What is the full form of GPAT?

Introduction

Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national-level entrance exam. The test is conducted by a body known as National Testing Agency (NTA) in India. The exam is held once a year. The exam tests the aptitude of candidates aspiring to get admission into postgraduate pharmacy programs (M.Pharm) in different colleges and institutions. The GPAT exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions to be answered in three hours.

The exam covers diverse topics such as pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacology, and pharmacognosy. The scores obtained in the GPAT exam are accepted by over 800 participating pharmacy institutes across India. The exam is a qualifying test for scholarships and fellowships by the government of India for M.Pharm and PhD programs in pharmacy.

Eligibility criteria for GPAT

A candidate must fulfil the following conditions −

• The candidate must be a citizen of India

• There is no age bar to appear for the GPAT.

• The candidate must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy or must be in the final year of the Bachelor's degree program in Pharmacy.

• The candidate must have obtained at least 55% marks (50% for ST/ SC/PWD) in the qualifying examination.

Note − Candidates who are appearing in the final year of their qualifying examination are also eligible to apply for GPAT. But they must fulfil the eligibility criteria at the time of admission.

Exam pattern and syllabus of GPAT

The exam pattern is as follows −

• It is a computer-based test (CBT)

• The duration of the test is 3 hours

• There are 125 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total marks − 500 marks

• Each question carries 4 marks. For every incorrect question, there is a deduction of 1 mark.

• There are four sections in the exam i.e. Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmacognosy.

• The question paper is only available in English

The syllabus of GPAT is as follows

• 38 questions from Pharmaceutics

• 45 questions from Pharmaceutical Chemistry

• 38 questions from Pharmacology

• 4 questions from Pharmacognosy

The syllabus is based on the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) curriculum.

Importance of GPAT for pharmacy graduates

It is a gateway to various postgraduate pharmacy programs such as MBA (Pharmaceutical Management), M.Pharm, and PGDM (Pharmaceutical Management).

• GPAT scores are widely accepted by different universities and institutes offering postgraduate pharmacy programs. A good GPAT score boosts the chances of admission into institutions.

• GPAT-qualified students are eligible for scholarships and stipends from various government agencies, including AICTE, UGC, and CSIR, to pursue postgraduate studies. It can reduce the financial burden on students and their families.

• GPAT-qualified students are eligible for various job possibilities in research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory bodies.

• Preparing for GPAT requires students to develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. These skills are fundamental for success in the pharmaceutical industry.

Tips and strategies to crack GPAT

• The first step is to understand the pattern and syllabus.

• Creating a study plan

• Practice previous year's questions and mock tests

• Understand the concepts

• Read current affairs daily

Conclusion

The GPAT is a crucial exam for students who aspire to pursue a postgraduate degree in pharmacy. The exam tests the knowledge and aptitude of the candidates in various areas of pharmacy. Achieving well in the GPAT can open up various possibilities for students. It can also help them to ensure admission to top pharmacy colleges in India. Thus, students need to prepare comprehensively for the exam and use resources to achieve well in the GPAT.

FAQs

Q1. What is GPAT? What are the eligibility criteria for GPAT?

Ans: GPAT stands for Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is for admission to postgraduate pharmacy courses in various colleges and universities across India.

Eligibility criteria are Candidates must be Indian citizens, they should have Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (4 years after 10+2, including lateral entry students) or equivalent from a recognized university and Final-year Bachelor's degree students in Pharmacy are also eligible to apply.

Q2. What is the exam pattern for GPAT?

Ans: The GPAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It has 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The total time duration for the exam is 3 hours. The exam is divided into four sections i.e. Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, and Pharmacognosy.

Q3. What is the syllabus for GPAT?

Ans: The GPAT has various topics related to Pharmacy such as Pharmacology, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutics etc. Candidates can find the detailed syllabus on the official website of NTA.