AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026 covers six core pharmacy domains: Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Hospital Pharmacy, and General Knowledge & Aptitude. The exam is conducted as a 90-minute Computer Based Test with 100 MCQs and 400 total marks, featuring 1/4 negative marking for incorrect responses. AIIMS conducts this recruitment separately for General, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathic Pharmacist posts, each with distinct syllabus requirements. This syllabus is based on the official exam pattern released by AIIMS CRE.
Candidates must understand that the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist exam acts as a single-stage written test for recruitment across multiple AIIMS institutes and affiliated government health centres. The exam structure-divided into five 18-minute sections-requires time management as candidates cannot revisit previous sections once they move forward.
Understanding the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam
The AIIMS CRE Pharmacist exam evaluates foundational and applied knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and healthcare management. It assesses a candidate’s competency in drug formulation, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, medicinal plant knowledge, and pharmacy operations. This exam qualifies candidates for Pharmacist positions across AIIMS institutes, institutions of national importance in medical education and healthcare delivery. The exam is designed for graduates holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree and tests both theoretical understanding and practical application of pharmacy concepts.
Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | AIIMS CRE (Competitive Recruitment Exam) |
| Post Name | Pharmacist (General, Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic) |
| Exam Date | 22/12/2025 to 24/12/2025 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 mark per wrong answer |
| Qualifying Marks | UR/EWS: 40%, OBC: 35%, SC/ST/PwBD: 30% |
| Official Website | creaiims.aiimsexams.ac.in |
Selection Process
The AIIMS CRE Pharmacist recruitment is completed in a single stage:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) – 90 minutes, 100 MCQs, 400 marks
- Merit list preparation based on CBT performance
- Document verification and final appointment
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer Knowledge | 20 | 80 |
| Pharmacy Domain-Specific (General/Ayurvedic/Homoeopathic) | 80 | 320 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Duration: 90 minutes total, divided into 5 sections of 18 minutes each
Marking Scheme: 4 marks per correct answer; 1/4 mark (0.25) deducted per wrong answer; 0 marks for unattempted questions
Important Notes:
- The exam is conducted in English only for Pharmacist posts
- The paper is divided into 5 sections; candidates can only attempt questions in the currently active section and cannot revisit previous sections
- Qualifying marks vary by category: UR/EWS require 40%, OBC require 35%, SC/ST and PwBD require 30%
Detailed Syllabus – General Knowledge & Aptitude
This section is common to all Pharmacist candidates (General, Ayurvedic, and Homoeopathic) and carries 20 MCQs (80 marks).
General Knowledge
- National and international current affairs
- Indian history and the national movement
- Government budgets and Five-Year Plans
- Sports and games
- Important national and international days
- Books and authors
- Awards and honours
- Indian economy and economic policies
- Capitals and official abbreviations
- International organisations and bodies
- Science and technology developments
- Environment and ecology
Aptitude and Reasoning
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Numerical ability and quantitative skills
- Verbal reasoning and comprehension
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Data interpretation
Computer Knowledge
- Basic computer operations and terminology
- Operating systems (Windows, Linux)
- MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet and email basics
- Cybersecurity and data protection fundamentals
Detailed Syllabus – Pharmacist (General)
Pharmaceutics
- Formulation and preparation of dosage forms (tablets, capsules, injectables, creams, ointments)
- Preformulation studies and stability testing
- Dispensing and manufacturing processes
- Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics
- Bioavailability and bioequivalence
- Protein and peptide drug delivery
- Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS)
- Quality assurance and good manufacturing practice (GMP)
- Sterilisation and aseptic processing
- Packaging and storage of pharmaceutical products
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Structure and properties of medicinal compounds
- Drug synthesis and chemical reactions
- Analytical techniques (chromatography, spectroscopy)
- Pharmaceutical analysis and standardisation
- Structure-activity relationships (SAR)
- Chemistry of representative drugs
