PCI Clarifies Open School Students Eligible for Pharmacy Courses, Pharmacist Registration
New Delhi: Through a recent notice, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has clarified that students who have completed their schooling through the Open School education system of the Central or State governments will be eligible for admission to pharmacy courses as well as registration as pharmacists under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
In a circular dated January 12, 2026, issued to all PCI-approved institutions, State Pharmacy Councils, examining authorities, universities, and State governments/Union Territories, the regulator said candidates from recognised Open School systems can be admitted to Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) programmes, provided they meet the requirements laid down in the respective Education Regulations.
The clarification comes in continuation of PCI’s earlier circulars issued in July and September 2015 and follows deliberations held during the 439th Executive Committee meeting on January 8, 2026.
Importantly, the PCI also stated that students from Open School education systems who have already completed or are currently pursuing pharmacy courses will be considered eligible for registration as pharmacists. Such registration, however, will remain subject to fulfilment of all other conditions prescribed under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
The circular stated,
"a) Student who has passed from open School education system of the Central Government/State Government institutions be made eligible for admission to D.Pharm B.Pharm and Pharm.D courses as per the concerned Education Regulations.
b) The students of such open school who have already passed or are undergoing pharmacy courses shall be treated as eligible for registration as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act 1948 subject to fulfilment of the other prescribed condition as per Pharmacy Act, 1948."
To view the official notice, click the link below:
