Pharmacy Education Boom in Maharashtra: Authorities to Reinspect Colleges Amid Forgery Allegations
Maharashtra’s higher and technical education department has launched a significant reinspection drive targeting pharmacy colleges approved in the past three academic years. This move comes in response to mounting concerns over the rapid increase in such institutions, many of which are alleged to have submitted forged documents during their approval process. The inspection aims to address widespread seat vacancies, inadequate infrastructure and to uphold the integrity of pharmacy education in the state.
Rapid Growth in Pharmacy Colleges and Seat Vacancies
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra. This growth is driven by increased awareness among students and parents about promising career opportunities in India’s pharmaceutical sector.
Data from the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) reveal that in the 2022-23 academic year, 396 colleges offered 31,810 seats for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) program. This number grew substantially to 515 colleges with 41,282 seats in 2024-25. Similarly, the number of colleges offering Diploma in Pharmacy (D Pharma) courses increased from 492 in 2022-23, with 29,530 seats, to 685 in 2024-25, providing 40,570 seats.
Despite this expansion, a considerable number of seats remain vacant — approximately 12,714 seats in B Pharma and 12,404 in D Pharma were unfilled last year alone. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the quality and credibility of many newly established institutions.
Forgery Allegations Trigger Reinspection Orders
The Maharashtra education authorities have received complaints that several recently approved colleges submitted falsified documents to secure approvals from the central and state governments. These forged documents include certified land maps, non-agricultural certificates, possession certificates, and utility bills.
In response, the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has been directed to reinspect all pharmacy colleges approved during the 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 academic years. The inspection process involves verifying the authenticity of submitted documents with relevant authorities and assessing whether each institution meets the required educational and infrastructural standards.
Inspectors are expected to submit detailed institution-wise reports clarifying whether all necessary facilities and academic resources are adequately available.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Faculty Quality
A senior official from the Directorate of Technical Education acknowledged that the surge in colleges may have compromised educational standards, contributing to widespread seat vacancies. The official noted, “The lack of student admissions indicates underlying issues, especially concerning inadequate infrastructure and insufficient qualified faculty.” The ongoing reinspections are designed to identify such shortcomings and enhance the quality of education.
Dr. Milind Umekar, national president of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India, welcomed the reinspection move. He pointed out that traditionally, pharmacy colleges were permitted to offer master’s courses only after operating undergraduate programs successfully for ten years. However, many newer colleges, particularly those established after the Covid pandemic, began offering master’s programs prematurely, often lacking qualified faculty and necessary research facilities. Dr. Umekar emphasized that physical inspections would improve accountability and help ensure that only deserving institutions continue to offer higher-level courses.
Importance of Quality Assurance in Pharmacy Education
The pharmacy sector remains a vital and growing part of India's economy, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals across research, manufacturing, clinical practice, and healthcare services. However, compromised educational quality threatens not only student futures but also the broader industry.
The reinspection initiative aims to identify and eliminate substandard colleges, ensuring that students receive a quality education and training. This will help Maharashtra maintain its standing as a hub for reputable pharmaceutical education while protecting students from enrolling in institutions that fail to meet essential standards.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra government’s decision to reinspect newly approved pharmacy colleges marks a crucial step toward balancing the rapid expansion of pharmacy education with the need for quality and credibility. By verifying documentation and inspecting infrastructure and faculty standards, the authorities aim to restore trust in the system, reduce seat vacancies, and uphold the academic integrity of pharmacy courses in the state.