- Organic chemistry principles relevant to drugs
- Inorganic pharmaceutical chemistry
- Biochemical pathways and metabolic processes
Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Drug actions, mechanisms, and pharmacodynamics
- Side effects, adverse drug reactions, and contraindications
- Drug interactions and incompatibilities
- Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME)
- Autonomic nervous system drugs
- Cardiovascular and antihypertensive agents
- Gastrointestinal drugs
- Respiratory system drugs
- Hormonal and endocrine agents
- Antimicrobials and antiinfectives
- Chemotherapy and anticancer agents
- Immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory agents
- Toxicology and poisoning management
- Drug dependence and addiction
Pharmacognosy
- Medicinal plants and natural products
- Herb identification and botanical classification
- Plant-derived drugs and their therapeutic uses
- Phytochemistry and active constituents
- Cultivation and collection of medicinal plants
- Quality assessment of herbal products
- Ayurvedic and herbal formulations
- Adverse effects of herbal medicines
Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology
- Carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism
- Nucleic acid synthesis and degradation
- Enzyme kinetics and regulation
- Blood composition and coagulation
- Urine analysis and interpretation
- Laboratory test interpretation
- Pathological conditions and diagnosis
- Immunology and serological tests
Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Skeletal and muscular systems
- Nervous system structure and function
- Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Digestive system and metabolism
- Endocrine system and hormones
- Renal and urinary systems
- Reproductive system
- Organ functions and homeostasis
Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Pharmacy Act and licensing requirements
- Drug laws and regulations (Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940)
- Schedule classifications of drugs
- Pharmacy ethics and professional conduct
- Product liability and intellectual property
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Regulatory compliance and documentation
Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy
- Hospital pharmacy practice and organization
- Drug storage and inventory management
- Medication dispensing and patient safety
- Clinical drug monitoring and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)
- Drug interactions in clinical settings
- Adverse drug reaction monitoring and reporting
- Pharmacovigilance
- Clinical pharmacy services
- Dosage calculation and adjustment
Health Education and Community Pharmacy
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Community pharmacy services
- Patient counselling and education
- Counselling on chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drug recommendations
- Public health programs and initiatives
- Epidemiology and disease surveillance
- Community engagement and outreach
Drug Store and Business Management
- Inventory management and stock control
- Procurement and purchasing procedures
- Pricing and cost analysis
- Financial management and accounting
- Marketing and promotional strategies
- Customer service and relationship management
- Regulatory compliance in pharmacy business
Detailed Syllabus – Pharmacist (Ayurvedic)
Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
- Tridosha theory (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
- Saptadhatu (seven body tissues)
- Agni and digestive fire concepts
- Ama (toxins) and pathophysiology
- Prakriti (constitution) and individual variation
Ayurvedic Pharmacology and Formulations
- Kwath (decoctions) and preparation methods
- Churna (powders) and dosage forms
- Asava and Arishta (fermented preparations)
- Bhasma (calcined minerals) and preparation techniques
- Taila (oils) and their therapeutic uses
- Ghrita (medicated ghee)
- Rasa (mercurial) preparations
- Dosage and administration guidelines
- Shelf life and storage of Ayurvedic formulations
Rasa Shastra (Ayurvedic Toxicology)
- Mercury and its compounds in Ayurveda
- Detoxification processes (Swedana, Mardana)
- Safety protocols for mineral preparations
- Toxicity management and antidotes
- Quality control of Rasa formulations
Ayurvedic Pharmacognosy
- Medicinal plants in Ayurvedic texts
- Classical and modern drug sources
- Identification and authentication of Ayurvedic herbs
- Phytochemistry of important Ayurvedic plants
- Seasonal collection and processing
Pharmaceutical Preparation Techniques (Ayurvedic)
- Classical preparation methods from Ayurvedic texts
- Quality parameters and testing
- Standardisation of Ayurvedic formulations
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance
- Stability testing of traditional formulations
Clinical Applications in Ayurveda
- Treatment of common ailments (fever, cough, digestive disorders)
- Seasonal therapy (Ritucharya)
- Preventive health practices (Dinacharya)
