The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has officially announced a Carryover Provision for existing B.Pharm students admitted up to the academic year 2025–2026. This decision aims to ensure that students admitted under the previous B.Pharm syllabus are not academically disadvantaged during the transition to the revised B.Pharm Syllabus (2026) based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The notification was issued through Reference No. 14-154/2025-PCI following the decision taken in Item No. 15 of the 447th Executive Committee (EC) meeting held on 2 July 2026.
Why Did PCI Introduce the Carryover Scheme?
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic session, PCI has implemented a new B.Pharm syllabus based on NEP 2020. Students admitted from 2026–27 onward will study under this revised curriculum.
However, students admitted up to the academic year 2025–2026 will continue under the syllabus and regulations that were applicable at the time of their admission. The carryover provision has been introduced to help these students complete their degree without being forced to shift to the new curriculum.
Who Is Eligible?
The carryover provision applies only to:
- Students admitted to B.Pharm up to the academic year 2025–2026
- Students studying under the B.Pharm Syllabus (2016–2017)
- Students who have backlog subjects but wish to continue their studies
Students admitted from 2026–2027 onwards will study exclusively under the new B.Pharm Syllabus (2026).
Key Features of the PCI Carryover Provision
According to the official notification:
Students can continue to the next semester
Eligible students will be permitted to progress to the next higher semester even if they have backlog courses.
Attendance is allowed
Students may attend regular classes of the next semester irrespective of pending backlog subjects.
Backlogs can be carried forward
Instead of repeating an entire academic year, students may carry forward their backlog courses while continuing with higher semesters.
Applicable up to the Eighth Semester
Students can continue in this manner until the completion of the Eighth Semester.
Attendance Relaxation
Since admissions under the 2016–2017 syllabus will stop after the implementation of the new syllabus, PCI has also permitted institutions to help students meet attendance requirements through:
- Special classes
- Additional instructional hours
- Classes beyond regular timings
- Study leave periods
- Other arrangements approved by the institution
These measures are intended to help students satisfy the minimum attendance requirement and complete the programme successfully.
Important Points Students Should Know
- The carryover provision is only for existing B.Pharm students admitted up to 2025–2026.
- Students will continue under the old B.Pharm regulations (2016–2017 syllabus).
- New admissions from 2026–2027 will follow the revised B.Pharm Syllabus (2026).
- Universities and institutions are responsible for ensuring students complete the programme according to the applicable regulations.
Benefits of the New Carryover Scheme
- No unnecessary loss of an academic year
- Better academic continuity
- Opportunity to clear backlog subjects while studying
- Reduced stress for students
- Easier transition to the new education framework
- Improved chances of completing the degree within the prescribed period
Does This Apply to D.Pharm Students?
No.
The official notification uploaded here is specifically issued for existing B.Pharm students admitted up to the academic year 2025–2026. It does not mention D.Pharm students or ER-2020 regulations. Therefore, D.Pharm students should not assume that this carryover provision automatically applies to them unless PCI issues a separate notification.
Final Words
The PCI Carryover Provision is a significant relief for existing B.Pharm students studying under the 2016–2017 syllabus. By allowing eligible students to progress to higher semesters while carrying backlog subjects, PCI aims to ensure a smoother transition to the new NEP-based curriculum without disrupting the education of currently enrolled students.
Students are advised to stay in touch with their college or university and follow official PCI notifications for any further implementation guidelines.
FAQs
Is the PCI carryover scheme applicable to all B.Pharm students?
No. It applies only to students admitted up to the academic year 2025–2026.
Can students attend the next semester with backlogs?
Yes. Eligible students may attend the next semester while carrying backlog subjects.
Will students be shifted to the new NEP syllabus?
No. Existing students will continue under the syllabus and regulations under which they were originally admitted.
Does this notification apply to D.Pharm ER-2020 students?
No. The uploaded notification is only for existing B.Pharm students and does not extend the provision to D.Pharm students.
