Pharmacy Colleges Demand 50 percent Reduction in GPAT Exam Fee: Report

Karnataka- Pharmacy colleges are demanding a 50 per cent reduction in the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) exam fee for General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PWD categories from the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). 

As per the information bulletin of GPAT, the exam fee for General, OBC and EWS categories will be Rs. 3500/- and for SC, ST and PWD categories it is Rs. 2500/-. However, earlier the exam fee for General, OBC and EWS categories was Rs. 2,000 and for SC, ST and PWD categories it was Rs 1,000.

Speaking to Pharma Biz, Dr Kaushik Devaraju, President of Registered Pharmacists Association, Karnataka, said, “The recent hike has raised eyebrows among many students, who aspire to pursue a career in pharmacy. While we understand the need for financial sustainability and quality maintenance of such examinations, the substantial rise in fees appears disproportionate and burdensome, especially for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Education, particularly in fields like pharmacy, should be accessible to all deserving candidates regardless of their financial status”.

He further urged the authorities to reconsider their decision and strive for a more balanced approach that ensures accessibility without compromising the quality and integrity of the examination. Measures such as fee waivers or tiered pricing based on income could be explored to alleviate the financial burden on students while still maintaining the necessary resources for conducting the GPAT effectively.

“It is essential to strike a balance between financial sustainability and accessibility to uphold the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in education. We hope our concerns, along with those of countless other students, will be taken into serious consideration, leading to a revision of the GPAT application fee for the betterment of aspiring pharmacists and the profession as a whole”, added Dr Devaraju.

Meanwhile, Prof R Raveendra, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Cauvery College of Pharmacy, Mysuru and Charter President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association of Peenya branch also mentioned that “the GPAT exam will be held as a computer-based format and with no printed question paper or answer booklet. This has cut the expenses of stationery. In view of the same, we are insisting the authority of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences to reduce fees by 50% and help the students and lessen the burden on parents as well”.

NBEMS is going to conduct the GPAT 2024 on June 8, 2024, on a computer-based platform at various testing centres across the country. Meanwhile, the registration process is ongoing and will be valid till 11:55 PM on 8th May 2024. The application can only be submitted online at the NBE official website.

GPAT 2024 is a national-level examination for the award of scholarships to qualified candidates seeking entry into the Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) course.