A career in Pharmaceutical Sciences is becoming increasingly important in the coming generation due to the growing number of individuals and the need for both medical and pharmaceutical care. It is projected that pharmacies will grow by 12 percent in 2026. The first step in this career is being a pharmacy technician. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and prepares you for the rigorous education requirements of becoming a full-fledged pharmacist.
The future of pharmacy will be drastically different when advancements are coupled with the expanding influence of customers who are concerned with their well-being. Pharmacy companies and pharmacists are tense as a result of these dynamics, even though they are planning and investing for the future. Hence, skilled and smart pharmacists are required in the healthcare sector.
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Nowadays, the Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination (DPEE) is a necessary step for pharmacy professionals who want to practice in India to get a license. To become a registered pharmacist under the Pharmacy Council of India as well as various state pharmacy councils, candidates must pass the Exit exam, which evaluates the knowledge and abilities required for pharmacy practice across the nation. The objective of the Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination (DPEE) is to ensure that a candidate applying for registration as a pharmacist with the State Pharmacy Council has undergone pharmacy education and comprehensive practical training in the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) course as provided in the Education Regulations, 2020 or the regulations that may be in force from time to time in an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under section 12 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948. This is to reinforce his discipline, integrity, judgment, skills, knowledge, and quest for learning so that after passing the examination, he is able to become a registered pharmacist who can exercise his professional skills in addition to carrying out his duties and responsibilities professionally.
The reason why passing the DPEE, i.e. Exit Exam, is essential for pharmacy professionals and how it can assist in paving the route to a prosperous career in pharmacy:
Meeting Registration Requirements
Registration as a Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination candidate: No person shall be registered as a Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination candidate unless he has passed the Diploma in Pharmacy course from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India under section 12 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948. He shall be required to make an application in a prescribed form together with all relevant documents showing proof of his passing the approved examination and the examination fee as may be prescribed by the PCI. The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) may, for the purposes of conducting the Exit Examination through the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to be known as the Prescribed Authority or designate an authority as the Prescribed Authority that shall conduct the examinations may be decided by the PCI from time-to-time. There shall be three papers of multiple-choice questions from topics like Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, and Drug Store Management, which evaluate the knowledge and abilities required for practicing pharmacy across the nation. The language of the examination shall be English. The test for each paper shall be of three hours’ duration. A candidate shall be declared as having passed only if he obtains a minimum of 50% marks in each paper separately. A candidate shall have to pass all three papers in the same attempt. However, there shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to appear in the examination. Finally, a certificate of eligibility for enrolment and practice shall be issued to the successful candidate, which will be presented before the State Pharmacy Council for registration as a pharmacist.
Demonstrating Competence
The Exit Exam is crucial for upcoming pharmacy professionals to pass since it validates their expertise in the area. Passing the exit exam demonstrates that a candidate has the expertise required to become a registered pharmacist. The exam is intended to evaluate the skills and knowledge essential for practising pharmacy in India as well as across the globe. Passing the Exit exam; a demanding exam that necessitates extensive study and preparation, shows that a person is dedicated to their career and has the knowledge and abilities necessary to be successful in it.
Improving Career Opportunities
The exit exam can also help pharmacy professionals advance their employment prospects. Getting registered as a pharmacist under the pharmacy council of India as well as various state councils gives access to a variety of job opportunities, including community, hospital, and pharmaceutical research and development. The exit exam might help a candidate stand out on the job market since many firms in the field only hire registered pharmacists. A registered pharmacist also exhibits a high degree of knowledge and expertise in the industry, which can increase employment stability.
Enhancing Professionalism
Passing the Exit exam also contributes to increased professionalism in the pharmaceutical industry. All certified pharmacists in the country must pass the exam to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and abilities needed to practice safely and effectively. The ability to pass the exam shows that a person is dedicated to their career and willing to put up the time and effort necessary to succeed. Building trust with patients, co-workers, and the larger healthcare community requires dedication to professionalism.
Ensuring Patient Safety
Pharmacy is a strictly supervised industry, and pharmacists have the responsibility to make sure patients receive safe and efficient medication. At present, all registered pharmacists of Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) background in India must pass the exit exam to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and abilities required to practice safely and effectively. By passing the test, one may prove that they have the knowledge and abilities necessary to guarantee that patients get the finest care possible.
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Keeping up with Industry Developments
Last but not least, passing the Exit test is essential for pharmacy graduates as it enables them to stay updated on industry advancements. The discipline of pharmacy is constantly developing, and new advancements in medicine, technology, and laws are always being made. Having the knowledge and abilities necessary to keep up with these advances and stay updated with the most recent trends in the industry is demonstrated by passing the Exit exam. This information is necessary to make sure that pharmacists provide patients with the best service possible.
After having passed the Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination, a candidate shall be entitled to registration as a pharmacist subject to fulfilment of the conditions enumerated in section 32(2) of the Pharmacy Act, 1948. The applications for registration shall be addressed to the Registrar of the State Pharmacy Council and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee and the documents referred to in section 46(2)(g) of the Act. After coming into force of these regulations, the candidates who have completed the approved course of Diploma in Pharmacy and having qualified in the Diploma in Pharmacy Exit Examination only will be eligible for registration as pharmacists under section 33 of the Pharmacy Act 1948. However, these regulations shall not apply to the persons whose names are already entered in the register of pharmacists for the state.
(The author is a Doctor of Pharmacy student of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The thoughts and views expressed are the author’s own.)