Breather for D.Pharm Graduates: PCI Grants One-Year Provisional Licenses Amid Exit Exam Delays

This decision follows the indefinite postponement of the D.Pharm Exit Examination (DPEE) by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).

The exit exam, comprising three papers, was initially scheduled for October 2024 but was deferred without a specified reason. NBEMS directed students to regularly check its website for updates, leaving the graduating class of 2024 uncertain about their career prospects.

Also Read: NBE Postpones Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Exam October 2024 Session, Revised Dates to be Announced Soon

In a circular issued on December 31, 2024, the PCI notified students about the exam deferment and announced a temporary relief measure. Students who completed their D.Pharm course in the 2023–2024 academic session can now apply for provisional registration and licenses valid for one year. The PCI clarified that licenses would not be renewed unless students pass the exit exam.

“...to post the circular on PCI website for all the State Pharmacy Councils State Governments/UTs. and approved Pharmacy institutions conducting D.Pharm course requesting to issue registration certificate to the students who are admiitted in Diploma -L Pharmacy in 2022-2023 academic session and complete their coarse in 2023-2024 academic session for one year (till the exit exam will be conducted) and not renew the certificate without clearing the exit exam,” the notice read.

The lack of registration certificates had left many graduates unable to work as pharmacists or establish their businesses. The PCI’s move has been widely welcomed by students. However, students remain concerned about the indefinite delay of the DPEE. Examination fees collected earlier were refunded, but the delay and lack of clarity have added to their anxiety.

Also Read: NBE notifies on fee refund for deferred Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Exam October 2024, check details

To address the burden on students, the PCI has proposed an amendment to Regulation 6 of the DPEE 2022 under Section 10 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948. The amendment suggests conducting a single-paper exam instead of the current three-paper format. This change, aimed at reducing financial and logistical stress on students, is awaiting approval from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“PCI vide various communications to wrote Ministry for approval of the proposed amendment in regulation 6 of "Diploma in pharmacy Ex-if Examination Regulations 2022" as required u/s10 of the Pharmacv Act, 1948 for publication in the Gazette of India so that the one paper can be conducted instead of 3 paper to avoid financial burden on the students. The approval of Ministry is yet awaited,” the Council said.

The notification further elaborates on the process for obtaining provisional licensing for students who have completed their Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course. To secure provisional registration, students are required to submit an affidavit to their respective State Pharmacy Councils.

The affidavit must affirm that the student has successfully completed the D.Pharm course during the 2023–2024 academic session. Further, the student acknowledges that the provisional registration certificate will remain valid for one year or until the exit examination is conducted, whichever occurs sooner. Lastly, the student agrees that the provisional certificate will not be renewed unless they successfully clear the exit examination.

To view the original notice, click on the link below:

The PCI emphasized that this is a temporary measure to ensure students can practice until the exam is conducted. The PCI’s decision has provided interim relief to thousands of students, but the need for a clear timeline and revised examination framework remains critical to addressing long-term concerns.