National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2026: Check Key Highlights

National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2026: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the Revised Draft of the National Pharmacy Commission (NPC) Bill, 2026 and invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the general public. The draft, published on July 1, 2026, proposes major reforms to pharmacy education, professional regulation, and licensing in India.

One of the most significant proposals in the draft is the introduction of a National Exit Test (NExT) for both Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) students. If implemented, the new legislation will replace the existing Pharmacy Act, 1948, and establish the National Pharmacy Commission (NPC) as the country's new regulatory body for pharmacy education and practice.

National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2026 Released

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has published the revised draft of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2026 for public consultation. Stakeholders, educational institutions, pharmacists, students, and members of the public can submit their feedback and suggestions before the bill is finalized.

The proposed legislation seeks to modernize pharmacy education, improve professional standards, and create a unified regulatory framework for pharmacists across the country.

National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2026 to Replace Pharmacy Act, 1948

One of the key objectives of the proposed legislation is to repeal the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which has governed pharmacy education and registration in India for several decades.

Once enacted, the National Pharmacy Commission Act, 2026 will become the new legal framework for regulating pharmacy education, licensing, and professional practice throughout India.

According to the draft, the Act will come into force on a date notified by the Central Government through an Official Gazette notification.

National Exit Test Proposed for D.Pharm and B.Pharm Students

A major highlight of the draft is the proposal to introduce a National Exit Test (NExT) for pharmacy graduates.

Unlike earlier discussions that focused primarily on Diploma students, the revised draft proposes that both D.Pharm and B.Pharm students must clear the National Exit Test before becoming eligible to practice as pharmacists.

The examination is proposed as a common final assessment and is expected to standardize the quality of pharmacy professionals across the country.

National Exit Test Mandatory for Pharmacy License

The draft states that qualifying the National Exit Test will become mandatory for obtaining a license to practice pharmacy in India.

Candidates will be required to clear the examination before their names can be entered into the State Pharmacy Register, making the exit examination an essential requirement for professional registration.

The National Pharmacy Commission will conduct the examination through a designated authority appointed for this purpose.

Foreign Pharmacy Graduates Also Required to Clear Exit Test

The proposed bill also includes provisions for candidates holding foreign pharmacy qualifications.

According to the draft, individuals who have completed pharmacy education outside India must also qualify the National Exit Test if they wish to obtain a license to practice pharmacy in the country.

This proposal aligns with international practices followed by several countries that require foreign-qualified professionals to pass a licensing examination before beginning practice.

National Exit Test to Be Linked with Postgraduate Admissions

Another significant proposal in the draft is that the National Exit Test may also serve as the basis for admission to postgraduate pharmacy programmes.

If implemented, pharmacy graduates seeking admission to postgraduate courses would need to qualify the exit examination, making it an important gateway for both professional registration and higher education.

National Pharmacy Commission: Proposed Structure

The draft also outlines the structure of the proposed National Pharmacy Commission (NPC).

According to the proposal:

• The Commission will be constituted by the Central Government.

• It will function as a statutory legal body.

• The headquarters of the Commission will be located in New Delhi.

• The Commission will consist of:

• One Chairperson

• Fifteen Ex-officio Members

• Thirteen Part-time Members

The bill also defines the eligibility criteria and responsibilities of the Chairperson and members of the Commission.

Pharmacy Education Board and Other Key Provisions

Apart from the National Pharmacy Commission, the draft also proposes the establishment of a Pharmacy Education Board, which will oversee pharmacy education and academic standards.

Other chapters of the bill deal with:

• Recognition of pharmacy qualifications

• Accreditation of pharmacy institutions

• Pharmacy ethics

• Pharmacy assessment

• Governance of regulatory boards

• Professional standards and regulations

These provisions aim to strengthen the overall pharmacy education system and improve the quality of healthcare professionals.

What Happens Next?

The revised draft is currently open for public consultation, and stakeholders can submit comments and suggestions before the government finalizes the legislation.

After reviewing the feedback received, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is expected to prepare the final version of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2026. Once approved and notified, it will replace the existing Pharmacy Act and introduce a new regulatory framework for pharmacy education and professional licensing in India.