Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has extended the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Post Graduate Studies (PMSPPS) for the academic session 2022-23 as well. The move comes as a major relief to MPharm students of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) and other students in the country.
Earlier, PCI had stated that GPAT students who had taken admission in academic session in academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25 are eligible for the scholarship. This scholarship provides financial assistance of Rs 12,400 per month to GPAT-qualified students for a duration of up to 24 months.
Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is designed for candidates seeking admission to PG pharmacy programmes in institutions approved by PCI.
The GPAT-2022 students had raised the issue stating that they as per rules are eligible for the grant. As per the guidelines, GPAT-qualified students are entitled to the scholarship as the validity of the GPAT score is generally recognised for three years.
“The PCI has excluded students who have qualified GPAT-2022 allowing only students who have qualified GPAT-2023 and -2024 to receive the stipend,” School of Pharmacy student Aman Nagar in an application addressed to PCI.
He stated that this exclusion has left several deserving students in a difficult situation, as they were under the impression that their GPAT-2022 score would continue to be valid for stipend eligibility, in line with the usual practice.
“The denial of stipend to GPAT-2022 qualified students who joined MPharm course goes against the established norms, which stipulate that the GPAT scores remain valid for three years,” the application read. An avalanche of complaints from across the country moved the PCI and it issued a circular making 2022-23 also eligible for the scholarship. School of Pharmacy head GP Chaudhary confirmed having received a revised circular which makes GPAT-2022 qualified candidates taken admission in MPharm eligible for the scholarship.
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