Diploma in Pharmacy [D.Pharm]

The Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) at Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), Gaya, is a 2-year full-time undergraduate-level diploma programme offered under the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The programme is approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and is designed to train students in the fundamentals of pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, drug dispensing, and community pharmacy. With a seat intake of 60 students, it is one of the largest pharmacy programmes at CUSB and is particularly popular among students from Bihar and neighbouring states who seek a PCI-recognised pharmacy qualification at a centrally funded university. Admission is based on CUET-UG scores (General Aptitude Test), and the total course fee for the 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 1,01,400, making it highly affordable compared to private pharmacy colleges. The programme qualifies graduates to register as pharmacists with state pharmacy councils and work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and drug manufacturing units.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently in progress. CUET-UG 2026 registration closed on February 26, 2026, and the exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. CUSB UG admission registration and counselling are expected to begin after CUET-UG results are declared in July 2026. Candidates who have registered for CUET-UG 2026 (General Aptitude Test) are eligible to apply for D.Pharm at CUSB.

Key Points

• The D.Pharm programme at CUSB is PCI-approved and conducted as a full-time, on-campus regular programme requiring students to attend college daily for theory and practical sessions.
• With 60 seats, this is one of the highest-intake pharmacy programmes at CUSB, making it relatively more accessible than the M.Pharm programmes.
• The maximum age limit for admission is 25 years, which is a PCI-mandated requirement for D.Pharm programmes across India.
• CUSB being a central university offers D.Pharm at significantly lower fees compared to private pharmacy colleges, where fees can range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per year.
• D.Pharm graduates from CUSB are eligible to register with the Bihar State Pharmacy Council and can pursue B.Pharm (Lateral Entry) in the 2nd year directly.

CUSB D.Pharm Fees

Fee Structure

• Security Deposit of Rs.
• ₹1,000 is partially refundable: Rs.
• ₹500 is refunded at the time of leaving the university; the remaining Rs.
• ₹500 is credited as Alumni Fee.
• Hostel Fee: Rs.
• ₹1,500 per month (approximately Rs.
• ₹18,000 per year); Mess Fee: Rs.
• ₹2,400 to Rs.
• ₹3,500 per month.
• Hostel is optional and not included in the total fees above.
• Fees are payable semester-wise at the time of registration each semester.
• No EMI facility is officially mentioned.
• The fee structure above is based on the 2025-26 official fee notification.
• Fees for 2026-27 may be revised; candidates should verify from the official CUSB website at the time of admission.

CUSB D.Pharm Admission 2026

CUSB D.Pharm Admission Dates 2026-27

• CUSB D.Pharm admission is based on CUET-UG 2026 scores in the General Aptitude Test.
• Candidates must separately register on the CUSB admission portal after CUET-UG results are declared.
• The 2026-27 UG admission notification has been released; candidates should monitor cusb.ac.in for cut-off lists and counselling schedules.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) from any recognised board.
• Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and 45% marks for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
• Maximum age limit: 25 years at the time of admission (as per PCI regulations for D.Pharm).

Admission Process

• Register and appear for CUET-UG 2026 (General Aptitude Test paper).
• After CUET-UG results, register separately on the CUSB UG admission portal (cusbcuet.samarth.edu.in).
• CUSB releases cut-off lists based on CUET-UG scores; candidates meeting the cut-off must report for document verification.
• Seat allotment is done based on CUET-UG merit, category, and availability; candidates must pay the fee within the prescribed date to confirm admission.
• Original documents including 10+2 marksheet, transfer certificate, character certificate, and age proof must be submitted at the time of admission.

CUSB D.Pharm Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• NSP scholarships require annual renewal and are subject to maintaining minimum academic performance (generally 50% marks).
• PM Vidyalaxmi scheme provides collateral-free education loans; CUSB has designated nodal officers for this scheme.
• Students must apply for scholarships independently through the respective portals (scholarships.gov.in for NSP; pmvidyalaxmi.gov.in for PM Vidyalaxmi).

CUSB D.Pharm FAQs

Ques. Is D.Pharm from CUSB valid for pharmacist registration, and can I open my own medical store after completing it?

Ans. Yes, the D.Pharm programme at CUSB is approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), which means graduates are eligible to register as pharmacists with the Bihar State Pharmacy Council (or any state pharmacy council). Once registered, D.Pharm holders can legally work as pharmacists in retail pharmacies, hospital dispensaries, and drug stores. To open your own medical store (retail pharmacy), you need a valid pharmacist registration certificate, which you can obtain after completing D.Pharm and passing the state pharmacy council registration process.

Ques. Can I pursue B.Pharm after completing D.Pharm from CUSB?

Ans. Yes, D.Pharm graduates are eligible for lateral entry into the 2nd year of B.Pharm programmes at AICTE/PCI-approved institutions across India. This is a recognised pathway that allows D.Pharm holders to upgrade their qualification to B.Pharm in 3 additional years (instead of 4 years from scratch). However, CUSB itself does not offer a B.Pharm programme, so you would need to apply to other institutions for lateral entry B.Pharm. Many state universities and private colleges in Bihar and other states offer this lateral entry option.

Ques. What is the CUET-UG cut-off for D.Pharm at CUSB, and how competitive is the admission?

Ans. The CUET-UG cut-off for D.Pharm at CUSB varies each year based on the number of applicants and the difficulty of the exam. With 60 seats and CUSB being a centrally funded university with PCI-approved pharmacy infrastructure, the programme attracts significant interest from students across Bihar and neighbouring states. Based on previous years, candidates with a CUET-UG General Aptitude Test score in the range of 100-130 (out of 200) have generally secured admission. SC/ST/OBC candidates benefit from reservation norms, which lower the effective cut-off for reserved categories.

Ques. What practical training and laboratory facilities are available for D.Pharm students at CUSB?

Ans. CUSB's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is equipped with dedicated laboratories for pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacognosy. D.Pharm students undergo hands-on training in drug dispensing, compounding, quality control, and hospital pharmacy practices. The programme also includes a mandatory internship/practical training component at approved hospitals or pharmacies as per PCI norms. CUSB's central university status ensures that laboratory infrastructure meets PCI standards for D.Pharm education.

Ques. Is there an age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates for the 25-year age limit in D.Pharm at CUSB?

Ans. The maximum age limit of 25 years for D.Pharm is a PCI-mandated requirement applicable to all candidates. However, as per standard government norms, SC/ST candidates typically receive a 5-year relaxation (making the effective age limit 30 years) and OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation (28 years). PwD candidates also receive age relaxation as per government rules. Candidates should verify the specific age relaxation provisions in the CUSB admission notification for 2026-27, as these are subject to the university's interpretation of PCI and UGC guidelines.

Ques. What are the career options after D.Pharm from CUSB other than opening a medical store?

Ans. Beyond retail pharmacy, D.Pharm graduates from CUSB can pursue careers in hospital pharmacy (as pharmacy technicians or dispensary assistants), pharmaceutical manufacturing companies (in production, quality control, and packaging roles), government drug testing laboratories, and community health programmes. Many D.Pharm graduates also work with NGOs and government health schemes in rural areas. Additionally, D.Pharm holders can appear for government pharmacy jobs advertised by state health departments and ESIC. The qualification also serves as a stepping stone for further education through lateral entry B.Pharm and eventually M.Pharm or Ph.D.