New Delhi: In a significant boost to pharmacy education in the country, the prestigious Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) has received approval from the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for several new pharmacy courses starting in the 2024–25 academic year.

According to a recent report by UNI, these courses include D.Pharm, B.Pharm, and M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Phytopharmacy and Phytomedicine, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. This marks the first time the university will offer these courses on campus.

The Vice Chancellor of GGSIPU, Prof. Mahesh Verma, stated that the D.Pharm program will have 60 seats, the B.Pharm program will have 100 seats, and each M.Pharm specialization will have 15 seats, totaling an intake of 220 students. Prof. Verma told UNI, "These courses will address the need for qualified manpower in the pharmaceutical sector." The teaching pedagogy, hands-on experience with the latest equipment, and industry-friendly approach will distinguish the Centre of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences (CEPS)."

Admissions for the D.Pharm. program will rely solely on Class 12 merit lists. For B.Pharm, preference will go to CET applicants, with any remaining seats filled by those who have cleared NEET. M.Pharm seats will prioritize GPAT-qualified candidates, followed by CET applicants.

Post-Covid, the demand for Indian pharmaceuticals has surged, with India ranking third worldwide in drug and pharmaceutical production by volume and exporting to approximately 200 countries and territories. Valued at $50 billion, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow to $65 billion by 2024 and $130 billion by 2030.

Know About: B.Pharm Course

Established by the university in 2014, CEPS aims to provide interdisciplinary academic and research activities in pharmacy. It currently offers M.Sc. programs in medicinal chemistry, drug design, and bioinformatics, alongside a PhD program in pharmaceutical chemistry. The center is well-equipped with advanced instruments and staffed by faculty with rich academic backgrounds. CEPS has established a centralized instrumentation facility featuring advanced equipment such as NMR, SEM, HPLC, GC, Elisa Plate Reader, UV-spectrophotometer, FTIR, and microwave synthesizer. This facility is accessible to both academic and industry users at nominal charges.

The new courses at CEPS align with the educational principles of NEP 2020, emphasizing the practical application of knowledge to equip students for careers in industry or self-employment.

"Reputed scientists from esteemed institutes groom students from an industry perspective," added Prof. Verma.