What Is the Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharmacy) Course in Nepal?
The Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) in Nepal is a three-year CTEVT-affiliated program designed to produce middle-level pharmacy professionals. Approved by the Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC) and established in 2005, it is a core discipline within Biomedical Science and the pharmaceutical industry. The curriculum equips students with the skills to operate pharmacies, supervise medicine production, and assess medicine quality. Graduates qualify as NPC-registered Pharmacy Assistants, with many pursuing a B. Pharm to advance as fully registered pharmacists.
The program prepares technical human resources for the pharmaceutical industry, laboratories, quality control, and drug regulation, while developing leadership qualities to manage rational pharmaceutical supply and promote responsible drug use across healthcare and private sectors.
Who Can Study D Pharmacy in Nepal?
To study the Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) in Nepal, applicants must have completed the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) or equivalent examination from a recognized institution, securing at least grade C in Compulsory Mathematics, English, and Science, with a minimum average GPA of 2.0.
Admission to the D Pharmacy in Nepal requires submission of the following documents and fulfillment of academic criteria:
- SLC pass or equivalent with a minimum GPA 2.0 and grade ‘C’ in English, Math, and Science per CTEVT.
- Character certificate
- Citizenship certificate or birth registration certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
Is an Entrance Exam Required for D Pharmacy Admission in Nepal?
No, an entrance exam is no longer required for admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharmacy) in Nepal. Since the 207th meeting of CTEVT on Baisakh 26, 2082, the admission process has shifted to a GPA-based selection system. Students are evaluated based on their SEE or SLC examination GPA or the GPA of a relevant certificate-level program, with merit determining eligibility. To ensure fairness, adjusted scoring is applied, with +1.0 for community school students and +0.85 for institutional school students. In case of a tie, colleges prioritize higher GPAs in Mathematics, then Science, then English, and, if the tie persists, the priority is given to students from remote areas.
How Does the D Pharmacy Admission Process Work in Nepal?
Choose a CTEVT-affiliated pharmacy college
Students begin by selecting a college recognized by CTEVT that offers the D Pharmacy program. This ensures that their qualification will be officially recognized and aligns with career pathways in hospitals, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Verify eligibility and required documents
Candidates should verify that they meet the minimum GPA and subject requirements and prepare essential documents, including the SLC certificate, character certificate, citizenship certificate, and medical fitness certificate, to ensure a smooth and compliant admission process.
Pass the merit selection process
Colleges evaluate candidates based on GPA, adjusted scores, and subject performance to generate a merit list. This process ensures a fair and transparent selection of students who are academically prepared and capable of meeting the program’s standards.
Confirm admission and enroll in the program
Selected students complete enrollment formalities, fee payment, and orientation, receive their official student ID and course schedule, and gain access to laboratory, library, and clinical training facilities, officially beginning the D Pharmacy program and laying the foundation for a professional career in the pharmaceutical sector.
How Many Seats Are Available for D Pharmacy Programs in Nepal?
There are approximately 3,040 seats available for D Pharmacy programs across 76 CTEVT-affiliated colleges in Nepal. On average, each institution offers about 40 seats, allowing students to plan their applications based on college capacity and merit-based selection.
| S.N. | Institutions | No. of Seats |
| 1 | Iwamura College of Health Science, Sallaghari | 40 |
| 2 | Sarddha Institute of Health Science | 40 |
| 3 | Royal Cancer Institute (Chitwan School of Medical Science) | 40 |
| 4 | Sagarmatha Technical College, Bharatpur | 40 |
| 5 | All Nepal College of Technical Education Pvt | 40 |
| 6 | Binayak College of Health Science | 40 |
| 7 | Holyvision Technical Campus | 40 |
| 8 | Kantipur College of Medical Science | 40 |
| 9 | Kantipur College Teaching Hospital & R Center | 40 |
| 10 | Kathmandu Model Hospital Institute of Health Sciences, Bagbazar | 40 |
| 11 | Little Buddha College of Health Science | 40 |
| 12 | Manmohan Memorial Institute of Medical Science | 40 |
| 13 | National Academy of Medical Science | 40 |
| 14 | National Health Foundation | 40 |
| 15 | Nepal Institute of Health Science, Boudha | 40 |
| 16 | Nepali Sena Swasthya Bigyan Sasthan | 40 |
| 17 | Nobel College of Medical Science | 40 |
| 18 | Sahid Smrak Janswastha Sahakari Sastha | 40 |
| 19 | School of Medical Sciences Pvt Khusiboo | 40 |
| 20 | Subhekchya Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 21 | Amity Global Education Pvt (Lord Buddha College, Gongbu) | 40 |
| 22 | Nepal Institute of Medical Science Technology | 40 |
| 23 | Pinacle Technical College | 40 |
| 24 | Sankarapur Academy | 40 |
| 25 | Charak Institute of Health Science (PTHMI & WHSA) | 40 |
| 26 | Kantipur Institute of Dental Health Science | 40 |
| 27 | Western Health Science Academy | 40 |
| 28 | Mansrowar Institute of Health Science & Technology | 40 |
| 29 | Birat Health College | 40 |
| 30 | Koshi Health Institute, Biratnagar | 40 |
| 31 | Sunsari Technical School, Laxmi-sadak Dharan | 40 |
| 32 | People’s Model College of Science and Technology | 40 |
