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GPAT 2026: Exam Dates Out, Registration Open, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Question Papers and Mock Test

National Board of Examinations (NBE)

Conducting Body
National Board of Examinations (NBE)
Duration
180 Minutes
Type
National

What is GPAT 2026?

The GPAT is a national-level entrance examination to be conducted by NBEMS to get admission into M.Pharm programs in India.

The GPAT Exam is used to get AICTE Postgraduate scholarships, which makes it an important exam for pharmacy graduates who are looking for higher education and financial support.

GPAT 2026 Highlights

ParameterDetails
Conducting BodyNational Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)
Exam ModeOnline, Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration3 Hours
Total Questions125 Multiple-Choice Questions
Total Marks500
Marking Scheme+4 for correct, -1 for incorrect answers
Tentative Exam DateMay 2026
Tentative NotificationFebruary–April 2026
Tentative Result DeclarationJune 2026
EligibilityB.Pharm graduates or final-year students
Total Seats (Approx.)24,000 seats across India
Syllabus FocusPharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and related subjects
Difficulty LevelModerate to High
PurposeAdmission to M.Pharm programs and AICTE scholarships

GPAT 2026 Exam Dates

The GPAT Exam Notification was released on 22 December 2025, and the exam will be held on 7 March 2026.

Date(s)Event
23 December 2025 (05:00 PM onwards)Start of online application submission
12 January 2026 (till 11:55 PM)Last date for online application submission
16–19 January 2026Edit window for payment-successful applications (except name, nationality, email, mobile number & test city)
06–09 February 2026Pre-final image correction window (photo, signature, thumb impression)
17–19 February 2026Final image correction window (no further chance)
24 February 2026Test city intimation
02 March 2026Admit card release
07 March 2026Examination date
By 07 April 2026Result declaration

GPAT 2026 Registration

The GPAT Registration process will be conducted online by NBEMS.

  • To complete the registration process, candidates should fill in their personal, academic, and contact details, also upload the required documents and pay the registration fees.
  • The GPAT Registration was started on 23 December 2025, and the last date apply is 12 January 2026 and candidates should apply before the last date to avoid any issues at the last minute.

GPAT Registration Fees

To register for GPAT, Candidates should submit the required registration fees, the fees should be paid online:

  • For the General/OBC and EWS candidates, the registration fees are Rs. 2,500.
  • For the SC/ST/PwD and Transgender candidates, the registration fees are Rs. 2,000.

GPAT Registration Statistics

Every year, thousands of pharmacy graduates take the GPAT Exam to get admission in M.Pharm Programs and AICTE Scholarships.

  • There has been an increase in the attendance rate from 91.0% in 2023 to 100% in 2025, which shows improvement in candidate engagement and a better registration process.
  • The Number of registered candidates decreased in 2024, from 68,439 in 2023 to 40,548 in 2024 and then increased in 2025 to 47,142.
YearRegistered CandidatesAppeared CandidatesAttendance Rate
202547,14247,142100%
202440,54839,34197.00%
202368,43962,27591.00%

GPAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The GPAT Exam will be held in a CBT Mode for 3 hours, including 125 MCQs, which carry +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for an incorrect answer.

  • The Pharmaceutical Chemistry, along with Pharmaceutics, carry around 61% weightage in the exam, carrying around 304 marks out of 500 marks.
  • The Pharmacology carries a weightage of around 22% in the exam.
  • The Pharmacognosy, along with other subjects, carries around 17% weightage in the exam.

Students can check the GPAT 2026 Section-Wise Exam Pattern below.

GPAT 2026 Result & Counselling

The GPAT results will be released by 7 April 2026 on NBEMS as the scorecard and final merit list.

