History of GPAT
The GPAT was first introduced in 2010. Until 2018, it was managed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as per the Ministry of Education's directives.
From 2019 to 2023, the National Testing Agency (NTA) took over the exam's administration, maintaining the same government guidelines.
Recently, the Pharmacy Council of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NBEMS to oversee future GPAT exams.
GPAT Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for GPAT:
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognised institution.
- Final-year B.Pharm students are also eligible to apply.
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
GPAT Exam Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the GPAT application process:
1. Registration and Application Filling
2. GPAT Fee Payment and Form Submission
After filling out the form, pay the application fee online:
- General, OBC, and EWS categories: INR 3500
- SC, ST, and PwD categories: INR 2500
Once the form is completed, upload the required documents, submit your application, and download the confirmation page for your records.
3. Downloading the GPAT Admit Card and Taking the GPAT Exam
After submitting the application, download your admit card from the NBEMS website. Bring it along with a valid ID to the designated test centre on the exam day.
GPAT Exam Format
The GPAT is a three-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for a total of 500 marks. The breakdown of questions and marks per subject is as follows:
Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Allied | 38 | 152 |
| Pharmaceutics & Allied | 38 | 152 |
| Pharmacognosy & Allied | 10 | 40 |
| Pharmacology & Allied Subjects | 28 | 112 |
| Other Subjects of B.Pharm course | 11 | 44 |
| Total | 150 | 500 |
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer earns +4 marks.
- Each incorrect answer deducts a -1 mark.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
A high GPAT score can improve a candidate’s chances of admission to top pharmacy schools and may also make them eligible for government scholarships.
GPAT Test Centers
The GPAT is conducted across 113 cities in India. Major test centres include:
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Jodhpur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Pune
- Tirupati
Importance of GPAT for M.Pharm Admission
- The GPAT serves as a gateway to prestigious M.Pharm programs across India.
- Achieving a high GPAT score can significantly boost the chances of admission into top pharmacy colleges, where competition is high.
- A strong GPAT performance may qualify candidates for government-funded scholarships, making M.Pharm studies more affordable.
- Many institutions prefer GPAT-qualified students in admissions and research opportunities, enhancing their academic and professional development.
- A good GPAT score is essential for gaining admission into National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) institutions.
Also Read: Top Pharmacy Colleges in India - How To Select The Best?
Updates on GPAT 2025
The GPAT 2025 notification is expected to be released in April. The following are the tentative dates for key events related to the GPAT 2025 exam. Candidates should check the official NBEMS website for confirmed dates, as these are subject to change:
- GPAT Registration Start Date: April 2025
- Last Date to Submit Application: May 2025
- Release of Admit Card: June 2025
- GPAT Exam Date: June 2025
- Provisional Answer Key Release: June 2025
- Result Announcement: July 2025
Tips for Preparing for the GPAT
Preparation is key to cracking the GPAT. Here are some strategies to help aspirants excel:
- Start Early: Begin preparations at least 6 months before the exam to cover all topics thoroughly.
- Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Dedicate more time to sections with higher weight, such as Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutics.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate the exam environment. This helps improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise Consistently: Make short notes and revise them regularly, especially for high-weightage topics.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: This will help you understand question patterns and difficulty levels, enhancing your preparation.
- Join GPAT Online Courses: Enrol in reputable online GPAT Exam Preparation courses for structured guidance and access to study materials, expert faculty, and peer discussions. These courses often provide mock tests, detailed explanations, and a systematic study plan, making it easier to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
In Summary
The GPAT is crucial for B.Pharm graduates aspiring to pursue M.Pharm education in India. A well-planned approach to the exam can significantly improve your chances of securing admission into top pharmacy institutions and even qualifying for scholarships.
Keep track of the upcoming GPAT dates and stay updated with official notifications for GPAT 2025.
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