- Panchakarma therapies and detoxification
- Management of chronic conditions
Drug-Herb Interactions and Safety
- Interactions between Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines
- Adverse effects and contraindications
- Patient safety and monitoring
- Regulatory requirements for Ayurvedic products
Relevant Anatomy and Physiology
- Body systems and their Ayurvedic understanding
- Pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha) and diagnosis
- Tissue and system-level observations
Ayurvedic Jurisprudence
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act compliance for Ayurvedic products
- Licensing and regulatory requirements
- Professional ethics in Ayurvedic pharmacy
Current Research Trends in Ayurveda
- Evidence-based Ayurvedic medicine
- Clinical research methodologies
- Modern validation of traditional formulations
Detailed Syllabus – Pharmacist (Homoeopathy)
Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Body systems and organ functions
- Homeostatic mechanisms
- Pathophysiological changes in disease
Introductory Homeopathy
- History and philosophy of homoeopathy
- Fundamental principles (law of similars, potentization, dynamization)
- Materia Medica fundamentals
- Tissue remedies and biochemic salts
- Repertory and case-taking methods
Clinical Pathology and Toxicology
- Disease processes and diagnostic methods
- Laboratory investigations and interpretation
- Pathological conditions and their homoeopathic management
- Poisoning and toxicological aspects
Pharmaceutics (Homoeopathic)
- Homoeopathic remedy preparation (trituration, dilution, succussion)
- Mother tinctures and processes
- Potency levels and selection
- Homoeopathic formulations (tablets, drops, liquid preparations)
- Storage and stability of remedies
- Quality control and standardisation
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Chemical constituents of homoeopathic medicines
- Reaction mechanisms in potentiation
- Analytical methods for remedy verification
Health Education and Community Pharmacy
- Public awareness about homoeopathy
- Patient counselling and remedy education
- Prevention and health promotion
Pharmacognosy
- Medicinal plants in homoeopathy
- Plant-derived homoeopathic remedies
- Natural substance identification and sourcing
Social Pharmacy
- Social aspects of homoeopathic practice
- Community health integration
- Public health role of homoeopathy
Pharmacy Laws and Regulations
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act compliance for homoeopathic products
- Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia requirements
- Licensing and professional standards
- Ethical practice guidelines
High-Weightage Areas
| Subject/Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Domain-Specific (General/Ayurvedic/Homoeopathic) | 320 |
| General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer Knowledge | 80 |
The domain-specific section carries 320 marks out of 400 total, making it the highest-priority area for all Pharmacist candidates. Within the General Pharmacist syllabus, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry together form the core subjects and should receive substantial preparation time. For Ayurvedic Pharmacist candidates, the fundamental principles of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic pharmacological formulations are weighted heavily. For Homoeopathic Pharmacist candidates, understanding homoeopathic principles, remedy preparation, and clinical application is critical. The General Knowledge and Aptitude section, while carrying fewer marks, remains important because its questions are straightforward, and candidates can score quickly if well-prepared.
Preparation Strategy for AIIMS CRE Pharmacist 2026
The AIIMS CRE Pharmacist exam demands balanced coverage of all pharmacy domains, as the 80 domain-specific MCQs span six major subjects without a predictable weightage distribution. Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology typically carry significant representation in competitive pharmacy exams, so allocating more study time to these subjects pays dividends. The 18-minute section system is a unique constraint; candidates must practice solving questions within strictly timed sections rather than managing time across the full 90-minute test. General Knowledge and Aptitude topics, being more objective and time-efficient to prepare, should be completed early, freeing final weeks for deep revision of challenging pharmacy concepts like drug interactions, adverse reactions, and dosage adjustments.
How to Use This Syllabus Effectively
- Download the official exam pattern and detailed syllabus from the AIIMS CRE website and compare it with this syllabus to ensure no topics have changed since this article’s publication date.
- Review the High-Weightage Areas table above and allocate your study time accordingly-80% of effort should go to the pharmacy domain-specific section (Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Hospital Pharmacy) and 20% to General Knowledge and Aptitude.
