B.Pharma Lateral Entry vs. B.Pharma Degree

srishti chatterjee

Published On:

Which is the right path for you? B.Pharm or B.Pharm Lateral Entry? Know the difference between the admission process, eligibility, and advantages of each path here!
B.Pharma Lateral Entry vs. B.Pharma Degree

A Regular B.Pharm degree is a 4-year course to study pharmacy, and students get enrolled into the first year of college after completing their higher education to pursue this course. B.Pharm Lateral Entry, on the other hand, allows students direct admission to the second year of college, and saves them time and fees, while offering them good career opportunities. While both programmes are similar, they also have their fair share of features and advantages. In this article, we will explore the differences between a regular B.Pharm and a B.Pharm alternative entry degree in detail.
Also Read:

Top Colleges for BPharm Lateral Entry Admission in India B.Pharm (Hons) vs. Regular B.Pharm

B.Pharm Degree Eligibility Criteria

The Bachelor of Pharmacy or the B.Pharm is a 4-year UG program, which imparts knowledge on various medicines, their composition, and usage. The curriculum of the B.Pharm program consists of the following subjects: Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmaceutical Analysis. The curriculum is approved by the PCI (Pharmacy Council of India). The degree also emphasises on in-hand learning through laboratory work. Candidates who wish to pursue a B.Pharm degree must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. They should have obtained a total of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology.

Advantages of the B.Pharm Degree

Some of the advantages of choosing the B.Pharm Lateral Entry course are listed below.

  • Students who pursue a degree in the B.Pharm program receive a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and medicinal chemistry.
  • B.Pharm. program graduates also get to work with pharmaceutical researchers and pharmaceutical developers. They have the potential to improve and save lives and promote medical research and development.
  • Medicines and healthcare products are frequently needed by people. Therefore, the profession of a pharmacist is always in demand. Graduates with a B.Pharm degree are highly desired, and they usually hold stable jobs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Career Opportunities After B.Pharm

B.Pharm graduates have an array of career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates with a B.Pharm degree can work in fields such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospital pharmacy, quality control, regulatory affairs, medication distribution, sales and marketing. The average salary offered after a regular B.Pharm is INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA. Some of the top recruiters after B.Pharm are Sun Pharma, Pfizer, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, Novartis, Lupin, and ManKind.
Also Read: Who earns more, B. Pharm or D. Pharma?

B.Pharm Lateral Entry Eligibility Criteria

B.Pharma Lateral Entry program allows admission for students having a diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharma) or an equivalent degree. Rather than enrolling for the course in the first year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma) degree, students with a diploma may begin the course in the second or third year directly through lateral entry. Students who intend to complete their course quickly, based on their previous experience, usually opt for the B.Pharm lateral entry. Candidates who wish to pursue a B.Pharm lateral entry degree must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. They should have obtained a total of 50% in all the collective subjects.

Advantages of the B.Pharm Lateral Entry

Some of the advantages of choosing the B.Pharm Lateral Entry course are listed below.

  • You get direct admission to the 2nd year of the B.Pharm course and save yourself time and cost.
  • Lateral-entry students get an opportunity to progress to new levels of education. The first-year test evaluates their knowledge of the subject, even though they are excused from clearing it.
  • If students apply through the lateral entry, they already have the required diploma. So this is an extra qualification that will help them grow in their career.
  • By supplying pharmaceuticals and healthcare supplies, pharmacists help to treat diseases and prevent casualties.
  • Pharmacists are usually paid high salaries. Their salaries are considerably greater than the average for all occupations.

Career Opportunities After B.Pharm Lateral Entry

After completing the B.Pharm Lateral Entry degree, students can pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry. They can also choose to become a pharmacist or work under government agencies. The average salary offered to a B.Pharm Lateral Entry fresher is INR 2.5 to INR 4 lakh per annum. The top recruiters are Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Cipla, Biocon, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Sun Pharma, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.
Also Read:

B.Pharm vs D.Pharm: Which is Better? What after B.Pharmacy - A Complete Guide
High-Paying Jobs after Pharmacy Highest Paying Jobs in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Both the B.Pharm and B.Pharm Lateral Entry degrees are a great choice for students who aspire to work in the pharmaceutical sector. Both programmes offer knowledge and a stable career in this sector. Renowned companies such as Biocon, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer recruit students who graduated with these degrees. Students can choose which programme is best for them based on their career choices, time available, financials, and score requirements.

FAQs

Which companies that recruite B.Pharm graduates?

Top recruiters of B.Pharm graduates include Sun Pharma, Biocon, Cipla, Lupin, Pfizer, and Dr. Reddy’s.

What is the benefit of choosing a B.Pharm lateral entry?

The B.Pharm lateral entry degree saves time, reduces fees, and offers diploma holders a stable career.

What is the average salary after completing B.Pharm?

The average salary offered to B.Pharm graduates ranges from INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA for freshers.

Is B.Pharm a good career choice in India?

Yes, B.Pharm is a good career choice due to the high demand for medicines and healthcare products in India.

/articles/bpharma-lateral-entry-vs-b-pharma-degree/
View All Questions

Related Questions

What is the fees structure about b pharmacy in ours college?? also more questions please contact

-om Somnath MaidUpdated on February 06, 2026 09:06 PM
  • 3 Answers
P sidhu, Student / Alumni

The fee structure for the B.Pharmacy program at Lovely Professional University is approximately ₹2.4 to ₹2.5 lakh per year for the four-year course, excluding hostel and mess charges. The total academic fee may vary depending on scholarships and other applicable charges. For more details regarding fees, eligibility, or admission process, students are advised to contact the LPU admissions office directly.

READ MORE...

Can I get direct admission in B.Pharma at LPU?

-pankajUpdated on February 07, 2026 04:34 PM
  • 67 Answers
Udit Katiyar, Student / Alumni

Yes, direct admission in B.Pharma at Lovely Professional University is possible based on Class 12 marks. Candidates need a minimum of around 60% aggregate in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics. LPUNEST is mainly used for scholarships and may be exempted for students with 90% or above in Class 12. Admission rules can vary slightly each year, so eligibility should be checked carefully.

READ MORE...

Are the LPUNEST PYQs available?

-naveenUpdated on February 09, 2026 09:25 PM
  • 79 Answers
ananya sharma, Student / Alumni

Look, the direct answer is that LPU doesn't officially release "actual" Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers because the exam is computer-based and the question pool is kept confidential. However, as a senior, I can tell you that the official sample papers on the LPUNEST website nest.lpu.in are your best bet because they perfectly mirror the actual exam pattern, difficulty level, and weightage. If you're really hunting for PYQs,master the syllabus-specific sample sets provided in your dashboard, you’re already 90% prepared for the real thing.

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Pharmacy Colleges in India

View All
Top