  • The GPAT Result will include AIR, Category-wise cutoff and percentile score.
  • After the results are declared, the participating colleges and universities will conduct the counselling session to get seats in M.Pharm programs.
StageDetailsInsights
Result DeclarationBy 7 April 2026 It will be released online on the NBEMS official website along with the scorecard.
Scorecard DetailsMarks obtained, All India Rank, Percentile, Qualifying StatusIt is used to get admission and AICTE Fellowships (₹12,400/month).
Merit ListCategory-wise merit is prepared based on scoresTop ranks secure admission in NIPERs & central universities
Counselling Conducted ByParticipating institutes/universities (not centralised)Each college has its own counselling portal
Process→ Registration → Document Verification → Choice Filling → Seat Allotment→ ReportingCandidates must track institute-wise notifications
Seats OfferedAround 24,000 M.Pharm seats in AICTE-approved collegesHigh demand in NIPERs, Jamia Hamdard, Panjab University

GPAT 2026 Expected Cutoff

The GPAT Cutoff will be released along with the GPAT Result in June 2026. The GPAT Cutoff will show the minimum marks required to qualify for M.Pharm admissions and fellowships.

  • The General Category cutoff is around 150 to 160, and it generally remains high because of the competition level.
  • The EWS and OBC Cutoff is around 125 to 135 and is less than 15 to 20 marks for the general category.
  • The SC Cutoff is around 95 to 105, and it ensures high accessibility, and around 10 to 12% of SC Candidates qualify for the exam.

GPAT 2026 Expected Cutoff (Category-Wise)

CategoryExpected Cutoff Marks (Out of 500)Expected Percentile Range
General (UR)150 – 16085 – 90 %ile
EWS125 – 13575 – 80 %ile
OBC-NCL125 – 13575 – 80 %ile
SC95 – 10560 – 65 %ile
ST80 – 9050 – 55 %ile

GPAT 2026 FAQs

1. What is GPAT 2026?

GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into M.Pharm programs and for eligibility for pharmacy scholarships and fellowships in India.

2. Who is eligible to apply for GPAT 2026?

Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of B.Pharm from a recognized institute. There is no age limit to appear for the GPAT exam.

3. What is the exam pattern of GPAT 2026?

GPAT is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 125 multiple-choice questions, 500 total marks, and a 3-hour duration. Each correct answer carries +4 marks, and −1 mark is deducted for incorrect answers.

4. Is there negative marking in GPAT 2026?

Yes, negative marking applies. 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response, so candidates should avoid guesswork.

5. What is GPAT score used for?

GPAT scores are used for M.Pharm admissions, AICTE scholarships, stipends, and placement advantages in pharmaceutical research and industry.

Syllabus

What is the GPAT Syllabus 2026?

The GPAT Syllabus 2026 will include the topics that should be prepared by the candidates for GPAT, which will be NBEMS in Medical sciences.

The GPAT Syllabus is based on the B.Phaem format set by AICTE, which covers pharmaceutical science along with allied and applied subjects.

ParticularsDetails
Exam Conducting BodyNational Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)
Level of ExamPostgraduate (based on B.Pharm syllabus)
Primary ReferenceAICTE-prescribed Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum
Total Questions125 MCQs
Total Marks500
Core SubjectsPharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy
Allied SubjectsPharmaceutical Analysis, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pathophysiology
Other AreasHuman Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Management, Clinical Pharmacy
Difficulty LevelModerate to High
Exam ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)

Has the GPAT Syllabus Changed for 2026?

As per the current update, the GPAT Syllabus will follow the AICTE-based B.Pharm format.

The GPAT 2026 Syllabus has not been released officially by NBEMS, but according to the last few years, there have been a few changes in the weightage of the topics.

GPAT 2026 Syllabus Change

AspectStatus (2026)Remarks
Core Subject AreasUnchangedPharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacognosy remain central.
Allied SubjectsUnchangedIncludes Analysis, Jurisprudence, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology.
Exam PatternSame125 MCQs, 500 Marks, 3 Hours, +4/–1 Marking Scheme.
Weightage TrendsMinor ShiftHigher focus on Pharmaceutics, NDDS, and Biotech applications.
New AdditionsNone OfficiallyNo new subjects announced by NBEMS as of November 2025.

GPAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise

The GPAT Syllabus 2026 covers all the major topics of B.Pharm and is divided into core and allied subjects. The GPAT Main sections: Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacognosy carry the highest weightage of around 60 to 65%.

