GPAT

GPAT, or Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test, is a national-level entrance examination in India designed to assess eligibility for admission to Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) programs and for AICTE fellowships. The test is typically conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The exam serves as a common admission avenue for a large number of pharmacy colleges across the country. A GPAT score is used by participating institutes for admission to their M.Pharm programs and, in some cases, for AICTE fellowships or scholarships. The score is generally valid for the admission cycle in which it is issued, and many institutes also use the score in their own counselling processes.

Eligibility for GPAT usually requires Indian nationality and a B.Pharm degree or current final-year B.Pharm students who are likely to complete their degree before the start of the academic year. Specific eligibility criteria, including minimum marks or other requirements, are determined by AICTE and participating institutes.

Exam pattern typically comprises 125 multiple-choice questions to be completed in three hours. Each correct answer earns four marks, with a deduction of one mark for each incorrect response; unattempted questions receive zero marks. The question paper covers core pharmacy subjects such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy, as well as general aptitude.

Preparation commonly involves studying standard B.Pharm textbooks, solving practice papers, and using official mock tests and past questions. The GPAT framework is subject to periodic updates, so candidates should refer to the latest official notifications for current details.