PCI's Biometric Mandate: Transforming Pharmacy Education
The Pharmacy Council of India's (PCI) biometric attendance mandate could revolutionize accountability in pharmacy education. Discover how this move impacts i...
Key Takeaways
- The PCI's 15-day deadline for implementing the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) aims to enhance transparency in pharmacy institutions.
- Approximately 2735 institutions have already been approved, with 12,600 faculty on board, but 95,000 more need to register.
- Non-compliance could result in severe penalties, including the withholding of institutional approval.
PCI's Biometric Attendance Mandate: A Step Toward Transparency in Pharmacy Education
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has issued a strict directive to all pharmacy institutions, mandating the immediate implementation of the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). This move, aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency, requires all colleges to register on the official portal [https://central.pci.ac.in/](https://central.pci.ac.in/) and complete faculty onboarding within the next 15 days.
Enhancing Accountability and Transparency
The AEBAS system is designed to provide real-time tracking of faculty attendance, thereby ensuring that educational standards are maintained across the board. This initiative aligns with the PCI's broader goal of modernizing the pharmacy education sector and bringing it in line with contemporary technological advancements.
Key steps for institutions include:
- Purchase of AEBAS Devices: Institutions must acquire the necessary biometric devices to facilitate the system's implementation.
- Onboarding and Registration: Colleges must register on the [central.pci.ac.in](https://central.pci.ac.in/) portal and complete the faculty registration process on their respective URLs.
- Compliance and Monitoring: Regular monitoring and adherence to the system are crucial to avoid penalties and maintain institutional approval.
Current Status and Challenges
As of August 7, 2025, approximately 2735 institutions have been successfully approved, out of a total of around 6000. However, the challenge lies in the faculty registration process. While approximately 12,600 faculty members have been onboarded on AEBAS, the count of approved teaching faculty on the DIGI-PHARMed platform stands at approximately 95,000. This significant gap highlights the need for urgent action to meet the PCI's mandate.
Potential Impact on Pharmacy Education
The implementation of AEBAS is expected to bring several benefits to the pharmacy education sector:
- Improved Accountability**: Real-time attendance tracking will ensure that faculty members are present and engaged, thereby enhancing the quality of education.
- Enhanced Transparency**: The system will provide a clear and verifiable record of attendance, reducing the potential for fraudulent practices.
- Data-Driven Decision Making**: Access to accurate attendance data will enable institutions to make informed decisions about resource allocation and faculty management.
The Role of Technology in Educational Reform
The PCI's mandate is a step towards leveraging technology to transform the educational landscape. By integrating biometric systems, the council is setting a precedent for other regulatory bodies to follow. This move could inspire similar initiatives in other sectors, leading to a broader cultural shift towards accountability and transparency.
The Bottom Line
The PCI's biometric attendance mandate is a significant step towards modernizing pharmacy education. While the initial implementation may pose challenges, the long-term benefits of enhanced accountability and transparency are undeniable. Institutions and faculty must act swiftly to comply with the directive and ensure a smooth transition to this new system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the PCI's AEBAS mandate?
The primary goal of the PCI's AEBAS mandate is to ensure accountability, transparency, and real-time faculty attendance tracking in pharmacy institutions.
How many pharmacy institutions have been approved for AEBAS as of August 7, 2025?
As of August 7, 2025, approximately 2735 pharmacy institutions have been approved for the AEBAS system out of a total of around 6000.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with the PCI's mandate?
Non-compliance with the PCI's mandate could result in severe penalties, including the withholding of institutional approval, as decided by the Competent Authority.
How does the AEBAS system enhance transparency in pharmacy education?
The AEBAS system provides real-time tracking of faculty attendance, ensuring a clear and verifiable record, which reduces the potential for fraudulent practices and enhances educational quality.
What steps must institutions take to comply with the PCI's AEBAS mandate?
Institutions must purchase AEBAS devices, register on the [central.pci.ac.in](https://central.pci.ac.in/) portal, and complete faculty registration on their respective URLs within the 15-day deadline.