GPAT Syllabus for Pharmaceutics

  • The Pharmaceutics carries the weightage of 30 to 35%, around 40 questions in the GPAT Exam 2026.
  • The Pharmaceutics includes the coverage of formulation, processing, and evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms.
  • The Major focus is on conceptual and numerical questions. The NDDS and pharmacokinetics are the most commonly asked about since GPAT 2023.
TopicsSub-topics
Dispensing & FormulationPrescription handling, incompatibilities, and compounding methods
Dosage FormsTablets, capsules, injectables, emulsions, suspensions, aerosols
Pharmaceutical TechnologyGranulation, sterilisation, tablet coating, packaging, stability studies
Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS)Liposomes, nanoparticles, transdermal systems, controlled release forms
Biopharmaceutics & PharmacokineticsADME, bioavailability, bioequivalence, compartment models
GMP & Quality ControlValidation, documentation, and quality assurance protocols

GPAT Pharmaceutics Expected Weightage for 2026

  • Emphasis Will Be on Dosage Forms: Pharmaceutics will continue to revolve around topics including dosage forms, additives, and delivery systems (~3%).
  • Extensive Coverage Will Continue: Industrial and technological improvements will involve novel medication delivery technologies (~2-3%), prolonged action pharmaceuticals, and plant structure.
  • Regulatory and Quality Aspects Will Remain Important: GMP, validation, and packaging materials (~3%) will prioritise adherence to regulations in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
  • Specialised Topics Will Be Moderately Important: Aerosols, cosmetics, and ophthalmic preparations (~1-2%) will continue to be specialised but significant topics.
Key TopicsExpected Weightage
Pharmacy Profession & Introduction to Pharmaceuticals~2%
Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems~3%
Pharmaceutical Plant Layout and Design~2%
Dosage Form Additives and Necessities~3%
Powders and Capsules~2%
Tablets: Formulation, Coating, and Troubleshooting~3%
Parenterals and Sterile Products~3%
Suspensions and Emulsions~2%
Suppositories, Semisolids, and Liquids~2%
Pharmaceutical Aerosols~2%
Ophthalmic Preparations~1%
Preformulation and Stability Studies~2%
Prolonged Action Pharmaceuticals~2%
Novel Drug Delivery Systems~2%
GMP, Validation, and Packaging Materials~3%
Cosmetics and Pilot Plant Scale-Up Techniques~2%

GPAT Syllabus for Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • In GPAT, pharmaceutical chemistry carries the weightage of around 25 to 30%, including 30 to 35 questions.
  • The GPAT Pharmaceutical chemistry covers the organic, physical and medical chemistry, which focuses on drug design, synthesis, and mechanisms.
  • In this section, around 50% of the questions are asked from medical chemistry.
TopicsSub-topics
Organic ChemistryReaction mechanisms, isomerism, aromatic substitutions, and reagents
Physical ChemistryThermodynamics, kinetics, solutions, phase equilibria
Medicinal ChemistrySAR, prodrugs, receptor theory, enzyme inhibition
Inorganic Pharmaceutical ChemistryRadiopharmaceuticals, essential trace elements, and antidotes
Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD)QSAR, molecular docking, pharmacophore modelling

GPAT Pharmaceutical Chemistry Expected Weightage for 2026

  • Consistent Weighting for Core Topics: The relevance of topics like pharmaceutical inorganic chemistry, antibiotics, and antimicrobial drugs (~3%) in GPAT can be seen by their consistent weightage.
  • Equitable Attention to Therapeutic Classes: Adrenergic Substances, Steroids, and Neurological Agents (~2% each) receive equal attention, emphasising their constant applicability in examinations.
  • Emphasis on Emerging Topics: Advances in drug design and personalised treatment are reflected in specialised fields such as QSAR and Combinatorial Chemistry (~1%).

