Non-approval of MS Programmes by PCI under the Pharmacy Act 1948.

It has been learnt by the PCI that some pharmacy institutions are offering 2 year full-time MS Programmes in Industrial Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Analysis & Quality Control to pharmacy graduates.

In this connection, it is clarified that only following qualifications acquired from an institution approved by PCI u/s 12 of the Pharmacy Act are approved for the purpose of registration as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act -
(a) D.Pharm.
(b) B.Pharm.
(c) Pharm.D.
In view of it, the said MS Programmes are not approved by the PCI either for the purpose of registration as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act to practice the profession OR any other purpose like teaching in approved pharmacy institutions.

Statement (Press Release)

It has been learnt by the PCI about some press news stating that PCI has not recognized the Post Graduate degrees awarded by NIPER.
In this connection, it is clarified that under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, the PCI -
  • frames regulations prescribing the standard of education required for qualification as a pharmacist.
  • approves the pharmacy institutions for the purpose of practicing the profession.
  • lays down the norms & standards for pharmacy institutions including qualification & experience of teaching staff desiring to obtain approval of the PCI under the Pharmacy Act.
Accordingly, PCI has framed regulations namely Education Regulations, 1991 and Pharm.D. Regulations, 2008 which are notified in the Gazette of India.  The said regulations prescribe the norms & standards for pharmacy institutions including qualification & experience of the teaching staff to be appointed by these pharmacy institutions. MS programmes offered by any institution/university in the country does not figure as an approved qualification under the Pharmacy Act.
PCI has not any time made any specific comments relating to the recognition of Post graduate degrees awarded by the NIPER as the same is not an issue under the consideration of PCI