The GPAT 2026 notification has brought major updates for pharmacy graduates and aspirants seeking admission to postgraduate pharmacy programs in India. The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national-level entrance exam that evaluates candidates’ grasp of key pharmacy subjects and determines eligibility for M.Pharm courses. This year, the GPAT 2026 application form process has officially started, allowing eligible candidates to apply online and secure their chance to appear for the exam.
The GPAT exam date 2026 has been scheduled, and the eligibility criteria remain focused on academic qualifications in the field of pharmacy. Conducted in computer-based test mode, GPAT assesses students through a comprehensive syllabus covering Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, and allied subjects. Since this exam plays a pivotal role in postgraduate admissions, aspirants must understand the details of the application process, fees, eligibility requirements, exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, and preparation strategies.
This guide offers a complete overview of GPAT 2026, including how to apply, what to expect in the exam, and other key exam updates to help candidates prepare effectively for one of the most competitive pharmacy entrance tests in India.
Overview Table: GPAT 2026
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT 2026) |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences |
| Exam Level | National Level Entrance Exam |
| Application Form Status | Started (Online) |
| GPAT Exam Date 2026 | March 7, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Offered | M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy |
| Application Fee | Category-based (General & Reserved) |
| Result Declaration | April/June 2026 |
GPAT 2026 Application Form Started
The GPAT 2026 application form has officially started and candidates can now register online by submitting their personal and academic details. Online registration began with the release of the application portal in December 2025, and aspirants are advised to fill out the form within the scheduled timeline. Applicants must provide accurate information such as name, date of birth, category and contact details. During registration, uploading a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the correct format is mandatory. Once the details are submitted and the application fee is paid, candidates should take a printout of the confirmation page for future correspondence and verification.
Application Fee
- General, OBC & EWS category: ₹3500
- SC, ST, PwD category: ₹2500
- Payment modes include debit card, credit card, net banking, etc.
- The application fee is non-refundable once paid.
GPAT 2026 Important Dates
Keep track of the GPAT 2026 exam schedule so you don’t miss any important deadlines:
| Event | Date (2025-26) |
| GPAT 2026 Application Starts | December 23, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | January 12, 2026 |
| GPAT 2026 Exam Date | March 7, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 |
| GPAT Answer Key Release | May 2026 |
| GPAT Result Declaration | April/June 2026 |
| Counselling / Admission Begins | After result & cut-off release |
The official dates for admit card issuance, answer key, and result declaration are announced by the exam authority well in advance so candidates can plan accordingly.
GPAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for GPAT 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. These include:
- Nationality: Only Indian nationals can apply.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) or equivalent from a recognised university.
- Final Year Students: Aspirants in their final year of the B.Pharm course are also eligible to apply if results are announced before admission.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for GPAT 2026.
- Candidates with degrees like B.Tech in Pharmaceutical or Fine Chemical Technology are generally not eligible unless recognized as equivalent.
Candidates should verify their eligibility carefully to avoid rejection of the application.
GPAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the GPAT exam pattern is crucial for targeted preparation:
- Mode of Exam: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Questions: 125 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 500
- Marking Scheme: +4 marks for each correct response; –1 mark for each wrong answer
- Medium: English
The question paper includes sections from various pharmacy streams with varying distribution of questions across subjects.
GPAT 2026 Syllabus Highlights
The GPAT syllabus covers a broad range of topics mainly derived from the Bachelor of Pharmacy curriculum such as:
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Allied Subjects
- Pharmaceutics and Allied Subjects
- Pharmacology and Allied Subjects
- Pharmacognosy and Allied Subjects
- Other allied pharmacy topics
A clear understanding of the syllabus helps candidates prioritize their preparation and focus on high-weightage areas.
Preparation Tips for GPAT 2026
Here are some useful GPAT preparation tips 2026:
- Understand the full GPAT syllabus thoroughly and create a study plan.
- Focus on core subjects such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
- Practice previous year question papers and mock tests.
- Time management and accuracy should be practised regularly.
- Revise regularly to retain key concepts.
Effective preparation increases confidence and performance during the exam.
FAQs on GPAT 2026
1. Has the GPAT 2026 application form started?
Yes, the GPAT 2026 application process has already started online.
2. What is the GPAT 2026 exam date?
The GPAT 2026 exam is scheduled for March 7, 2026.
3. What is the eligibility for GPAT 2026?
Candidates must hold or be appearing in a B.Pharm degree to be eligible.
4. Is there an age limit for GPAT 2026?
No, there is no age limit for appearing in GPAT 2026.
5. How many questions are in GPAT 2026 exam?
The GPAT exam comprises 125 multiple choice questions.