Master the GPAT: Free Full-Length & Topic-Wise Mock Tests

Guide to the GPAT Examination

What is the GPAT Exam?

The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a prestigious national-level entrance examination conducted annually in India. As of recent changes, the exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Previously, it was managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The primary purpose of GPAT is to provide a unified, standardized test for admitting B.Pharm graduates into Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programs. A valid GPAT score is accepted by all AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and PCI (Pharmacy Council of India) approved institutions, universities, and constituent colleges. Qualifying this exam is a prerequisite for receiving the AICTE Post Graduate (PG) Scholarship.

Benefits: Why Should You Take the GPAT Exam?

Qualifying the GPAT opens numerous doors for pharmacy graduates. The benefits extend far beyond just an M.Pharm seat:

• Admission to Top M.Pharm Programs: A high GPAT score is your gateway to premier pharmacy institutions across India, including top-ranked universities and government colleges.
• AICTE PG Scholarship (Stipend): This is the most significant benefit. GPAT-qualified candidates admitted to AICTE-approved M.Pharm programs are eligible for a monthly stipend of ₹12,400. This financial assistance supports you throughout your two-year post-graduate course.
• Gateway to NIPERs: A valid GPAT score is a mandatory eligibility criterion for applying to the NIPER Joint Entrance Examination (NIPER JEE). NIPERs (National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) are premier institutes for pharmaceutical sciences in India.
• PhD Admissions: Many universities and research institutions consider a valid GPAT score for direct admission into PhD programs in Pharmacy, often exempting candidates from their separate entrance tests.
• PSU Recruitment: Several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors consider GPAT scores during their recruitment process for technical or research positions.
• Career Advancement: A good GPAT rank is a strong credential on your resume, demonstrating a high level of subject knowledge and analytical aptitude, which is valued by private sector employers in R&D, manufacturing, and marketing.

Detailed GPAT Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must strictly adhere to the following eligibility criteria to appear for the GPAT:

• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Educational Qualification: Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a PCI or AICTE approved institution.
• Final Year Students: Students in the final year (4th year) of the B.Pharm program are eligible to apply. Their admission, however, will be provisional until they provide proof of successful graduation.
• Lateral Entry Students: B.Pharm students who were admitted to the second year via lateral entry (after D.Pharm) are also eligible to apply, provided their degree is from a recognized institution.
• No Age Limit: There is no upper age restriction for appearing in the GPAT.
• Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of times a candidate can attempt the GPAT.

Who is NOT eligible? Candidates with B.Tech (Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology), D.Pharm, B.Sc, or any other degree are not eligible to apply for the GPAT.

GPAT Exam Pattern and Structure

The GPAT is a single-session computer-based test (CBT). The detailed pattern, including the subject-wise distribution of questions, is as follows:

Subject-wise Question & Marks Distribution

GPAT Marking Scheme

The marking scheme is crucial for time management and accuracy:

• Correct Answer: +4 (Four marks) are awarded.
• Incorrect Answer: -1 (One mark) is deducted (Negative Marking).
• Unanswered Question: 0 (Zero marks) are awarded.

Comprehensive GPAT Syllabus Overview

The GPAT syllabus is extensive, covering the entire curriculum of the 4-year B.Pharm program as prescribed by AICTE and PCI. Mastering these subjects is key to a high score. Our section-wise tests above cover all these critical topics:

• Pharmaceutics
• Physical Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacognosy
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Pathophysiology
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Pharmaceutical Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
• Pharmaceutical Management

GPAT Application and Admission Process

The GPAT process involves several stages, from application to counselling:

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Step 1: Registration: Visit the official NBEMS website and register with a valid email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials.
2. Step 2: Fill Application Form: Log in and fill in all required personal, academic, and contact details.
3. Step 3: Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
4. Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
5. Step 5: Print Confirmation: After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page for your records.

GPAT Scorecard and Counselling

After the results are declared, candidates can download their official GPAT Scorecard from the exam portal. This scorecard is crucial for the admission process.

• Scorecard Validity: The GPAT scorecard is valid for three years from the date of the result declaration, for the purpose of M.Pharm admissions and PhD admissions. However, for the AICTE stipend, it is generally valid for one year.
• Tie-Breaker Rules: If two or more candidates score the same marks, the merit rank is determined using a tie-breaker policy. The common rules are:
  1. Candidate with fewer negative responses will be ranked higher.
  2. If the tie persists, the candidate older in age will be ranked higher.
• Counselling Process: There is no centralized counselling conducted by NBEMS. Candidates must apply individually to different AICTE/PCI-approved colleges and universities using their GPAT scorecard. Each institute or state then conducts its own counselling and admission process based on its merit list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)