GPAT 2026 – Exam Pattern

The GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) 2026 is going to be a national-level entrance examination that determines eligibility for admission to M. Pharm programs in India. The GPAT 2026 will be conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The GPAT exam is critical for candidates aspiring to pursue higher education in Pharmacy. Understanding the detailed GPAT 2026 exam pattern is fundamental for effective preparation and strategic planning.

Key Highlights of GPAT 2026 Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam:Online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• Exam Duration:3 hours (180 minutes).
• Type of Questions:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only.
• Number of Questions:Total 125 questions.
• Maximum Marks:500
• Medium of Exam:English

Marking Scheme

• +4 marks for every correct answer.
• -1 mark for each incorrect answer (negative marking applies).

Section-Wise Distribution

The GPAT 2026 exam paper consists of five major sections, all aligned with key subjects studied during the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) degree. The following table will give a clear picture to all the aspiring candidates for GPAT 2026.

The GPAT 2026 exam format ensures extensive coverage of the core areas of Pharmacy. The distribution also reflects the relative weightage of each subject, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutics.

Additional Important Details

• No Sectional Time Limits:Candidates can move freely between questions within the three-hour window.
• Eligibility:Only Indian nationals with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B. Pharm) or those in their final year are eligible to apply. There is no age limit.
• Exam Frequency:The GPAT exam is conducted once a year, usually in the fourth week of May.
• Exam Attempts:There is no restriction on the number of attempts.

Syllabus Overview

While the question distribution is as outlined, topics generally include:

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacognosy
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and other allied subjects.

Candidates are advised to refer to the latest B. Pharm syllabus and previous years’ question papers for effective revision and targeted practice.

Click Here for GPAT 2026 Syllabus

FAQs

Q1. What is the total duration and question count for GPAT 2026?

Ans. The GPAT 2026 exam lasts for 3 hours and contains 125 multiple-choice questions.

Q2. What are the marking scheme and negative marking rules?

Ans. Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, while each wrong answer incurs a penalty of 1 mark. There are no marks deducted for unanswered questions.

Q3. In what language is the GPAT 2026 conducted?

Ans. The question paper is available in English only.

Q4. Is there a sectional time limit in the GPAT 2026 exam?

Ans. No, candidates are free to move between questions within the overall 3-hour duration. All sections must be completed in the allotted time.

Q5. Can a final-year B. Pharm student apply for GPAT 2026?

Ans. Yes, candidates in the final year of their B. Pharm course are eligible to apply for the GPAT 2026 exam.