With the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) not going to conduct the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for pharmacy colleges and the last date for submitting exam forms (November 10) having passed, the uncertainty can affect the issuance of stipend to about 6,000 pharmacy students across Gujarat.

While colleges in the state are giving a mixed reaction to this, the student community is largely disturbed at the possibility of losing monthly stipend of Rs 8,000.

As per the norms, pharmacy graduate students who have cleared the GATE are eligible for the monthly stipend.

The Gujarat University had a month ago shot off a letter to the Pharmacy Council of India requesting for a quick decision on the admission procedure.

However, even with the last date for filling of forms gone, the uncertainty over the admission procedure and stipend for students has confused the authorities and the student body.

“The bigger question worrying the students is whether any other alternative admission procedure by a second agency will be endorsed by the AICTE for stipend,” said Professor MC Gohil, the Principal of the LM College of Pharmacy.

Manish Doshi, the Gujarat University Executive Council Member, said, “The delay in the issue will hamper the admission process.”

Professor Gohil said the admission process is not likely to be a major problem as the Gujarat Technological University can conduct an entrance exam as it does every year.

Meanwhile, Mackwan Gilbert, Additional Registrar, Gujarat Council of Pharmacy, said, “The Gujarat Council has not made any representation on the issue but we hope PCI will take a decision on the new admission procedure in time.”