The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has released the second draft of the National Pharmacy Commission (NPC) Bill, 2026, inviting comments and suggestions from the general public and stakeholders. The proposed legislation aims to establish the National Pharmacy Commission (NPC) as the new regulatory body for pharmacy education and professional standards in India while repealing the Pharmacy Act, 1948. Public comments can be submitted within one month from the publication of the notice dated 1 July 2026.
Why is the National Pharmacy Commission Being Introduced?
According to the draft Bill, the proposed National Pharmacy Commission seeks to modernize India's pharmacy education and regulatory framework. The objectives include improving access to quality and affordable pharmacy education, ensuring the availability of competent pharmacy professionals across the country, strengthening research and innovation, and encouraging pharmacy professionals from modern medicine, Indian systems of medicine, and Homoeopathy to adopt contemporary pharmaceutical and life sciences advancements.
Key Highlights of the Draft NPC Bill 2026
1. National Pharmacy Commission to Replace Pharmacy Council Framework
The Bill proposes establishing the National Pharmacy Commission as a statutory body headquartered in New Delhi. Once implemented, it will replace the existing regulatory framework under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
2. Four Major Boards Under the Commission
The Commission will function through four specialized boards:
Pharmacy Education Board for Modern System of Medicine
Pharmacy Education Board for Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy
Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board
Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board
These boards will regulate pharmacy education, institutional assessment, ethics, and professional registration.
3. National Exit Test (Pharmacy)
One of the most significant reforms is the introduction of the National Exit Test (Pharmacy). The examination will serve as the qualifying test for obtaining a licence to practice pharmacy and for enrolment in the National Register of Pharmacy Professionals.
4. National Register of Pharmacy Professionals
The Bill proposes creating a National Register that will include licensed pharmacy professionals. Registration and licensing will be regulated by the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board, replacing the existing registration mechanism under the Pharmacy Act.
5. Uniform Admission System
The Commission will establish uniform standards for admissions into pharmacy institutions across India. The Central Government and State Governments will designate authorities responsible for conducting admissions at the national and state levels respectively.
6. Regulation of Pharmacy Education
The proposed Commission will frame standards relating to:
Pharmacy curriculum
Faculty qualifications
Infrastructure
Practical training
Research
Assessment and examinations
Continuing professional education
Maximum tuition fees for different categories of pharmacy programmes
7. Industry Collaboration
The draft encourages collaboration between pharmacy institutions and the pharmaceutical industry to promote innovation, research, cutting-edge technology, and hybrid education models.
Composition of the National Pharmacy Commission
The proposed Commission will include:
Chairperson
15 ex-officio members
13 part-time members
Its membership will include representatives from :
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Ministry of AYUSH
Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)
Department of Pharmaceuticals
National Medical Commission
NIPER
State Pharmacy Councils
Pharmacy academia
Pharmaceutical industry
Experts in law, management, economics, research, and patient rights
Public Comments Invited
The Ministry has invited comments and suggestions from the public and stakeholders within one month from the publication of the public notice. Suggestions can be submitted by email or post to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
What This Means for Pharmacy Students and Professionals
If enacted, the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026, would represent the biggest reform in India's pharmacy education and regulatory system since the Pharmacy Act, 1948. Students may experience changes in admissions, curriculum, licensing, and registration, while pharmacy institutions could face revised accreditation and assessment standards. The proposed National Exit Test (Pharmacy) may become the gateway for professional practice across the country. However, the Bill is currently in the draft stage, and its final provisions may change after stakeholder consultation.