| 33 | Bheri Nursing College | 40 |
| 34 | Madhya Paschim Technical School | 40 |
| 35 | Nepalgunj Health Campus | 40 |
| 36 | Lumbini Institute of Technical Sciences, Butwal | 40 |
| 37 | Mayadevi Technical College Pvt | 40 |
| 38 | Model College of Technical Education | 40 |
| 39 | Chhinnamasta Educational Academy | 40 |
| 40 | Unique College of Medical Science & Hospital Pvt | 40 |
| 41 | Bhageswari Academy of Health Science | 40 |
| 42 | Farwest School of Medicine | 40 |
| 43 | School of Health Science, Bhartpur | 40 |
| 44 | Diwakar Memorial Technical School | 40 |
| 45 | Mahalaxmi Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 46 | Posta Bahadur Bogati Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 47 | Dinesh Ramji Smriti Institute | 40 |
| 48 | Kaligandaki Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 49 | Karnali Technical School, Jumla | 40 |
| 50 | Sahid Yagyeswor Smriti Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 51 | Uttarpani Technical School, Uttarpani | 40 |
| 52 | Ratna Kumar Bantawa Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 53 | Bheri Technical School, Banke | 40 |
| 54 | Sahid Krishnasen Ichchhuk Polytechnic | 40 |
| 55 | Rapti Technical School, Lamahiya | 40 |
| 56 | Nirmal Lama Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 57 | Gaur Nursing Institute | 40 |
| 58 | Santa Alapmai Ramnarayan Yadav Health Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 59 | Mangalsen Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 60 | Bhimdatta Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 61 | Seti Technical School | 40 |
| 62 | Shuklaphanta Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 63 | Nara Bahadur Karmacharya Pratisthan | 40 |
| 64 | Kispang Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 65 | Gandaki Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 66 | Waling Scholars Foundation | 40 |
| 67 | Yogi Naraharinath Adhyan Tatha Anusandhan Pratisthan | 40 |
| 68 | Nar Bahadur Karmacharya Memorial Foundation | 40 |
| 69 | Tulsipur Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 70 | AMDA Institute of Health Science | 40 |
| 71 | Jibraj Ashrit Smriti Education Center | 40 |
| 72 | Gajendra Narayan Singh Memorial Foundation | 40 |
| 73 | Kalika Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 74 | Jay Govinda Sah Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| 75 | Panchamukhi Sahid Trust | 40 |
| 76 | Mahakali Polytechnic Institute | 40 |
| Total | 3,040 | |
How Much Does It Cost to Study D Pharmacy in Nepal?
The total cost of studying D. Pharm in Nepal is Rs. 6,73,400, which includes tuition fees, laboratory, and practical training. Government colleges offer subsidized tuition to make education more accessible, while private colleges charge higher fees reflecting advanced facilities and specialized faculty. Laboratory and practical training fees cover hands-on exercises and essential consumables for skill development. Hostel and accommodation costs, which vary by college and available facilities, cover lodging, meals, and living expenses.
What Subjects Are Included in the D Pharmacy Course?
The D. Pharm curriculum spans 3 years and covers 23 subjects, progressing from basic sciences in the first year to medical and pharmaceutical sciences in the second year. The third year shifts to professional practice, applying acquired knowledge through comprehensive field placements in Hospital Pharmacy Practice, Community Pharmacy Practice, and Pharmaceutical Industry and Regulatory Body.
| S.N. | Subject | Theory | Practical | Weekly Hours | Credit Hours |
| First Year | |||||
| 1 | English | 3 | – | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | Nepali | 3 | – | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Social Studies | 2 | – | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | Anatomy & Physiology | 4 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | Physics | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 6 | Chemistry | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 7 | Zoology | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| 8 | Botany | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| 9 | Mathematics & Statistics | 4 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 30 | 10 | 40 | 36 | |
| Second Year | |||||
| 1 | Pharmaceutics I | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 2 | Pharmacology I | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 3 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry I | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 4 | Pharmacognosy | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| 5 | Biochemistry & Microbiology | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| 6 | Pharmacotherapeutics I | 4 | – | 4 | 4 |
| 7 | Pharmaceutical Management | 2 | – | 2 | 2 |
| 8 | Public Health Pharmacy | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Total | 28 | 12 | 40 | 34 | |
| Third Year (Credit Hours System) | |||||
| 1 | Pharmaceutics II | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 2 | Pharmacology II | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 3 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry II | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 4 | Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| 5 | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence & Community Pharmacy Practice | 4 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| 6 | Pharmacotherapeutics II | 4 | – | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 23 | 10 | 33 | 28 | |
| Third Year (Field/Workplace Practice) | |||||
| 1 | Hospital Pharmacy Practice | – | – | 40 | 2 |
| 2 | Health Facility / Community Pharmacy Practice / Pharmaceutical Industry and Regulatory Body | – | – | 40 | 2 |
| Total | – | – | 80 | 4 | |
Why Do Students Choose a Diploma in Pharmacy in Nepal?
