Diploma in Pharmacy [D.Pharm]

The Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharma) at Saveetha College of Pharmacy, a constituent college of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, is a 2-year full-time program approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The course provides foundational training in pharmaceutical sciences, covering subjects such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, and Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy. With a total tuition fee of Rs. 60,000 for the entire 2-year program, it is one of the most affordable pharmacy diploma programs in a reputed institution in Tamil Nadu. The program has a seat intake of 60 students per batch and is offered at the SIMATS campus in Thandalam, Chennai. Admission is primarily through the Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Admission (TNPHARMA) counselling process for state quota seats. Admissions for the 2026 batch are expected to open around June-July 2026, following the TNPHARMA counselling schedule. The 2025-26 batch admissions are currently closed. Students can also apply directly through the SIMATS admissions portal (simatsadmissions.saveetha.com) for management quota seats. Key Points PCI-Approved Program: The D.Pharma at Saveetha College of Pharmacy is approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), ensuring the qualification is nationally valid and recognized for pharmacy practice across India. Affordable Fee Structure: With a total tuition fee of Rs. 60,000 for the 2-year program, this is one of the most cost-effective D.Pharma programs in a reputed institution in Tamil Nadu. Seat Intake of 60: The program admits 60 students per batch, ensuring a manageable class size with adequate faculty attention. Pathway to Higher Studies: D.Pharma graduates can pursue B.Pharma (lateral entry to 2nd year) or continue in pharmacy practice, hospital pharmacy, or community pharmacy. SIMATS Ecosystem: Students benefit from the broader SIMATS ecosystem, including access to Saveetha Medical College and Hospital for clinical pharmacy training. SIMATS D.Pharma Fees The D.Pharma at Saveetha College of Pharmacy (SIMATS) has a total tuition fee of Rs. 60,000 for the 2-year program (Rs. 30,000 per year). However, the total cost including other fees such as registration, examination, and other charges is approximately Rs. 1.6 Lakhs for the complete course duration. Hostel accommodation is optional and available on campus at varying rates. Fee Breakdown Fee Component Year 1 (Rs.) Year 2 (Rs.) Total (Rs.) Tuition Fee 30,000 30,000 60,000 Other Fees (Registration, Exam, etc.) 50,000 50,000 1,00,000 Total Fees 80,000 80,000 1,60,000 Hostel Fees (Optional) Room Type Fee Per Year (Rs.) Triple Room (Girls only) 22,000 Double Room 30,000 Super Deluxe Octuplet Sharing (Boys only) 30,000 Single Room 35,000 Deluxe Quadruple Sharing (Girls only) 40,000 Single Room with Attached Bath 45,000 Super Deluxe Quadruple Sharing (Girls only) 50,000 Single Suite Room (Girls only) 75,000 Super Deluxe Double Room 90,000 Ultra Super Deluxe Double Room (Boys only) 1,25,000 Super Deluxe Single Room 1,50,000 Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory for the D.Pharma program. The other fees (registration, examination, etc.) are approximate and may vary. Students are advised to confirm the exact fee breakup with the college at the time of admission. No EMI or installment payment schedule has been officially published for this program. Students are advised to contact the admissions office for payment schedule details. SIMATS D.Pharma Admission 2026 Admissions to the D.Pharma at Saveetha College of Pharmacy (SIMATS) are conducted through two routes: the Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Admission (TNPHARMA) counselling for state quota seats, and direct/management quota admissions through the SIMATS admissions portal. The TNPHARMA counselling is conducted by the Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department and is based on 10+2 marks. For the 2026 batch, the TNPHARMA counselling is expected to begin around July-August 2026. College Admission Dates Event Tentative Date SIMATS Online Application Opens June 2026 TNPHARMA Registration Opens June-July 2026 TNPHARMA Counselling July-August 2026 Management Quota Admissions July-August 2026 Batch Commencement August-September 2026 Entrance Exam Dates Note: D.Pharma admission at SIMATS does not require NEET-UG or GPAT. Admission is merit-based on 10+2 marks through TNPHARMA counselling. The following exam is listed for reference only: Exam Event Date NEET-UG 2026 Registration Start February 8, 2026 NEET-UG 2026 Registration End March 8, 2026 NEET-UG 2026 Admit Card April 30, 2026 (Tentative) NEET-UG 2026 Exam Date May 3, 2026 The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change. Eligibility Criteria Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent from CBSE, ICSE, Tamil Nadu State Board, or any recognized board. Subjects studied must include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Candidates must be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission. For TNPHARMA counselling, candidates must be residents of Tamil Nadu or have studied in Tamil Nadu for the qualifying examination. Admission