Students with one or more backlogs can now attempt the Final year Exam!
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has recently introduced a carryover provision for students affected by the transition to the new education regulations. While the latest circular specifically announces a carryover mechanism for existing B.Pharm students who have taken admission before and in the academic year 2025–26, it shows PCI’s broader approach of providing transition support to students studying under revised regulations.
For D.Pharm ER-2020 students, the official ER-2020 regulations continue to remain in force, and any carryover implementation is ultimately carried out by the concerned Examining Authority/State Board in accordance with PCI regulations and notifications.
What is the Carryover Provision?
A carryover means that a student who has failed in one or more subjects is allowed to continue studying in the next academic year/semester without losing an entire year, subject to the rules prescribed by the PCI.
The main objectives are:
- Prevent unnecessary loss of an academic year.
- Reduce dropout rates.
- Allow students to complete pending subjects through supplementary/backlog examinations.
- Help students complete the course within the maximum permitted duration.
Benefits of the New Carryover System
- Students can continue their studies despite having backlogs.
- Less academic stress due to year loss.
- Opportunity to clear failed subjects in supplementary examinations.
- Better continuity in practical training and coursework.
- Increased chances of completing the diploma within the prescribed maximum duration.
Important Points for D.Pharm ER-2020 Students
- The D.Pharm course under ER-2020 consists of Part I, Part II, and Practical Training, with revised competency-based teaching and assessment.
- Whether a D.Pharm student can be promoted with backlogs depends on the State Board or Examining Authority, which issues the examination and promotion rules applicable in that state.
- Students should regularly check notifications issued by:
- Their State Pharmacy Council/Examining Authority.
- Their college.
- The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
Who Should Follow This?
The carryover provisions are particularly useful for:
- Students who failed in one or more theory papers.
- Students with practical backlogs.
- Students appearing for supplementary examinations.
- Students affected by curriculum transition under ER-2020.
Conclusion
The carryover policy is intended to make pharmacy education more student-friendly by allowing eligible students to progress academically while clearing pending subjects. However, students should not assume automatic promotion, because the exact eligibility, number of permissible backlogs, examination schedule, and promotion criteria are determined by the respective examining authority in accordance with PCI regulations. Always refer to the latest official circulars before relying on a carryover provision.
