Institute of Pharmacy, Jalpaiguri (IOPJ) is one of the most historically significant pharmacy institutions in India. It holds the distinction of being the first diploma pharmacy college in India, having granted diploma degrees in Pharmacy since 1920. Situated in the District Hospital Campus in Jalpaiguri Town, West Bengal, this government institution has played a pioneering role in pharmacy education for over a century.
The institute’s history is deeply intertwined with the region’s medical education legacy. It was originally known as Jackson’s Medical College, a medical school established by the British Government in 1923. After the MBBS degree was introduced in India, the medical degree program was abolished, and in 1949, the site was renamed the Institute of Pharmacy. In 1954, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, then Chief Minister of West Bengal, formally established the pharmacy school with a Diploma in Pharmacy course. The institute was upgraded to a B.Pharm degree-granting institution in 2003.
Why Choose Institute of Pharmacy, Jalpaiguri?
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Legacy | First diploma pharmacy college in India (since 1920) |
| Government Institution | Affordable education with government backing |
| Low Fees | B.Pharma at just ₹54,000 for 4 years |
| PCI & AICTE Approved | Recognized by Pharmacy Council of India and AICTE |
| Affiliated to WBUHS | Degree awarded by a recognized health sciences university |
| Strong Alumni Network | Alumni placed in pharma companies across India and abroad |
| Clinical & Industrial Training | Mandatory internships in hospital and industrial settings |
Institute of Pharmacy Jalpaiguri 2026 Highlights at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1949 (as Institute of Pharmacy); Diploma program since 1920 |
| Historical Name | Jackson’s Medical College |
| Location | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Road, Hospital Para, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal – 735101 |
| Type | Government College |
| Campus Size | 8 Acres |
| Affiliation | West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS), Kolkata |
| Approvals | AICTE, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) |
| Courses Offered | D.Pharma (2 years), B.Pharma (4 years) |
| Total Student Count | 366 |
| Total Faculty | 11 |
| Official Address | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Hospital Para, P.O. & Dist- Jalpaiguri, West Bengal – 735101 |
Institute of Pharmacy Jalpaiguri Courses & Fee Structure 2026
The Institute of Pharmacy, Jalpaiguri offers two primary courses at the diploma and undergraduate levels. Each program has an intake capacity of 60 students.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Years (Full-Time) |
| Intake | 60 Seats |
| Total Tuition Fee | ₹54,000 (for the entire 4-year program) |
| 1st Year Fees (Approx.) | ₹20,000 |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology; minimum 45% marks (General) |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year |
Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharma)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years (Full-Time) |
| Intake | 60 Seats |
| Total Tuition Fee | ₹4,400 (for the entire 2-year program) |
| Fee Components | Admission Fee: ₹500, Registration Fee: ₹600, Caution Deposit: ₹200 |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology |
Note: The B.Pharma fee is remarkably affordable compared to private pharmacy colleges. Some sources indicate that the total fee may be around ₹60,000 for the entire program. Hostel fees are approximately ₹1,200 per annum (without fooding).
Institute of Pharmacy Jalpaiguri Admission Process 2026
Entrance Exams
Admission to the Institute of Pharmacy, Jalpaiguri is primarily based on entrance exams:
| Course | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| B.Pharma | WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination) |
| B.Pharma (Lateral Entry) | JELET (Joint Entrance Lateral Entry Test) |
| D.Pharma | Based on merit in 10+2 |
WBJEE Cutoff 2025
| Category | Cutoff Rank (Round 2) |
|---|---|
| General (HS Quota) | 3,182 – 65,383 |
| Most Competitive Branch | Closed at 5,081 rank (B.Pharm/Pharmaceutical Technology, 2025) |
| JELET Cutoff (General) | Rank 23 |
Eligibility Highlights
- Minimum Score: 50% marks in 10+2 is required for admission
- B.Pharma: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology as compulsory subjects with individual pass marks
- English Requirement: At least 30% marks in English in 10+2
Institute of Pharmacy Jalpaiguri Placements & Career Prospects
Placement outcomes at the Institute of Pharmacy, Jalpaiguri show a mixed picture, with B.Pharma graduates faring significantly better than D.Pharma graduates.
Placement Highlights
| Parameter | B.Pharma | D.Pharma |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 70% | Low; industry prefers bachelor’s degree holders |
| Average Package | ₹3.5 LPA | — |
| Highest Package | ₹6 LPA | — |
Student Reviews on Placements
Student reviews present varying perspectives on placements:
- Positive: “There are 60-70% students getting a lot of opportunities through off camps and on campus. Sun Pharma, Cipla, Also Lupin Pharma etc. companies visit here.”
- Mixed: “Above 75% of students are placed in various industries. The highest package is 4.2 LPA, the lowest package is 1.8 LPA and the average package is 2.4-2.7 LPA.”
- Concerning: “Placements at the Institute of Pharmacy Jalpaiguri are not good because there is no in campus placement. Most students pursue higher studies or find jobs off-campus. The average package ranges from ₹2–3 LPA.”
Top Recruiters
| Company | Sector |
|---|---|
| Sun Pharma | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing |
| Cipla | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing |
| Lupin Pharma | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing |
Career Pathways
Graduates typically secure roles such as:
- Production Pharmacists in manufacturing units
- Medical Representatives in sales and marketing
- Quality Control Analysts in research labs
Institute of Pharmacy Jalpaiguri Campus Life & Infrastructure
Campus Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Campus Size | 8 acres |
| Classrooms | Airy, spacious, neat, and clean |
| Laboratories | Well-equipped labs for every subject in different buildings |
| Library | Good library; each department has its own library with all required books |
| Hostel | Separate boys and girls hostel accommodation |
| Canteen | Available |
| Sports | Available |
| Wi-Fi | Limited accessibility |
Student Reviews on Infrastructure
| Aspect | Student Feedback |
|---|---|
| Classrooms | “Very good, neat, and clean” |
| Labs | “Good labs”; however, some students note “labs are not well decorated” |
| Faculty | “Very helpful and well-qualified with master’s degrees or Ph.D.” |
| Overall Rating | Rated 3.5/5 for faculty |
What Students Say
“Very friendly atmosphere and professors are most polite and helpful. It is the oldest diploma pharmacy college in India.” – Student Review
“The faculty of the institution is very good and dedicated. They are well qualified and trained with great experience.”
“Life at the campus is simple, affordable, and student friendly. The social life is moderate.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Admission policies, fees, cutoff ranks, and placement figures are subject to change. Readers are strongly advised to verify all information through official institute, WBJEE, and WBUHS channels before making any admission decisions.