Published: July 24, 2026
Category: Pharmacy Education | PCI Update | D.Pharm | Pharmacy News
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has approved NABH Accredited Hospitals for conducting the mandatory practical training of D.Pharm students under the Education Regulations, 2020. This decision is expected to improve clinical exposure, standardize practical learning, and provide more training opportunities for pharmacy institutions across India.
PCI Approves NABH Accredited Hospitals for D.Pharm Practical Training
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has officially approved NABH Accredited Hospitals for D.Pharm Practical Training, bringing a major positive change for pharmacy institutions and Diploma in Pharmacy students across the country.
According to the official circular issued on 23 July 2026, PCI-approved institutions can now arrange the mandatory practical training of D.Pharm students in hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
This decision aims to strengthen practical pharmacy education by providing students with better hospital exposure and quality clinical training.
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) |
| Update | Approval of NABH Accredited Hospitals for D.Pharm Practical Training |
| Notification Date | 23 July 2026 |
| Reference No. | 28-33/2026-PCI |
| Related Regulation | Regulation 18 of Education Regulations, 2020 |
| Applicable To | PCI Approved Pharmacy Institutions |
| Beneficiaries | D.Pharm Students |
| Training Location | NABH Accredited Hospitals |

PCI Official Notification Highlights
The Pharmacy Council of India released an official circular based on the Executive Committee decision.
Notification Details
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| Circular Date | 23 July 2026 |
| Reference No. | 28-33/2026-PCI |
| Executive Committee Reference | Item No. 42 of 443/EC (10.04.2026) |
| Issued By | Pharmacy Council of India |
| Applicable Under | Pharmacy Act, 1948 |
The circular has been sent to all pharmacy institutions approved under Section 12 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
What Has PCI Approved?
Under Regulation 18 of the Education Regulations, 2020, PCI has approved NABH Accredited Hospitals as eligible institutions for conducting the mandatory practical training of Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) students.
This means students can now complete their practical training in hospitals that hold valid NABH accreditation.
Why Is This Decision Important?
The latest PCI decision offers several advantages to pharmacy education.
Key Benefits
- More hospitals are now eligible for D.Pharm practical training.
- Better hospital-based practical exposure.
- Standardized clinical learning environment.
- Improved quality of pharmacy education.
- Easier collaboration between pharmacy colleges and hospitals.
- Better compliance with PCI regulations.

Benefits for D.Pharm Students
Students will receive several advantages through this decision.
- Hands-on hospital pharmacy experience.
- Exposure to patient care practices.
- Better understanding of medication management.
- Improved practical and clinical skills.
- Learning in NABH-certified healthcare facilities.
- Enhanced career readiness and employability.
Benefits for Pharmacy Institutions
PCI-approved institutions can now:
- Partner with NABH Accredited Hospitals.
- Provide better quality practical training.
- Ensure compliance with the latest PCI guidelines.
- Expand hospital training opportunities.
- Improve academic and healthcare collaborations.
About NABH
The National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI).
Hospitals accredited by NABH follow nationally recognized standards related to:
- Patient safety
- Healthcare quality
- Clinical protocols
- Hospital management
- Operational excellence
Important Information
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | D.Pharm Students |
| Practical Training Location | NABH Accredited Hospitals |
| Applicable Institutions | PCI Approved Pharmacy Colleges |
| Education Regulation | Regulation 18, ER 2020 |
| Official Status | Approved by PCI |
Eligibility
- Candidate should be enrolled in a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course.
- Practical training should be conducted through a PCI-approved institution.
- Training must be completed in a valid NABH Accredited Hospital.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Executive Committee Decision | 10 April 2026 |
| Official Circular Issued | 23 July 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Status |
|---|---|
| Official PCI Website | Visit the official PCI website |
| Official Notification PDF | Refer to the official notification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Has PCI approved NABH Accredited Hospitals for D.Pharm practical training?
Yes. PCI has officially approved NABH Accredited Hospitals for conducting D.Pharm practical training.
Q2. Which regulation covers this approval?
The approval is based on Regulation 18 of the Education Regulations, 2020.
Q3. Who will benefit from this PCI decision?
Both D.Pharm students and PCI-approved pharmacy institutions will benefit.
Q4. What is NABH?
NABH stands for National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers, a constituent board of the Quality Council of India.
Q5. When was the PCI notification issued?
The official notification was issued on 23 July 2026.
Q6. Can every hospital provide D.Pharm practical training?
No. Practical training should be conducted in NABH Accredited Hospitals as approved by PCI.
Q7. Is this applicable to all pharmacy colleges?
The notification applies to PCI-approved pharmacy institutions.
Q8. Where can students check the official notification?
Students should refer to the official Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) notification for complete details.
Internal Linking Suggestions (GDC Classes)
You can internally link this article to:
- PCI Latest Updates
- D.Pharm Course Guide
- Pharmacy Council of India News
- Pharmacy Education Updates
- Latest Pharmacy Notifications
- Government Pharmacist Jobs
- GPAT Preparation Resources
- Drug Inspector Exam Updates
External Linking Suggestions
- Official Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) Website
- Official PCI Notification PDF (if available)
Conclusion
The Pharmacy Council of India’s decision to approve NABH Accredited Hospitals for D.Pharm Practical Training is an important step toward strengthening pharmacy education in India. The initiative will improve practical learning, expand hospital training opportunities, and help students develop stronger clinical skills in quality-assured healthcare settings.
Both pharmacy institutions and D.Pharm students should carefully review the latest PCI notification and coordinate with eligible NABH Accredited Hospitals to implement the updated practical training guidelines effectively.


