Over 12,000 pharmacy students in Gujarat are facing delays in their academic schedules. This situation arises from a crisis involving the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The new academic term for these students will likely not start before September. The delay is due to pending approvals for 87 pharmacy colleges in the state. Out of 153 pharmacy institutes in Gujarat, 64 degree colleges and 23 diploma colleges are still waiting for PCI approval.
The Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC) has stated that the admission process may only be completed by the end of August. This means that the start of the academic term will be pushed back by about 1.5 months from the original date of July 29. Although the admission schedule was announced, officials cannot proceed with actual admissions until the approvals are cleared.
The mock admission round for pharmacy courses is set for July 10 to July 15. However, the real admissions are currently on hold. An official remarked, “Due to the delay in approvals, launching the academic session from July 29 is no longer feasible.”
Recently, 12 new colleges received approval—9 for degree programs and 3 for diploma programs. Yet, the delay in renewing permissions for existing colleges is a significant obstacle. ACPC Member Secretary Nilay Bhuptani expressed concern that students will suffer from the PCI’s inaction.
The disruption of the common academic calendar is another significant issue. Mahesh Chhabria, Principal of LM College of Pharmacy, pointed out that the Gujarat education department’s plan is at risk. The first-year term must have 90 academic days. Starting in September will require reducing the Diwali and summer breaks to meet this requirement. Prolonged uncertainty is also causing potential pharmacy students to consider other fields, which could reduce enrolment in pharmacy programs.
In response to these delays, many students have started seeking provisional admission in Bachelor of Science (BSc) or related programs that have already begun their academic sessions. However, officials from science colleges are concerned that these students may withdraw once pharmacy admissions resume. This could create a cycle of disruption for science institutes that are already struggling with low enrolment.
The controversy has also taken a legal turn. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to investigate PCI President Dr. Montu M Patel amid allegations of corruption. Although the ED has not released a formal statement, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) and conducted raids on Dr. Patel’s properties in Ahmedabad.
Dr. Patel faces serious accusations, including granting approvals to pharmacy colleges lacking proper infrastructure and adequate faculty. The FIR alleges a scam involving a network operating within the Union Health Ministry. Reports suggest that eight officials leaked sensitive documents to agents and college representatives in exchange for hefty bribes.
As investigations continue, students, colleges, and academic planners across Gujarat are left in a state of uncertainty regarding the admission crisis. Without swift resolutions, the impact of these delays may reverberate through the education system, affecting many future pharmacy professionals in the state.
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