GPAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Age Limit, Education Qualification, Reservation

GPAT 2026 eligibility criteria are important for the candidates to understand before applying for the GPAT exam. Find out complete details about the age limit and education qualification that a candidate should possess to register for the national-level MPharma exam.

GPAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

GPAT 2026 eligibility criteria will be released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admission to post-graduate level pharmacy (PG) programs. The GPAT exam is a Computer-based Test (CBT), and NBEMS announced the GPAT registration schedule for the next academic year. But before applying for the exam, students must read and understand the GPAT eligibility criteria 2026, which will be essential to complete the application process.

The GPAT registration process is slated to begin on December 23, 2025. Applicants are advised to carefully read and understand the GPAT eligibility criteria for 2026 as mentioned below. The exam-conducting authority notified GPAT 2026 exam dates in the information brochure. According to it, the GPAT exam will be conducted on March 7, 2026.  

Also Read: GPAT preparation tips

The GPAT eligibility criteria 2026 talk about the conditions that are mandatory for aspirants to fulfill before applying for the exam. Find out all about the GPAT 2026 eligibility criteria and reservations as well in the upcoming sections. But first, familiarize yourself with the overview of the exam as mentioned below:

NTA GPAT 2026: Overview

GPAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Read on to find out the basic GPAT eligibility criteria before registering for the GPAT exam:

1. The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (4 years after 10 2, including lateral entry students) or equivalent from a recognized university.

2. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s Degree BPharmacy (10 2 4) whose results will be declared before the commencement of admission for the academic year 2026-28 can also apply for the GPAT exam.

3. The candidate must be a citizen of India.

4. The candidate should have pursued a B.Tech. (Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology)/Equivalent candidates are not eligible to apply.

5. There is no age restriction for appearing in GPAT 2026.

GPAT Reservation Policy

Although there is no reservation envisaged by NTA in terms of admission granted by independent colleges/institutes, in the case of Institutes run by the Central Government, the reservation would be applicable as mentioned below:

(i) 15% of the seats Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates

(ii) 7.5% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates

(iii) 27% seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates as per the Central List*

(iv) 10% of the seats for General Economically Weaker Sections (General - EWS) candidates

(v) Persons with Disability (PwD) with 40% or more disability

2. Each category will have 5% reservations for the candidates with 40% or more disability as defined in Section 2 (r) and (zc) of the Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

3. In the case of the Institutes run/aided/recognized by State Governments, the reservation policy of the respective State Governments shall be applicable.

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GPAT 2026: Quick and Easy to Follow Preparation Tips