Top 20 FAQs About The GPAT

Dec 03, 2024 3 min read
Top 20 FAQs About GPAT

Key Takeaways:

  • GPAT is a national-level entrance exam for admission to M.Pharm programs in AICTE-approved colleges across India.
  • GPAT 2025 is expected to take place in June 2025, with registrations starting in April 2025.
  • Coaching programs like Academically's GPAT course offer live lectures, study material, AI-driven mock tests, and personalised feedback to help aspirants prepare effectively.

The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is an important exam for students seeking admission to M.Pharm programs in India. This GPAT exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). GPAT evaluates the knowledge and skills of candidates in various areas of pharmaceutical sciences. This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses the most common queries about GPAT. Like eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation tips, to help you navigate the process and perform well in the exam.

Q1. What is GPAT?

Ans. The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national entrance exam for admission to M.Pharm programs in India. It assesses candidates' knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences and is accepted by AICTE-approved colleges and universities. Next GPAT will take place in 2025.

Q2. Who is the authority of the GPAT exam?

Ans. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) now conducts the GPAT. Previously managed by NTA, this change enhances the examination's management and transparency​

Q3. Who is eligible for the graduate pharmacy aptitude test?

Ans. To appear for GPAT, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from a recognised institution.
  • Final-year B.Pharm students can also apply.
  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • No age limit applies.

Q4. Is there any Negative Marking in the GPAT?

Ans. Yes, there will be negative markings in the GPAT exam.

The marking scheme includes:

  • +4 marks for every correct answer.
  • -1 mark for every incorrect answer.
  • No marks for unattempted questions.

Q5. Is there any helpline for GPAT?

Ans. Yes, a dedicated helpline is available for GPAT aspirants. You can contact the helpline at:

  • Phone: 011-40759000
  • Operational Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (working days only).

For additional support, you can also visit the official GPAT website.

Q6. Whether the examination will be offline or online?

Ans. The GPAT is conducted online as a computer-based test (CBT).

Q7. What is the syllabus for GPAT?

Ans. The syllabus for the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test includes the following:

  1. 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 
  1. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  2. Pharmaceutics
  3. Pharmacognosy
  4. Physical Pharmacy
  5.  Pharmaceutical Analysis
  6. Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
  7. Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics
  8. Biotechnology
  9. Microbiology

Q8. What is the pattern of the GPAT examination?

Ans. The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with a total duration of 3 hours. It consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), for a total of 500 marks. Here is the breakdown of the exam:

Subject

No. of Questions

Maximum Marks

Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Allied

38

152

Pharmaceutics & Allied

38

152

Pharmacognosy & Allied

10

40

Pharmacology & Allied Subjects 

28

112

Other Subjects of B.Pharm course

11

44

Total

150

500

Q9. What does the candidate need to bring to the exam centre?

Ans. Candidates must bring:

  • Admit Card (printed copy)
  • Valid ID Proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport)
  • Passport-sized photograph (same as used in the application)
  • PwD certificate (if applicable)

Q10. What are GPAT qualifying marks?

Ans. The qualifying marks for the GPAT vary yearly based on the exam difficulty and category. 

Q11. Which coaching is best for GPAT?

Ans. Academically's GPAT Preparation Course stands out as one of the best options for students aiming to excel in the GPAT exam. It offers a comprehensive and structured approach with over 100 hours of live and recorded video lectures. The program also includes study handouts, previous year question banks, and mock tests, providing a well-rounded preparation experience. Additionally, the course is enhanced by AI-driven adaptive mock tests, first time in India. One-on-one feedback sessions with top GPAT coaches ensure personalised guidance to help students identify areas for improvement.

Q12. How many GPAT colleges are there in India?

Ans. There are over 800 colleges in India that accept GPAT scores for admission to MPharm programs, including government and private institutions.

Q13. When is the GPAT-2025 going to be held?

Ans. The GPAT 2025 exam is expected to be held in June 2025. However, the exact date will be confirmed closer to the event.

The registration process for GPAT 2025 is likely to begin in April 2025, and the last date to submit the application form is expected to be in May 2025. The admit cards for the exam are expected to be released in June 2025 just before the exam.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please keep an eye on the official NBEMS or GPAT website.

Q14. What are the benefits of a graduate pharmacy aptitude test?

Ans. The benefits of a graduate pharmacy aptitude test (GPAT) are:

  • Eligibility for admission to M.Pharm programs in top colleges.
  • Opportunity to avail the GPAT Scholarship.
  • Improved job prospects in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Recognition as a qualified and competent pharmacy professional

Q15. How many times can we take the GPAT exam?

Ans. There is no limit on the number of attempts for the GPAT exam. You can appear as many times as you are eligible.

Q16. What is the name of the GPAT scholarship?

Ans. The scholarship provided under GPAT is known as the AICTE PG Scholarship. Qualified candidates receive a stipend of INR 12,400 per month during their M.Pharm program.

Q17. What is a good rank in GPAT?

Ans. A rank within the top 1000 is considered excellent for securing admission in top MPharm colleges.

Q18. What comes after qualifying for the GPAT?

Ans. After qualifying for GPAT:

  • Apply to MPharm programs in GPAT-accepting institutions.
  • Avail the AICTE PG Scholarship.
  • Explore careers in academia, research, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical industries.

Q19. How to get a GPAT scholarship?

Ans. To avail the AICTE PG Scholarship:

  • Qualify for the GPAT exam.
  • Secure admission in an AICTE-approved MPharm program.
  • Submit scholarship applications through your institute.

Q20 . Which institute is best for GPAT?

Ans. Academically's GPAT preparation course is ideal for students, offering 100+ hours of live and recorded lectures, study handouts, previous year question banks, and mock tests. It includes personalised one-on-one feedback, AI-driven adaptive mock tests, and 6 months of extended access to materials. Exclusive tips and tricks further help students tackle the GPAT exam effectively.

The GPAT exam is an important gateway for students aspiring to pursue a career in pharmacy and secure admission to top M.Pharm programs. With proper preparation, understanding of the exam pattern, and utilising available resources like coaching courses, you can enhance your chances of success. 

Fill up this form to get a FREE one-on-one counselling session. In this session discover various job opportunities for pharmacists in India and abroad. Get all the details and make an informed decision. 

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.