B.Pharma (Hons) vs. Regular B.Pharma: Which Course is Best For You?

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) is a 4-year undergraduate program that provides an overview into pharmaceutical sciences. On the other hand, B.Pharm (Hons) is a 4-year undergraduate program that focuses deeply on the study of pharmacy, including a specialised curriculum.

B.Pharm is a popular choice among a lot of pharmaceutical aspirants; however, B.Pharm (Hons) is also gaining massive popularity over time due to the specialised study it provides. About 4 lakh students graduate in pharmacy courses in India from 3,850 colleges, depicting its demand. Additionally, pharmacies in India are growing at a fast pace and are expected to grow at a rate of 4.8% every year by 2029.
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BPharm (Hons) Vs Regular B.Pharm Comparison

The table below draws a comparison between B.Pharm (Hons) and a regular B.Pharm degree, including the course fees, duration, eligibility, and more:

B.Pharm (Hons) Course Details

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) is a 4-year UG program that offers a specialised study of medicines along with exposure to research. The main subjects included in this program are Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacognosy. These courses are approved by the PCI (Pharmacy Council of India). Additionally, this program includes subjects such as clinical research, drug discovery, biotechnology, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory science.

Project work, laboratory training, and dissertations are part of the course of study to gain in-hand knowledge. B.Pharm (Hons) students are also offered internships in hospitals, research organisations, and pharmaceutical industries. Through this course, students are prepared for a career in research and development, pharmaceutical companies, product development, etc.
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Regular B.Pharm Course Details

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) is a 4-year UG program for studying medicines, their composition, and usage. The subjects included in the B.Pharm curriculum are Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmaceutical Analysis. It also focuses largely on laboratory work. The curriculum is approved by the PCI (Pharmacy Council of India).

Project work and industry-focused training are part of the regular B.Pharm course. Unlike B.Pharm (Hons), it does not offer research opportunities. The course trains students in sales, quality assurance, research and development, etc., through specialisations such as drug development, clinical pharmacy, quality control, marketing of drugs, etc. These learnings prepare B.Pharm students to enter the pharmaceutical industry and contribute to its growth.
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Career Opportunities After Regular B.Pharm VS B.Pharm Hons

Graduates with a B.Pharm and B.Pharm (Hons) degrees can work in fields such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospital pharmacy, quality control, regulatory affairs, medication distribution, sales and marketing. B.Pharm (Hons) graduates usually have an advantage in research-oriented jobs, product development, or clinical research roles due to their in-depth academic experience. The average salary offered after a regular B.Pharm is INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA, and that of B.Pharm Hons. is INR 3.5 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA. The top recruiters are Mankind, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, Cipla, Lupin, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, etc.
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Differences Between B.Pharm (Hons) and Regular B.Pharm

Both B.Pharm and B.Pharm (Hons) are four-year UG degrees and provide the same curriculum, but B.Pharm (Hons) includes additional subjects, advanced training, and research opportunities. Due to an academic depth, B.Pharm (Hons) graduates may enjoy an added advantage in pharmaceutical positions.

Top Colleges Offering Regular B.Pharm and B.Pharm Hons

Some of the top colleges offering B.Pharm and B.Pharm (Hons) degree in India are listed below.

• Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi
• Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
• JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore
• NIPER Hyderabad
• NIPER Mohali
• Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore
• Punjab University, Chandigarh
• Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Research

B.Pharm (Hons) or Regular B.Pharm - Which Should You Choose?

If you are looking for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or further study options within India, B.Pharm can be an ideal program to pursue. However, if you wish to pursue research, specialised pharmaceutical jobs, and further studies abroad, you can opt for B.Pharm (Hons). The degree you choose greatly depends on your choices and priorities.

Careers in the pharmaceutical industry have many opportunities for both B.Pharm and B.Pharm (Hons) graduates. The B.Pharm (Hons) program offers an in-depth curriculum, while the regular B.Pharm course provides a solid foundation for employment in the pharmaceutical industry. Your interests, job preferences, or further study plans will help you choose the best course option.