Pune: In Pimpri, the State Common Entrance Test Cell has initiated the admissions process for most professional courses, but the B.Pharm and Pharm.D admissions are still on hold, creating confusion and frustration among students.
The delay is compounded by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), which has not yet granted approval to several colleges, potentially disrupting the academic schedules of those institutions.
Since the pandemic, the demand for pharmacy courses has surged, with many 12th-grade students eagerly awaiting admission. However, the ongoing delays in both degree and diploma pharmacy admissions have left students and parents in a state of uncertainty.
Although the Directorate of Technical Education has extended the application deadlines multiple times, the delay continues, leading to concerns among all stakeholders.
Academic schedules are now at risk of being severely disrupted, with the admission process still pending. The repeated extensions have prevented the announcement of key dates for merit lists and CAP rounds, which could delay the start of first-year classes by another two months.
This delay is expected to compress the academic schedule, forcing colleges to complete a year’s curriculum within a shortened timeframe, potentially impacting the quality of education.
The situation has caused widespread dissatisfaction, with students and parents questioning the efficiency of the system. Despite recent efforts by the Pharmacy Teachers Association to expedite the process, the overall impact on pharmacy admissions and academic schedules remains a serious concern.
Dr. Neeraj Vyavahare, President, Pharmacology Board of Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University stated, "Due to the persistent efforts of the Pharmacy Teachers Association, registration for all courses has now begun. While this is a relief, overall dissatisfaction remains among students and parents eager for pharmacy admissions. This delay is likely to have a negative impact on pharmacy admissions and academic schedules."
Dr. Maruti Shelar, Head of Department, D.Pharm, Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri stated, "Millions of students awaiting pharmacy admissions are being severely affected by the delayed admissions process. This will not only disrupt the academic year's planning but could also impact students' results."