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    GPAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme, Exam Duration & Maximum Marks

    GPAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme, Exam Duration & Maximum Marks

    Manisha TiwariUpdated on 03 Mar 2026, 11:45 AM IST

    The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, New Delhi (NBEMS) has released the GPAT 2026 exam pattern along with the information bulletin at natboard.edu.in. Getting familiar with the exam pattern of GPAT 2026 is of utmost importance for the Pharmacy aspirants. The GPAT exam pattern 2026 mentions the details of the structure and format of the pharmacy entrance examination.

    This Story also Contains

    1. GPAT exam pattern 2026 overview
    2. GPAT 2026 marking scheme
    3. How useful is the GPAT exam pattern?
    4. GPAT 2026 syllabus
    5. GPAT question paper 2026
    6. GPAT preparation tips 2026
    GPAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme, Exam Duration & Maximum Marks
    GPAT Exam Pattern

    The NBE conducts the GPAT exam in a computer-based mode. As per the existing GPAT examination pattern, the question paper contains a total of 125 multiple-choice questions. The maximum mark of the question paper as defined by the authority is 500 and candidates are given 3 hours time duration to complete the test.

    The questions in GPAT 2026 are asked from multiple subjects including Pharmaceutical chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, and other subjects. Therefore, aspirants are advised to attempt the GPAT 2026 question paper vigilantly. Candidates seeking more information regarding the GPAT exam pattern 2026 can check the below article.

    GPAT exam pattern 2026 overview

    Parameters

    Details

    Exam mode

    Computer-Based Mode

    Exam duration

    3 hours

    Total number of questions

    125

    Type of questions

    Multiple choice questions (MCQs)

    Marking scheme

    +4 mark for every correct response and -1 mark for each wrong response

    GPAT total marks

    500

    Frequency

    Once a year

    GPAT 2026 question-wise weightage

    Candidates need to answer a total of 125 questions in the GPAT 2026 examination. Below given is the GPAT questions' subject-wise weightage for the candidate’s reference.

    GPAT subject-wise weightage

    There is a negative marking in the GPAT 2026 exam. For every incorrect answer, one mark is deducted. Four marks are given for correct response.

    Types of questions

    Number of questions

    Maximum marks

    Pharmaceutical Chemistry

    38

    152

    Pharmaceutics

    38

    152

    Pharmacognosy

    10

    40

    Pharmacology

    28

    112

    Other subjects

    11

    44

    Total

    125

    500

    GPAT 2026 marking scheme

    GPAT is a computer-based online test conducted in 3-hour duration. Candidates are asked 125 questions. The GPAT question paper carries a total of 500 marks. Aspirants can go through the GPAT marks distribution from the below table. This can help the candidates in calculating the probable marks after the release of the answer key.

    • Marks per question: Each question will carry 4 marks

    • GPAT negative marking: One mark will be deducted for every wrong response

    • Unanswered questions or unattempted questions will not carry any marks

    GPAT Study Material
    Download the ebook to learn the GPAT study material.
    Download Now

    How useful is the GPAT exam pattern?

    The GPAT score is valid for 3 years. Qualified candidates with a valid GPAT 2026 scorecard can apply for admissions across India. Candidates wishing to appear in the M.Pharm entrance examination must know about the GPAT exam pattern 2026. Understanding the GPAT paper pattern 2026 will help candidates to get an idea about the structure, format and marking scheme of the GPAT exam. Knowing the structure and format of the GPAT 2026 before starting the preparation will surely boost the confidence of the candidates.

    GPAT 2026 syllabus

    Candidates must go through the GPAT syllabus before starting the preparation for the exam. By knowing the syllabus of the postgraduate pharmacy entrance exam, candidates will get a complete idea about the various topics which will be asked in the examination. Some sections are more focused on the examination and some questions are likely to repeat. Therefore, candidates can emphasise the same which will help them score maximum marks. For candidates who are planning to appear in the entrance examination of the 2026 session, aspirants must go through the syllabus of the GPAT.

    GPAT question paper 2026

    Aspirants planning to appear in the pharmacy entrance exam must practice the previous year’s GPAT question papers. It will benefit the candidates in the exam preparation and will enable them to prepare better for the GPAT 2026. Solving the question paper will also offer a clear idea to students about the GPAT 2026 exam pattern. Candidates appearing for the GPAT can go through the sample papers of GPAT for better practice and knowledge about it.

    GPAT preparation tips 2026

    • Understand the concepts: Knowing the concepts well is important to avoid any kind of confusion. It will help the candidates to answer the questions efficiently.

    • Make an effective plan: Before executing anything, planning is most important. Candidates should make a study plan for the GPAT 2026 preparation as this will help them obtain a good score.

    • Focus on weak areas: Candidates should focus on weak areas more while preparing for the GPAT exam. Aspirants must note down the weaker sections and must revise them daily.

    • Understand the exam pattern: Knowledge of the GPAT exam pattern 2026 helps the candidates to prepare for the exam effectively. The exam pattern familiarises students with the type of questions, time duration and marking scheme.

    • Solve sample papers: Solving the GPAT 2026 sample papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. Doing so makes students aware of the difficulty level and type of questions asked in the exam.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Who will release the GPAT exam pattern 2026?
    A:

    The National Board of Examinations (NBE) released the GPAT 2026 exam pattern along with the information bulletin.

    Q: Why is the GPAT 2026 exam pattern important?
    A:

    The exam pattern of GPAT provides details about the types of questions asked in the exam along with the knowledge of format. This will help the applicants to understand the exam better and strategise accordingly.

    Q: Will there be negative marking in GPAT 2026?
    A:

    Yes, one mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

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    Questions related to GPAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to GPAT ?

    GPAT is a national-level entrance exam mainly meant for admission into MPharm (Pharmacy) courses, so if you are planning a regular MPharm (Pharmaceutical sciences) then GPAT is valid and accepted by colleges across India; however, Ayurveda-related postgraduate courses, like MD/MS Ayurveda, are provided under AYUSH and you have to qualify

    Yes, it is possible to get admission to an M.Pharm programme without a GPAT score. Although the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is the primary national-level entrance examination for M.Pharm admissions in India, many institutions also provide admission through state-level entrance examinations.

    For example, AP PGECET in Andhra Pradesh, TS

    In general, the category selected at the time of applying for GPAT is considered final for all exam-related and post-exam processes. If a candidate has applied under the OBC category but later finds that an OBC-NCL certificate is not applicable or cannot be produced for their caste, changing the category

    Hello,
    If you are in 3rd year B. Pharm and have not written your 5th semester exam yet, eligibility for GPAT depends on the official notification. Usually, final year B. Pharm students can apply, even if some semester exams are pending, as long as they complete the degree before admission.