Ahmedabad: With Class 12 results expected soon across Gujarat, the admission process for various degree programmes is about to commence, highlighting a persistent issue with the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme. Unlike other technical courses in the state, the five-year PharmD course offered by Gujarat Technological University (GTU) and 31 other colleges currently operates with a decentralized admission process, raising concerns among students and parents.
Currently, each of the 31 colleges independently conducts admissions for the PharmD programme, setting its own criteria and fee structure as the course is not regulated by the fee regulatory committee (FRC). This stands in stark contrast to courses like engineering, pharmacy (other than PharmD), MBA, and MCA, where admissions are managed centrally by the admission committee.
Sources suggest that bringing PharmD admissions under the purview of the centralized admission committee would significantly simplify the process for students. It would allow them to apply through a common platform and secure admission in their preferred college without the burden of visiting multiple institutions. The lack of a standard policy also leads to variations in fees and application procedures, creating confusion and additional burden for aspiring students.
Experts believe that including the PharmD course under the centralized admission system, as the admission season approaches, could ensure transparency, uniformity, and ease of access for students. However, the reasons behind keeping the course admissions independent remain unclear, with no official explanation provided.