Process For State Quota: Register for TNPHARMA counselling through the official Tamil Nadu Health Department portal. Attend counselling based on merit rank and choose Saveetha College of Pharmacy. For Management Quota: Visit the official SIMATS admissions portal (simatsadmissions.saveetha.com) or call 1800 123 746287. Fill in the online application form with personal and academic details. Upload required documents (10+2 mark sheet, transfer certificate, community certificate, ID proof, passport-size photographs). Submit the application and await selection/counselling call. Upon selection, report for document verification and fee payment at the college. SIMATS D.Pharma Scholarships 2026 SIMATS offers a range of scholarships to meritorious and economically weaker students. Additionally, D.Pharma students may be eligible for government scholarships such as the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes. Given the affordable fee structure of this program, even a partial scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden. Students from SC/ST/OBC categories may also be eligible for Tamil Nadu government fee concessions. Scholarship Details Scholarship Eligibility Benefit NSP (PM-USP) Yojana 80% in Class 12, parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs/year Rs. 82,000 per annum Merit-based Scholarship (TNEA Score) TNEA score between 191-200 100% tuition fee waiver; hostel, mess, and transport also free Sports Scholarship - National Level National-level sports achievement with certificates 50% tuition fee waiver Sports Scholarship - State Level State-level sports achievement with certificates 25% tuition fee waiver Need-based / EWS Scholarship 60% and above in Class 12; family income up to Rs. 5 Lakh/year Partial fee waiver (amount varies by department) Tamil Nadu Government SC/ST Fee Concession SC/ST category students Full or partial fee waiver as per government norms Scholarship applications must be submitted at the time of or shortly after admission. Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance and attendance to retain merit-based scholarships. All scholarship claims require supporting documents such as mark sheets, income certificates, community certificates, and bank account details. Students are advised to contact the SIMATS admissions office and check the NSP portal for the most current scholarship details. SIMATS D.Pharma FAQs Ques. Is the D.Pharma at Saveetha College of Pharmacy (SIMATS) approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)? Ans. Yes, Saveetha College of Pharmacy is approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The D.Pharma qualification from this institution is nationally valid and recognized for pharmacy practice, drug store management, and further studies in pharmacy across India. Ques. Do I need NEET-UG to get admission into D.Pharma at SIMATS? Ans. No, NEET-UG is not required for D.Pharma admission at SIMATS. Admission is merit-based on your 10+2 marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics. For state quota seats, you need to register for the TNPHARMA counselling conducted by the Tamil Nadu Health Department. Ques. What is the total fee for D.Pharma at SIMATS, and is it affordable? Ans. The total tuition fee for D.Pharma at SIMATS is Rs. 60,000 for the 2-year program (Rs. 30,000 per year). Including other fees such as registration and examination charges, the total cost is approximately Rs. 1.6 Lakhs for the complete course. This is one of the most affordable D.Pharma programs in a reputed institution in Tamil Nadu. Ques. What are the career options after completing D.Pharma from SIMATS? Ans. After completing D.Pharma, graduates can work as pharmacists in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and drug stores. They can also work in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, and sales. D.Pharma graduates are eligible to apply for a Drug Store License and can open their own pharmacy. They can also pursue B.Pharma through lateral entry (direct admission to 2nd year) for further career advancement. Ques. What is the difference between D.Pharma and B.Pharma, and which should I choose? Ans. D.Pharma is a 2-year diploma program that qualifies you to work as a pharmacist and manage a drug store. B.Pharma is a 4-year degree program that offers a broader and more in-depth curriculum, opening doors to pharmaceutical research, manufacturing, and higher studies (M.Pharma, Pharm. D). If you want to enter the workforce quickly or start your own pharmacy, D.Pharma is a good choice. If you want a full degree with more career options, B.Pharma is better. D.Pharma graduates can also pursue B.Pharma through lateral entry. Ques. How is the TNPHARMA counselling process for D.Pharma admission at SIMATS? Ans. TNPHARMA is the Tamil Nadu state-level counselling for pharmacy admissions conducted by the Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department. Eligible candidates register online, and seats are allotted based on 10+2 marks and category. You can choose Saveetha College of Pharmacy (SIMATS) as your preferred college during counselling. Management quota seats are available directly through the SIMATS admissions portal for candidates who do not get a seat through TNPHARMA or prefer direct admission.