GPAT
GPAT
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national-level entrance exam in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as a gateway for admission into postgraduate pharmacy programs (M.Pharm) across various institutes in India. GPAT assesses candidates’ proficiency in pharmaceutical science, evaluating their knowledge in areas like pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and other related subjects.
This computer-based examination spans three hours and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It evaluates candidates’ aptitude, analytical skills, and comprehension of pharmaceutical concepts. Scoring well in GPAT is crucial for securing admissions into esteemed pharmacy institutions and qualifying for scholarships and stipends.
Preparation for GPAT involves a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy-related subjects, practicing previous years’ question papers, and taking mock tests. Aspirants often focus on strengthening their conceptual clarity, time management skills, and exam-specific strategies to excel in this competitive assessment.
Course Highlights:
Aspect | Details |
Full Form | Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test |
Conducted by | National Testing Agency (NTA) in India |
Purpose | Entrance exam for postgraduate pharmacy programs |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
Sections | – Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
– Pharmaceutics | |
– Pharmacology | |
– Pharmacognosy | |
Total Questions | Approximately 125 to 150 questions |
Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy |
Validity of Score | Usually for one year |
GPAT: Admission & Eligibility
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognized university is required. Students in the final year of B.Pharm can also apply.
- Age Limit: There is no specific age limit to appear for the GPAT exam.
The admission process for GPAT usually involves:
- Registration: Candidates need to register online on the official GPAT website during the specified registration period.
- Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate details and upload necessary documents, including a scanned photograph and signature.
- Application Fee: Pay the requisite application fee through the available payment modes.
- Admit Card: Download the admit card from the official website when it becomes available. It contains exam details and the candidate’s information.
- Examination: Take the GPAT exam on the scheduled date and time at the designated test center.
- Results and Counseling: After the exam, the results are announced. Qualified candidates then participate in counseling processes held by various institutions for admission to M.Pharm programs.
GPAT: Registration Process
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official GPAT website (usually conducted by the National Testing Agency, NTA) to begin the registration process.
- New Registration: Look for the option to register as a new candidate. You’ll have to provide basic details like name, email ID, mobile number, etc.
- Fill Application Form: Once registered, log in using the credentials provided. Complete the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the application fee through the available payment modes (debit/credit card, net banking, etc.). The fee structure may vary for different categories (General, SC/ST, OBC, etc.).
- Submit Form: After filling in all the details and paying the fee, review the form for accuracy. Submit it finally.
- Confirmation: After successful submission, you’ll receive a confirmation with an application number. Keep this safe for future reference.
- Print Application: It’s advisable to print a copy of the completed application form for your records.
GPAT: Documents List
- Personal Information:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Category (General, OBC, SC/ST, etc.)
- Nationality
- Aadhar card number (if applicable)
- Contact Details:
- Address for communication
- Email ID
- Mobile number
- Academic Details:
- Details of your Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy
- Year of Passing/Expected Year of Passing
- College/University Name
- Percentage or CGPA obtained
- Roll Number or Registration Number of Bachelor’s degree
- Photograph and Signature:
- Scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph in the prescribed format and size.
- Scanned copy of your signature in the specified format.
- Category Certificate (if applicable):
- For candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, a valid caste/category certificate might be required.
- PWD Certificate (if applicable):
- For Persons with Disability (PWD) candidates, a PWD certificate issued by a competent authority might be needed.
- Valid Identification Document:
- Details from any valid government-issued ID proof such as Aadhar card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, etc.
