17. Functions of the Central Council.

(1) The functions of the Central Council shall be

• (a) to approve examinations in pharmacy for the purpose of qualifying persons for registration as pharmacists;
• (b) to prescribe the subjects in which approved examinations shall be held;
• (c) to approve the courses of study and practical training in pharmacy for the purpose of admission to approved examination;
• (d) to prescribe the conditions and procedure for admission of candidates to an approved examination;
• (e) to lay down the standard of teaching to be maintained by institutions conducting the approved courses of study;
• (f) to prescribe the equipment and facilities to be made available to the students;
• (g) to recognise degree or diplomas in pharmacy for the purpose of registration as pharmacists;
• (h) to cause inspection of institutions which conduct any courses of study in pharmacy and of the teachings imparted and examinations held by them; and
• (i) to do such other acts and things as it may be empowered or required to do by or under this Act.

(2) The Central Council, with the previous approval of the Central Government, may, by notification in the official Gazette, make regulations for the purposes of sub-section (1).