Top 10 NIRF-Ranked Pharmacy Colleges/Universities in 2025
Are you planning to pursue a career in Pharmacy but are confused about which college to choose? With hundreds of institutions offering pharmacy courses in India, finding the right one can be challenging. That’s where the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) comes in.
The NIRF, launched by the Ministry of Education, ranks institutions every year based on teaching quality, research, placements, and overall academic performance. For Pharmacy education in India, these rankings are a trusted guide to identify colleges that provide world-class infrastructure, skilled faculty, and strong industry connections.
By considering NIRF rankings before admission, students can secure a seat in a reputed pharmacy college that not only shapes their academic journey but also opens doors to rewarding career opportunities in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
Overview of NIRF Ranking 2025 for Pharmacy
Criteria Used in NIRF Ranking
NIRF uses a weighted set of parameters to evaluate institutions. For the Pharmacy discipline, the major ones are:
- Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR): Faculty quality, teacher–student ratio, infrastructure, lab facilities, library, etc.
- Research & Professional Practice (RPC): Publications, patents, consultancy projects, industry tie-ups.
- Graduation Outcomes (GO): How well students perform in placement rates, higher studies, and exam pass rates.
- Outreach & Inclusivity (OI): Regional impact, diversity (gender, socio-economic), extension activities.
- Perception (PR): Reputation among peers, employers, and the public.
These are the same broad dimensions used across disciplines, but their weights and interpretation vary per field.
Key Trends in 2025 Rankings (Pharmacy)
- In 2025, Jamia Hamdard topped the list.
- BITS Pilani came second, and Panjab University secured the third spot.
- Some institutions, especially older ones with strong research histories, maintained their positions.
- An emerging trend, newer or smaller colleges with focused research specializations are slowly climbing the ranks by emphasizing niche pharmaceutical research, patents, and industry tie-ups.
- Institutions are increasingly paying attention to outreach and perception, making concerted efforts in public engagement, seminars, and industry branding to boost their scores in non-academic parameters.
Top 10 NIRF-Ranked Pharmacy Colleges/Universities in 2025
Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi (Delhi)
- Rank & Score (2025): 1st with 86.59
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Fees (Approx): ₹1.2 – ₹3 lakh per year (varies by program).
- Accreditations: UGC-approved, NAAC A+ accredited, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) recognition.
- Key Highlights: Consistently ranked top in NIRF Pharmacy; strong research output, advanced labs, reputed faculty, industry tie-ups, and excellent placement opportunities in leading pharma companies.
Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani (Rajasthan)
- Rank & Score (2025): 2nd with 82.28
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, M.Pharm (Hons), Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Fees (Approx): ₹2 – ₹4 lakh per year, depending on program
- Accreditations: UGC-recognized, NAAC-accredited with an A grade, PCI approved.
- Key Highlights: Known for world-class infrastructure, strong research culture, global collaborations, and excellent placement records in the pharma and biotech industries.
Panjab University, Chandigarh (Chandigarh)
- Rank & Score (2025): 3rd with 76.39
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Fees (Approx): Affordable public university fees, ~₹30,000 – ₹70,000 per year.
- Accreditations: UGC-approved, NAAC A++ accredited, PCI recognition.
- Key Highlights: One of India’s oldest pharmacy departments; strong focus on research, affordable education, experienced faculty, and consistent NIRF top rankings with good placement support.
JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
- Rank & Score (2025): 4th with 76.14
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm (various specializations), Pharm.D, Ph.D. in Pharmacy.
- Fees (Approx): ₹1 – ₹2.5 lakh per year, depending on program.
- Accreditations: UGC-approved, NAAC A+ accredited, PCI recognition.
- Key Highlights: Renowned for quality teaching and research in pharmaceutical sciences; advanced lab facilities, strong industry partnerships, and excellent placement support in pharma and healthcare sectors.
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad (Telangana)
- Rank & Score (2025): 5th with 75.64
- Courses Offered: M.S. (Pharm), M.Tech (Pharm), MBA (Pharma), Ph.D. programs.
- Fees (Approx): ₹80,000 – ₹2.5 lakh per year, depending on the course.
- Accreditations: Institute of National Importance, UGC-recognized, PCI approval.
- Key Highlights: Specialized in advanced pharmaceutical education and research; strong industry linkages, innovation-driven projects, and high-quality placements in pharma and biotech sectors.
Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- Rank & Score (2025): 6th with 74.77
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, M.Tech (Pharma), Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Fees (Approx): ₹85,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- Accreditations: Deemed University status, UGC-approved, NAAC A++ accredited, PCI recognition.