GPAT: Syllabus
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry:
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics:
- Physical Pharmacy
- Dosage Forms
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
- Dispensing and Hospital Pharmacy
- Pharmacology:
- General Pharmacology
- Pharmacognosy
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
- Pharmacognosy:
- Sources of Drugs
- Herbal Formulations
- Pharmacological Screening Methods
- Analytical Techniques
- Plant Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Analysis:
- Principles of Analysis
- Instrumental Techniques
- Bioanalytical Techniques
- Quality Assurance
- Biotechnology:
- Cell Biology
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Genetic Engineering
- Microbiology:
- Microbial Pathogenicity
- Industrial Microbiology
- Microbial Technology
- Sterilization and Disinfection
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics:
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
- Drug Interaction
- ADR Monitoring
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics
- Drug Regulatory Affairs
- Pharmaceutical Management:
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management
- Financial Management
- Industrial Laws
- Physical Pharmacy:
- Matter, properties of matter
- Micromeritics and Powder Rheology
- Surface and Interfacial Phenomenon
GPAT: Exam Pattern
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
Total Questions | Approximately 125 questions |
Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme | +4 for Correct Answer |
-1 for Incorrect Answer | |
No negative marking for unanswered questions |
GPAT Exam Sections:
Section | Number of Questions | Topics Covered |
Pharmaceutics | 38-42 | Dispensing Pharmacy, Dosage Form Design, etc. |
Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 28-32 | Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, etc. |
Pharmacology | 20-22 | Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, etc. |
Pharmacognosy | 10-12 | Drugs from Natural Sources, Herbal Medicines, etc. |
Other Sciences | 08-10 | Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc. |
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics | 08-10 | Drug Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, etc. |
Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics | 10-12 | Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, etc. |
Anatomy, Physiology and Health Education | 08-10 | Human Anatomy, Physiology, Health Education, etc. |
GPAT: Application Fee
Category | Application Fee (Approximate) |
General/OBC | INR 2,000 – INR 2,500 |
SC/ST/PWD | INR 1,000 – INR 1,500 Top of Form |
GPAT: Expected Exam Date
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
Feb ’24 – Mar ’24 | GPAT 2024 Registration |
Mar ’24 | Last date to upload documents and pay the application fee |
Mar ’24 | GPAT 2024 Application correction window |
May ’24 | GPAT 2024 Exam Date |
May ’24 | GPAT 2024 Provisional Answer Key Objection Filing |
Jun ’24 | GPAT 2024 Result |
GPAT: Counseling Process
- Publication of GPAT Results: After the GPAT exam results are declared, candidates can check their scores and ranks on the official website.
- Notification from Participating Institutions: Participating institutions (colleges, universities, etc.) will release their individual notifications regarding the counseling process, including schedules, venues, and other relevant details. These notifications are usually available on the respective institution’s official websites or through separate admission portals.
- Registration for Counseling: Candidates who have qualified GPAT and wish to apply for admission to various institutions need to register for the respective counseling sessions as per the instructions provided by the institutions.
- Choice Filling: Candidates typically have to fill in their choices/preferences of colleges and courses during the counseling registration process.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates need to appear for document verification rounds at designated centers as specified by the participating institutions. Candidates need to carry all the required original documents along with their photocopies for verification purposes.
- Seat Allotment: Based on the GPAT scores, preferences filled by candidates, availability of seats, and merit, institutions will conduct the seat allotment process. This is usually done through rounds, and candidates are allotted seats accordingly.
- Reporting to the Allotted Institute: Candidates who have been allotted seats in respective institutes need to report to the allocated institute within the specified time frame. They will have to complete the admission formalities, pay fees, and confirm their admission.
- Subsequent Rounds (if applicable): In case seats remain vacant after the initial rounds, participating institutions might conduct further rounds of counseling to fill the remaining seats.
GPAT 2024 Expected Cut Off
Category | GPAT Cut Off Marks |
General | 163 |
Other Backward Classes | 131 |
Scheduled Caste | 103 |
Scheduled Tribe | 76 |
Economically Weaker Section | 104 |
GPAT 2023 Cutoff
Category | GPAT Cut Off Marks |
General | 96.18 |
Other Backward Classes | 90.57 |
Scheduled Caste | 77.10 |
Scheduled Tribe | 57.74 |
Economically Weaker Section | 90.16 |