How to Prepare for Pharmacy Entrance Exams: A Full Guide

As a professor in a pharmacy school in Pune I have had the great luck to mentor many students through the tough but very rewarding experience of preparing for pharmacy entrance exams. In health care we see a very quick change which in turn is bringing about an increased need for skilled pharmacists which in turn play a large role in health care. 

If out of the blue this is what you are seeing, that means you are that aspirational student which is set out to do well in pharmacy competitive entrance exams and build a successful career in it. I will put forth my points of view, tips, and strategies which will help you in your preparation time to keep your goals focused. 

Understanding Pharmacy Entrance Exams 

Pharmacy entrance exams which serve as gates to some of the best pharmacy schools in India. They assess your knowledge in fields like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Math, logical reasoning, and general aptitude. Also, which include: 

1. GPAT (Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test): Conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) which is also the body which runs GPAT, a national level exam for postgraduate pharmacy programs.   
2. MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test): For undergraduates applying to pharmacy programs in Maharashtra. 
3. BITS HD Pharmacy Exam: For entry into Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani. 
4. State-Level Pharmacy Entrance Exams: Many states also have their own exams — for instance in Kerala or in Telangana. 

Each exam has its own set of patterns and syllabus, that is why it is important to go over them first. 

Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy: 

1. Know Your Syllabus Inside Out: 

First out of the gate in terms of preparation is to know exactly what topics will cover the exam. Most pharmacy entrance exams look at three main areas of study which include: 

• Chemistry: Bio, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
• Biology: Cellular biology, Human Biochemistry, Inherited traits, etc.
• Physics and Mathematics: thermodynamics, algebra, calculus, Basic principles of mechanics and so on.

Go to the official exam site or brochure for a detailed syllabus. Once you have out what is covered in which topics that is put together a study plan which allocates time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. 

2. Create a Realistic Study Schedule: 

Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to competitive exams. Here is what you do to make out a realistic timetable: 

Break up your day into blocks of 2-3 hours for study which are followed by short breaks. 

Put more time into difficult topics but now and don’t ignore the easy ones — they greatly affect your total score. 

Include days each week for review of what you have learned. 

For instance, if you are having trouble with Organic Chemistry, put in extra time to study reaction mechanisms and functional groups. Also, if you do well in Biology keep at it and regularly go over diagrams and terminology. 

3. Leverage High-Quality Study Materials: 

Using the best books and resources is what it takes. I recommend these: 

• Chemistry: NCERT texts for Class 11 and 12 are a must. Also included in your study material “Organic Chemistry” by Morrison and Boyd.
• Biology: For base knowledge stick to NCERT and for extra practice see Trueman’s Elementary Biology.
• Physics and Math: HC Verma’s Physics and RD Sharma’s Mathematics are great options.

Also consider signing up for coaching classes which now also include online platforms that feature mock tests and doubt clearing sessions. At Suryadatta College of Pharmacy, Health care Research (SCPHR), we see that they put on guidance workshops which is a great step to take! 

4. Practice Mock Tests Regularly: 

Mock tests reproduce the exam environment, which in turn helps you assess your preparation. Also, they improve your speed and accuracy, which is key during the actual exam. Try to take at least a full-length mock test every week leading up to the exam date. After which do an analysis of your performance to identify what requires improvement. 

Pro Tip: Time management is key. In the exam go for the questions which you are sure of and leave the hard ones for later. 

5. Focus on concept over rote learning: 

Memorizing formulas and facts is at best a short-term solution. Instead put in the work to understand the concepts. For instance, instead of memorizing chemical formulas, try to understand what is behind the reactions. This approach not to only improves your problem-solving skills but also increases your confidence. 

6. Stay Updated with Current Trends: 

Pharmacy is an ever-changing field and by which it goes through constant transformation. To stay ahead in the game, you must be aware of what is currently on the field. Out of the many resources available to stay updated try out Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences or PubMed which are great. Although entrance exams may not cover current affairs in depth, they do present a platform to show your true interest in the profession. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

In my time as a teacher, I have noticed that students tend to do the following: 

1. Procrastination: Putting off studying until the last-minute causes unneeded stress. Get up early and get to your schedule. 
2. Overloading Information: Trying to pack in too much info in a short time leads to burnout. Go for quality over quantity. 
3. Ignoring Health: Neglect of sleep, nutrition and exercise may impair your concentration and memory. Go for a balanced lifestyle. 

Consistency is key. Daily small efforts add up over time to produce great results. 

Right choice to Kickstart you career in Pharmacy: 

If you are set on a pharmacy career, which college you choose is as important as doing well in the entrance exam. In 2023, the Suryadatta Education Foundation established Suryadatta College of Pharmacy, Health Care and Research (SCPHR) which today is a preeminent school which we put our trust in for world class education. Situated in Pune, a center for academic excellence, SCPHR provides top of the line facilities, has very experienced staff and has curriculums which are in sync with industry needs which in turn are very much in demand in the pharma field. 

At SCPHR what we do is foster the growth of professionals that are not only academically sound but also very caring, which in turn we see to be at the forefront of bringing positive change to the world. We have placement statistics which tell our story of student success. Our graduates are from top pharmaceutical companies all over the world. 

Final Thoughts: 

Preparing for the pharmacy entrance exams is a dedicated effort which also requires discipline and a thought-out strategy. We put forth the steps above which will put you in a great position to handle whatever comes your way. Also, at the end of the exam journey which does not end there — it only begins. 

Are you prepared to take what is to come as you put yourself on the path to becoming a pharmacist? At Suryadatta College of Pharmacy, Health Care and Research (SCPHR), we have what you are looking for. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, practical training, and constant support, we are here to guide you along the way.