Does GPAT syllabus overlap with NEET?
GPAT and NEET both cover Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, but at different depths. While NEET tests Class 11-12 foundational knowledge for MBBS/BDS/B.Pharm, GPAT syllabus emphasizes on professional pharmacy proficiency for higher M.Pharm studies.
Many students get confused between two exams: NEET, which is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, and GPAT, which is the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test. Whether you are a pharmacy student or a school student deciding on a path, it is easy to get confused. After all, both exams require studying physics, chemistry and biology. But studying for NEET does not mean you are ready for the GPAT, as the exams are different. Let’s see the syllabus to see where they coincide and differ.
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GPAT vs NEET Exam Overview
The difference comes down to academic maturity. NEET is a difficult race for Class 12 students fighting for a seat, as the competition is tough.GPATis a more focused exam for graduates who have already completed their Bachelor's in Pharmacy. In contrast, GPAT is an entrance exam for students who have already completed (or are finishing) their 4-year B Pharm degree to get into a Master’s program (M Pharm).
NEETtests your foundational knowledge of the 11th and 12th standards. GPAT assumes you already know that and tests your professional proficiency in pharmaceutical sciences accumulated over four years of college.
Feature | NEET | GPAT |
Eligibility | Science subjects in Class 12 | Pharmacy Graduate student |
Level of Academic | Intermediate as in School Level | Graduated at the Professional Level |
Primary Goal | Admission to MBBS or BDS, or B Pharm | Admission to M Pharm |
Competition Scope | Approximately 20 Lakh+ students | Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 students |
The Common Syllabus Between NEET and GPAT
There is common ground for both NEET and GPAT. A strong NEET foundation will be helpful for GPAT, specifically in chemistry and human physiology.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the connecting link between these two exams. The concepts like organic chemistry mechanisms, stereochemistry, and physical chemistry principles are relevant forGPAT 2026 syllabus. However, GPAT uses the concepts and applies them to drug design and formulation.
Organic Chemistry: In NEET, you learn reaction mechanisms. In GPAT, you apply those mechanisms to synthesise drugs (medicinal chemistry).
Physical Chemistry: In NEET, you solve numericals on kinetics. In GPAT, you use kinetics to determine the shelf life of a tablet.
Chemistry Syllabus Overlap
The syllabi for both NEET and GPAT are similar, and here is the table for the chemistry syllabus, which overlaps.
Topic | NEET Context | GPAT Context |
Chemical Bonding | Hybridisation & Shapes | Drug-Receptor Interactions |
Thermodynamics | Energy changes in reactions | Stability of drug formulations |
Stereochemistry | Isomerism basics | Chirality's effect on drug action |
Biomolecules | Structure of DNA/Proteins | Drug Targets & Metabolism |
Biology vs. Pharmacology
This is where students get most confused. NEET Biology focuses mainly on Botany and Zoology. GPAT mainly focuses on medicinal plants. The differences betweenNEET 2026 syllabustopics and GPAT topics.
NEET Topic | GPAT Topic |
Digestion & Absorption | Pharmacology of Antacids & Ulcer Drugs |
Body Fluids (Blood) | Anticoagulants & Haematinics |
Immune System | Immunopharmacology & Vaccines |
Here's a quick overview of GPAT vs NEET syllabus overlap:
The Depth Trap: Why You Can't "Wing It"
One major mistake B Pharm students make is relying too heavily on their old NEET coaching notes. It often leads to a false sense of confidence. You might see a topic like "Solutions" and think, "I did this in Class 12; I'm good."
In NEET, "Solutions", which comes under Physical Pharmacy, involves calculating molarity and molality. In GPAT, "Solutions" involves complex solubility curves, distribution coefficients, and how to solubilise a hydrophobic drug for injection. Additionally, GPAT introduces entirely new subjects that NEET students have never touched, such as pharmaceutics, which is the making of tablets or capsules; pharmacognosy, which is the study of crude drugs; and jurisprudence, which is pharmacy laws.
Also Check -Can I do M.Pharma without GPAT?
List of Subjects in GPAT Syllabus 2026
Here is the table for the subjects in GPAT and the description of the respective subjects.
Subject | Description of Subjects |
Pharmaceutics | The science of dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and injections. |
Pharmacognosy | Study of medicinal plants and their uses. |
Pharm. Analysis | Using instruments like HPLC, NMR and UV spectroscopy. |
Jurisprudence | Drug Act, Narcotic Laws and Ethics. |
So, to answer the big question: Yes, there is an overlap, but it is foundational, not functional. Your NEET preparation builds the basement, but GPAT requires you to build the skyscraper on top of it. If you are a B Pharm student aiming for GPAT, value your NEET basics; they will make understanding Pharmacology and Chemistry much easier. But do not rely on them. You need to study beyond NCERT textbooks and transition to standard reference works. While the syllabus topics might be the same, the depth and application are at different levels.
Quick Links:
| GPAT 2026 Preparation Tips | NEET 2026 Preparation Tips |
| GPAT Previous Year Question Papers | NEET Previous Year Question Papers |
| GPAT 2026 Mock Test | NEET 2026 Mock Test |
CollegeDekhomentors are available anytime to help the students understand the similarity in the NEET and GPAT syllabus topics. They will also assist in highlighting the common ground of all the science subjects to help in smarter preparation for both examinations.
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