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.
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.
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 the 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 2026: What You Need to Know
In 2026, 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.
| Registration period | Exam Dates | Results released |
| 6 January - 23 February 2026 | 23 - 25 March 2026 | 21 April 2026 |
| 28 April - 15 June 2026 | 13 - 15 July 2026 | 11 August 2026 |
| 18 August - 19 October 2026 | 23 - 25 November 2026 | 22 December 2026 |
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 | $2,245 | $1,500 | ₹1,35,400 |
| Total (without optional update) | $3,300 | $2,130 | ₹1,81,500 |
Note: INR values keep fluctuating hence it is advised to recheck .
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: Pass/Fail (No percentage is allocated because it tests your skills not memorisation capabilities)
Make sure to practice under timed conditions using the OPRA pharmacist exam mock tests.
How to Crack the 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, AI-based 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: 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 2026 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.