1. Purpose of the Exam
GPAT
NIPER JEE
The NIPER JEE is the entrance exam for admission to postgraduate programs like M.Pharm, M.S. (Pharm), M.Tech (Pharm), and MBA (Pharm) offered exclusively by the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs). NIPERs are prestigious institutes known for their research-oriented approach in pharmacy education.
2. Conducting Body
GPAT
GPAT is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
NIPER JEE
NIPER JEE is conducted by NIPER, a group of autonomous institutes recognised for their advanced research and education in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.
3. Eligibility Criteria
GPAT
To be eligible for GPAT
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognised institution.
- Final-year B.Pharm students are also eligible.
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
NIPER JEE
To be eligible for NIPER JEE
- The candidate must have a minimum B.Pharm degree.
- Candidates must have qualified GPAT (with a valid scorecard).
- A minimum of 60% marks in aggregate or a CGPA of 6.75 on a 10-point scale.
4. Exam Pattern
GPAT
Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration: 3 hours
Questions: 125 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks: 500
Negative Marking: Yes (-1 for each wrong answer)
NIPER JEE
Mode: Online or Offline (Depending on the year)
Duration: 2 hours
Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks: Varies by year and subject
Negative Marking: Yes (-1 for each wrong answer)
5. Focus Areas
GPAT
The GPAT exam mainly focuses on the following topics:
- Pharmacology
- General Pharmacology
- Principles of toxicology
- Pharmacology of the peripheral nervous system
- Pharmacology of central nervous System
- Pharmacology of the cardiovascular system
- Drugs acting on the urinary system
- Immunopharmacology
- Drugs Acting on the Respiratory System
- Pharmacology of drug acting on the gastrointestinal tract·
- Pharmacology of the Endocrine System
- Neurohumoral transmission in autonomic and central nervous system
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Chemotherapy
- Autacoids and their Antagonists
2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
3. Pharmaceutics
4. Pharmacognosy
5. Physical Pharmacy
6. Pharmaceutical Analysis
7. Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
8. Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
9. Biotechnology
10. Microbiology
NIPER JEE
The NIPER exam for M. Pharm mainly focuses on the following areas:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry
- Biotechnology & Biochemistry
- Natural Products
- Pharmaceutical Management
- Pharmacoinformatics
- Pharmaceutical analysis
6. Institutions
GPAT
GPAT scores are accepted by a wide range of AICTE-approved pharmacy colleges across India, making it a more general entrance exam for M.Pharm admissions.
NIPER JEE
NIPER JEE is accepted only by the NIPER Institutes, which are the seven most prestigious institutions for pharmacy education and research in India.
7. Career Prospects
GPAT
Qualifying for GPAT opens doors to M.Pharm programs across India. Graduates can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, or research, with the potential to secure scholarships to support their studies.
NIPER JEE
NIPER graduates enjoy exceptional placement rates, typically between 85-95%. They are often recruited by top organisations such as ZS Associates, IQVIA, Dr. Reddy's, GSK, Biocon, and more. A degree from NIPER opens doors to high-impact careers in research, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry, offering graduates a significant competitive edge and often leading to top-tier positions.
8. Competition and Difficulty Level
GPAT
GPAT is a national-level exam open to a large pool of candidates from across India. There are almost 24,000 seats available. While the competition is fierce, it is accessible to many pharmacy graduates. Aloso this exam is comparatively easier.
NIPER JEE
NIPER JEE is more competitive and requires in-depth understanding due to its limited seats (over 900) and the high standards of NIPER institutes. The entrance exam attracts candidates aiming for specialised and advanced programs in pharmacy.
9. Exam Fee
GPAT
- For General, OBC, and EWS categories: ₹3,500
- For SC, ST, and PWD categories: ₹2,500
NIPER JEE
- For single program applications:
- General, OBC, PH, and NRI categories: ₹3,000
- SC/ST categories: ₹1,500
- For combined MBA and other program applications:
- General, OBC, PH, and NRI categories: ₹4,000
- SC/ST categories: ₹2,000
10. Preparation Time
GPAT
- Requires a strong grasp of undergraduate pharmacy concepts.
- On average, 3-6 months of focused preparation is sufficient for most candidates, depending on their familiarity with the syllabus.
- This can be best done by joining Academically’s GPAT Preparation course where you wil get complete guidance.
NIPER JEE
- Demands a deeper understanding of advanced topics in pharmacy.
- Typically, candidates spend 6-8 months preparing for NIPER JEE to cover the broader syllabus and higher difficulty level.
- To pass the exam on the first attempt, it is better to join Academically’s NIPER Preparation course.
Aspect | GPAT | NIPER JEE |
| Purpose | Admission to M.Pharm programs across India. | Admission to specialised postgraduate programs at NIPER institutes. |
| Conducted By | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) | National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) |
| Eligibility | B.Pharm (or final-year students) | B.Pharm + GPAT |
| Exam Pattern | - Mode: Online (CBT). - Duration: 3 hours. - Questions: 125 MCQs. - Marks: 500 (-1 for incorrect answers). | - Mode: Online/Offline (varies). - Duration: 2 hours. - Questions: 200 MCQs. - Negative marking (-1 for incorrect). |
| Focus Areas | Core pharmacy subjects include pharmaceutics, pharmacology, etc. | Advanced pharmacy sciences, biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, and management. |
| Institutions | AICTE-approved institutions across India | 7 NIPER institutes only |
| Career Prospects | Careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, or research. Eligibility for scholarships. | Exceptional placement rates (85-95%) in top organisations like ZS Associates, IQVIA, Biocon, Dr. Reddy's, and more. |
| Competition | Competitive but accessible with around 24,000 seats. The exam is generally easier compared to NIPER JEE. | Highly competitive due to limited seats (~900) and advanced difficulty level. |
| Preparation Time | 3-6 months with focused preparation. Academically’s GPAT Preparation Course can provide structured guidance. | 6-8 months for in-depth study. Academically’s NIPER JEE Preparation Course can help clear the exam on the first attempt. |
Which Exam is Meant For You?
GPAT
- Ideal for those who want to join M.Pharm in colleges across India.
- For those looking for financial assistance through scholarships because students get a monthly stipend of INR 12,400.
- If you are looking for an easier examination, which only requires 3-6 months of preparation.
NIPER
- Students who want to pursue pharmacy in India’s most reputed pharmacy institution.
- If you’re targeting high-impact careers in research, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical leadership roles at top organisations like GSK, Biocon, or Dr. Reddy's.
- This is for those who are ready to invest more time and effort in getting into the best pharmacy institution.
In Summary
Both GPAT and NIPER JEE serve as gateways to postgraduate studies in pharmacy, but they cater to different needs and goals. GPAT is more accessible, offering opportunities at various institutions, while NIPER JEE focuses on admission to India's premier pharmacy institutes, offering specialised and advanced education. Depending on your career aspirations and where you want to study, the right exam will lead you to a successful career in pharmacy.
To know more about pharmacy career opportunities, fill up this form and get a free one-on-one counselling session with one of our experts.
