GPAT vs NIPER JEE - Which is Best for You?
The two primary entrance exams for students considering an M.Pharm program are the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Joint Entrance Examination (NIPER JEE). Check to know more.
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test or GPAT exam and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Joint Entrance Exam or NIPER JEE are two important entrance exams that have a significant impact on the career paths of pharmacy candidates in India. Though they have different goals, requirements, and purviews, both tests act as entry points to postgraduate pharmacy education.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the GPAT, a national exam used to grant scholarships and to admit students to M.Pharm programs at different pharmacy colleges in India. However, NIPER institutes administer NIPER JEE to applicants for admission to the esteemed NIPERs' M.S. (Pharm), M.Tech (Pharm), M.B.A. (Pharm), and Ph.D. programs.
Pharmacy graduates can make well-informed decisions about their future educational and professional pathways by being aware of the main distinctions between these tests. A thorough comparison of GPAT and NIPER JEE is given in this article, which covers topics like eligibility, exam format, degree of difficulty, and career opportunities.
Also Read: List of Top Colleges Accepting GPAT 2025 Score
NIPER JEE vs GPAT Comparison
Candidates can check an overview of both the exams.
Particulars | NIPER JEE | GPAT |
|---|---|---|
Conducting Body | National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on behalf of AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) |
Purpose | Admission to NIPER institutes for M. Pharm, MS (Pharm), MBA (Pharm), and Ph.D. programs | Qualifying exam for admission into M. Pharm programs and eligibility for scholarships |
Eligibility | GPAT-qualified candidates with a B. Pharm or equivalent degree | Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B. Pharm) final year or graduate students |
Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
Syllabus | Advanced level questions based on B. Pharm syllabus, with additional focus on analytical and management-based questions (for MBA courses) | Covers all major subjects of B. Pharm, including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, and other allied subjects |
Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) | Computer-based test (CBT) |
Validity of Score | One-time use for admissions only | 3 years for fellowship purposes and 1 year for admission purposes |
Detailed Analysis of GPAT vs NIPER JEE
In this section aspirants can get a detailed analysis of the GPAT exam and the NIPER JEE exam.
Purpose of the Exam
GPAT: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) administers the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) at the national level to choose students for admission to M.Pharm programs at different pharmacy colleges throughout India. Additionally, GPAT is a requirement for pharmacy education fellowships and scholarships.
NIPER JEE: The only entrance exam offered by the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) for admission to postgraduate programs such as M.Pharm, M.S. (Pharm), M.Tech (Pharm), and MBA (Pharm) is the NIPER JEE. The esteemed NIPERs are renowned for their emphasis on research in pharmacy education.
Eligibility Criteria
GPAT: To be eligible for GPAT exam an applicant must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from an accredited university is required of candidates.
- Students in their final year of B.Pharm are also qualified.
- The applicant needs to be an Indian citizen.
NIPER JEE: To be eligible for NIPER JEE exam an applicant must:
- A B.Pharm degree is a minimum requirement for the candidate.
- Candidates need to have a valid scorecard and a qualified GPAT.
- A cumulative score of at least 60% or a CGPA of 6.75 on a 10-point scale.
Exam Pattern
GPAT
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Total Number of Questions: 125 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 500
- Duration: 3 hours
- Negative Marking: Yes (-1 for each wrong answer)
NIPER JEE
- Mode: Online
- Total Number of Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: Yes (-1/4 for each wrong answer)
Focus Area
GPAT | NIPER JEE |
|---|---|
|
|
Colleges Accepting
GPAT: AICTE-approved pharmacy colleges all over India accept GPAT scores, making it a more universal entrance exam for admission to M.Pharm programs.
NIPER JEE: The seven most prominent institutes for pharmacy education and research in India are the only ones that accept NIPER JEE.
Competition and Difficulty Level
GPAT: A wide range of applicants from all over India are eligible to take the GPAT exam. Nearly 24,000 seats are available. Despite the intense competition, many pharmacy graduates can apply. Additionally, this test is relatively simpler.
NIPER JEE: Due to the high standards of NIPER institutes and the limited number of seats (over 900), NIPER JEE is relatively more challenging and demands in-depth knowledge. Candidates seeking for advanced and specialised pharmacy programs are drawn to the entrance exam.
Key Differences Between GPAT and NIPER JEE
Exam | GPAT | NIPER JEE |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Qualifying exam for M. Pharm admissions and scholarships | Entrance exam for admission to NIPER institutes |
Conducting Body | NBEMS (Previously AICTE) | NIPER |
Eligibility | B. Pharm final-year or graduate students | GPAT-qualified B. Pharm graduates |
Exam Level | Moderate to difficult | Difficult (Advanced Level) |
Syllabus | B. Pharm core subjects | B. Pharm subjects + analytical questions |
Score Validity | 3 years for scholarships, 1 year for admission | Only for current-year admissions |
Exam Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) | Computer-based test (CBT) |
Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours |
Number of Questions | 125 (MCQs) | 200 (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect | +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect |
Institutes Accepting Scores | All AICTE-approved M. Pharm colleges | Only NIPER institutes |
Also Read: How to Crack NIPER JEE in 6 Months
Career Prospects after GPAT vs NIPER JEE
Candidates can check the career prospects for both the exams in the below table.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Master’s Programs (M.Pharm, MS, MBA) |
|
PhD and Research Opportunities |
|
Job Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Industry | Research & Development (R&D)
Top Recruiters: Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Syngene, Glenmark, Novartis, Pfizer. |
Quality Control (QC) & Quality Assurance (QA)
Top Recruiters: Sun Pharma, Aurobindo, Torrent, GSK, Sanofi. | |
Regulatory Affairs
| |
Pharmacovigilance & Medical Writing
Top Recruiters: IQVIA, Parexel, Covance, Novartis, Biocon, ICON, PPD. | |
Production & Manufacturing
| |
Clinical Research & Trials
Top Recruiters: Accenture, Cognizant, TCS, Syneos Health, ICON, PPD, Covance. | |
Government Sector Jobs |
|
Entrepreneurship & Startups |
|
Opportunities Abroad |
|
Should I Choose GPAT or NIPER JEE?
Although they address different career objectives, the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Joint Entrance Exam (NIPER JEE) are both essential entry points for prospective pharmacy professionals in India.GPAT | NIPER JEE |
|---|---|
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is for students who:
| The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Joint Entrance Exam (NIPER JEE) is for students who:
|
In addition to being a requirement for scholarships, GPAT is necessary to gain admission to M.Pharm programs at several AICTE-approved universities. The more specialised NIPER JEE, on the other hand, leads to postgraduate and doctoral programs in prestigious NIPER institutions, which are renowned for their innovative research and partnerships with industry.
GPAT is essential if you want financial aid and a wide range of M.Pharm admissions. However, passing the NIPER JEE is essential if you want to pursue prestigious universities and cutting-edge research opportunities. In the end, both tests enhance one another, so applicants hoping to succeed in the pharmaceutical industry should think about studying for both to improve their chances of landing a good job.
Also Read: NIPER JEE Exam Day Guidelines
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FAQs
Is GPAT compulsory for NIPER JEE?
Yes, you must qualify GPAT before appearing for NIPER JEE exam.
How many times can I take the NIPER JEE and GPAT exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for GPAT and NIPER JEE exam.
Which exam is more challenging NIPER JEE or GPAT?
The NIPER JEE exam is relatively tougher because it requires GPAT qualification and tests candidates on advanced concepts.
Can I get a government job after GPAT?
Yes, those who meet the requirements for GPAT can apply for research, teaching, and government fellowships.