Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) 2026: Official Notification, Pattern, Syllabus & Mock Tests
National level computer-based entrance examination for entry into Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programmes and for award of AICTE/NBEMS national postgraduate pharmacy scholarships.
Examination Overview
National level computer-based entrance examination for entry into Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programmes and for award of AICTE/NBEMS national postgraduate pharmacy scholarships.
| Exam Name | Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | National Board of Examinations / NBEMS |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Examination |
| Language of Exam | English, Hindi & State Regional Languages |
| Official Website | https://natboard.edu.in/ ↗ |
Important Dates & Events
Timeline confirmed from official notices issued by National Board of Examinations / NBEMS.
| Event / Milestone | Important Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Information Bulletin | April / May (Annual) |
| GPAT Computer Based Test | June / July |
| M.Pharm Counselling | Post Results Announcement |
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Computer Based Test (CBT): 125 Multiple Choice Questions, 500 Marks, 180 Minutes (3 Hours). 4 marks for each correct response, -1 mark for each incorrect response (negative marking: 25%).
| Examination Parameter | Scheme Details | Remarks / Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (Objective MCQs) | 4 or 5 options per question |
| Evaluation Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Offline OMR Sheet | Centralized Evaluation System |
| Negative Marking Scheme | Standard 1/3rd or 1/4th negative deduction | Penalized for incorrect responses |
| Language Medium | Bilingual (English & Hindi) + Regional State Languages | Language toggle available in CBT |
| Normalization | Equipercentile or Percentile method across shifts | Multi-shift normalization applied |
Selection Process & Stages
Candidate progression through sequential recruitment tiers:
Preliminary / Tier 1 Examination
Comprehensive objective screening test covering core aptitude, reasoning, general knowledge and language skills.
Mains / Tier 2 / Skill Test
Advanced written assessment or post-specific technical/descriptive examination determining the final merit order.
Document Verification & Medical
Scrutiny of original certificates, category credentials, age proofs and required medical fitness examination.
Eligibility Criteria (Age & Educational Qualification)
Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (4 years after 10+2, including lateral entry students) or appearing in the final year of B.Pharm. Candidates with B.Tech (Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology) are not eligible.
| Parameter | Eligibility Condition | Relaxation Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Criteria | Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (4 years after 10+2, including lateral entry students) or appearing in the final year of B.Pharm. Candidates with B.Tech (Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology) are not eligible. | Recognized Board / University required |
| Age Requirement | As specified in official notification (General Category) | SC/ST: +5 Years | OBC: +3 Years | PwD: +10 Years |
| Citizenship | Citizen of India | Subject of Nepal/Bhutan as per Central/State rules |
| Language Proficiency | Regional / English & Hindi working knowledge | Applicable as per State / National jurisdiction |
Detailed Syllabus by Subject
Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Clinical Pharmacy.
📖 General Studies & Current Affairs
- Current National & International Events
- Indian History & Freedom Struggle
- Indian & World Geography
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Indian Polity, Constitution & Governance
- Basic Economic Concepts & Budget Highlights
🔢 Quantitative & Numerical Aptitude
- Simplification, Number System, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar & Pie Charts)
🧩 Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Analogies, Classification & Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding & Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test & Ranking Order
- Syllogisms, Statements & Assumptions
- Non-Verbal Reasoning & Figure Counting
📝 Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension Passages
- Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms
- Grammar, Error Spotting & Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test, Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitutions & Spelling Check
Preparation Strategy & Cut-Off Trends
Historical scoring benchmarks and safe score targets for Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) based on competitive trends:
| Category | Safe Target Percentage | Preparation Focus | Benchmark Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 75% - 82% | Speed + Negative Control in Reasoning & Quant | 90%+ Accuracy |
| OBC / EWS | 70% - 76% | High Scoring in Current Affairs & Language | 88%+ Accuracy |
| SC / ST | 62% - 70% | Syllabus Coverage & Previous Year Papers | 85%+ Accuracy |
| PwD / Ex-SM | 55% - 65% | Sectional Cut-Off clearance + Accuracy | 82%+ Accuracy |
Official Mock Test Series & CBT Practice
Practice full-length CBT tests matching the exact GPAT pattern with bilingual questions and instant rank analysis.
20 Full-Length Mock Tests Series
Access complete full-length tests designed by subject matter experts following the latest official syllabus.
Start Free Starter Mock 1 →2027 Official Practice Series & Question Bank
2027 CYCLE READYTargeted subject-wise and topic-wise practice series for Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT). Featuring expected question predictions, pattern mastery, and instant step-by-step CBT solutions.
2027 Practice Series for this examination are being scheduled. Check back shortly.
Official Previous Year Solved Question Papers
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