PCI’s nod boosts pharmacy edu at Agra varsity

Agra: Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Agra has secured approval from the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to run multiple pharmacy programmes at its Institute of Pharmacy and Paramedical Sciences located at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose campus in Chhalesar.According to PCI order, the approval has been granted in compliance with the norms laid down under Pharmacy Act 1948, particularly prescribed teacher-student ratio, underscoring the institute’s adherence to academic and infrastructural standards.For the 2026-27 academic session, the institute has been permitted to offer Master of Pharmacy (M Pharma) courses in three disciplines: pharmaceutics (9 seats), pharmaceutical chemistry (3) and pharmacognosy (9). The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharma) programme, which already had approval for 60 seats in 2025–26, has been granted continuation with the same intake capacity for the 2026-27 session.The PCI has also approved Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programmes, including 30 seats for PharmD and 10 seats for PharmD (Post Baccalaureate) for the upcoming academic session.While the Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharm) course had approval for 60 seats till 2025-26, it will now admit 30 students for the 2026-27 session.University authorities said the approvals would strengthen the institution’s academic profile and expand opportunities for students in Agra and neighbouring districts to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.VC Prof Ashu Rani termed the development a “milestone achievement”, stating that it reflects the university’s commitment to quality education and global standards. “This expansion in pharmacy education will open new avenues for students and contribute to building a skilled healthcare workforce,” she said.Institute director Dr Ravi Shekhar noted that the PCI nod validates the institute’s faculty strength, infrastructure and industry-oriented approach. “We aim to equip students with practical exposure, research capabilities and professional competence to excel in the pharmacy sector,” he added.