GPAT Exam Date 2024: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has unveiled its plans to organize the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT 2024) within this year’s academic agenda, as revealed in the recently updated NBE examination calendar for 2024-25. The scheduled date for the GPAT is June 8.

Historically, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) managed the GPAT examinations until 2018, after which the National Testing Agency (NTA) took over the reins in 2019, overseeing the admissions into MPharm programs.

This year, NBEMS has stepped in to announce the examination dates, marking a new chapter in the administration of this national-level examination.

The GPAT score is a critical admissions criterion for a vast network of approximately 782 institutions, including AICTE and Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) approved universities, affiliated departments, and colleges, collectively offering 39,670 MPharm seats annually.

Eligibility for GPAT

Candidates must hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree in pharmacy to be eligible for GPAT. Those in their final year of the pharmacy program are also eligible to sit for the exam.

However, individuals with a BTech degree in pharmaceutical and fine chemical technology or any equivalent are not permitted to participate.

There’s no age restriction for GPAT applicants who must be Indian citizens.

The application fee structure delineates Rs 2,200 for general category male applicants and Rs 1,100 for females. For general EWS, SC, ST, PwD, OBC-(NCL), and third-gender applicants, the fee is set at Rs 1,100, consistent with the fees from the previous year.

About the GPAT 2024 Exam

The GPAT is a three-hour computer-based test (CBT) that evaluates candidates on a wide array of pharmaceutical subjects, including pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, and pharmacology. The examination is worth 500 marks.

Following the results, participating universities will release their respective GPAT cutoffs to facilitate admissions. Additionally, some institutions incorporate group discussions (GD) and personal interviews (PI) as part of their candidate selection process, providing a holistic assessment of applicants’ aptitude for the pharmaceutical sciences.

Frequently asked questions about GPAT

What is a good score in GPAT?

A good GPAT score typically exceeds 140 for General category candidates, based on historical cutoffs. However, this benchmark can fluctuate yearly depending on overall performance and competition. If the cutoff rises to around 180, a score of 140 may not suffice for top institutions. Candidates should aim for the highest possible score to maximize their admission chances, considering the variability in cutoffs and institutional requirements.

Is GPAT very difficult?

GPAT’s difficulty level is generally considered moderate to tough. Based on previous exam analyses, the chemistry section tends to be moderately difficult, while pharmacology and pharmaceutical management sections range from easy to moderately difficult. The exam’s overall challenge lies in its comprehensive coverage of pharmacy topics and the need for in-depth subject knowledge. Adequate preparation and practice with past papers can help manage the exam’s difficulty.

How many attempts are allowed for GPAT?

There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make for the GPAT exam. This policy allows students multiple opportunities to improve their scores and enhance their chances of securing admission to desired programs. However, candidates must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for the exam. This age restriction ensures a minimum level of academic maturity among test-takers.

Can I wear jeans in the GPAT exam?

GPAT exam authorities advise against wearing jeans or clothing with multiple pockets to the exam. Candidates are recommended to wear light-colored, half-sleeve tops or kurtas with simple trousers or salwar suits. Jewelry and accessories that might trigger metal detectors should be avoided. This dress code aims to maintain exam integrity and prevent any possibility of unfair practices during the test.

What is the salary of GPAT qualified students?

GPAT-qualified students admitted to AICTE-approved Master’s programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, or Pharmacy at recognized institutions can receive a Post Graduate Scholarship of Rs. 12,400 per month. This financial support aims to encourage and support talented students pursuing advanced studies in these fields. The scholarship can significantly offset educational expenses and living costs during the course of study.

Is GPAT easy or difficult?

Recent candidate feedback suggests that GPAT’s overall difficulty level is easy to moderate. Many questions are reported to be one-liners, and a significant portion is analytical in nature. However, the perception of difficulty can vary among individuals based on their preparation level and subject expertise. Thorough preparation across all pharmacy-related topics remains crucial for success in the exam.

How many students qualify for GPAT every year?

According to recent data, approximately 3,934 candidates, representing 10% of total applicants, qualify for admission to Master of Pharmacy courses through GPAT annually. This selective qualification rate underscores the competitive nature of the exam and the importance of thorough preparation. The number of qualified candidates may vary slightly each year based on overall performance and the number of applicants.

Which is best GPAT or NIPER?

GPAT and NIPER serve different purposes in pharmacy education. GPAT scores are widely accepted by various institutes across India for postgraduate pharmacy admissions. In contrast, the NIPER entrance exam is specifically for admission to the prestigious National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research institutes. The choice between GPAT and NIPER depends on a student’s career goals and preferred institutions for further studies.

How much GPAT score is required for NIPER?

For NIPER JEE 2024 physical counseling eligibility, candidates must meet specific GPAT 2024 score requirements. Unreserved category candidates need 40 marks or above, while OBC/EWS/SC/ST/PwBD categories require 35 marks or above. These thresholds ensure a baseline qualification standard for NIPER admissions, balancing merit with inclusive representation. Candidates should aim to exceed these minimums to enhance their chances in the competitive admission process.

How many seats are in GPAT?

GPAT opens doors to approximately 24,000 M. Pharma program seats across 841 participating pharmacy institutes in India. This extensive seat availability underscores GPAT’s significance in pharmacy education. The exam serves as a critical gateway for students aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies in pharmacy, offering a wide range of opportunities across AICTE-approved colleges that accept GPAT scores for admissions.

Which semester is important for GPAT?

The 7th semester or 4th year is considered an optimal time to start GPAT preparation, though beginning in the 8th semester can also provide sufficient preparation time. Candidates should download the GPAT syllabus from the NTA website to guide their studies. Early preparation allows for a comprehensive review of all topics, increasing the chances of a good score.

How are GPAT marks divided?

GPAT 2024 is a 3-hour exam consisting solely of multiple-choice questions, with a total of 500 marks. The marking scheme awards 4 marks for each correct answer and deducts 1 mark for each incorrect answer. This format encourages both accuracy and strategic answering. Candidates should aim to maximize correct answers while being mindful of the negative marking for incorrect responses.

How many government seats are there in GPAT?

GPAT 2024 results, valid for 3 years, are crucial for admission to over 24,000 M. Pharm seats across approximately 841 participating pharmacy colleges and universities. The NBEMS provides the answer key on natboard.edu.in. This extensive seat availability underscores GPAT’s importance in pharmacy education, offering numerous opportunities for qualified candidates to pursue postgraduate studies in pharmacy.

What to do after qualifying GPAT?

After qualifying GPAT, candidates can apply for admission to over 600 colleges that accept GPAT scores for M.Pharm programs. As a national-level entrance exam, GPAT scores are widely recognized. Candidates should research and apply to their preferred institutes, ensuring they meet the specific cutoff scores of targeted institutions. This post-qualification phase is crucial for securing admission to desired pharmacy programs.

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