AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026 - Complete Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Topics
The AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026 covers Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Hospital Pharmacy, and General Knowledge & Aptitude, spread across separate syllabi for General, Ayurvedic, and Homeopathic Pharmacist posts. The exam is a 90-minute Computer Based Test (CBT) with 100 MCQs carrying 400 total marks, with 1/4 negative marking for every wrong answer. Candidates preparing for this recruitment must understand both the subject-wise breakdown and the exam structure to plan an effective study strategy.
This article gives you a complete, easy-to-follow breakdown of the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, qualifying marks, and preparation tips, based on official notification details and previous-year exam trends.
AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam Overview
Before diving into the syllabus, it helps to know the basic exam details organising body, post name, exam dates, and qualifying criteria at a glance.
The AIIMS CRE (Common Recruitment Exam) is conducted to fill Pharmacist and other posts across various AIIMS institutes and central government bodies through a single competitive exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Competitive Recruitment Exam (CRE) |
| Post Name | Pharmacist |
| Exam Date | 22nd to 24th December 2025 |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | creaiims.aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Exam Scheme | 20 MCQs on General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer Knowledge + 80 MCQs from the relevant Pharmacy domain (General/Ayurvedic/Homeopathic), divided into 5 sections of 18 minutes each |
| Qualifying Marks | 40% (UR/EWS), 35% (OBC), 30% (SC/ST) |
AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus 2026
Since AIIMS has not released a separate subject-wise syllabus PDF in the official notification, the topics below are compiled from previous-year exam trends and CRE patterns to help candidates prepare strategically.
General Knowledge & Aptitude Topics
This common section, asked to all Pharmacist candidates regardless of category, tests awareness of current affairs, history, and general science.
Key areas include national and international current affairs, Indian history and the national movement, government budgets and five-year plans, sports, important days, books and authors, awards and honours, Indian economy, capitals and abbreviations, international organisations, and science & technology developments.
Pharmacist (General) Syllabus
This is the core domain syllabus for candidates appearing for the General Pharmacist post, focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutics | Formulation and preparation of dosage forms; dispensing and manufacturing processes |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Structure and properties of medicinal compounds; drug synthesis and reactions; analytical techniques |
| Pharmacognosy | Medicinal plants and natural products; herb identification; plant-derived drugs |
| Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | Body chemical processes; blood and urine analysis; lab test interpretation |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology | Body structure and organ system functions |
| Health Education & Community Pharmacy | Health promotion; community pharmacy services; patient counselling |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | Drug actions, side effects, interactions and contraindications |
| Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | Drug laws, ethics, Pharmacy Act and Drug Control |
| Drug Store & Business Management | Inventory management; financial and marketing operations |
| Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | Hospital pharmacy practice; clinical drug monitoring; medication dispensing |
Pharmacist (Ayurved) Syllabus
Candidates applying for the Ayurvedic Pharmacist post are tested on traditional Ayurvedic pharmacology along with basic medical sciences.
Major topics include basic principles of Ayurveda (Tridosha, Saptadhatu, Agni and Ama), Ayurvedic pharmacology and herbal formulations (Kwath, Churna, Asava, Arishta, Bhasma), dosage and administration, pharmaceutical preparation techniques, drug-herb interactions, Rasa Shastra (Ayurvedic toxicology), clinical applications for common ailments, Ayurvedic pharmacognosy, relevant anatomy and physiology, and current research trends in Ayurveda.
Pharmacist (Homeopathy) Syllabus
This syllabus covers homeopathic pharmacy principles alongside core medical science subjects.
Topics include Human Anatomy & Physiology, Introductory Homeopathy (including tissue remedies), Clinical Pathology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Health Education & Community Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy, Social Pharmacy, and Pharmacy Laws.
AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern explains how questions are distributed, the marking scheme, and the time limit candidates must manage during the test.
| Exam Pattern | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 100 (20 GK/Aptitude/Computer + 80 Domain-specific) |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
- The exam is a Computer-Based Test with a 90-minute total duration.
- Each correct answer carries 4 marks; each wrong answer deducts 1/4 mark.
- The paper is divided into 5 sections of 18 minutes each candidates can only attempt questions in the currently active section.
- For 10th/12th-level posts, the exam is bilingual (English and Hindi); for technical/higher qualification posts like Pharmacist, it is conducted in English only.
- Qualifying marks: 40% (UR/EWS), 35% (OBC), 30% (SC/ST and PwBD).
AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Preparation Tips
Smart preparation means balancing subject-wise study with time management and revision strategy.
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly before starting preparation.
- Prioritise pharmacy-specific subjects Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy Practice, and Pharmacognosy.
- Stay updated on healthcare and pharmacy-related current affairs.
- Strengthen General English and quantitative aptitude/reasoning skills through regular practice.
- Solve previous year papers and take timed mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
- Practice completing each 18-minute section within time, since unattempted sections cannot be revisited.
- Revise core concepts in the final days instead of studying new topics, and keep your admit card and ID proof ready.
