Can You Study B.Pharmacy via Distance Education?

B.Pharmacy or Bachelor of Pharmacy is a popular undergraduate course for those who want to start their career in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research, and drug regulation. Many of you might be wanting to pursue B.Pharmacy via distance education due to time constraints or other work/ personal committments. However, B. Pharm distance learning course is not an option as the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and UGC have mandated hands-on learning and practical training for B. Pharmacy programs. Hence, if you want to get normal job prospects, then studying the B.Pharmacy course through distance education mode is not recommended. The Pharmacy Council of India has mentioned that the B.Pharmacy degree will be accepted only if it is studied in a regular, full-time mode.

This article explains why it is not advisable to study B.Pharmacy via distance education, eligibility, and career choices to help aspirants make an informed decision.
Also Check - Is B.Pharmacy Course Only for Science Stream Students?

Can You Study B.Pharmacy in Distance Learning Mode?

Some colleges and universities offer B.Pharmacy in distance education mode. However, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), which is the statutory body regulating pharmacy education, has confirmed that this degree is not valid if it is studied in the distance mode. B.Pharmacy is a professional and practice-based program that needs to be completed in regular, full-time mode only. PCI does not recognise B.Pharmacy studied through distance education, online learning, correspondence mode or part-time mode.

Any B.Pharmacy degree obtained through these modes is considered invalid for registration as a pharmacist in India.

Why Is Distance B.Pharmacy Not Recognised?

B.Pharmacy is such a course that needs practical training, which includes Laboratory experiments, Pharmaceutical formulations, Drug analysis, Hospital and industrial training and Clinical exposure.

These trainings will ensure the safety of the patients and professional competence. B.Pharmacy via distance education is not recognised, as it cannot provide hands-on lab practice, supervised training and real-time evaluation.

Due to these reasons, PCI has ordered that only regular classroom learning with compulsory attendance and lab work is mandatory to get a valid B.Pharmacy degree.

Eligibility Criteria for B.Pharmacy Course

The aspirants who want to pursue the B.Pharmacy course in a regular mode must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must have passed Class 12th with Physics and Chemistry

• Mathematics or Biology must be there as a compulsory subject in their 10+2

• Minimum aggregate marks depend on the college/university norms

• Admission to the B.Pharmacy course is through entrance exams such as CUET, state-level exams, or university-specific tests

Career Option After Regular B.Pharmacy

With a valid B.Pharmacy degree, the graduates will get a lot of opportunities, such as:

• Registered Pharmacist

• Drug Inspector

• Medical Representative

• Clinical Research Associate

• Quality Control / Quality Assurance Executive

• Pharmaceutical Production Executive

After graduating, you can pursue higher education like M.Pharmacy, MBA in Pharma Management, or PhD.
Also Check - Government Jobs After B Pharmacy: Career, Scope, Salary

Although some colleges and universities may offer B.Pharmacy course in distance education mode, it is not advisable to study the course through distance learning mode, as it is not recognised. PCI strictly ordered that the course must be pursued in regular, full-time mode due to its practical and professional nature. B.Pharmacy aspirants must avoid distance education and choose colleges that are PCI-approved to build a secure and valid career in pharmacy. Making the right choice at the beginning will save the students from professional setbacks.

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