If there’s one industry in India that’s growing steadily and creating lots of new jobs, it’s the pharmaceutical sector. The growth of pharma industry in India is not only helping the economy but also opening doors for thousands of young people looking for stable, meaningful careers.
In April 2025, India’s pharma sector grew by 7.8%. What is the reason behind this growth? The reasons are many, including the smarter production, government schemes, and the rising demand for affordable medicines — both in India and across the world. In fact, India’s pharmaceutical sector, often dubbed the ‘pharmacy of the world’, supplies over 50% of Africa’s requirement for generics, 40% of generic demand in the US, and 25% of all medicine in the UK.
Moreover, the government has introduced several initiatives. Take the example of The Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, which aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to all. Programs like these enhance accessibility and also create additional employment opportunities.
This is why more and more students are signing up for pharmaceutical science courses. Colleges across the country are expanding their offerings, and states like Himachal Pradesh are becoming hubs for pharma education.
If you’re wondering whether this is the right field for you, now is a great time to look closely. Whether you’re planning to pursue a B Pharmacy or M Pharmacy, the timing couldn’t be better. In this blog, we’ll explore how the growth of pharma industry in India is shaping career choices, what kind of roles are in demand, which courses are helpful, and how educational Institutions are helping students get future-ready.
Why India’s Pharma Industry Is Growing So Fast
The growth of pharma industry in India is propelled by several key factors:
Government Support
One of the biggest reasons behind the growth of the pharma sector is strong government backing. Programs like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are helping Indian companies manufacture important medications right here at home. This means India doesn’t depend on other countries as much.
More People Need Medicines
The demand for low-cost, high-quality medicines is rising fast. More people in India are living longer — and getting better access to healthcare than ever before. That’s why the need for affordable, good-quality medicines is growing fast. Everyone deserves treatment they can trust — without breaking the bank.
Around the world, too, countries rely on Indian medicines because they are effective and cheaper. This has made the pharma industry in India a trusted player in global healthcare.
India is the ‘Pharmacy of the World’
Did you know that India is one of the biggest suppliers of generic drugs in the world? The country’s pharma exports are growing steadily. Experts say that by 2047, India’s pharma exports could reach a whopping $350 billion!
This export success is a major part of the pharma industry growth rate in India, and it opens up many job opportunities for young professionals.
Where Can Pharmacists Work Today?
As the pharma field changes and grows, it’s creating new career paths for young professionals—far beyond the traditional roles.
Innovation in Research & Development
Research and Development is one of the most exciting fields in pharmaceutical sciences. It is the best for those who enjoy experimenting and solving real-world health problems. From discovering medicines to testing them in clinical trials, you get to explore everything.
Drug Safety and Regulatory Affairs
The main role of the pharmacist is to make sure that medicines are safe and meet all legal norms. This is where roles in pharmacovigilance and regulatory affairs come in. They make sure that every medicine that reaches the market follows strict rules.
Manufacturing & Quality Control
If you enjoy detail-oriented work and technology, working in quality control and manufacturing might be for you. The growing pharma industry in India needs skilled professionals to run its factories and maintain top-notch quality. Many graduates from B Pharmacy and M Pharmacy backgrounds are also entering this space.
Careers in Biotech
Biology and Technology have changed how we treat diseases. These days, more biotechnology-based drugs are being developed. Therefore, pharmacists can now specialise in biologics, cell therapies, and gene-based medicines.
Startups and e-Pharmacies
Today, medicines can be ordered with a few clicks. Thanks to e-pharmacy platforms and healthcare startups, there’s a rising need for pharmacists in digital roles—whether it’s managing online drug delivery systems or providing patient support through telemedicine.
So, if you’re exploring pharmaceutical science courses, keep an open mind. There are more options than ever before—and many of them didn’t even exist a decade ago.
Skills and Knowledge You Need to Succeed
To build a rewarding career in the pharma industry, it is important to have the right skills. You need a deep understanding of subjects like pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and biotechnology. These subjects are a foundation for any job in pharmaceutical sciences.
You should be able to communicate, make ethical choices, and adapt to new situations effectively. These skills are helpful when working in teams or dealing with patients or clients.
Lastly, being tech-savvy is a must. With the rise of AI and digital tools in healthcare, you should know how to work with data, use digital health platforms, and understand new technologies.
How Education Prepares You for the Pharma World
A good education can make all the difference when starting a career in the pharma industry. Practical experience is essential. Labs, internships, and real projects help students understand how to apply their knowledge outside the classroom.
The best pharma courses today are designed to meet the current needs of the industry. This way, students get ready to take on real-world jobs.
Shoolini University stands out as one of the best pharma colleges in Himachal Pradesh, offering well-structured B Pharmacy, M Pharmacy and PhD Pharmacy programs. These courses combine theory with hands-on training and industry exposure, giving students a strong start in the pharma industry in India. Let’s find out more about why Shoolini is the best for you.
Study Pharmacy at Shoolini University
When thinking about a career in the pharma industry in India, choosing the right place to study is important. Shoolini University, located in the peaceful hills of Himachal Pradesh, stands out as one of the best pharma colleges in the region. Ranked 30th in India for Pharmacy by NIRF and recognised as India’s No.1 Private University by Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings, Shoolini offers a strong foundation for students interested in pharmaceutical science courses.
Pharmacy courses at Shoolini are approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and AICTE, ensuring high academic standards and industry relevance. The university has over 104 advanced labs and specialised research centres, where students get hands-on experience in areas like drug discovery and medicinal plant research. Shoolini’s unique ‘One-Student One-Patent’ program has encouraged innovation, with students filing more than 1,500 patents so far.
The faculty team includes experts from top global institutions, giving students quality mentorship and a competitive edge. Plus, with 11 Centres of Excellence and strong government support through grants like PURSE and SERB, Shoolini constantly upgrades its research and learning facilities.
Beyond academics, Shoolini offers international exchange programs and collaborations that expose students to global healthcare perspectives. Graduates from Shoolini are in high demand by leading pharma companies like Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, and Biocon. With its strong industry ties and focused placement efforts, Shoolini University prepares students well for a successful career in the growing pharma industry in India.
Conclusion
The growth of the pharma industry in India is creating jobs for students passionate about pharmaceutical sciences. With the right skills and education, you can be part of this exciting journey. If you are looking for a university with a strong academic base along with exposure into the professional workings of the real world, your search ends at Shoolini University.
And the good news? Admissions are open. Apply today!
Sources:
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indias-pharma-industry-grows-7-8-in-april-government-says-success-of-smart-schemes/articleshow/121250581.cms
- https://phrma.org/en/Innovation/Research-Development
- https://www.ifpma.org/resources/key-facts-on-regulation-and-safety/
- https://www.nib.gov.in/biotech-pharma-careers
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/03/15/the-rise-of-health-tech-startups-in-india/?sh=45f124544d7f
