GITAM to weave AI, ML into pharmacy courses from 2026–27
GITAM Deemed to be University will introduce Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into its pharmacy curriculum from the 2026–27 academic year, in a move the institution says is aimed at aligning pharmaceutical education with the rapid digitalisation of healthcare.
Speaking to reporters in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, Prof. L. Srinivas, Principal of the GITAM School of Pharmacy, said the revised programme has been designed in line with Pharmacy Council of India guidelines and reflects the changing expectations from healthcare professionals.
“The objective is to ensure students are not only strong in pharmaceutical sciences but also equipped with computational and analytical skills that are increasingly essential in modern healthcare systems,” he said.
As part of the updated Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum, students will study subjects including Artificial Intelligence and Python programming, with an emphasis on practical applications such as drug formulation, molecular modelling, and drug safety monitoring.
“The healthcare sector is evolving quickly with data-driven tools and digital technologies. Our curriculum must evolve accordingly,” Prof. Srinivas added.
The university said the changes are intended to prepare graduates for a healthcare ecosystem where technology plays a growing role in research, diagnostics, and patient safety.
GITAM, which holds National Board of Accreditation status, is ranked among the top 35 pharmacy institutions in India according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework, out of nearly 5,000 institutions assessed.
Admissions to B.Pharm and M.Pharm programmes will continue through the GITAM Admission Test. The university also said merit-based scholarships will be available based on performance in GAT as well as national and state entrance examinations, including AP-EAPCET, TS-EAMCET, NEET, and JEE. Applications can be submitted through the official university website.
Officials, including Prof. Annapoorna, senior faculty members, and Admissions Head Anish Kumar, were present at the briefing. The university said the initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen innovation and digital transformation in higher education.