Key Highlights: Premier institute with a strong focus on chemical and pharmaceutical research; excellent faculty, state-of-the-art labs, industry collaborations, and consistent placement opportunities in top pharma companies.
JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore (Karnataka)
- Rank & Score (2025): 7th with 73.38
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, Ph.D. in Pharmacy and related fields.
- Fees (Approx): ₹1 – ₹2.5 lakh per year, depending on the course
- Accreditations: UGC-approved, NAAC A+ accredited, PCI recognition.
- Key Highlights: Known for academic excellence and advanced research; strong industry partnerships, modern infrastructure, and good placement records in reputed pharma companies and healthcare sectors.
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal (Karnataka)
- Rank & Score (2025): 8th with 73.25
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm (various specializations), Pharm.D, Ph.D. programs.
- Fees (Approx): ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh per year, depending on program.
- Accreditations: UGC-approved, NAAC A++ accredited, PCI recognition.
- Key Highlights: India’s first private pharmacy college; renowned for global collaborations, research-driven education, modern infrastructure, and strong placement opportunities in leading pharma companies worldwide.
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali (Punjab)
- Rank & Score (2025): 9th with 70.96
- Courses Offered: M.S. (Pharm), M.Tech (Pharm), MBA (Pharma), Ph.D. programs.
- Fees (Approx): ₹80,000 – ₹2.5 lakh per year, depending on specialization.
- Accreditations: Institute of National Importance, UGC-recognized, PCI approval.
- Key Highlights: First NIPER established in India; hub for advanced pharmaceutical research, innovation, and training; strong focus on industry-driven projects and excellent career opportunities in pharma and biotech sectors.
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
- Rank & Score (2025): 10th with 70.84
- Courses Offered: B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Fees (Approx): ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh per year, depending on the course.
- Accreditations: UGC-approved, NAAC A++ accredited, PCI recognition.
- Key Highlights: Known for modern infrastructure and research-driven programs; strong industry collaborations, international exposure, and good placement opportunities in top pharma and healthcare organizations.
| Rank | College/University | City | State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamia Hamdard University | New Delhi | Delhi | 86.59 |
| 2 | Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) | Pilani | Rajasthan | 82.28 |
| 3 | Panjab University | Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 76.39 |
| 4 | JSS College of Pharmacy | Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 76.14 |
| 5 | NIPER Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Telangana | 75.64 |
| 6 | Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 74.77 |
| 7 | JSS College of Pharmacy | Mysore | Karnataka | 73.38 |
| 8 | Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Udupi | Karnataka | 73.25 |
| 9 | NIPER Mohali | Mohali | Punjab | 70.96 |
| 10 | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 70.84 |
Career Opportunities After Pharmacy Education
Jobs in Pharma Companies, Research, and Academia
- Pharma Companies: Opportunities in manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs, and sales. Roles include Pharmacist, Formulation Scientist, and Clinical Research Associate.
- Research: Conduct research in drug discovery, formulation, and testing. Positions include Research Scientist and Clinical Research Coordinator.
- Academia: Teaching roles in universities or coaching for competitive exams like GATE or NIPER JEE.
Government Roles
- Drug Inspector: Inspecting pharmacies and drug manufacturing units for compliance.
- Pharmacist in Public Health: Working in hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies to ensure proper medication distribution.
- Other roles include Regulatory Affairs Officer and Pharmaceutical Quality Control Officer.
Average Salary Packages
- Pharma Industry: Entry-level salaries range from ₹3-6 LPA. With experience, professionals can earn ₹8-12 LPA.
- Research: Research roles start at ₹4-6 LPA and can go up to ₹12 LPA or more based on expertise.
- Government Roles: Drug Inspectors can earn ₹5-7 LPA, with senior positions offering higher salaries.
Related Article: Top 10 NIRF-Ranked Architecture and Planning Colleges/Universities in 2025
How to Choose the Right Pharmacy College?
When choosing the right pharmacy college, consider factors beyond NIRF ranking. Location is important for access to industry hubs and better networking opportunities. Look for colleges offering the specializations that match your career goals, such as pharmaceutical management or drug development. Placements are also crucial, so choose a college with strong industry connections.
Accreditations like PCI (Pharmacy Council of India), AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), and NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) ensure the college meets educational standards, offers quality teaching, and is recognized for career opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NIRF rankings are a valuable tool for students to assess the quality of pharmacy colleges in India. These rankings reflect key factors such as teaching quality, research output, infrastructure, and placements, helping students make informed decisions.
While NIRF rankings are important, students should also consider their personal career goals when choosing a college. It’s crucial to align your choice with factors like specialization, location, and future job opportunities to ensure the best educational and career outcomes. Use rankings as a guide, but prioritize what’s best for your aspirations.
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