PCI to roll out AI-enabled B.Pharm curriculum from 2026-27

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) will introduce a revised Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the 2026-27 academic year, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Python programming and data analytics into pharmacy education.

Addressing the induction programme for B.Pharm and M.Pharm students at the GITAM School of Pharmacy in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, PCI Central Council member Narendra Devanboyina said first-semester B.Pharm students would study Python programming for pharmaceutical sciences. The course is aimed at equipping students with skills in healthcare data analysis, biostatistics and digital drug research.

The revised curriculum also provides for hospital-based practical training, a mandatory 240-hour internship and a final-year research project to improve industry readiness. The PCI has, in addition, issued guidelines for the implementation of the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) in approved pharmacy colleges to strengthen institutional accountability.

GITAM School of Pharmacy Principal L. Srinivas said India ranks third globally in pharmaceutical production by volume and supplies nearly 20% of the world’s generic medicines. He added that the institution was prepared to implement the revised curriculum from the 2026-27 academic year.

Lokesh Babu, Site HR Leader at Eisai Pharmaceuticals India, said the expansion of Global Capability Centres in India and the growing focus on advanced biologics were creating opportunities for pharmacy graduates with expertise in emerging technologies.