Pharmacist License Exam: Nepal Pharmacy Council
To work as a registered pharmacist in Nepal, graduates must pass the licensure examination conducted by the Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC). This essential exam is open to students who have completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy from an institution recognized by the NPC.
According to the Nepal Pharmacy Council Act of 2057 (2000 A.D.), a "pharmacist" is defined as an individual who has earned at least a bachelor's degree in pharmacy or an equivalent qualification from a recognized educational institution. A "registered pharmacist" is a pharmacist whose name is listed in the register of the Nepal Pharmacy Council.
Passing this licensing exam is mandatory for aspiring pharmacists to work in pharmacies or drug stores, ensuring that all pharmacists in Nepal meet the necessary standards of competence and knowledge to practice effectively.
Eligibility
Academic Qualification
The applicant should have obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent degree from an academic institution recognized by the Nepal Pharmacy Council.
A pharmacist seeking registration with the Council must apply in the prescribed format, including the degree, certificate, other required documents, and the prescribed fees.
Documents to be Submitted (Certified Copies):
- Application Form
- SLC (School Leaving Certificate) or SEE Transcript
- Citizenship Certificate
- All Certificates for Proficiency Certificate (PCL) Level
- All Certificates for Bachelor's Degree Level
- Registration Fee
- Equivalency Certificate (for degrees from Foreign Boards)
Note: You can still submit the required documents if you reside outside the Kathmandu Valley. Simply authorize a representative to do so on your behalf, and they can submit the documents along with your authorization letter.
Syllabus
The Pharmacist licensing examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These questions are distributed across various domains as outlined in the table, which specifies the approximate number of questions from each area.
| Subject area | Approx Number of Questions |
| Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Chemistry & Natural Product Chemistry | 25 |
| Pharmaceutical analysis & instrumentation | 15 |
| Pharmaceutical technology, biopharmaceutics & dosage form design | 25 |
| Pharmacology & Therapeutics | 25 |
| Clinical Pharmacy & Hospital Pharmacy | 20 |
| Forensic Pharmacy (Pharmacy laws & ethics) | 15 |
| Community pharmacy, social pharmacy & public health | 25 |
| Total | 150 |