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.
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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.
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 |
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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)
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) released the GPAT 2026 exam pattern along with the information bulletin.
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.
Yes, one mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
On Question asked by student community
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
Hi Zulfekar Ahmad,
Please refer to this article for GPAT Preparation
https://pharmacy.careers360.com/articles/gpat-preparation-tips
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.
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