GPAT Formula Sheet: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Physical Pharmacy

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GPAT Formula Sheet: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Physical Pharmacy

GPAT Formula Sheet: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Physical Pharmacy

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 14 Oct 2026, 04:01 PM IST

GPAT Formula Sheet: Numerical questions in GPAT reward students who can recall a formula fast and apply it without a slip. The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is the national entrance test for M.Pharm and the PCI scholarship. NBEMS conducts it. This article introduces a GPAT formula sheet for three calculation-heavy areas: pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical analysis and physical pharmacy. The full eBook, the GPAT 2027 Formula Sheet PDF, holds 578 formulas across 33 chapters. Each formula comes with the meaning of its symbols, its units and the condition in which it applies. The sections below preview Part A of the sheet, which covers pharmacokinetics in chapters A1 to A5. A download section follows the formulas.

This Story also Contains

GPAT Formula Sheet: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Physical Pharmacy
What the GPAT Formula Sheet Covers
GPAT Formula Sheet Part A: Pharmacokinetics Formulas (Chapters A1 to A5)
Download GPAT Formula Sheet PDF
Where These Topics Fit in the GPAT 2027 Paper
How to Revise With a Formula Sheet

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GPAT Formula Sheet: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Physical Pharmacy

A formula sheet is a revision tool. It does not replace a textbook. You learn the idea from your book, and you use the sheet to check that you can still write the equation, name every symbol and state when it applies. The article uses the 2026 bulletin as its base and says so wherever it matters. It does not promise a mark weightage for any of the three areas, because the bulletin gives only a broad subject split. Every formula in the preview is standard pharmacokinetics. Where a value depends on a guideline or a textbook, the note says it. Read the preview, try the worked example in chapter A5, and then open the full PDF for the other 28 chapters.

The last paper, held on 7 March 2026, had 125 multiple-choice questions for 500 marks. A correct answer gave four marks. A wrong answer cost one mark. That scoring rewards accuracy and punishes careless guesses. A student who knows the half-life equation but forgets to convert units loses twice: the four marks that were possible and the one that gets deducted.

What the GPAT Formula Sheet Covers

The sheet has three parts. Each part follows the order in which these topics are usually taught. Chapters are short. Most hold a single topic, such as clearance, redox titrations or rheology.

Part	Subject	Chapters	Main topics
A	Pharmacokinetics	13	Rate processes, absorption, distribution, elimination, compartment models, bioavailability, multiple dosing, non-linear kinetics
B	Pharmaceutical Analysis	9	Titration calculations, errors and statistics, acid–base, precipitation, complexometry, redox, electrochemical, spectroscopic and chromatographic methods
C	Physical Pharmacy	11	Solubility, states of matter, isotonicity, interfaces, complexation, buffers, colloids, rheology, micromeritics, dissolution, kinetics and stability

Short tables sit beside the formulas. They hold facts that examiners like to pair with a calculation, such as equivalent weights, HLB ranges, standard potentials and flow-property limits.

The syllabus basis needs one clear note. The GPAT 2026 bulletin says the syllabus follows the B.Pharm Course Regulations, 2024. PCI has also introduced a new NEP-based B.Pharm curriculum from 2026-27. Most GPAT 2027 candidates studied under the earlier curriculum. So each chapter in the eBook points to the matching subject in both versions. The bulletin does not list sub-topics.

GPAT Formula Sheet Part A: Pharmacokinetics Formulas (Chapters A1 to A5)

The tables below reproduce the first five chapters of Part A. Symbols are explained in the notes. The log in these formulas is the base-10 logarithm. ln is the natural logarithm. The number 2.303 converts between them.

