How to Prepare for GPAT 2026 – Complete Strategy for High Score
How to Prepare for GPAT 2026 – Complete Strategy for High Score
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is one of the most competitive national-level exams for pharmacy graduates seeking admission into M.Pharm programs and NIPER institutes. With a strong and smart strategy, you can easily crack GPAT 2026 even without coaching.
1. Understand the GPAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Before starting preparation, know the structure of the exam:
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Total Questions: 125
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Total Marks: 500
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Marks/Question: +4
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Negative Marking: –1
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Duration: 180 minutes
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Mode: Online CBT
Major subjects include:
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Physical Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Dispensing, Jurisprudence, Biopharmaceutics, etc.
2. Best Books for GPAT 2026 / Drug Inspector Exam/ UPSC/ Other state PSC
| Subject / Area | Best Book for Theory Revision with author name | Best Book for MCQs / Practice Questions/Quick Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacology | KD Tripathi – Essentials of Medical Pharmacology | KDT MCQs / Pearsons GPAT / Review of Pharmacology |
| Pharmaceutics / Industrial Pharmacy | Lachman – The Theory & Practice of Industrial Pharmacy | GPAT Punch MCQ Book / Nirali Practical MCQs |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Morrison Byod / O.P. Agarwal / Foye’s Medicinal Chemistry | MCQs for Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry |
| Pharmacognosy | Trease & Evans / Kokate | Nirali Pharmacognosy & Phytochemisrty MCQs |
| Pharmaceutical Analysis | Beckett & Stenlake / Vogel’s Analysis | Y R Sharma |
| Biochemistry | Satyanarayana Biochemistry | MCQ in Biochemistry |
| Microbiology & Biotechnology | Prescott Microbiology / Brown | MCQ in Microbiology & Biochemistry |
| Physical Pharmacy | Martin’s Physical Pharmacy | C V Subramanyam |
| Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics | Brahmankar | MCQ on Biopharmaceutics |
| Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | N. K Jain | PYQ for Juris |
| Quality Assurance / GMP / Validation | WHO TRS Guidelines & Quality Assurance Notes | GPAT on figure tips |
| Clinical Pharmacy / Pathophysiology | Dipiro (for quick reference) | Pathology answer with Comprehensive text |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs (for DI) | Lucent GK / Arihant General Studies | Previous Year DI Papers + Mock Test Series |
| Complete GPAT Preparation / Old Papers | Inamdar -GPAT a companion | 38 year old papers of GPAT ; |
| Complete Drug Inspector Preparation | Drug Inspector on Finger tips | Drug Inspector MCQ Guides |
3. Subject-wise Strategy
🔹 Pharmaceutical Chemistry
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Focus on: Medicinal chemistry, heterocycles, SAR, synthesis pathways.
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Make tables of drug classification, structures & uses.
🔹 Pharmaceutics
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Physical pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, dissolution, rheology, emulsions, suspensions, sterilization.
🔹 Pharmacology
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CNS, CVS, ANS, autacoids, toxicology, Antibiotics, Diabetes, Malaria, HIV, Cancer, mechanism of action, adverse effects.
🔹 Pharmacognosy
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Alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, resins, volatile oils, plant sources, microscopy.
🔹 Jurisprudence
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Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Schedules, NDPS, DPCO, Pharmacy Act—easy scoring.
4. Make a Realistic 3-Month Strategy
Month 1:
Complete theory + concise notes of all major subjects.
Month 2:
Start PYQs (10 years) + weekly mock tests.
Month 3:
Full-length mocks, revision of important topics, numerical practice.
5. Daily Study Plan for GPAT Aspirants
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3 hours – Major subject (Pharmacology/Pharmaceutics)
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2 hours – Chemistry/Gnosis
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1 hour – Jurisprudence/Analysis
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1 hour – PYQs
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30 minutes – Revision from short notes
6. Importance of PYQs & Mock Tests
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Helps to identify repeated topics
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Boosts accuracy and time management
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Gives real exam experience
Solve MINIMUM:
50+ mocks + 10 years PYQ papers
7. Last 20 Days Strategy
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Only revision, no new topics
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Practice high-yield MCQs
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Revise structures, schedules, plant sources, classification
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Studying without a timetable
❌ Ignoring PYQs
❌ Studying too many books
❌ Not revising
❌ Focusing only on one subject
Conclusion
Consistency, revision, and mock tests are the pillars of GPAT 2026 success. With a disciplined approach and smart planning, you can score high and secure admission to a top M.Pharm institute.