Students choose a Diploma in Pharmacy in Nepal for its affordable tuition, shorter program duration, and strong practical training in community pharmacies and hospitals. The diploma provides graduates with hands-on experience and a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, enabling them to enter the healthcare workforce quickly. With a growing demand for pharmacy professionals in Nepal, this program offers a clear path to career opportunities in both pharmaceutical companies and medical stores, while also preparing students for further studies in pharmacy or related fields.
How Do D Pharmacy Graduates Get Professional Registration in Nepal?
D Pharmacy graduates in Nepal must register with the Nepal Pharmacy Council and meet specific licensing requirements to practice as pharmacy professionals. This process ensures that they are qualified to work in various pharmacy settings, including hospitals, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies.
Graduates submit their D Pharmacy certificate, citizenship document, and a completed application form to the council. Upon approval, they are officially recognized as eligible pharmacy professionals.
Candidates are required to pass the Nepal Pharmacy Council’s licensing examination, which assesses their knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy practice, and ethical standards in pharmacy. The exam typically consists of written and practical components, ensuring that candidates have the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care.
Only graduates who have completed the full D Pharmacy program, fulfilled the council’s academic and health requirements, and provided all necessary documentation are eligible to receive their professional registration and practice in Nepal.
What Career Opportunities Exist After Studying D Pharmacy?
After completing the Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharmacy) in Nepal, graduates can pursue a variety of roles in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, gaining practical experience and contributing to patient care, medicine management, and pharmaceutical services. The diploma also provides pathways for further education (B. Pharmacy), allowing graduates to advance to fully registered pharmacist roles or specialized training.
Pharmacy technician in hospitals
Work in government or private hospitals assisting pharmacists, managing medication dispensing, and supporting clinical pharmacy operations.
Community pharmacy assistant
Serve in retail pharmacies or medical stores, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and managing daily operations.
Work in pharmaceutical companies
Participate in drug manufacturing, quality control, formulation, and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical industry.
Medical store management
Oversee inventory, sales, and distribution of medicines in medical stores, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Opportunities in drug manufacturing industries
Engage in production, testing, and research for new drugs, contributing to industrial and regulatory pharmaceutical operations.
Join Smart Educational Academy For Proper Guidance And Resources
How Can Smart Educational Academy Help Students Get D Pharmacy Admission?
Smart Educational Academy assists Nepali students in securing admission to D Pharmacy by guiding college selection, documentation, and career planning. Our experienced academic consultants help students navigate eligibility requirements, GPA evaluation, and enrollment procedures to ensure a smooth admission process.
- Guidance for selecting pharmacy colleges
- CTEVT entrance exam preparation support
- Assistance with admission documentation
- Application submission support
- Career counseling for pharmacy students
Start Your Career in Pharmacy Today
Are you unsure how to begin your pharmacy career in Nepal, given the multiple colleges, eligibility requirements, and admission procedures to navigate? Smart Educational Academy provides personalized mentoring and guidance for selecting the best D Pharmacy colleges, along with support in GPA-based merit evaluation. We also assist with documentation and applications, helping students secure admission efficiently and start their pharmaceutical careers. Call 9868295462 today to connect with our certified academic counselors and secure your seat in top D Pharmacy colleges in Nepal with clear guidance and confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Studying D Pharmacy in Nepal
The overall fee for D Pharmacy in Nepal is Rs. 6,73,400, including tuition fees, laboratory, and practical training. Fees vary depending on whether the student enrolls in government or private colleges, with private institutions generally charging more for advanced facilities and additional resources.
There are 3,040 seats distributed among 76 CTEVT-affiliated colleges in Nepal for D Pharmacy programs. Typically, each college provides about 40 seats, ensuring fair and merit-based admission opportunities for students.
Yes, D Pharmacy graduates can open a medical store as they are trained in pharmaceutical practices, drug dispensing, and medicine management. They must be registered as Pharmacy Assistants with the Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC) and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements for licensing, storage, and safe dispensing of medicines.