Difference between Dpharm & PharmaD

Parveen Malhotra

Q.I am a science student (medical stream). Can you please tell me the difference between DPharm and PharmaD? — Yuvika Murthy

A. PharmaD is a six-year programme after Class XII and PharmaD is a Post Baccalaureate is a three-year programme after BPharma.

With this degree, you can work in a hospital / clinical / community pharmacists, clinical research organisations, clinical trial management, medical writing or entrepreneurship.

DPharm is a two-year diploma programme after Class XII. This will qualify you to work in retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy and industry.

Should I go in for law degree through distance learning mode?

Q.I am currently working in my cousin’s tax consulting firm in Delhi after completing my MCom. I have acquired some knowledge of the subject, and would now like to do my LLB through an evening or distance learning programme to improve my prospects. Would DU be a good option? — Ritesh Prasad

A.Delhi University’s Law Faculty is well-known and well-regarded in legal circles. While it does not offer LLB via distance mode, it does offer an evening programme which was popular among working people as well as government officials.

However, the Bar Council of India, which is the apex regulatory body for the legal profession and legal education in India, has asked DU to shut down the colleges offering law courses in the evening shift on the grounds that  good quality legal education cannot be ensured via evening/night classes.

In short, this means that you’ll have to enroll for a regular LLB programme – at DU or any other university.

Incidentally, the Delhi High Court has recently asked DU’s Law Faculty to accommodate the Campus Law Centre, Law Centre-I & Law Centre-II in its present new building next to the Arts Faculty (currently, LC-II operates from ARSD College premises).

In 2014, the BCI had cancelled affiliation of the Faculty as it had not applied for inspection, but keeping the future of graduating students in mind, temporary affiliation was granted. 7000 students are enrolled across the 3 centres but they are yet to receive approval for affiliation as of this date.

Sure, a couple of universities do offer a BAL (Bachelor’s in Academic Law) programme via distance learning. While this won’t make you eligible to argue in a court of law, it will equip you with the necessary knowledge to offer legal advice or work in the legal department of a firm such as yours or any other tax-compliant environment, including LPOs and NGOs (that offer legal aid), besides giving you sufficient legal knowledge to cover legal matters as a journalist or helping you take the Civil Services exam.

Alternatively, you could opt for specific PG Diploma programmes in Tax Laws / Management / Practice that are offered by a large number of universities. None of these require a formal background in Law. A BCom degree is sufficient for enrolling in these courses that can be pursued via multiple modes of delivery.

What is the role of a concierge?

Q.Could you please explain the role of a concierge in the hotel industry? I have seen a few recruitment ads for this position issued by some hotels? — Lavinder Rathi

A.Although a recent entrant in the front office department of the hospitality industry, especially in India, the role of the concierge which was sidelined due to lack of awareness, is now beginning to be valued. 

A simple definition of a concierge would be that of a caretaker, a person who makes it his profession and duty to serve guests.

The concierge, often termed as ‘Mr. Can Do’, offers assistance in the form of travel info and arrangements, city tips, hard to find items or materials, errand services, medical help etc.

This role has opened doors to a new career for students interested in the hospitality industry. 

These days a number of concierge companies have set up shop in metro cities in the country. Given this trend the luxury concierge services industry is set to grow in India thanks to an increase in the number of wealthy people, global awareness and lifestyle consciousness. 

It is an interesting career where you will interact with people from various walks of life, countries and mind-sets, which in turn, will sharpen your PR skills. 

Internationally, this is a lucrative and respected position, at times even higher paid than the General Manager.

The Concierge Association of India is also doing its bit popularise this profession through its regional four chapters.