Vanakkam! Sukhamaano? We heard that you have pursued a pharmacy degree in Kerala. Is that right? Then, you may have already heard about the Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA), which was once known as the KAPS exam. It's the pathway to secure your registration to work as a full-time pharmacist in Australia officially. Yes, you can work abroad in a top-tier country like Australia and earn a good salary as a full-time pharmacist. So, what is the right approach for this glorious career ahead? This blog will help you know everything about the OPRA exam in Kerala, without the jargon. Just plain advice, real facts, and a dose of encouragement for anyone thinking of giving it a try.
What is the OPRA Exam?
OPRA stands for Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment. The Australian Pharmacy Council is the regulatory body for this exam. If you want to work as a full-time pharmacist in Australia, you need to clear this exam first. The OPRA exam checks how well you can apply your pharmaceutical knowledge in real-world situations. It was previously called KAPS, which had two different papers. The revamped one is known as OPRA, is slightly different and seamless, going by the concept of: less theory, more practical thinking.
Eligibility Criteria for OPRA Exam 2026
You need to go through the Eligibility Stream with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC). Here’s what’s generally required:
- A pharmacy degree from a recognised institution (like B.Pharm, Pharm.D or M.Pharm)
- Your documents and qualifications need to be verified through the APC portal.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, OET, or TOEFL), before you complete registration
- While work experience isn’t mandatory, it helps to better understand clinical situations.
OPRA Exam Format 2026
What students look for is the format of the exam so that they are accustomed earlier. Here’s what you can expect on the exam day:
- Medium: Fully computer-based
- Held at authorised centres (The nearest to Kerala would be Bangalore in Karnataka)
- Duration of the OPRA Exam: 2.5 hours long
- Has 120 multiple-choice questions
- No negative marking, but it’s scored using an AI-based marking scheme (called the Rasch methodology), which evaluates your overall ability rather than giving you a strict pass/fail mark.
So yes, it’s different from what we’re used to in our regular board exams in our home country. You’ll need to think, understand and implement in real-world situations. You should not solely rely on rote learning.
OPRA Exam Syllabus 2026
Here’s the syllabus weightage for the exam. Ensure you prioritise studying the areas where maximum emphasis is needed:
- Therapeutics & Patient Care (about 45%)
Covers case studies, treatment decisions, prescription assessments- mostly practical-based, tests your skills in real-world situations - Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Pharmacology (roughly 35%)
Includes drug actions, interactions, mechanisms, and chemistry fundamentals - Pharmacy Practice (around 20%)
Laws, ethics, patient communication, and safe dispensing
It’s not enough to just read through textbooks; you’ll need to think like a clinician.
OPRA Exam Dates 2026: When Can You Apply in Kerala?
The APC conducts this exam 3 times a year. Register for your exam in Kerala through the official portal of APC. Pearson VUE conducts this exam in various centres across India and beyond. If you're based in Kerala, you can choose Bangalore as the nearest exam centre.
| Registration period | Exam Dates | Results released |
| 6 January - 23 February 2026 | 23 - 25 March 2026 | 21 April 26 |
| 28 April - 15 June 2026 | 13 - 15 July 2026 | 11 August 26 |
| 18 August - 19 October 2026 | 23 - 25 November 2026 | 22 December 26 |
Is the OPRA Exam Difficult?
Thousands of students clear the OPRA exam every year with proper planning and the right kind of study. Coaching institutes have over 90% success rate as well. It depends on how strategically you prepare for the exam. Remember, you cannot clear this exam through memorising every line of the book. You have to understand the clinical concepts.
How to Prepare for the OPRA Exam in Kerala (Without Burning Out)
You don’t need to study 14 hours a day. What matters is studying smart.
Here’s a simple OPRA exam preparation approach:
- Start with the Australian Medicines Handbook and Therapeutic Guidelines
- Solve case-based MCQs; this helps you think like a practitioner.
- Practice with the latest OPRA exam sample questions regularly.
- Enrol in the best OPRA exam coaching in Kerala, especially the one that understands the new exam format and also facilitates AI-based mock tests about the Rasch methodology
- Don’t ignore mental wellness. Burnout leads to failure.
Best Books for OPRA Exam Preparation
Do not refer to every book that’s available. It will confuse you. Refer to the absolutely essential ones and study the concepts well. Some of them are:
- Pharmaceutical Calculations by Howard C. Ansel
- Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology by James M. Ritter
- Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics by Roger Walker and Cate Whittlesea
- Aulton’s Pharmaceutics by Michael E. Aulton
OPRA Exam Study Materials & Online Help
These days, you don’t even need to leave your home to prepare. The best OPRA exam training institute in Kerala will include these features:
- Recorded and live lectures
- Weekly assignments
- Regular assessments and feedback
- 1-to-1 mentorship
Whether you're in Kochi or Idukki, or even in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, you can access the same level of training from the comfort of your home.
Coaching Classes in Kerala for OPRA
Kerala has a few reputed OPRA coaching centres, especially in cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut. When choosing one, don’t just look at the price. Look at:
- Student success rate
- Faculty experience
- Flexibility in learning (online + offline)
- Post-exam support
A good coaching centre doesn’t just teach, it mentors you through the whole process.
Why an AHPRA Registration is Worth It
Still wondering if it’s worth the time, money, and stress?
Here’s what you get:
- Easy PR Pathway to work and live in Australia
- High-paying pharmacy jobs (clinical, hospital, community, research)
- Global recognition of your skills
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about OPRA, we sincerely hope you will pass the exam in Kerala with flying colours and make your way through the registration with AHPRA. Make sure you bookmark the dates, exam pattern, and syllabus before appearing for the exam. We wish you all the best for your pharmacy career in Australia.
