Pradhan Mantri Scholarship (PMSPPS) Disbursement Announced for GPAT-Qualified Pharmacy Students

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has officially announced the disbursement of the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Post Graduate Studies (GPAT), commonly known as PMSPPS. This important update brings relief and enthusiasm to postgraduate pharmacy students across India who have been awaiting the release of their scholarship funds.

The scholarship is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, designed to encourage meritorious pharmacy graduates to pursue higher studies and research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. The PCI’s latest circular confirms that the scholarship funds will soon be credited to eligible students’ bank accounts, provided they complete the required banking formalities with Canara Bank, the designated disbursing institution.

Medical Devices Rules 2017 – 100 Important MCQs for Drug Inspector Exam Preparation [PDF Download]

About the PMSPPS Scholarship

The Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Post Graduate Studies (PMSPPS) is awarded to students who qualify for the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) and secure admission in an AICTE or PCI-approved M.Pharm program.

Its main objective is to support talented students financially so they can focus on academic excellence and research without the burden of financial stress. By providing monetary assistance, the scheme strengthens the academic backbone of India’s pharmaceutical education system and motivates students to contribute to research, innovation, and drug development.

Each eligible student under the PMSPPS receives a monthly stipend of ₹12,400 for a duration of two years (24 months) — the standard length of an M.Pharm program. The funds are directly transferred to students’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and efficiency in distribution.

Key Highlights from the Latest PCI Notification

The circular, digitally signed by Anil Mittal, Registrar-cum-Secretary of the Pharmacy Council of India, on October 28, 2025, includes the following key points:

1. Scholarship Disbursal Through Canara Bank
   The PMSPPS funds will be disbursed exclusively through Canara Bank. All qualified GPAT students selected for this scholarship are required to open a Canara Bank account to receive their funds.
2. Account Opening Instructions Provided
   To simplify the process, PCI has shared a detailed guide for students to open their bank accounts online through the official link:
   👉 https://canarabankdigil.in/canaradiva/
3. Annexure 1 Included
   The circular also includes Annexure 1, which contains step-by-step instructions from Canara Bank for quick online account opening. The process is designed to be paperless, secure, and student-friendly.

For reference, students and institutions can access the official notification issued by the Pharmacy Council of India regarding the disbursement of the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Post Graduate Studies (GPAT) – PMSPPS. The circular, dated 28 October 2025, includes detailed instructions and the attached Annexure for account opening. You can view or download the document directly from the PCI website here:

👉 View Official PCI Notification (PDF)

How to Open a Canara Bank Account for PMSPPS

According to the annexure shared in the PCI circular, students can open their Canara Bank account by following these four simple steps:

1. Verify Mobile Number
   Use your smartphone with a UIDAI-registered mobile number for OTP verification.
2. Verify PAN and Aadhaar
   Keep your original PAN Card and Aadhaar Card ready. Both must be valid and correctly linked.
3. Fill Basic Details & Complete Video KYC
   Enter your details on the Canara Bank portal and complete Video KYC using a blank sheet of white paper and a pen (preferably blue or black ink).
4. Account Ready
   Once verification is complete, your savings account will be created instantly, ready to receive the scholarship disbursement.

This online process ensures that students across India — even in remote areas — can open an account quickly without visiting a bank branch.

Eligibility Criteria for PMSPPS

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must:

• Have a valid GPAT score for the current academic year.
• Be enrolled in a PCI/AICTE-approved M.Pharm program in a recognized institution.
• Have all required documents verified by the head of their institution.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress during the scholarship period.
• Not receive any other central or state-funded scholarship simultaneously.

This ensures that the PMSPPS supports truly deserving students who are serious about their academic and professional development in the pharmacy sector.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Pharmacy education in India is evolving rapidly, with growing opportunities in research, regulatory affairs, formulation development, pharmacovigilance, and academia. However, pursuing postgraduate studies often comes with significant financial challenges.

The PMSPPS scholarship provides crucial financial stability, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and research work without monetary constraints. It also aligns with the government’s larger mission to promote innovation and quality research in pharmaceutical sciences and to strengthen India’s healthcare and drug development ecosystem.

By supporting M.Pharm students, the government is investing in a future generation of pharmacists who will play vital roles in both industry and academia.

Common Issues and Solutions

Students may occasionally face delays or technical issues during disbursement due to:

• Incomplete or unverified KYC details,
• Inactive or mismatched bank accounts, or
• Errors in Aadhaar or PAN linkage.

PCI has advised all beneficiaries to cross-check their information through the Canara Bank portal and ensure that all documents are up to date. In case of issues, students can reach out to their institution’s scholarship coordinator or contact PCI directly at registrar@pci.nic.in for assistance.

The Role of PCI and Canara Bank

The Pharmacy Council of India oversees the overall coordination of the scholarship, while Canara Bank acts as the financial partner responsible for fund disbursement. This collaboration ensures a streamlined, transparent, and secure process for transferring funds directly to eligible students.

This partnership also reflects the government’s commitment to using digital platforms for public service delivery, minimizing paperwork, and ensuring direct benefits reach the intended recipients.

Looking Ahead

The Pradhan Mantri Scholarship for Pharmacy Post Graduate Studies continues to serve as one of the most impactful support systems for pharmacy graduates in India. With the new Canara Bank disbursement arrangement and improved online verification, the process has become faster and more transparent than ever.

As India’s pharmaceutical industry continues to expand globally, initiatives like PMSPPS will play a major role in nurturing research talent and building a strong, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem.

Click here to check the MPSC Drug Inspector Syllabus 2025

Click here to download the Pharma Competitive Exams Study Material

Click here to download the GK, GS, Marathi & English Study Material for MPSC

Conclusion

The recent announcement by the Pharmacy Council of India marks an important milestone for thousands of M.Pharm students awaiting their PMSPPS disbursement. Students are advised to open or verify their Canara Bank accounts immediately and ensure all KYC details are correct to receive the scholarship without delay.

This initiative reaffirms the government’s continued focus on advancing pharmaceutical education, research, and innovation — empowering the next generation of pharmacists to shape the future of healthcare in India.