ACADEMICS & INSTITUTION

NEW PCI guidelines for new pharmacy colleges (2025-2026 academic session)The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has outlined updated guidelines for new pharmacy institutions seeking approval for the upcoming academic year (2025-2026). These guidelines encompass the application process, infrastructure requirements, faculty qualifications, and other essential aspects.Here's a summary of the key guidelines:1. Application and approval process

• Online application is mandatory: All applications for approval, including the establishment of new institutions, must be submitted online through the PCI portal. Offline applications will not be accepted.
• Timely submission: Applications and Pharmacy Education Regulatory Charges (PERC) must be submitted within the notified timeframe.
• Mandatory documents for new course introduction: New institutions introducing new courses (including D.Pharm, Pharm.D, M.Pharm) need to submit specific documents such as consent of affiliation from the Examining Authority and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a 300-bedded hospital (for Pharm.D courses).
• Strict adherence to regulations: Applications will be rejected if mandatory documents are missing, incorrect, or if the institution fails to comply with statutory provisions.
• Online registration for students: All students must register on the PCI student portal before inspections. 

2. Infrastructure requirements

• Building accommodation, equipment, and teaching staff: Institutions must provide adequate facilities as per the prescribed norms in the regulations.
• Laboratories: Must be well-lit and ventilated, with basic amenities like exhaust fans and fume chambers where necessary. Workbenches should be smooth and easily cleanable, preferably made of non-absorbent material.
• Equipment: All equipment must have active QR codes, which will be verified during inspections. 

3. Faculty requirements

• Qualified principal and teaching staff: Appointment of qualified principal and teaching staff as per statutory provisions of the Education Regulations is mandatory.
• Faculty details on institution portal: Teaching staff details must be reflected on the institution's portal.
• Minimum qualification: Teachers should possess a minimum of M.Pharm with graduation in Pharmacy and relevant teaching experience.
• QR code-generated smart cards: All faculty members must have valid QR code-generated smart cards from the DIGI-PHARMed Portal before inspections.
• Attendance and presence during inspection: Mandatory attendance and presence of all faculties during inspection, with leave letters required for absent faculty members.
• Relevant documents: Faculties must carry their relevant documents during the inspection process. 

4. Financial aspects

• Pharmacy Education Regulatory Charges (PERC) and GST: These are mandatory and non-refundable.
• Security Deposit: While a refundable security deposit is specified, its collection from private institutions is currently sub judice, according to the PCI. 

5. Inspections and verification

• Mobile inspection application: Inspections will be conducted through the mobile inspection application provided by the PCI.
• Verification of details: The Council will scrutinize applications and may conduct physical inspections to verify the information provided.
• Strict adherence to guidelines by inspectors and institutions: Both parties are required to adhere to all PCI circulars and guidelines during inspections, says Legality Simplified. 

Important Notes:

• The PCI portal will open for existing institutions applying for continuation of approval, introduction of new courses, increase in admission, and services between December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025.
• Existing institutions with approval for the 2025-2026 academic session or beyond must still submit online applications and pay the requisite PERC to retain their approval.
• New institutions are required to pay only the PERC for the establishment of the new institution, which includes fees for registration, technical scrutiny, contingent charges, and two inspections, as well as the annual PERC.
• The last date for applying for the 2025-2026 academic session will not be extended under any circumstances. 

This information is based on the provided search results and represents a general overview of the guidelines. It is essential to refer to the official PCI website and the specific regulations for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the approval process for new pharmacy colleges.