- Go through each subject listed in the Detailed Syllabus section sequentially, ticking off topics as you complete them. Use a study planner to track which topics you have revised and which need more attention.
- Solve previous-year AIIMS CRE Pharmacist question papers and take mock tests in the exact 18-minute section format to build speed and understand the exam’s difficulty level and question patterns.
- In the final two weeks before the exam, focus on revising high-yield topics from Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics, solving full-length mock tests, and practising time management within the five 18-minute sections.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official AIIMS CRE Website | Visit Website |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Register for Exam | Apply Now |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026 primarily focused on?
Ans. The AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026 covers six core pharmacy domains: Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Hospital Pharmacy, and General Knowledge & Aptitude. The 80 MCQs on pharmacy-specific content test applied knowledge in drug formulation, clinical practice, adverse reactions, and pharmacy management. The remaining 20 MCQs assess general awareness and reasoning skills.
Q2. Are there separate syllabi for General, Ayurvedic, and Homoeopathic Pharmacist posts?
Ans. Yes. All three categories share the same General Knowledge and Aptitude section (20 MCQs), but the domain-specific section (80 MCQs) differs. General Pharmacist candidates are tested on standard pharmaceutical sciences. Ayurvedic Pharmacist candidates answer questions on Ayurvedic principles, formulations, and Rasa Shastra. Homoeopathic Pharmacist candidates are assessed on homoeopathic philosophy, remedy preparation, and clinical applications.
Q3. How much time should I allocate to each subject during preparation?
Ans. Allocate approximately 35-40% of your time to Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics combined, as these subjects form the backbone of pharmaceutical practice and typically carry significant weightage. Dedicate 20-25% to Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 15-20% to Pharmacognosy and Hospital Pharmacy, 10% to Biochemistry and Anatomy & Physiology, and 5-10% to General Knowledge and Aptitude.
Q4. What is the most challenging aspect of the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist exam?
Ans. The 18-minute sectional time limit is the most challenging aspect for most candidates. Unlike exams, where you can revisit sections, AIIMS CRE does not allow candidates to return to previous sections. This requires practising time management intensively-you must solve 20 questions accurately in 18 minutes, which demands speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Q5. How is negative marking applied in this exam?
Ans. For every wrong answer, 1/4 mark (0.25 mark) is deducted. This is a mild negative marking scheme compared to other competitive exams. Correct answers carry 4 marks, unattempted questions carry 0 marks. Strategic guessing is possible, but accuracy should be prioritised over attempting all questions.
Q6. Should I focus more on pharmacology or pharmaceutical chemistry?
Ans. Both subjects are essential, but Pharmacology typically appears more frequently in competitive exams because it tests practical clinical knowledge, drug interactions, side effects, contraindications, and dosage adjustments. Pharmaceutical Chemistry, while important, focuses more on theoretical aspects. Balance both, but ensure strong fundamentals in Pharmacology’s practical applications.
Q7. Is the syllabus the same as in previous years?
Ans. AIIMS has not released a formal subject-wise syllabus PDF for the 2026 exam. The topics listed in this article are compiled from the official exam pattern and previous-year trends. Verify the latest syllabus on the official AIIMS CRE website, as minor changes or new topics may have been added.
Q8. How many hours per day should I study to cover this syllabus?
Ans. Candidates typically require 4-6 months of consistent preparation, studying 4-5 hours daily, to cover this syllabus comprehensively. If you have a background in B.Pharm, this timeline may be reduced. The actual time depends on your current knowledge level, study quality, and revision cycles rather than study hours alone.
Your Next Step
Begin your preparation by downloading the official exam pattern from the AIIMS CRE portal and cross-referencing it with the detailed syllabus sections above. Start with Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics, the two subjects carrying the highest conceptual weight and likely question frequency. Practice solving previous-year papers in the exact 18-minute section format from day one. This constraints-based preparation will ensure you can manage both accuracy and speed during the actual exam. Stay updated with our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com for announcements on AIIMS CRE exam dates, admit card releases, and result declarations.
