The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducts the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam to recruit qualified pharmacists. Preparing for this exam requires a clear understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and the best resources to use. This article covers the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus, the exam pattern, recommended books for preparation, and frequently asked questions to guide aspiring candidates.
AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam Pattern 2025
The AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam is designed to evaluate candidates on subject knowledge, reasoning, and general awareness. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern:
| Exam Pattern | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Questions | 100 (25 MCQs related to General Knowledge & Aptitude, Knowledge of Computer) and 75 MCQs related to the domain of the respective group |
| Total Marks | 400 Marks |
| Type of Question | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | 90 Minutes |
Section-Wise Distribution
| Subject | Number of Questions |
| Pharmacy Subject Knowledge | 100 |
| General Awareness | 30 |
| General English | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | 25 |
| S.No. | Subjects in AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus (General) | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pharmaceutics | – Formulation and preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms. – Dispensing and manufacturing processes. |
| 2 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | – Structure and properties of medicinal compounds. – Synthesis and reactions of drugs. – Analytical techniques. |
| 3 | Pharmacognosy | – Medicinal plants and natural products. – Identification and use of herbs. – Plant-derived drugs. |
| 4 | Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology | – Chemical processes in the body. – Blood and urine analysis. – Laboratory tests and their interpretation. |
| 5 | Human Anatomy & Physiology | – Structure and function of the human body. – Organ systems and their physiological functions. |
| 6 | Health Education & Community Pharmacy | – Health promotion and prevention. – Community pharmacy services. – Patient counseling and education. |
| 7 | Pharmacology & Toxicology | – Drug actions, uses, and side effects. – Toxicological effects of drugs. – Drug interactions and contraindications. |
| 8 | Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence | – Drug regulations and laws. – Ethical practices in pharmacy. – Pharmacy Act and Drug Control. |
| 9 | Drug Store and Business Management | – Managing drug stores and inventory. – Business operations, including financial management and marketing. |
| 10 | Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy | – Hospital pharmacy practices. – Clinical drug monitoring and patient care. – Dispensing medication in clinical settings. |
Pharmacist (Ayurved)
Topics which will be covered in the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus (Ayurved) 2025 examination which aspirants must be aware and updated.
| S.No. | Topics in AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus (Ayurved) | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Principles of Ayurveda | Introduction to Ayurveda: Tridosha, Saptadhatu, Malas, Panchamahabhutas, Prakriti, Vikriti Concept of Agni and Ama (digestive fire and toxins) Role of digestive fire in health |
| 2 | Ayurvedic Pharmacology | Herbal Medicine: Common Ayurvedic herbs and their therapeutic uses Pharmacological actions of Ayurvedic herbs (Vata, Pitta, Kapha balancing) Formulations: Kwath, Churna, Asava, Arishta, Bhasma |
| 3 | Dosage and Administration | Ayurvedic dosage forms and administration Preparation and use of Ayurvedic medicines Therapeutic dosages and precautions in drug administration |
| 4 | Pharmaceutical Procedures in Ayurveda | Preparation Techniques: Decoction, Powder, Paste, Infusion, Syrup, Oil and Bhasma Pharmacovigilance: Adverse effects and safety protocols Storage, preservation and labeling of Ayurvedic medicines |
| 5 | Ayurvedic Drug Interactions | Drug-herb interactions Potential side effects of commonly used Ayurvedic drugs Contraindications of Ayurvedic formulations |
| 6 | Ayurvedic Toxicology (Rasa Shastra) | Understanding Toxicity: Identification and management of toxic substances used in Ayurveda Use of Metals and Minerals in Ayurvedic treatment (e.g., Bhasma) |
| 7 | Clinical Application of Ayurvedic Medicines | Treatment of Common Ailments: Diseases of Vata, Pitta, Kapha imbalance and Ayurvedic remedies Specialized Treatments: For digestive disorders, respiratory issues, skin diseases, etc. |
| 8 | Ayurvedic Pharmacognosy | Study of plant and mineral sources of Ayurvedic drugs Collection, identification and preparation of medicinal plants Study of Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia |
| 9 | Basic Medical Sciences for Pharmacists | Anatomy and Physiology: Overview relevant to Ayurvedic treatments Modern Medicine Basics: Interaction of Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments Pathology and Microbiology |
| 10 | Current Trends in Ayurvedic Research | Research methodology in Ayurvedic pharmacology Overview of clinical trials and evidence-based Ayurveda Modern advances in Ayurvedic medicine and formulations |
| 11 | General Knowledge | Ayurveda in the Modern World: Role in contemporary healthcare Healthcare Policies and Regulations related to Ayurvedic drugs General Knowledge: Trends in medicine and healthcare |
Pharmacist (Homeopathy)
Topics which will be covered in the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus (Homeopathy) 2025 examination which aspirants must be aware and updated.
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology (Homeopathy) | Covers the basics of human anatomy and physiology. |
| Introductory Homeopathy | Covers the basics of homeopathy, including tissue remedies. |
| Clinical Pathology and Toxicology (Homeopathy) | Covers clinical pathology and toxicology. |
| Pharmaceutics (Homeopathy) | Covers the study of dosage forms and drug delivery systems. |
| Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Homeopathy) | Covers the chemistry of compounds used in medicine. |
| Health Education and Community Pharmacy (Homeopathy) | Covers health education and community pharmacy. |
| Pharmacognosy (Homeopathy) | Covers the study of pharmacognosy. |
| Social Pharmacy (Homeopathy) | Covers social pharmacy. |
| Pharmacy Laws (Homeopathy) | Covers pharmacy laws. |
AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Syllabus
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Basic Science Concepts
- Health and Medical Updates
- Indian History and Culture
General English
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms and Antonyms
Quantitative Aptitude
- Basic Arithmetic
- Percentages and Ratios
- Data Interpretation
- Algebra and Geometry
Logical Reasoning
- Problem Solving
- Logical Sequences
- Coding and Decoding
- Puzzles and Series
Recommended Books for AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam Preparation
To ace the exam, it’s crucial to refer to the best study materials. Below is a curated list of recommended books available on Amazon:
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Price Range (INR) |
| AIIMS Pharmacist Exam Guide | Arihant Experts | 500 – 700 |
| Comprehensive Pharmacy Review | Leon Shargel | 600 – 900 |
| Objective Pharmacy Questions for Competitive Exams | Sahabjada Wahab | 350 – 550 |
| General English for Competitive Exams | S.P. Bakshi | 300 – 500 |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | 400 – 600 |
Note: Prices may vary based on discounts and availability.
FAQs on AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam?
- Candidates must have a Diploma or Degree in Pharmacy from a recognized institution. Registration with the Pharmacy Council of India is mandatory.
2. Is there negative marking in the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam?
- Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3 marks for each incorrect answer.
3. How many sections are there in the AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam?
- The exam comprises five sections: Pharmacy Subject Knowledge, General Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.
4. Can I crack the exam in 2 months of preparation?
- Yes, with a focused study plan and the right resources, it is possible to prepare effectively in 2 months.
5. Are previous year’s question papers available for practice?
- Yes, practicing previous year’s question papers helps understand the exam pattern and important topics.
6. Where can I find the official notification for AIIMS CRE Pharmacist Exam?
- The official notification is published on the AIIMS official website and related portals.