GPAT Syllabus for Pharmacology

  • The GPAT Pharmacology section carries the weightage of around 20 to 25%, including around 25 questions.
  • It includes drug action, therapeutic application and side effects, emphasising the mechanism-based understanding.
TopicsSub-topics
General PharmacologyPharmacokinetics, drug receptors, dose-response curves
Systemic PharmacologyAutonomic, CNS, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal drugs
ChemotherapyAntibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, anticancer agents
ToxicologyAdverse effects, poisoning, and antidotes
Clinical PharmacologyPharmacovigilance, rational drug use, clinical trials

GPAT Pharmacology Expected Weightage for 2026

  • General Pharmacology Will Dominate: Topics like pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and drug development will need a lot of focus, as they make up just about 5% of the total weightage.
  • The Endocrine and Neurohumoral Systems Will Be Important: Pharmacology of the Endocrine System (~4%) and Neurohumoral Transmission (~4%) will continue to be key areas.
  • High Weightage for Cardiovascular Pharmacology and CNS: Both fields are projected to account for around 5%, highlighting their importance in pharmaceutical mechanisms and therapy.
  • Chemotherapy Will Take the Lead: Due to their greater weight, topics including antibiotics, tuberculosis, and AIDS (~6%) will require more attention.
  • Moderate Emphasis on Specialised Topics: Topics such as GI Pharmacology, Autacoids, and the Respiratory System (~3% each) will remain pertinent but need well-rounded preparation.

GPAT Syllabus for Pharmacognosy

  • The GPAT Pharmacognosy weightage includes 10 to 15% weightage, including 12 to 15 questions.
  • This Section focuses on natural drugs and plant-based constituents with therapeutic applications.
TopicsSub-topics
Plant ConstituentsAlkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, tannins
Plant Morphology & TaxonomyIdentification, microscopy, and adulteration tests
Extraction & IsolationSolvent extraction, chromatography, standardisation
Herbal FormulationsEvaluation methods, WHO guidelines, phytoconstituent standardisation
Marine & Animal ProductsDrugs derived from marine sources and animal origin

GPAT Pharmacognosy Expected Weightage for 2026

  • Phytoconstituents and Volatile Oils Are Key: Topics like Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, and Volatile Oils (~4% each) will need focused preparation.
  • Core Areas Stay Important: Subjects like Biogenetic Pathways, Glycosides, and Quality Control (~3% each) will remain essential for understanding basics.
  • Practical Topics Get Moderate Focus: Areas like Extraction, Pharmaceutical Aids, and Herbal Formulations (~2% each) will help in practical applications.
  • Small but Important Topics: Topics like Adulteration, Herbal Cosmetics, and Patents (~1% each) will still require attention for niche knowledge.

GPAT Syllabus for Pharmaceutical Analysis

  • In GPAT, Pharmaceutical covers around 8 to 10% weightage, including 10 questions.
  • This section covers qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques for the evaluation of drugs and quality assurance.
  • The Instrumental methods, like HPLC and UV, carry 70% weightage in this section, and also include topics related to Pharmaceutics.
TopicsSub-topics
Classical AnalysisTitrations, gravimetric, volumetric methods
Instrumental AnalysisUV, IR, NMR, Mass spectrometry
ChromatographyHPLC, GC, TLC, and electrophoresis
Quality Control & ValidationCalibration, SOPs, ICH Q-series guidelines

GPAT Pharmaceutical Analysis Expected Weightage for 2026

  • Spectroscopy and Chromatography Will Stand out: UV-Vis, IR, NMR, and HPLC will all need in-depth attention, with each topic receiving about 4% of the overall weightage.
  • Constant Attention to Basic Techniques: For preparation, subjects such as Acid-Base Titrations, Oxidation-Reduction Titrations, and Miscellaneous Analytical Methods (~2% each) will continue to be crucial.
  • Specialised techniques, Such as Flame Photometry, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, and Complexometric Titrations, are moderately important for practical understanding (~2% each).
  • Niche Topics Will Need Less Work: Compared to high-weightage topics, subjects like gravimetry, nephelometry, and instrument calibration (~1% each) will be relevant but require less preparation.

