Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test

Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test
AcronymGPAT
TypeComputer-based test (CBT)
AdministratorNational Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on behalf of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Skills testedPharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, pharmacology
PurposeAdmission to M. Pharm
Year started2010 (2010)
Duration180 minutes
Score range0 to 500
Score validityThree years
OfferedOnce a year
RegionsIndia
LanguagesEnglish
PrerequisitesB. Pharm (or equivalent)
Fee₹3500 (General/OBC/EWS)
₹2500 (SC/ST/PwD)
Used byIndian universities and colleges
Websitenatboard.edu.in

The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a computer-based standardised test in India conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on behalf of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), to determine the eligibility of candidates for admission to the Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) programme in Indian government and private universities, colleges, and institutes.

The first GPAT examination was held in 2010. Until 2018, it was conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).[1] From 2019 to 2023, the exam was conducted by the National Testing Agency. Since 2024, it is conducted by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) through National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).

Organising authority

The first GPAT examination was held in 2010, conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Until 2018, AICTE conducted the exam. From 2019 to 2023, the exam was conducted by the National Testing Agency as per the direction of the Ministry of Education. In March 2020, the Supreme Court of India held that the AICTE Act should not be applied to pharmacy, for which the Pharmacy Act of 1948 will be applicable, making the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) the sole authority over matters related to pharmacy.[2][3] Since 2024, the examination is conducted by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) through the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).[2]

Examination

The exam is held only in English. Candidate must be an Indian citizen. There is no age restriction. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) or its equivalent degree holders are eligible to apply, however, B. Tech in Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology or its equivalent degree holders are not eligible to apply. As per the official syllabus, the subjects are listed as: pharmaceutical chemistry and allied subjects, pharmaceutics and allied subjects, pharmacognosy and allied subjects, pharmacology and allied subjects, and other subjects. There are 125 questions, with a maximum of 500 marks. Each correct answer carries four marks and one mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Registration for GPAT-2013 Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test". All India Council for Technical Education. Archived from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  2. ^ a b Mittal, Anil (5 April 2024). "Circular" (PDF). Pharmacy Council of India. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  3. ^ Kini, Ashok (9 March 2020). "Pharmacy Council Alone Has Jurisdiction In The Field Of Pharmacy Education, Not AICTE: SC [Read Judgment]". Livelaw.in. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT): 2023 - 2024" (PDF). gpat.nta.nic.in. 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
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