If you’re a pharmacy graduate looking for a stable government job, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Pharmacist Exam is one of the best options out there. It offers job security, fixed working hours, and good pay.
Every year, many pharmacy professionals apply for this post. What makes the top scorers of this exam stand out is how well they understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and how they prepare smartly.
In this blog, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the RRB Pharmacist Syllabus 2026. The subject-wise topics, marking scheme, and preparation tips to help you get started the right way.
What is the RRB Pharmacist Exam?
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Pharmacist Exam is a competitive test for pharmacy professionals. It selects qualified candidates to work in the Indian Railways.
It’s one of the most sought-after government jobs for pharmacists. Because it offers:
- Stable career in the public sector
- Attractive salary package and allowances
- Opportunities to work in railway hospitals and health units across India
Who can apply?
- Diploma or Degree holders in Pharmacy
- Registered Pharmacists with the State Pharmacy Council
- Candidates meeting the age and eligibility criteria set by RRB
Job Role of a Railway Pharmacist:
- Dispensing prescribed medications to patients
- Maintaining medical stock and records
- Assisting doctors and nurses in hospitals
- Observing pharmaceutical standards and legal requirements
Why it’s popular among pharmacy graduates:
- Government job security
- Regular working hours (compared to private hospitals)
- Pension and other benefits
- Growth opportunities within the Railways health department
Enroll in Academically’s Government Pharmacist Exam Preparation Course and pass the exam on the first attempt. In this course, you will get live and recorded lectures, study materials, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and so much more!
RRB Pharmacist Exam 2026 — Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board |
| Post | Pharmacist |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Time Duration | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ mark per wrong answer |
| Selection Stages | CBT + Document Verification + Medical Exam |
RRB Pharmacist Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the pattern helps you manage time and prioritize topics effectively.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Professional Ability (Pharmacy) | 70 | 70 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| General Arithmetic, General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| General Science | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Note: Each question carries 1 mark. ⅓ marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
RRB Pharmacist Syllabus 2026 — Subject-wise Topics
1. Professional Ability (Pharmacy) – 70 Marks
This is the most important section covering core pharmacy concepts.
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics & Dispensing
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Biochemistry & Microbiology
- Pharmacognosy
- Drug Store & Inventory Management
- Dosage Forms & Prescription Handling
- Adverse Drug Reactions & Drug Interactions
2. General Awareness – 10 Marks
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Important Organizations and their Functions
- Budget, Economic Policies & Government Schemes
- Science & Technology Developments
- Indian Railways — History and Structure
3. General Arithmetic, Reasoning & Intelligence – 10 Marks
- Number Series, Simplification
- Ratio & Proportion, Percentage
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations, Analogies, Puzzles
- Syllogisms & Data Interpretation
4. General Science – 10 Marks
- Physics (Basic principles & laws)
- Chemistry (Fundamentals and everyday applications)
- Biology (Human body, nutrition, health & diseases)
RRB Pharmacist 2026 — Recommended Study Plan
| Duration | Strategy |
| 1st Month | Focus on core Pharmacy subjects — daily topic coverage & notes |
| 2nd Month | Practice reasoning, maths, and science daily — short timed tests |
| 3rd Month | Full-length mock tests & revision |
| Last 15 Days | High-yield revision, previous papers & formula chart |
At Academically, we create a personalized study plan for each candidate. This way your learning will become easier.
Cut-Off & Previous Year Trends
Knowing past cut-offs helps you set realistic targets and plan your preparation.
Previous Year Cut-Offs (Example)
| Category | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| General (GEN) | 68–72 | 69–73 | 70–74 |
| OBC | 65–70 | 66–71 | 67–71 |
| SC | 60–65 | 61–66 | 62–67 |
| ST | 55–60 | 56–62 | 57–63 |
| EWS | 66–70 | 67–71 | 68–72 |
These are reference ranges from previous exams. Official cut-offs for 2026 will be announced after the exam.
Factors Affecting Cut-Off
- Exam difficulty – harder exams usually lower cut-offs.
- Number of applicants – more candidates can raise cut-offs.
- Vacancies – fewer openings increase competition and cut-offs.
- Reservation policies – category-wise rules affect qualifying marks.
Expected Safe Scores for 2026
- General: ~70+ marks
- OBC: ~67+ marks
- SC: ~63+ marks
- ST: ~58+ marks
- EWS: ~68+ marks
Tip: Aim slightly higher than these numbers to stay competitive. Focus on Pharmacy topics, practice mock tests, and revise regularly.
Preparation Tips for RRB Pharmacist Exam 2026
- Prioritize Pharmacy topics: They carry 70% weightage.
- Practice timed tests: Build accuracy and speed.
- Revise daily: Short, smart revisions work better than cramming.
- Solve previous years’ papers: Understand the question pattern.
- Take mock tests: Analyze mistakes and track progress.
Best Books for RRB Pharmacist Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Book |
| Pharmacy | Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy |
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge |
| Reasoning & Arithmetic | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal |
| General Science | NCERT Books (Class 8–10) |
RRB Pharmacist Exam 2026 — Important Tips Before the Exam
- Download and check your admit card early.
- Carry valid photo ID and required documents.
- Reach the center 30–45 minutes early.
- Attempt the paper strategically — start with strong sections.
How to Apply for RRB Pharmacist Exam 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official RRB website.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of documents and photograph as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Pharmacy graduate aiming for a Government job in India, the RRB Pharmacist exam can be your golden opportunity.
Start your preparation early and crack the exam on the first attempt.
Join our Free Pharmacist Telegram Group to get daily updates, topic-wise notes & test links.
If you need any help or guidance with regards to your career, our team of experts will help you out.
