The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) and Ph.d programmes. Admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), requires a pass in10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Maths or Biology. Candidates who posses 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Biology are admitted to the 4-year bachelors program level (Bachelor of Pharmacy or B.Pharm). At Bachelor level there is no specialization. At the masters level (M Pharm) specialization is available in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering etc. And after M.Pharm candidates can go for  Ph.d programme in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management.

Some  institutions conducts their own  entrance test for the admission to B.pharm courses. Main entrance exams for the admissions to pharmacy courses are State wise  entrance exams, AIEEE (for degree courses) GATE (post graduation) etc. Institutions like IITs and some other institutions also accept the score of these entrance exams. 

After obtaining a diploma or degree in pharmacy, and registering with the state Pharmacy Council, it is possible set up your own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines and dispense them according to doctors prescription.

Personal Qualities :  In order to be a successful pharmacist, one must have a liking for science particularly life sciences and medicine. An ability to put hard work, strong logical thinking, patience, a sense of responsibility, patient counseling skills are some of the qualities needed for pharmacist. Strong analytical abilities and strong academic foundations are needed in the field of research. To be a successful medical representative, one needs to have good communication skills and a flair for convincing people, Retail pharmacists need to have business skills together with good product knowledge.