Wondering if Bankura has good pharmacy colleges? Here’s what you need to know about available courses, fee range, facilities, and career options after graduation.
This is the story of one of our students sharing his journey, along with some helpful tips, to guide others who are just starting out.
When my younger brother said he wanted to study pharmacy, our first thought was, “Well, I guess we’ll have to look at colleges in Kolkata, right?” That’s where most people go, after all. But then we started looking into options closer to home. And that’s when we discovered an entire world of pharmacy education right here in Bankura, something we hadn’t even considered before.
What surprised us most was those institutions like the best pharmacy college in Bankura, West Bengal offered solid academic programs, well-maintained labs, experienced faculty, and most importantly—affordable education without compromising quality.
I’m writing this because if you’re a student in or around Bankura, or a parent trying to help your child figure things out, you might be surprised and relieved to know that you don’t need to look far to start a career in pharmacy.
Why Even Consider Pharmacy?
Let’s be honest. Not everyone wants to be a doctor or engineer. Pharmacy, though often overlooked, is a solid profession, especially now. From working in hospitals and clinics to managing drug stores or joining pharma companies, a degree or diploma in pharmacy can lead to a lot of opportunities.
It’s also not as expensive or exam heavy as some other medical paths. That’s a big reason it’s gaining popularity in towns like ours.
So, What Colleges Are There in Bankura?
There are a few pharmacy colleges in Bankura now, and some of them are doing quite well. We visited two in person. One of them, Belarani Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, left a strong impression. It had clean classrooms, students who seemed genuinely engaged, and most importantly, PCI approval.
That last bit is key. PCI stands for the Pharmacy Council of India. If a college doesn’t have that approval, then the degree or diploma isn’t going to mean much in the real world. So, before anything else, check that stamp.
Belarani had that. And the vibe was serious, but not overly strict. They had a working lab, some internship tie-ups, and teachers who answered questions when we visited.
What Kind of Courses Are Offered?
Most colleges here offer two main options. There’s the D.Pharm course — that’s a diploma and takes two years. It’s good for students who want to start working quickly in local pharmacies or clinics. Then there’s the B.Pharm, which is a full four-year degree. That one’s more in-depth and opens more doors — especially if you want to study further or get into higher positions in pharmaceutical companies.
Some colleges also have a lateral entry system. So, if you finish D.Pharm and want to continue into the degree course, you can start B.Pharm from the second year. Not bad if you’re trying to save time and money.
Do You Need to Write NEET?
This is something my cousin was really worried about. The good news is, no, you don’t need NEET to get into pharmacy in Bankura. Most colleges take in students based on their marks in Class 12 (Science stream — Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Maths).
In some cases, they may ask for WBJEE scores, but many don’t. So it’s less stressful than trying to get into MBBS or BDS.
What About the Fees?
Compared to big cities, the fees here are manageable. From what we gathered, D.Pharm courses generally cost around ₹60,000 to ₹90,000 a year. B.Pharm courses can be a bit more, anywhere between ₹70,000 and ₹1.2 lakhs annually.
Of course, it depends on the college. But in general, studying pharmacy in Bankura isn’t going to break the bank. Plus, there are state scholarships and other financial help available if you’re eligible. Worth asking about.
Are the Facilities Good?
This was something we were a bit skeptical about. I mean, a lot of local colleges say they have labs and equipment, but when you go there, it’s just dust and broken glassware.
Thankfully, that wasn’t the case at Belarani. Their labs were functional, not fancy, but clean and in use. The library wasn’t huge, but they had the important books. The teachers seemed approachable, and the campus felt safe. They even had Wi-Fi in some areas, which is a big help when you’re doing research or attending webinars.
Some of the other colleges might be better or worse, so definitely go in person before deciding.
Can You Study Further After Pharmacy?
Yes, absolutely. If you do D.Pharm, you can move into B.Pharm later. If you complete B.Pharm, there’s M.Pharm, Pharm.D, and even MBA in Hospital Management.
Some students go on to research, some crack GPAT or NIPER, and others land jobs in hospitals, companies, or even start their own drug stores. It all depends on what you want and how much effort you’re willing to put in.
A degree from a PCI-approved college in Bankura doesn’t hold you back. In fact, a lot of students from these colleges are doing just fine, even outside West Bengal.
Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
If you’re someone who wants to stay local, or if moving to a metro isn’t an option, then yes, pharmacy education in Bankura is worth looking into. The courses are real, the colleges are growing, and the cost is something most families can handle.
Just remember, do your homework. Visit the colleges. Ask the right questions. And always check for PCI approval.
For us, it was about finding a balance between quality and affordability. Belarani Institute ticked those boxes, and that’s why we felt comfortable recommending it as one of the best pharmacy colleges in Bankura, West Bengal.
Belarani Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research continues to offer dependable, accessible pharmacy education in Bankura, West Bengal, without the stress or high costs of metro cities.