GPAT Syllabus for Biochemistry & Biotechnology

  • The GPAT Syllabus for Biochemistry & Biotechnology carries a weightage of around 5 to 8%, including around 8 to 10 questions.
  • The GPAT Syllabus will test the candidate’s understanding of biological processes, enzymes, and molecular-level drug mechanisms.
TopicsSub-topics
BiochemistryEnzymes, metabolism (carbs, proteins, fats), vitamins, bioenergetics
BiotechnologyGenetic engineering, fermentation, vaccine production, and monoclonal antibodies

GPAT Biochemistry Expected Weightage

  • Topics Concerning Metabolism Will Dominate: Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (around 2% each) will require an in-depth study of biochemical processes and metabolism.
  • Equitable Representation of Biochemical Processes: Vitamins, Enzymes, and Biological Oxidations (about 2% each) will remain essential for preparation.
  • Moderate Focus on Molecular Biology: Nucleic acids and transcription and translation (~2%) will continue to be important.
  • Specialised Subjects Will Need Little Work: Less preparation will be needed for topics like Cell Structure, Functions, and Hereditary Diseases (~1% each), but they will still be relevant.

GPAT Biotechnology Expected Weightage for 2026

  • Recombinant DNA Technology Shall Dominate: Topics like restriction enzymes, cloning, and DNA vectors will need careful preparation, as they will account for about 3% of the total weight.
  • Essential Techniques Will Remain Relevant: Fields such as Fermentation Technology, Animal Cell Culture, and Plant Cell Culture (~2% each) will maintain consistent coverage.
  • Moderate Emphasis on Molecular Methods: To fully understand advanced applications, topics like PCR, Gene Transfer Techniques, and Human Gene Therapy (~2% each) will continue to be crucial.
  • Practical Applications Will Attract Attention: Due to their practical applications, industrial microbiology, somatic hybridisation, and germplasm conservation (~2%) will continue to be important.

GPAT Syllabus for Microbiology & Pathophysiology

  • The GPAT includes 5 to 7% weightage, asking around 6 to 8 questions.
  • The GPAT Syllabus will focus on microbial control, infection, and disease mechanisms relevant to drug therapy.
  • The GPAT Syllabus regularly focuses on sterilisation & immune response.
TopicsSub-topics
MicrobiologySterilisation, culture media, microbial identification
ImmunologyAntigens, antibodies, and immune response mechanisms
PathophysiologyInflammation, cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders

GPAT Syllabus for Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence & Management

  • It will have around 3 to 5% weightage, including 4 to 6 questions, in which the DPCO & IPR Sections are most repetitive.
  • It will test candidates' knowledge of pharma laws, ethics, and management practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
TopicsSub-topics
Pharma Laws & RegulationsDrugs & Cosmetics Act, Pharmacy Act, DPCO
Ethics & IPRPatent filing, trademarks, and the drug approval process
Management PrinciplesHR, marketing, inventory, quality management

GPAT Syllabus for Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics

  • It will carry around 5 to 8% weightage, by asking around 6 to 8 questions.
  • The Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics will focus on patient care, clinical applications, and therapeutic decision-making.
TopicsSub-topics
Clinical PharmacyPrescription audit, ADRs, therapeutic monitoring
TherapeuticsManagement of cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases
PharmacoeconomicsCost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis

Smart GPAT 2026 Syllabus Coverage Strategy

  • By doing daily mock-test practice, you can cover 25 to 30 MCQs per subject, which will improve your accuracy by more than 15 to 20%.
  • By practising the NCERT and basic pharmacy books from Lachman, Foye, and K.D. Tripathi, you can cover more than 80% questions asked directly from B.Pharm-level concepts.
Study Focus AreaCoverage StrategyExpected Weightage / Impact
PharmaceuticsGive priority to NDDS, Biopharmaceutics, and Physical Pharmaceutics; revise GMP and formulation design.30–32% of paper
Pharmaceutical ChemistryEmphasise Organic & Medicinal Chemistry, synthesis mechanisms, and structure–activity relationships (SAR).28–30% of paper
PharmacologyFocus on CNS, CVS, Autonomic Nervous System, and mechanism-based drug questions.18–20%
PharmacognosyRevise alkaloids, glycosides, and identification tests of crude drugs.10–12%
Allied & Applied SubjectsCover Analytical Chemistry, Jurisprudence, and Biotechnology; practice applied questions.8–10%
Eligibility