GPAT 2026 Pharmacology Section-Wise Weightage and Mastery Tips

Pharmacology is an important segment in the GPAT exam and is expected to carry a decisive weightage of 25-28 questions (approx.112 marks) in the exam. Some key topics, like Autonomic Nervous System, and Central Nervous System carry 4-6 questions every year. Needless to say, these are the areas where you can score the maximum marks. By drawing upon years of coaching experience and the latest GPAT 2026 syllabus trends, in this article we have identified some of the high-yield topics. We have also curated a guide to "Topper’s Strategy" that you can follow in the final weeks approaching GPAT 2026 .

Also Check - Master GPAT 2026 Most Repeated Topics from PYQs!

GPAT Pharmacology Section-wise Predicted Weightage for 2026

Based on the analysis of the past 5 years' question paper and the B.Pharm Course Regulation 2025, listed below is the predicted weightage for some high-yielding Pharmacology sections student can refer to. Focusing on ANS, CNS, CVS, and Chemotherapy can help cover more than 60% of GPAT Pharmacology questions, pushing your score to 100+ marks.

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GPAT Pharmacology High Weightage Areas & Questions Guide

Pharmacology questions in GPAT are mechanism-oriented and clinically linked to the GPAT syllabus. The paper prefers an integrated question linking mechanism, therapeutic use, and adverse effects. Refer to the key areas where the majority of GPAT Pharmacology questions are asked:

General Pharmacology

• Pharmacokinetics

• Pharmacodynamics

• Drug receptors

• Drug interactions

What to Expect: Questions involving calculations, based on understanding the ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) cycle, drug receptors etc.

Systemic Pharmacology

• Autonomic nervous system

• Cardiovascular system

• Central nervous system

• Endocrine system

What to Expect: Questions based on clinical scenarios, drug of choice, questions on Organophosphate poisoning etc.

Chemotherapy

• Antibiotics

• Anticancer drugs

• Antiviral and antifungal agents

What to Expect: Questions on drug mechanism, side effects (for example, Grey Baby Syndrome or Red Man Syndrome) etc.

Toxicology

• Poisoning

• Antidotes

• Environmental toxins

What to Expect: Direct questions from 'Match the Following' (specifically matching Drug/ Poison Overdose with Specific Antidote), questions on heavy metal toxins etc.

Also Check - How to Score 300+ in GPAT 2026?

Tips to Master GPAT 2026 Pharmacology: What Toppers Swear By

Wondering how toppers are able to score such high marks in GPAT Pharmacology? The trick goes beyond just solving GPAT previous year question papers and mock exams. You need to follow some specific strategies to push your score to 100+ in this section. Here are some quick tips that toppers swear by to make the cut, and you should folow these too:

Maintain the Efficiency in General Pharmacology

Work on maintaining the efficiency in Pharmacology section by focusing on topics such as the Cytochrome P450 Inducers and Inhibitors. There is at least one question from these topics that is asked in the GPAT exam.

Focus on ANS & CNS Complex Part

These are the sections in the GPAT 2026 Pharmacology section that are usually confusing for students. Follow a strategy known as the "Drug Maps." An example is to plot the Beta-blockers according to their generations and inherent sympathomimetic action. In the case of CNS, pay attention to the Mechanism of Action (MoA) of Anticonvulsants.

The Rote Learning Section

This involves the classifications of GPAT 2026 Pharmacology sections that require repetitive learning. Pay attention to the Unique Side Effects (For example, in Chloramphenicol, there is the Red Man Syndrome; in Vancomycin, there is the Grey Baby Syndrome). Such cause-and-effect learning is retained in the memory for a long time.

The "80/20 Rule" for Pharmacology

Focus on 80/20 rule of reading. Which means, reading 20% of the theoretical substance from the book and 80% focusing on gaining knowledge from the classroom learning, charts etc. These 20% of the subjects will give 80% of the marks. Resort to mnemonics, the MoA and ADR, which are often predictable based on knowledge of the class. In case of Drug Interaction chapters, pay attention to such frequent ones as Warfarin-NSAIDs or Diuretics-Digoxin. Antidotes: There is a need to have a table of 20 major poison-antidote pairs for last-minute revision.

Possible Resources/ Books Suggested

Cross-check your study notes with the following authoritative sources and best books for GPAT 2026 for maximum accuracy. Select the main source, such as K.D Tripathi Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, and review the text using books, like Pharmacology Review by Gobind Rai Garg. The NBEMS official website always provides the latest notification of changes in the exam pattern. Kep an eye on the site.

Pharmacology is a high-yield and ranking booster subject in GPAT. By recognising the weightage for each section and following these topper-approved GPAT 2026 preparation tips , you can transform Pharmacology into the most scoring subject in the upcoming exam.