The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has directed all approved pharmacy institutions to appoint a Student Ambassador and Nodal Officers. Both these Circulars were issued on June 20, 2025.
Appointment of Student Ambassadors
This initiative aims to establish a crucial bridge between students and the PCI, fostering a more supportive and responsive academic environment.
According to the circular issued by the Registrar-cum-Secretary of the PCI, the Student Ambassador will play a pivotal role in ensuring quality education and safeguarding the mental peace of students. The core objective is to improve communication channels and cultivate a stress-free learning atmosphere across all pharmacy colleges.
Key Responsibilities of the Student Ambassador
The appointed Student Ambassador will undertake a range of responsibilities designed to address student concerns and promote overall well-being:
- Serving as a confidential and respectful listener for students’ grievances, concerns, or issues.
- Endeavoring to resolve these issues at the student level wherever feasible.
- Escalating unresolved or serious concerns to the appropriate authorities, including the PCI and the respective State Pharmacy Council.
- Actively contributing to a positive academic environment and the holistic development and mental well-being of their peers.
- Representing the student body in various awareness programs organized by the PCI, such as:
- Pharma Anveshan (March 6 annually)
- International Yoga Day (June 21 annually)
- Pharmacists Day (September 25 annually)
- National Pharmacy Week (3rd Week of November annually)
Institutions are requested to appoint a responsible and empathetic student to this vital role. Once appointed, the college must share the Student Ambassador’s details with the PCI through the specified Google Form.
Information Required for Submission
Colleges are required to submit the following details via a dedicated Google Form:
- Name of the Student Ambassador
- Course/Year
- Contact Information
- Email ID
- University Name
- College Name (along with PCI Code)
- BH. code issued by the PCI
- Appointment letter issued by the Institution
Appointment of Nodal Officer
The PCI has also directed all pharmacy institutions approved under Section 12 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, to promptly appoint a dedicated Nodal Officer. The nodal officers will streamline communication and ensure active participation in the various events, programs, and professional development schemes orchestrated by the PCI. He will serve as the official point of contact between their respective institution and the Council.
This appointment is crucial for facilitating the smooth execution and active involvement in PCI’s wide array of initiatives, which are designed for the promotion and development of the pharmacy profession across India.
Key Responsibilities of the Appointed Nodal Officer
The designated Nodal Officer will be entrusted with several vital roles, including:
- Acting as the primary liaison between their institution and the PCI.
- Ensuring active participation in all programs, events, and schemes organized or recommended by the PCI.
- Facilitating the timely dissemination of all PCI communications and directives within their institution.
- Overseeing the seamless execution of and active participation in various PCI initiatives.
PCI Initiatives and Programs to be Coordinated
The Nodal Officer will play a crucial role in coordinating participation in PCI’s annual events, such as:
- Pharma Anveshan (celebrated annually on March 6)
- International Yoga Day (June 21)
- Pharmacists Day (September 25)
- National Pharmacy Week (third week of November)
Beyond these events, the Nodal Officer will also be central to availing benefits from a range of PCI-implemented schemes, including:
- Capacity Building Industrial Training (CBIT)
- Continuing Education Program (CEP)
- Professional Development Fund (PDF)
- Refresher Course for Pharmacists
- Research Development Scheme (RDS)
- Skill Development Centre for Pharmacists (SDCP)
- Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Post Graduate Studies (PMSPPS)
- Leadership Development Programme for Teachers
Submission of Nodal Officer Details and Future Plans
All pharmacy institutions are required to share the details of their appointed Nodal Officer, including their Name, Designation, Contact Number, Email ID, BH. code issued by the PCI, College Name, PCI code of the College, and a copy of their Appointment Letter. This information must be submitted through a dedicated Google Form.
Furthermore, institutions will also be required to incorporate the Nodal Officer’s details in the Standard Inspection Form (SIF) for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic session. Upon receiving the details from all institutions, the PCI plans to organize an orientation program or workshop specifically for these Nodal Officers to ensure effective coordination and implementation of its initiatives nationwide. The PCI looks forward to the cooperation of all approved institutions in this endeavor for the betterment of pharmacy education and practice.
