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The MIT Pharmacy College, Mandya in Karnataka has expressed concern over the uniform consolidated salary for the post of Scrutiniser for D Pharm, B Phar and Pharm D graduates. The College has sought Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)’s intervention to resolve this issue of salary parity.
Prof R Raveendra, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MIT Pharmacy College made a representation regarding salary parity for D Pharm, B Pharm, and Pharm D candidates in the ‘Scrutinizer’ contractual recruitment. This follows with the PCI calling for a walk-in interview for 20 posts of Scrutinizer on contractual basis.
“On behalf of all the students of India, we bring to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding the recent walk-in interview notification dated 30.01.2026 for the post of Scrutinizer (Contractual). The notification invites candidates with D.Pharm, B.Pharm, and Pharm.D qualifications at a uniform consolidated salary of Rs. 35,000 per month. While the initiative to provide opportunities to fresher candidates is commendable, the lack of salary differentiation based on educational hierarchy raises concerns,” he said in his note to PCI.
Highlighting three aspects of differences, Prof. Raveendra said that first is the disparity in academic investment. Here, a Pharm.D is a six-year doctoral program focused on clinical pharmacy, whereas a D.Pharm is a two-year diploma. Offering the same remuneration fails to acknowledge the additional four years of rigorous academic and clinical training undertaken by Pharm D and B Pharm graduates.
Second is the professional devaluation. Assigning identical pay scales for different levels of expertise may inadvertently set a precedent that devalues higher pharmacy education in the eyes of other government and private recruiters, he added.
Third is the skill alignment. While the role of a 'Scrutinizer' is administrative, the analytical depth a Pharm.D or B.Pharm graduate brings to document verification is inherently different. A tiered salary structure would better reflect the ‘Qualification and Experience’ column mentioned in the advertisement released in the media on January 30, 2026, said Prof. Raveendra who was the former chairman, Education division, IPA Karnataka state branch.
In view of the foregoing development, we request the Council to review the compensation structure. Implementing a graduated pay scale, for example a base for D Pharm with increments for B Pharm and Pharm D would ensure fairness and boost the morale of young professionals entering the field, he said.
“We look up to the PCI, as our apex regulatory body, to champion the dignity and professional standing of all tiers of pharmacy education in India. Hence, we are looking forward to resolving this issue at the earliest in the interest of pharmacy professionals of India,” said Prof. Raveendra.
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