What is the examination pattern of B.Pharmacy?

The examination pattern of B.Pharmacy

As per new PCI syllabus

Written by: Supriya Mandrupkar

Have you just completed 12th science? Wondering where to get admitted? 
Thinking about pharmacy as a career option? But not sure about the examination pattern of B. Pharmacy course? 

Find out here the details of examination pattern of B.Pharmacy course.

B.Pharmacy is a undergraduate course of 4 years after 12th science. The Pharmacy education and profession in India upto graduate level is regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), a statutory body under the ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India and governed by the provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 passed by the Parliament. PCI has revised the syllabus and rules and regulations for the B.Pharm course and have implemented it  from academic year 2016-17.

As per this new PCI syllabus and regulations, a candidate is required to put in at least 80% attendance in individual courses considering theory and practical separately. Here is the overall scheme for assessment of the candidate:

The course is of 4 years and each year is divided into 2 semesters. After each semester the student has to appear for the end semester/ university examination. During the semester the student's performance is evaluated and assessed using continuous mode activities and internal/sessional examinations. 

Internal assessment: Continuous mode 

            Internal assessment: continuous mode is a series of activities conducted in the semester which is used to give marks out of 10 for theory and out of 5 for practicals. It consists of attendance, academic activities like quiz, assignment, open book tests, unit tests, field work, group discussions, seminars etc.

 Sessional Exams:

Two Sessional exams shall be conducted for each theory / practical course as per the schedule fixed by the college. The scheme of question paper for theory and practical Sessional examinations is given below.
The average marks of two Sessional exams shall be computed for internal assessment.

Sessional exam shall be conducted for 30 marks for theory and shall be computed for 15 marks. Similarly Sessional exam for practical shall be conducted for 40 marks and shall be computed for 10 marks.

Internal Assessment					End semester exam		Total
Continuous Mode		Sessional		Total	Marks	Duration
		Marks	Duration
Theory	10	15	1 hr	25	75	3 hrs	100
Practical	5	10	4 hrs	15	35	4 hrs	50

Question paper pattern for theory Sessional examinations

For subjects having University examination

I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) = 10 x 1 = 10

                           OR

Objective Type Questions (5 x 2) = 05 x 2 = 10

(Answer all the questions)

I. Long Answers (Answer 1 out of 2) = 1 x 10 = 10

II. Short Answers (Answer 2 out of 3) = 2 x 5 = 10

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Total = 30 marks

For subjects having Non University Examination

I. Long Answers (Answer 1 out of 2) = 1 x 10 = 10

II. Short Answers (Answer 4 out of 6) = 4 x 5 = 20

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Total = 30 marks

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Question paper pattern for practical sessional examinations

I. Synopsis = 10

II. Experiments = 25

III. Viva voce = 05

Total =

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40 marks

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Promotion and award of grades

A student shall be declared PASS and eligible for getting gradein a course of

B.Pharm.program if he/she secures at least 50% marks in that particular course including internal assessment.

For example, to be declared as PASS and to get grade, the student has to secure a minimum of 50 marks for the total of 100 including continuous mode of assessment and end semester theory examination and has to secure a minimum of 25 marks for the total 50 including internal assessment and end semester practical examination.

Carry forward of marks

In case a student fails to secure the minimum 50% in any Theory or Practical course as specified above, then he/she shall reappear for the end semester examination of that course.

However his/her marks of the Internal Assessment shall be carried over and he/she shall be entitled for grade obtained by him/her on passing.

Improvement of internal assessment

A student shall have the opportunity to improve his/her performance only once in the Sessional exam component of the internal assessment. The re-conduct of the Sessional exam shall be completed before the commencement of next end semester theory examinations.

Re-examination of end semester examinations

Re-examination of end semester examination shall be conducted as per the schedule notified from time to time.

Question paper pattern for end semester theory examinations

For 75 marks paper

I. Multiple Choice Questions(MCQs) = 20 x 1 = 20

                           OR

Objective Type Questions (10 x 2) = 10 x 2 = 20

(Answer all the questions)

II. Long Answers (Answer 2 out of 3) = 2 x 10 = 20

III. Short Answers (Answer 7 out of 9) = 7 x 5 = 35

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Total = 75 marks

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For 50 marks paper

I. Long Answers (Answer 2 out of 3) = 2 x 10 = 20

II. Short Answers (Answer 6 out of 8) = 6 x 5 = 30

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Total = 50 marks

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For 35 marks paper

I. Long Answers (Answer 1 out of 2) = 1 x 10 =10

II. Short Answers (Answer 5 out of 7) = 5 x 5 = 25

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Total = 35 marks

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Question paper pattern for end semester practical examinations

I. Synopsis = 5

II. Experiments = 25

III. Viva voce = 5

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Total = 35 marks 
So basically the question paper comprises of MCQs, short answer questions and long answer questions. for theory and synopsis, major experiment and minor experiment for practicals.

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According to me, this exam pattern is really good as it involves assessment of student performance on routinely basis instead of just one university exam at the end of semester. This pattern is more sensible and will make the student more attentive and responsible towards studies and profession.

So friends how do you find the exam pattern of B.Pharm course? 
Do comment below....

About the Author

Supriya Mandrupkar is a Pharmacist who pursues her career as an Asst. Professor in a reputed academic institute in India. Her passion is to train young minds to explore their full potential and emerge as a professionally competent pharmacists.