AKTU NOC Abolished for Pharmacy Colleges? 2026-27 Official Update Explained

BIG RELIEF FOR PHARMACY!

Pharmacy institutions in Uttar Pradesh have recently faced application rejections while applying to the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for starting new colleges or new courses. The main reason? The absence of a “Consent of Affiliation of Examining Authority/NOC.”

Now, an official communication issued by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow to the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) brings major clarity for the 2026-27 academic session.

Let’s break down what this notification really means — in simple language.

Why Are Pharmacy Institutions Facing Application Rejections?

Several institutions applying to PCI for:

1. Establishing new pharmacy institutes
2. Starting new pharmacy courses

reported that their applications were being rejected due to the absence of:

1. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Government
2. Consent of Affiliation from the Examining Authority

In simple terms:

1. NOC = A formal “No Objection” from the State Government.
2. Consent of Affiliation = Confirmation from the University that it agrees to affiliate the institute.

Earlier, institutions needed these separately before PCI could consider their applications.

What Is the February 21, 2026 AKTU Letter About?

1. Issuing Authority: Registrar, AKTU
2. Reference Number: AKTU/Kus Ka0/2026/10683
3. Date: February 21, 2026
4. Addressee: Registrar-cum-Secretary, PCI
5. Subject: Regarding Consent of Affiliation of Examining Authority/NOC

Through this letter, AKTU informed PCI about a policy shift by the Government of Uttar Pradesh regarding the NOC and affiliation process.

This clarification directly impacts pharmacy institutions applying for approval in the 2026-27 academic session.

Has the NOC and Consent Requirement Been Abolished in Uttar Pradesh?

Alignment with “Minimum Government – Maximum Governance” Policy

The letter refers to a communication dated January 10, 2026, from the Secretary, Technical Education Section-01, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

It clarified that:

1. Under the provisions of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University Act, 2000,
2. There is no specific legal provision mandating a separate NOC and Consent of Affiliation.

This aligns with the Prime Minister’s governance philosophy of “Minimum Government – Maximum Governance”, which focuses on reducing unnecessary procedural layers.

Government Order Simplifying the Process

As per Government Order No. I/1129089/2025/16-1099/21/2025 dated October 31, 2025:

1. The process for establishing new pharmacy degree institutions
2. And starting new pharmacy courses

has been simplified and rationalized.

Why Was This Needed?

The earlier system led to:

1. Legal complications
2. Ongoing High Court cases
3. Administrative delays

The new approach aims to eliminate these issues and make the approval process smoother.

Legal Basis: Section 36(A) of the University Act

AKTU highlighted Section 36(A) of the U.P. Technical University Act, 2000, which states:

1. The State Government may issue policy directions to the University.
2. If those directions are not inconsistent with the Act, the University must comply.

This gives legal backing to the Government’s decision to streamline the NOC system.

What Happened Earlier with Engineering Colleges in UP?

A similar reform was implemented for engineering institutions.

1. Government Order No. 1023323 dated July 12, 2025
2. Requirement of State Government NOC and Examining Authority Consent was simplified/abolished

Importantly:

1. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) had no objection to this arrangement.
2. Engineering institutions in Uttar Pradesh are already benefiting from this simplified process.

Now, pharmacy institutions are being aligned with this model.

What Is the New Process for Pharmacy Colleges in 2026-27?

Here’s how the updated system works:

Step 1: Prior Approval from State Government

Under the University Act, 2000:

1. AKTU must obtain prior approval from the State Government
2. Before issuing an affiliation letter for new institutes or new courses

Step 2: PCI Can Consider Applications Independently

This ensures that:

1. PCI does not need to wait for a separate NOC document
2. Applications can be considered on their merit

Step 3: Uploading Government Order as Documentary Evidence

The letter also refers to:

1. PCI Notification No. 14-56/2024-PCI (Approval Process for 2025-26 a.s.)/5080 dated December 17, 2024

As per point 4(i):

1. If a state has abolished the NOC system,
2. The institute must upload the relevant Government Order as documentary evidence on the PCI portal.

This is an important compliance step for institutions.

What Has AKTU Requested from PCI?

AKTU referred to its earlier letter dated February 4, 2026, and requested PCI to:

1. Take further action on institutional applications
2. For the 2026-27 academic session
3. In light of the Government’s simplified policy

In short, AKTU is asking PCI to process pharmacy applications based on the updated state policy framework.

Who Signed the Letter and Who Was Notified?

1. Signatory: Reena Singh, Registrar

Copies were sent to:

1. Special Secretary, Technical Education Section-01, Government of UP
2. Directors/Principals of all institutions affiliated with AKTU
3. Staff Officer, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, AKTU

This shows that the communication is official and widely circulated within the administrative framework.

What Does This Mean for Pharmacy Colleges in Uttar Pradesh?

For institutions planning to:

1. Open a new pharmacy college
2. Start a new pharmacy course
3. Apply for PCI approval in 2026-27

This update means:

1. Reduced procedural duplication
2. Fewer administrative bottlenecks
3. Legal clarity
4. Alignment with engineering sector reforms

However, institutions must still:

1. Follow the University Act provisions
2. Ensure proper documentation
3. Upload the relevant Government Order on the PCI portal if required

Final Takeaway

The February 21, 2026 letter from AKTU clarifies that:

1. The traditional requirement of a separate NOC and Consent of Affiliation has been streamlined under State Government policy.
2. The University will follow the revised administrative procedure.
3. PCI has been requested to process applications accordingly for the 2026-27 session.

For pharmacy institutions in Uttar Pradesh, this is a significant administrative reform — aimed at simplifying approvals while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Institutions should carefully review the relevant Government Orders and PCI notification before submitting applications.