The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has officially announced the implementation of the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for all M.Pharm students studying in PCI-approved pharmacy institutions across India. This new initiative aims to improve transparency, attendance monitoring, and scholarship verification processes.
Why is AEBAS Being Implemented?
According to the latest PCI circular dated 04 May 2026, the primary objective behind introducing AEBAS for M.Pharm students is to ensure proper validation and authenticity during the disbursement of PMSPPS (GPAT) scholarships.
By linking student attendance with Aadhaar-based biometric verification, PCI intends to:
- Enhance academic accountability
- Improve attendance monitoring
- Prevent discrepancies in scholarship processing
- Maintain accurate student records
Who Will Be Affected?
This implementation applies to:
- All PCI-approved M.Pharm institutions
- Universities and examining authorities
- State governments
- M.Pharm students enrolled in all courses
Every M.Pharm student will now be required to register on the institutional AEBAS portal and mark attendance regularly using biometric authentication.
Important Steps for Student Registration
To complete registration successfully, students must follow these steps:
1. Generate BH-S Number
Students must first generate a valid BH-S Number from the DIGI-PHARMED portal.
2. Register on Institutional AEBAS Portal
Institutions will provide a customized AEBAS platform where students can register using their BH-S ID.
3. Aadhaar Verification
Students must ensure that:
- Their name on DIGI-PHARMED matches Aadhaar records
- Date of birth details are correct
- Any mismatch is corrected through mobile OTP verification
4. Institutional Approval
The Nodal Officer of the institution will verify and approve student registration.
5. Attendance ID Generation
After approval, students will receive an attendance ID to begin daily biometric attendance marking.
Deadline for Compliance
PCI has directed all institutions to complete onboarding and begin attendance marking for all M.Pharm students by 31 May 2026.
Institutions are also advised to strengthen their infrastructure by procuring additional biometric devices if necessary.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
PCI has clearly stated that failure to comply with the new AEBAS guidelines may result in:
- Delays in attendance verification
- Issues in scholarship processing
- Possible withholding of GPAT scholarships for eligible students
Final Thoughts
The implementation of AEBAS marks a significant step toward digital transformation in pharmacy education. While the process may require initial effort from institutions and students, it is expected to create a more transparent and reliable attendance ecosystem.
M.Pharm students are advised to complete their registration process at the earliest and coordinate with their institutions to avoid any last-minute issues related to attendance or scholarship disbursement.
