The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is an entrance exam for Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programs administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). GPAT 2024 will be held for admission to about 39,890 M.Pharm seats are available in over 800 institutes across India.
Introduction to GPAT Exam
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test, commonly known as GPAT, stands as a significant milestone in the journey of pharmacy professionals in India. It serves as the gateway to higher education and specialization in the field of pharmacy.
GPAT Exam Highlights
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Name | Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test |
| Short Exam Name | GPAT |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
| Exam Level | National Level Exam |
| Languages | English |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Fee (General) | 2000 Rs [Online] |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Mode of Counselling | Online / Offline |
| Participating Colleges | 43 |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria |
Description |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | – Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) |
| – Candidates pursuing the final year of B.Pharm can also apply but must complete their degree before admission. | |
| Nationality | – Indian citizens |
| Age Limit | – No specific age limit |
| Reserved Categories | – Some reserved categories may have relaxed eligibility criteria (e.g., SC, ST, OBC, PwD) |
| Attempts Allowed | – Candidates can attempt the GPAT exam up to three times in their lifetime. |
| Valid Identification | – A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., Aadhar card, passport, driver’s license) is required for registration and exam day. |
| Foreign Nationals | – Eligible foreign nationals can apply but may need to meet additional criteria, so check with the conducting authority. |
Syllabus
Pharmaceutical Chemistry:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Pharmaceutics:
- Physical Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Pharmaceutics
- Dosage Forms
- Dispensing and Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmacology:
- General Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Peripheral Nervous System
- Pharmacology of Central Nervous System
- Pharmacology of Cardiovascular System
- Pharmacology of Endocrine System
- Pharmacology of Gastrointestinal System
- Chemotherapy
- Pharmacology of Drugs Acting on Blood and Blood-Forming Organs
Pharmacognosy:
- Sources of Drugs
- Classification of Crude Drugs
- Herbal Formulations
Microbiology:
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Classification and Economic Importance of Microorganisms
- Techniques in Microbiology
- Microbial Spoilage
- Fermentation Technology
Biotechnology:
- Introduction to Biotechnology
- Microbial Technology
- Genetic Engineering
- Biotechnology in Health Care
Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics:
- Clinical Evaluation of Drugs
- Adverse Drug Reactions and Drug Interactions
- Drug Information Services
- Therapeutics and Disease State Management
Pharmaceutical Analysis:
- Importance of Quality Control in Pharmacy
- Acid-Base Titrations
- Non-Aqueous Titrations
- Oxidation-Reduction Titrations
- Precipitation Reactions
Biochemistry:
- Cell and Biomolecular Structure
- Enzymes
- Carbohydrates
- Amino Acids and Proteins
- Lipids
- Nucleic Acids
- Vitamins
- Hormones
Pharmaceutical Management:
- Introduction to Management
- Planning and Forecasting
- Organization and Staffing
- Directing and Controlling
- Marketing Management
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence:
- Legal Metrology Act
- Pharmacy Act
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
- Medicinal and Toilet Preparations Act
Dispensing and Hospital Pharmacy:
- Introduction to Dispensing
- Posology
- Prescription
- Incompatibilities
- Dispensed Medications
Exam Pattern
Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | Typically around 125 to 150 questions |
| Marking Scheme | +4 marks for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for each incorrect answer |
| Total Marks | Varies each year based on the number of questions |
| Sections | Generally divided into four sections: |
| 1. Pharmaceutics | |
| 2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry | |
| 3. Pharmacology | |
| 4. Pharmacognosy | |
| Syllabus | A wide range of topics covering pharmacy subjects such as pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and more. |
| Medium of Exam | English |
Documents Required at Exam
- GPAT admit card
- Valid photo ID proof
- Photograph similar to the one uploaded with the application form
- PwD certificate if applicable
GPAT 2024 Application Process
Mode of Application : Online
Mode of Payment : Net Banking | Credit Card | Debit Card | Paytm | BHIM | Other
To fill the GPAT application form candidates had to first register and then enter their details related to academic, personal, communication address, qualifying examination, etc. Thereafter, scanned images of the photograph and signatures are uploaded.
Steps to fill GPAT Application Form
Step 1: Registration
Candidates must enter their personal and contact details, choose a password, and then submit them. A system-generated Application Number displays which must be noted down. This is used to complete the remaining details and steps in the GPAT application form 2024. It is also required for all future correspondence and subsequent logins
Step 2: Complete the GPAT Application Form
Candidates must login with their GPAT 2024 Application Number and Password to fill the remaining details in the application form.
Step 3: Upload Scanned Images of Candidate
The images as specified below must be uploaded. Both the photograph and signature should be in JPG/JPEG format. The size of the scanned photograph should be between 10 kb to 200 kb while that of the signature should be between 4 kb to 30 kb. The photograph should be coloured or black/white (but in clear contrast).
Imp: Facility for correction in images is not provided. So it is advisable to upload the images correctly
Step 4: Pay Examination Fee
Candidates have to deposit application fees either online or offline mode.
- For online mode: Candidates can use credit/debit card/net banking/Paytm/UPI
- For Online mode: Payment through cash at any designated SBI bank branches
Payment Details:
- General – Rs. 2000
- OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Female/Transgender: Rs. 1000
Step 5: Print the Confirmation Page
After successful payment, candidates are able to print the confirmation page. This is to be kept safe for future reference.
In case the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment of the fee, candidates may note that the transaction may have been canceled and the amount is refunded to the candidate’s account. In such a case, they may have to make another payment to successfully submit the GPAT application form.
Application Fees
Category |
Mode |
Gender |
Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | Online | Male | ₹ 2000 |
| General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST | Online | Female | ₹ 1000 |
| EWS, SC, OBC, ST | Online | Male, Transgender | ₹ 1000 |
| General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST | Online | Male, Female, Transgender | ₹ 1000 |
Admit Card
The admit card for GPAT 2024 mentions details related to the exam, test centre, hall ticket number, the name of the candidate, etc. To download the GPAT admit card candidates need to log in using their application number, date of birth, and security pin. However, before downloading the GPAT admit card 2024, candidates must check all the details printed on it. Also, candidates must remember that GPAT 2024 admit card is an important document. If a candidate fails to carry it to the examination hall, they are not allowed to appear for the GPAT.
Steps to download GPAT admit card:
- Visit the website of NTA GPAT 2024 at gpat.nta.nic.in
- Click on the link to ‘download GPAT 2024 admit card’
- Candidates can download it by using the application number and password or date of birth
- Enter the login credentials and click on submit
- The GPAT admit card appears on screen for download.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GPAT exam results are usually declared a few weeks after the exam. You can check your results on the official GPAT website.
Yes, you can appear for the GPAT exam as many times as you want, but you need to meet the eligibility criteria each time.
Yes, previous years’ GPAT question papers are often available for practice on the official website and in various preparation books.
To register for GPAT, you need to visit the official GPAT website during the registration window. You will need to fill out the online application form, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee.
Conclusion
The GPAT exam is not just a test; it’s a gateway to a promising career in pharmacy. It opens doors to prestigious postgraduate programs, scholarships, and financial assistance. However, achieving success in the GPAT exam requires diligent preparation, a deep understanding of the syllabus, and a strategic approach.
60 minutes of Duration
100 Questions
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