success.
3. College Shortlisting & Admission Counseling
Using your assessment results and exam performance, Career Plan B helps identify suitable NIRF-ranked pharmacy colleges. Whether aiming for top-tier NIPERs or exploring strong options in ranks 11–50, they guide you through fit-based selection, handling application nuances and eligibility criteria.
4. Career Plan B Strategy for Backup & Growth
Their strategy emphasizes a dual-track plan:
Plan A focuses on top-tier entries like Jamia Hamdard or BITS Pilani.
Plan B recommends solid alternatives in ranks 11–100 or allied fields such as clinical research or pharma management—all backed by structured skill-building support.
5. Comprehensive Counselling Experience
They deliver a three-step structured support system:
Assessment – psychometric and career aptitude testing
Report – automated insights suggesting best academic/career routes
Personal Counseling – face‑to‑face or video sessions with expert mentors tailored to pharmacy aspirants
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
Highlights of the Top 5 Colleges
Jamia Hamdard – New Delhi
Leading pharmacy education institute in India.
Offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and PhD with world-class labs.
Strong placements with Cipla, Sun Pharma, Lupin, etc.
NIPER Hyderabad
Known for cutting-edge pharmaceutical research.
Best for M.Pharm and PhD with high GPAT cutoffs.
Government-supported institute under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
BITS Pilani
Offers integrated B.Pharm + MBA courses.
Known for innovation, industry connect, and entrepreneurship.
Great for students looking for business + pharmacy combo.
JSS College of Pharmacy (Ooty & Mysore)
Two campuses with equally good infrastructure and curriculum.
High research output and good academic environment.
M.Pharm and PhD programs highly rated.
ICT Mumbai
Government-aided autonomous institute.
Best for chemical and industrial pharmacy.
High international exposure and alumni network.
Career Scope and Salary Expectations
Pharmacy is among the few sectors that have seen consistent growth even during economic slowdowns.
- Average Salary (Entry Level): ₹3 to ₹6 LPA
- Mid-Level (M.Pharm, 3–5 years experience): ₹8 to ₹12 LPA
- Top-Level (PhDs, Managers): ₹15 to ₹30 LPA
Popular Job Roles:
- Pharmacist
- Drug Inspector
- Clinical Research Associate
- Quality Analyst
- Regulatory Affairs Executive
- Production Chemist
- Formulation Scientist
FAQs – Your Questions Answered
Q1. What is the No. 1 pharmacy college in India in 2024?
Answer: Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, as per NIRF 2024.
Q2. Can I get into pharmacy without NEET?
Answer: Yes. NEET is not needed for pharmacy. Entrance exams like CUET, CET, or GPAT are used instead.
Q3. Which pharmacy course has the highest salary?
Answer: M.Pharm in Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Analysis often lead to higher-paying roles.
Q4. What if I don’t crack GPAT or NIPER?
Answer: You can join private universities with decent NIRF rankings or upskill through certification and take GPAT next year.
Q5. How does Career Plan B actually help me?
Answer: By offering expert guidance, college suggestions, exam prep, alternate career routes, and placement mentorship.
Conclusion: Rankings Guide You – Planning Secures You
The top pharmacy colleges India offers through NIRF rankings provide excellent benchmarks for quality pharmaceutical education. However, remember that success in pharmacy depends not just on college rankings but also on your dedication, skill development, and career planning strategies.
While securing admission to top pharmacy colleges India remains ideal, don’t let rankings discourage you from pursuing your pharmacy dreams. Many excellent institutions outside the top 10 offer quality education, strong industry connections, and successful career outcomes for dedicated students.
Use this top pharmacy colleges India guide as a starting point for your research and decision-making. Whether you secure admission to top-ranked institutions or explore alternative pathways, focus on building strong pharmaceutical knowledge and practical skills for long-term career success.
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