A1: Rate Processes, AUC and Basic PK Parameters

Formula name	Expression	Note
Zero-order rate	dC/dt = −k₀	k₀ is in concentration per unit time
Zero-order integrated	C = C₀ − k₀t	C against t is a straight line
Zero-order half-life	t½ = C₀ / (2k₀)	Depends on the starting concentration
First-order rate	dC/dt = −kC	k is in time⁻¹
First-order integrated	C = C₀ e^(−kt)	Exponential decline
Log form	log C = log C₀ − kt/2.303	Slope of log C against t is −k/2.303
Natural-log form	ln C = ln C₀ − kt	Slope of ln C against t is −k
First-order half-life	t½ = 0.693 / k	Does not depend on dose
k from two points	k = [2.303 / (t₂ − t₁)] × log(C₁/C₂)	Use points on the terminal phase
Time between two levels	t = (2.303 / k) × log(C₁/C₂)
Mean residence time (IV bolus, one compartment)	1/k = 1.44 × t½
Fraction left after n half-lives	(½)ⁿ	First-order only
Trapezoidal rule	AUC(t₁→t₂) = ½ (C₁ + C₂)(t₂ − t₁)	Add the trapezoids
Log-trapezoidal rule	AUC = (C₁ − C₂)(t₂ − t₁) / ln(C₁/C₂)	For the falling part of the curve
AUC to infinity	AUC(0→∞) = AUC(0→t_last) + C_last / k	k is the terminal rate constant
Therapeutic index	TI = LD₅₀ / ED₅₀	A higher value means a wider safety margin

For a first-order process, the share eliminated follows a fixed pattern.

Half-lives	1	2	3	3.32	4	5
% eliminated	50	75	87.5	90	93.75	96.9

A2: Absorption and Biopharmaceutic Factors

Formula name	Expression	Note
Fick's law for absorption	dQ/dt = D·A·K·(C_GI − C_p) / h	D = diffusion coefficient, A = area, K = partition coefficient, h = membrane thickness
Under sink conditions	dQ/dt = (D·A·K / h) × C_GI = P·A·C_GI	P = DK/h, the permeability coefficient
Apparent permeability (Caco-2)	P_app = (1 / A·C₀) × dQ/dt	C₀ = starting donor concentration
Carrier-mediated transport	v = V_max·C / (K_m + C)	Saturable
Weak acid, ionised to unionised	[A⁻]/[HA] = 10^(pH − pKa)	Only the unionised form crosses lipid membranes
Weak base, ionised to unionised	[BH⁺]/[B] = 10^(pKa − pH)	pKa is that of BH⁺
Fraction unionised (acid)	1 / (1 + 10^(pH − pKa))
Fraction unionised (base)	1 / (1 + 10^(pKa − pH))
Percent ionised (acid)	100 / (1 + 10^(pKa − pH))	50% at pH = pKa
Percent ionised (base)	100 / (1 + 10^(pH − pKa))
Noyes–Whitney equation	dC/dt = (D·A / h·V) × (C_s − C)	C_s = saturation solubility, V = volume of medium
Hixson–Crowell cube-root law	W₀^(1/3) − W^(1/3) = κt	Accounts for the change in surface area
Dose number	D_o = (M₀ / V₀) / C_s	M₀ = dose, V₀ = fluid volume
Dissolution number	D_n = (3D / r₀²) × (C_s / ρ) × t_res	r₀ = particle radius, ρ = density
Absorption number	A_n = (P_eff / R) × t_res	R = radius of the intestine

The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) sorts drugs by solubility and permeability.

Class	Solubility	Permeability	Limiting step
I	High	High	Gastric emptying
II	Low	High	Dissolution
III	High	Low	Permeation
IV	Low	Low	Both

The exact cut-offs for "high permeability" differ between guidelines. Use the value in your prescribed textbook.

A3: Distribution and Protein Binding

Formula name	Expression	Note
Apparent volume of distribution	V_d = X / C	X = amount in the body, C = plasma concentration
After an IV bolus	V_d = X₀ / C₀	C₀ is found by extrapolating to zero time
From clearance or AUC	V_d = CL / k = X₀ / (k × AUC)
Volume by body weight	V_d (L) = V_d (L/kg) × body weight (kg)
Gillette's equation	V_d = V_p + V_T × (f_u / f_uT)	f_u and f_uT = fraction unbound in plasma and in tissue
Fraction unbound	f_u = C_u / (C_u + C_b)	Equals 1 − fraction bound
Association constant	K = [DP] / ([D][P])	D = drug, P = protein
Langmuir binding	r = nK[D] / (1 + K[D])	r = moles bound per mole of protein, n = number of sites
Klotz plot	1/r = 1/n + (1/nK) × (1/[D])	Intercept = 1/n
Scatchard plot	r/[D] = nK − K·r	Slope = −K
Filtration clearance	CL = f_u × GFR	Only unbound drug is filtered

