OPRA Exam for Indian Pharmacist: Eligibility, Fees, Salary and More

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Created On : Nov 29, 2025 Updated On : Nov 29, 2025 2 Min

Introduction

Are you an Indian pharmacist dreaming of building a career in Australia? If so, you've likely heard about the OPRA exam for Indian pharmacists. But what exactly is it? Is it tough? How do you register for it from India? And more importantly, how do you prepare effectively?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything Indian pharmacists need to know about the OPRA exam in 2025, from eligibility and registration to syllabus, preparation tips, coaching options, and even fees. Our goal? To make your OPRA journey seamless.

What is the OPRA Exam for Indian Pharmacists?

The OPRA exam is called Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment. It is an important exam that the Australian Pharmacy Council uses to evaluate overseas-trained pharmacists who wish to practice in Australia. 

How’s it different from KAPS? You will only appear for one paper, that too for 2.5 hours with 120 questions, unlike the KAPS exam, where there were 2 papers of 100 questions each, making it a seamless experience.

Why do Indian Pharmacists want to work in Australia?

Did you know… Australia has a shortage of pharmacists, and the organisations there are actively hiring qualified pharmacists from overseas. But before working as a pharmacist in Australia, you’ll need to crack the OPRA exam. And that’s where many get stuck, not due to a lack of capability, but due to a lack of information. This is exactly why we are here.

Let’s check your eligibility for the OPRA exam.

OPRA Exam Eligibility for Indian Pharmacists

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the OPRA exam, Indian pharmacists must:

Pharmacy graduate with an accredited degree in Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)

Pharmacy registration from their respective state council of the home country

Have a good command of English (IELTS, OET, or PTE Academic accepted, check latest score requirements from APC).

Be able to provide official degree transcripts and documents.

Contact our OPRA exam team to check your eligibility over the phone so that you can confidently apply for the initial skills assessment.

OPRA Exam Date 2025: What You Need to Know

In 2025, the OPRA exam is conducted thrice a year, typically in March, July and November. Early registration is advised, as slots fill up fast, especially for Indian candidates for the OPRA exam.

OPRA Exam Fees in India

The OPRA exam fee structure includes several components:

 Fee (AUD)Fee (USD)Fee (INR)
Eligibility Check$810$520₹44,100
Skills Assessment Outcome$300$190₹16,100
Updated Skills Assessment (Optional)$610$390₹33,100
OPRA Exam$2,190$1,410₹1,19,000
Total (without optional update)$3,300$2,130₹1,81,500

Note: INR values are based on the 2025 exchange rate of 1 AUD ≈ ₹54 and 1 USD ≈ ₹84.

Fees for documentation, visa, study materials or if you decide to take an OPRA exam coaching programme, will vary

Make sure to plan your finances carefully.

OPRA Exam Registration from India: Step-by-Step Process

How do I apply for the OPRA exam from India? Here's a simple breakdown:

Step 1: Get Your Qualifications Assessed

Submit your degree and registration documents to APC for initial skill assessment.

Step 2: Wait for Notification

Once your documents are approved, you’ll receive an invitation to book the exam.

Step 3: Register Online

Complete the OPRA exam registration process via the official APC portal.

Step 4: Book Exam Slot

Pick your preferred centre and date. You may need to travel to a test centre in Australia or an approved international location through Pearson VUE in your home country.

OPRA Exam Syllabus for Pharmacists

Biomedical sciences

Medicinal chemistry

Biopharmaceutics

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacology

Toxicology

Therapeutics and patient care

Use APC’s official guidebooks, past questions, and OPRA pharmacy exam question banks.

OPRA Exam Pattern for Pharmacy Candidates

The OPRA exam pattern for pharmacy professionals is as follows:

Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Format: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Total Questions: 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

Passing Score: 60% (varies slightly)

Make sure to practice under timed conditions using the OPRA pharmacist exam mock tests.

How to Crack OPRA Exam for Pharmacists: Preparation Strategies

Getting OPRA-ready isn’t just about reading; it’s about smart preparation. Here’s what works:

1. Use the Right Study Material

Look for OPRA exam study material for Indian pharmacists that covers both theory and practice. Some popular resources include:

Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)

Therapeutic Guidelines

Shane Bullock’s Fundamentals of Pharmacology

2. Join a Coaching Institute

Finding the best OPRA exam training institute in India can make all the difference. Reputed institutes offer:

Topic-wise video lectures

Weekly mock tests

Personalised feedback

Interview coaching (for registration steps post-OPRA)

3. Enrol in an Online Course

If you’re working full-time or live far from metro cities, opt for an OPRA exam online preparation course from our expert team of academicians. We can help you with attending live sessions, webinars, mock tests, and doubt-solving sessions.

OPRA Exam Duration and Format

There are 120 questions in total that need to be solved in 2.5 hours, all MCQs, with no negative marking. It is conducted in Pearson VUE-approved computer-based testing centres worldwide. Make sure your time management is solid; you’ll need it.

OPRA Exam Result Online: When & Where?

Results are usually published 4 to 6 weeks after the exam. You can check your score on the APC portal using your login credentials. No paper results are sent.

OPRA Exam Preparation Tips for Indian Students

Start Early: Begin preparation at least 4 to 6 months before the exam.

Revise Australian Guidelines: Focus on country-specific pharmaceutical law.

Simulate Exam Environment: Take full-length AI-based mock tests every week that follow the Rasch methodology of assessment.

Join Forums & Groups: Reddit, Telegram, and Facebook have active communities.

Stay Updated: APC often updates the syllabus and pattern. We keep updating our blog section on the OPRA Exam website based on APC’s guidelines and compliance.

Benefits of an OPRA License for Pharmacists

Eligibility to register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)

Higher pay: AUD 80,000 to AUD 110,000 annually (Indian equivalent to a starting salary of 76 LPA to crores)

Easy access to permanent residency (PR) pathways

Global recognition and career mobility

So ask yourself:

Are you ready to take the first step toward an international pharmacy career?

Will 2025 be the year you pass OPRA and start a new chapter?

If yes, then begin your journey today with preparation, dedication, and a clear roadmap. Rest assured, you’ll always receive great tips, tricks and more when you contact our expert team of OPRA exam.

Also Read:

OPRA Exam Eligibility

FAQs

Is the OPRA exam tough for Indian pharmacists?

No, it’s not that tough. It solely depends on how you prepare. Enrol in the top coaching centre for OPRA and ensure they mentor you according to the APC standards, and also have AI-based mock tests that incorporate Rasch methodology to assess your skills.

Can I take the OPRA exam online from India?

Yes, you can. Pearson VUE facilitates this exam through OPRA exam centres in major cities in India.

What is the OPRA exam eligibility criteria?

You must have a B.Pharm or Pharm. D., be registered with the state council as a pharmacist (if you are already working), and meet English language requirements.

How long is the OPRA license valid?

Once you clear OPRA and complete further steps, your AHPRA license must be renewed yearly.

Is OPRA the only exam to work as a pharmacist in Australia?

Not technically, after clearing OPRA when you enrol into the internship programme, you also need to clear the Intern written exam and verbal ones to get a full time role as a pharmacist.
Dr. Akram Ahmad
about the author

Dr. Akram Ahmad is a clinical pharmacist and lecturer with over 10 years of teaching and research experience across various subjects of medicine in India, Malaysia and Australia. He is an educationist and a medpreneur with extensive knowledge of the global healthcare diaspora. Through his articles, videos and engaging sessions, he always aims to impart unexplored knowledge about the healthcare world to interested students and professionals.