Overview
GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam for B.Pharm graduates seeking admission to M.Pharm programmes in India. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
Who can apply
Candidates must hold, or be in the final year of, a B.Pharm degree from an AICTE-approved or recognised institution; final-year candidates can apply but must submit proof of having passed the degree at the time of counselling/admission.
Exam pattern
GPAT is a computer-based online test conducted in English.
| Mode | Questions | Total marks | Duration | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-based | 125 MCQs | 500 | 3 hours | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
Syllabus
The syllabus is based on the B.Pharm curriculum, covering subjects such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Pharmaceutical Management/Jurisprudence.
Marking and results
Each correct answer scores 4 marks and each wrong answer costs 1 mark; unattempted questions are not penalised. NBEMS releases the GPAT score, and the scorecard remains valid for three years for M.Pharm admission.
Important dates
For the 2026 cycle, registration ran from 23 December 2025 to 12 January 2026, the exam was held on 7 March 2026 (2 pm to 5 pm), and the result was declared on 7 April 2026.
Fees
For 2026, the application fee was ₹3,500 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, and ₹2,500 for SC, ST and PwD candidates, payable online.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online at natboard.edu.in during the registration window, where candidates fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents, and pay the fee.
After the exam
Unlike some other national entrance exams, GPAT does not have a single central counselling body — admission to individual M.Pharm programmes is handled separately by each participating institute, university or state authority that accepts the GPAT score, so candidates need to track each institute's own admission process. Candidates who qualify GPAT and take up an M.Pharm seat are also eligible for an AICTE stipend during the programme, subject to AICTE's current norms.
Preparation tips
Since GPAT draws directly from the B.Pharm syllabus across all major pharmacy subjects, revising each subject systematically and solving previous years' GPAT papers under the 3-hour, 125-question timed format is the most effective preparation; because wrong answers cost marks, it helps to be selective about attempting questions where the answer isn't reasonably certain.
Who conducts GPAT?
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) conducts GPAT.
Is there negative marking in GPAT?
Yes. Each wrong answer costs 1 mark, against 4 marks for a correct answer.
Can final-year B.Pharm students apply for GPAT?
Yes, but they must submit proof of having passed their B.Pharm degree at the time of counselling or admission.
Does GPAT have a central counselling process for M.Pharm admission?
No. Admission is handled separately by each participating institute or state authority that accepts the GPAT score, not through one central counselling body.