The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has issued a directive revising the teacher-to-student ratio for Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) and Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharm) courses for the 2025-26 academic session. The circular, dated January 9, 2025, mandates a ratio of 1:20 for B Pharm courses and 1:24 for D Pharm courses, raising concerns among educators about potential job losses and the quality of education.

Changes in Teacher-Student Ratios

• B Pharm Courses: The new ratio increases from 1:15 to 1:20. For instance, a college with 60 first-year students now requires 12 faculty members and a principal, compared to 15 faculty members under the previous guidelines.

• D Pharm Courses: The ratio has been adjusted from 1:20 to 1:24, further reducing the faculty requirement.

Educators Raise Alarm

Principals and faculty members from Kerala-based pharmacy colleges have criticized the move, alleging it could lead to reduced recruitment and compromised education quality.

• Sanjo College of Pharmaceutical Studies, Kerala: Principal Vinod KR stated the college may cut its faculty strength from 26 to 22, potentially affecting the teaching process.

• Triveni Institute of Pharmacy, Eranellur: Vice-principal Dr. Jayesh VN called the new rules a “blunder.”

• Nehru College of Pharmacy, Kerala: Officials expressed concern over a decline in the quality of pharmacy education.

PCI Defends the Move

Montu M Patel, PCI president, dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that the move is aimed at optimizing faculty utilization, not reducing the number of teachers. He stated that faculty members had previously requested a ratio of 1:20 due to unequal student distribution in higher years of the B Pharm course. Patel assured that existing faculty members would not be affected by the revised rules.

Extended Deadline for Approvals

The PCI has also extended the application deadline for approval of institutions for the 2025-26 academic year from January 15 to January 31. This includes both new and existing institutions seeking PCI accreditation.

Impact on Colleges

The revised guidelines are expected to have a significant impact on pharmacy colleges across the country. Colleges will need to adjust staffing levels to meet the new requirements, potentially leading to fewer teaching staff and concerns over the quality of education provided to pharmacy students.

This change marks a critical shift in pharmacy education, with implications for faculty, students, and institutions alike.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)