Pharmacy Scholarships in India: The government and many private organisations offer scholarships for pharmacy students in 2026. This guide covers all the top options for D.Pharm, B.Pharm and M.Pharm students. Are you studying pharmacy in India? Are fees making things difficult for you? You are not alone. Thousands of pharmacy students across India face the same problem every year.
The good news is that there are many scholarships available for pharmacy students in 2026. These scholarships come from the government and from private organisations. Some give monthly support. Some cover your full tuition fee.
In this article, you will find a complete and easy-to-understand list of pharmacy scholarships in India. Whether you are doing D.Pharm, B.Pharm or M.Pharm, there is something here for you.
Quick Overview – Pharmacy Scholarships in India 2026
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Course Level | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMSPPS (GPAT Scholarship) | Pharmacy Council of India | M.Pharm | Rs. 12,400/month |
| AICTE PG Scholarship | AICTE | M.Pharm | Rs. 12,400/month |
| Central Sector Scholarship (NSP) | Ministry of Education | B.Pharm / D.Pharm | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 20,000/year |
| INSPIRE Scholarship | Department of Science and Technology | B.Pharm | Rs. 80,000/year |
| Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme | Ministry of Home Affairs | B.Pharm and above | Rs. 3,000/month |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | State and Central Govt | D.Pharm / B.Pharm | Varies by state |
| Sitaram Jindal Scholarship | Sitaram Jindal Foundation | B.Pharm / M.Pharm | Up to Rs. 24,000/year |
| Vidyasaarathi Scholarships | NSDL (Corporate CSR) | D.Pharm / B.Pharm | Varies |
Government Scholarships for Pharmacy Students
Government scholarships are usually the most reliable. They are funded by the central or state government. Payments come directly to your bank account. Let us look at the main ones.
1. PMSPPS – The GPAT Scholarship for M.Pharm Students
This is the most important scholarship for postgraduate pharmacy students. Its full name is Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Postgraduate Studies or PMSPPS. It was earlier known simply as the GPAT Scholarship.
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) runs this scheme. It is meant for students who have cleared the GPAT exam and are enrolled in an M.Pharm programme at a PCI-approved college.
What you get: Rs. 12,400 per month for up to 24 months. This money is paid directly into your Canara Bank account.
Who can apply:
- You must have cleared the GPAT exam before admission
- You must be studying M.Pharm full-time
- Your college must be approved by PCI
- Students who cleared GPAT after joining the course are not eligible
How to apply: Visit the official AICTE portal at scholarships.gov.in. You will also need to open a Canara Bank account to receive the monthly amount.
Example: Priya from Pune cleared GPAT 2026 before joining her M.Pharm at a PCI-approved college. She applied for PMSPPS online and now receives Rs. 12,400 every month to cover her hostel and study expenses.
2. AICTE PG Scholarship for M.Pharm Students
This scholarship is very similar to the PMSPPS. It is offered by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It also gives Rs. 12,400 per month to GPAT-qualified M.Pharm students.
The key rule here is the same. You must have your GPAT score before you got admission. Part-time students cannot apply.
This scheme runs for a maximum of 24 months. It covers living costs and tuition support together.
3. National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes
The National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in is the single biggest platform for government scholarships in India. Pharmacy students can apply for multiple schemes here.
The most useful ones for pharmacy students are:
Central Sector Scholarship Scheme
This is for students who scored in the top percentile in Class 12 board exams and whose family income is below Rs. 8 lakh per year. B.Pharm students can apply for this.
- Amount: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per year
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in
- Deadline: Usually September to October every year
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC / ST / OBC Students
Students from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes can apply here. This covers tuition fees and maintenance allowance. D.Pharm and B.Pharm students are both eligible.
- Amount: Varies by state and category
- Apply at: scholarships.gov.in (select your state and category)
Top Class Education Scholarship for SC Students
This is a fully funded scholarship for SC students studying in select institutions. It covers full tuition fees and a living allowance. Very competitive but very rewarding.
4. INSPIRE Scholarship by DST
The INSPIRE Scholarship is run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It is for students who scored in the top 1% in their Class 12 board exams and chose a science-based career.
B.Pharm students who meet the merit criteria can apply for this.
What you get: Rs. 80,000 per year. This includes a Rs. 60,000 scholarship and a Rs. 20,000 mentorship grant.
How to apply: Visit online-inspire.gov.in and register with your Class 12 marksheet and admission details.
Tip: Apply as soon as you get your admission. There is a limited number of seats under INSPIRE and early applications have a better chance.
5. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)
This scholarship is for wards and widows of ex-servicemen and police personnel. If your parent was in the armed forces, CAPF, RPF or state police, you can apply.
Amount: Up to Rs. 3,000 per month for girls and Rs. 2,500 per month for boys.
Courses covered: Professional and technical courses including B.Pharm and above.
Applications for PMSS 2026 opened on June 1, 2026 and the last date to apply is October 31, 2026. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal.