A4: Elimination, Clearance and Renal and Hepatic Excretion

Total body clearance

Formula name	Expression	Note
Definition	CL = rate of elimination / C	Volume of plasma cleared per unit time
Clearance and rate constant	CL = k × V_d	One-compartment model
From AUC (IV)	CL = X₀ / AUC(0→∞)
From AUC (oral)	CL/F = X₀ / AUC(0→∞)	Apparent oral clearance
Additivity	CL_T = CL_R + CL_H + CL_other
Half-life	t½ = 0.693 × V_d / CL	Depends on both V_d and CL
Rate constants	k = k_e + k_m + k_b	Excretion, metabolism, biliary
Fraction excreted unchanged	f_e = k_e / k = CL_R / CL_T

Renal clearance

Formula name	Expression	Note
Urine method	CL_R = U × V / C	U = urine concentration, V = urine flow, C = plasma concentration at mid-collection
From excretion rate	CL_R = (dX_u/dt) / C_p
Excretion rate	filtration + secretion − reabsorption
Clearance ratio	CL_R / (f_u × GFR)	Above 1: net secretion. Below 1: net reabsorption
Cockcroft–Gault	CL_cr (mL/min) = [(140 − age) × weight (kg)] / [72 × S_cr (mg/dL)]	Multiply by 0.85 for females
Giusti–Hayton factor	Q = 1 − f_e × (1 − CL_cr(patient) / CL_cr(normal))	New dose = Q × usual dose

Reference values for an adult: inulin clearance (a measure of GFR) is about 120–130 mL/min. PAH clearance (effective renal plasma flow) is about 600–650 mL/min.

Hepatic clearance:

Formula name	Expression	Note
Extraction ratio	E = (C_a − C_v) / C_a = CL_H / Q_H	Q_H = hepatic blood flow, about 1.5 L/min
Hepatic clearance	CL_H = Q_H × E
Well-stirred model	CL_H = Q_H·f_u·CL_int / (Q_H + f_u·CL_int)	CL_int = intrinsic clearance
Extraction (well-stirred)	E = f_u·CL_int / (Q_H + f_u·CL_int)
Parallel-tube model	CL_H = Q_H × (1 − e^(−f_u·CL_int / Q_H))
First-pass effect	F = F_abs × F_G × F_H, with F_H = 1 − E_H

If f_u × CL_int is much smaller than Q_H, clearance depends on binding and enzymes. If it is much larger, clearance depends on blood flow.

Urinary excretion data

Formula name	Expression	Note
Cumulative amount excreted	X_u = (k_e·X₀ / k) × (1 − e^(−kt))
Maximum amount	X_u(∞) = k_e·X₀ / k = f_e × X₀
Rate method	log(dX_u/dt) = log(k_e·X₀) − k·t* / 2.303	t* = mid-point time of each collection
Sigma-minus (ARE) method	log(X_u(∞) − X_u) = log X_u(∞) − kt / 2.303	Collect urine for about 7 half-lives

A5: One-Compartment Open Model, IV Bolus

Formula name	Expression	Note
Amount in the body	X = X₀ e^(−kt)	X₀ = IV dose
Plasma concentration	C = (X₀ / V_d) e^(−kt) = C₀ e^(−kt)
Initial concentration	C₀ = X₀ / V_d
Log form	log C = log C₀ − kt/2.303
k from the slope	k = −2.303 × slope	Slope of log C against t
Half-life	t½ = 0.693 / k
Volume of distribution	V_d = X₀ / C₀ = X₀ / (k × AUC)
AUC	AUC(0→∞) = C₀ / k = X₀ / (k·V_d) = X₀ / CL
Clearance	CL = k × V_d
Time to reach a level	t = (2.303 / k) × log(C₀ / C)
Fraction left in the body	X / X₀ = e^(−kt)
Amount eliminated	X₀ × (1 − e^(−kt))
Dose for a target level	X₀ = C_target × V_d

Worked example. A drug is given as a 500 mg IV bolus. The extrapolated C₀ is 25 mg/L. The terminal slope gives k = 0.1 h⁻¹.

V_d = X₀ / C₀ = 500 / 25 = 20 L
t½ = 0.693 / 0.1 = 6.93 h
CL = k × V_d = 0.1 × 20 = 2 L/h
AUC = X₀ / CL = 500 / 2 = 250 mg·h/L. The check C₀ / k = 25 / 0.1 gives the same value.
C at 12 h = 25 × e^(−0.1 × 12) = 25 × e^(−1.2) = about 7.5 mg/L

GPAT Study Material

Download the ebook to learn the GPAT study material.

