The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has announced significant updates for Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) programs starting from the 2025-26 academic session. These changes include a new staff-to-student ratio, revised faculty requirements, and updated guidelines for institutions offering pharmacy courses.
Key Updates for B.Pharm Programs
Staff-to-Student Ratio
For the first time, PCI has mandated a maximum staff-to-student ratio of 1:20 for both theory and practical classes in B.Pharm courses. This ensures personalized attention and improved learning experiences for students.
Revised Faculty Requirements
PCI has adjusted the number of teachers required based on student enrollment:
- For 60 students: 12 teachers (3 professors, 4 associate professors, 5 assistant professors/lecturers)
- For 100 students: 20 teachers (4 professors, 7 associate professors, 9 assistant professors/lecturers)
- For institutions with D.Pharm and B.Pharm (60 students): 18 teachers
These updates reduce faculty numbers while maintaining quality standards.
New Course Approvals
Institutions introducing new courses or specializations must meet stricter requirements:
- Submit No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the state government for B.Pharm courses.
- Provide a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a 300-bed hospital for Pharm.D programs.
Seat Allocation
The maximum number of seats for each program is now clearly defined:
- D.Pharm: 60 seats
- B.Pharm: 60 or 100 seats
- M.Pharm (per specialization): 15 seats
- Pharm.D: 30 seats
- Pharm.D (PB): 10 seats
- B.Pharm (Practice): 40 seats
Application and Payment Process
Institutions must submit applications for approvals, course introductions, or student intake increases via the PCI portal between December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025. No extensions will be allowed beyond the deadline. Payments for Pharmacy Education Regulatory Charges (PERC) can be made through Bill Desk, NEFT/RTGS, or SBI.
Why This Matters
These updates aim to improve the quality of pharmacy education in India, ensuring students receive better training and guidance. By streamlining faculty requirements and introducing clear guidelines for approvals, PCI is working to standardize education and provide more opportunities for aspiring pharmacists.
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