Private Scholarships for Pharmacy Students
Apart from government schemes, several private organisations and foundations also support pharmacy students. Here are some trusted ones.
6. Sitaram Jindal Scholarship
The Sitaram Jindal Foundation based in Bengaluru runs one of the most popular private scholarships in India. It supports meritorious students from low-income families.
B.Pharm and M.Pharm students can apply. The amount goes up to Rs. 24,000 per year depending on your course and income.
Apply at: sitaramjindalfoundation.org
The selection is based on both academic merit and family income. So even if you are a good student but your family earns less, this is a great option for you.
7. Vidyasaarathi Scholarships (NSDL)
Vidyasaarathi is a scholarship platform managed by NSDL. Many companies give money under their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programmes through this portal. Several of these scholarships are open to D.Pharm and B.Pharm students.
Apply at: vidyasaarathi.co.in
New scholarships keep coming up on this portal. So it is a good idea to check it regularly.
8. Buddy4Study Scholarship Listings
Buddy4Study is one of India’s largest scholarship platforms. It lists hundreds of scholarships for pharmacy students from various private trusts, NGOs and companies.
You can filter by your course, state and income on their website. It is free to use and very easy to navigate.
Visit: buddy4study.com
State-Level Scholarships for Pharmacy Students
Every state in India has its own scholarship schemes. Here are a few worth knowing:
- West Bengal: Oasis Portal – for SC, ST and OBC students studying D.Pharm or B.Pharm
- Bihar: Bihar Post-Matric Scholarship via NSP – covers tuition and maintenance
- Maharashtra: State Government Post-Matric Scholarship
- Karnataka: R.L. Jalappa Scholarship for students from specific communities in South Karnataka districts
To find your state scholarship, go to scholarships.gov.in and select your state from the list. All state schemes are listed there.
Tips to Apply for Pharmacy Scholarships Successfully
Applying is just the first step. Getting selected takes a little planning. Here are some practical tips to help you:
- Apply early. Most scholarships open in August and close in October. Do not wait till the last day.
- Keep your documents ready. You will need your Class 10 and 12 marksheets, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar card, bank passbook and college admission letter.
- Do not miss the renewal. Most scholarships need to be renewed every year. Check the portal regularly.
- Apply for more than one. There is no rule stopping you from applying to multiple scholarships at the same time.
- Use your college’s help. Many colleges have a scholarship cell. Talk to your college’s student welfare office. They can guide you better.
Which Scholarship Is Right for You?
Not sure which one to go for? Here is a simple guide:
- If you are doing D.Pharm: Apply for NSP Post-Matric Scholarship and check Vidyasaarathi.
- If you are doing B.Pharm: Try INSPIRE (if you were a merit student in Class 12) and also apply for Central Sector Scholarship on NSP.
- If you are doing M.Pharm: The PMSPPS or GPAT Scholarship giving Rs. 12,400 per month should be your first priority.
- If you belong to SC/ST/OBC: Apply for Post-Matric Scholarship on NSP. Also check your state government portal.
- If your family income is low: Sitaram Jindal Foundation is a great option regardless of your course level.
Conclusion
India has many scholarships available for pharmacy students. Some come from the government. Some come from private foundations. Together they can make a big difference to your monthly expenses and your peace of mind. The most important thing is to act on time. Mark the dates. Keep your documents ready. And apply as soon as the portal opens. If you found this article helpful, share it with your classmates who are also looking for financial support. Someone you know might really need this information.
All the best with your pharmacy studies and your scholarship applications!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can D.Pharm students apply for any government scholarship in India?
Yes. D.Pharm students can apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal. Students from SC, ST and OBC categories can also get state-level scholarships. Family income certificate is usually required.
2. What is the GPAT Scholarship and how much does it give per month?
The GPAT Scholarship is now officially called PMSPPS. It is offered by the Pharmacy Council of India. M.Pharm students who qualify in the GPAT exam get Rs. 12,400 per month for up to 24 months. The money is paid through a Canara Bank account.
3. Is the INSPIRE Scholarship available for B.Pharm students?
Yes. B.Pharm students who scored in the top 1% in their Class 12 board exams are eligible to apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship by DST. The total benefit is Rs. 80,000 per year. You can apply at online-inspire.gov.in.
4. Can I apply for more than one pharmacy scholarship at the same time?
Yes. You can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. There is no rule against it. However some government schemes may ask you to declare if you are receiving money from another source. Always read the terms before applying.
5. When do pharmacy scholarships usually open for applications in India?
Most government scholarships open between August and September every year. The deadline is usually in October or November. Private scholarships may open at different times. Always check the official portal regularly so you do not miss any deadline.
Read More: SOTAX Scholarship 2026
Menka Singh is an education researcher and scholarship consultant with over 5 years of experience helping Indian students navigate central, state and private scholarship programmes. Having personally applied for and received scholarships during her own education, she brings firsthand understanding to every guide she writes. She specialises in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra and all India scholarship schemes and has helped thousands of students find verified funding opportunities. Read More: Click Here
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