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The remaining Part A chapters cover IV infusion, extravascular dosing, bioavailability, multiple dosing, two-compartment models, non-compartmental analysis and non-linear kinetics. Parts B and C follow in the same format.

Download GPAT Formula Sheet PDF

The full eBook is free to download on Careers360. Open the GPAT 2027 Formula Sheet PDF to get all 33 chapters and 578 formulas in one file.

What you get in the PDF:

Part A: Pharmacokinetics, 13 chapters, from rate processes to non-linear kinetics
Part B: Pharmaceutical Analysis, 9 chapters, from titration calculations to chromatography
Part C: Physical Pharmacy, 11 chapters, from solubility to drug stability
Symbol definitions, units and the condition for each formula
Quick-reference tables for constants, conversions, HLB values, equivalent weights and similar facts
A short list of common calculation slips

The formulas are expert-prepared revision material. They are not questions taken from any GPAT paper. Use the PDF beside your textbook and your mock tests. Revise one chapter at a time. Then solve problems on it before you move on.

Also Read: GPAT Question Paper 2027: Download PDF, Answer Key and Solutions

GPAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters

Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

Where These Topics Fit in the GPAT 2027 Paper

The pattern below comes from the NBEMS GPAT 2026 bulletin. Use it as the working pattern until the 2027 bulletin is out.

Feature	GPAT 2026 (NBEMS bulletin)
Mode	Computer-based test
Questions	125 multiple-choice questions
Maximum marks	500
Duration	3 hours
Marking	+4 for a correct answer, −1 for a wrong answer, 0 for unattempted
Sections	Time-bound. The bulletin's example is five sections of 25 questions, 36 minutes each

The bulletin also gives an indicative split of questions by subject.

Subject group	Questions	Marks
Pharmaceutical Chemistry and allied	38	152
Pharmaceutics and allied	38	152
Pharmacology and allied	28	112
Pharmacognosy and allied	10	40
Other subjects	11	44

The bulletin does not say which group holds pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical analysis or physical pharmacy. Prep portals place them differently. So the eBook makes no claim about their share of the paper. Treat all three as calculation-based areas that can appear across groups.

If the paper follows the bulletin's example of 25 questions in 36 minutes, each question gets about 86 seconds. A calculation question must be solved fast. That is where a memorised formula saves the most time.

How to Revise With a Formula Sheet

Use the sheet in three passes. Keep each pass short.

Read with the textbook. After you finish a chapter, read its formulas. For each one, ask three things. What do the symbols mean? What are the units? When is it valid?
Cover and recall. Hide the formula column. Read only the name and write the equation from memory. Mark the ones you miss.
Solve numericals. Pick two or three problems per chapter. Write the formula first, then substitute with units. This habit catches most unit errors.

Add a small error log. Note each wrong answer in one of three groups: did not know the formula, knew it but misread the question, or made an arithmetic slip. After two weeks the log shows your real weak spots.

A few habits help in pharmacokinetics:

Check whether a slope gives k or k/2.303. This depends on whether the graph uses log or ln.
Keep the half-life rule for first-order processes only. Zero-order half-life depends on the starting concentration.
Convert mg, g, mL and L before you substitute.
Remember that most pharmacokinetic equations in the early chapters assume a one-compartment model.

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Pranjali Mathur

8 Sep'26

Can you give me gpat perfect study book

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Shivani Poonia

27 Aug'26

currently I am studying 7th sem of b.pharm and next year i want to make a decision to choose a collage for my master studies but I am little confused about which university i have to choose or which enterance exam i have to prepare and give in future, i also preparing for gpat 2027

Hello Student, you can start shortlisting M.Pharm specializations and universities now. Depending on your interests, you could explore areas such as Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, or other available specializations. Since you are preparing for GPAT 2027, check the list of participating institutions and their individual admission requirements. While comparing

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Ananya Hira

26 Aug'26

i have completed my graduation and didn't attempt gpat or niper can i still get admission

Hey there,

Yes, you can still pursue M.Pharm after graduation even if you did not appear for GPAT or NIPER JEE, but the options differ:

M.Pharm: Many universities/colleges offer admission through their own entrance test, merit, or state-level counselling, so GPAT is not universally mandatory. GPAT is primarily used for

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Nischal Kothapalli

24 Aug'26

I want to know about admission process in M pharm 2026

if you can you name your college or have any particular state in your mind, then i can guide you better? because every college has different admission process.