NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY

Vision

The right candidates joining best institutions will give India her demographic dividend.

Mission

To improve equity and quality in education by administering research based valid, reliable, efficient, transparent, fair and international level assessments. The best subject matter experts, psychometricians and IT delivery and security professionals will ensure that the current gaps in existing assessment systems are properly identified and bridged.

Core Values

NTA will create a system which will promote teaching (by teachers), learning (by students) and assessment (by parents and institutions). NTA strongly believes in quality, efficiency, effectiveness, equity and security of assessments. To practice these values, NTA will constantly engage with its stakeholders, viz. students, parents, teachers, experts and partner institutions.

A. IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DATES AT A GLANCE

(Please refer to Information Bulletin for details)

Dates, fee details and Application Procedure:

Online registration and submission of Application Form (complete in all respect) through NTA Website: gpat.nta.nic.in

Last date for successful transaction of examination fee (through Canara/ ICICI Bank Credit Card/ Debit Card/Net Banking upto 11:50 pm)

13 February 2023 – 06 March 2023 (upto 05:00 P.M.)

06 March 2023 (upto 11:50 P.M.)

Fee payable for GPAT – 2023 (through Credit Card /Debit Card (except Master/Visa Card)/ Net-Banking/UPI)

General (UR)

Gen-EWS/ SC/ST/PwD /OBC-(NCL)

Male- ₹ 2200/- Female- ₹ 1100/-

Male- ₹ 1100/- Female- ₹ 1100/-

Third gender ₹ 1100/-

*Applicable service/processing charges & GST over and above the examination fee, are to be paid by the candidate to the concerned Bank/ Payment Gateway Integrator (For details refer to Annexure-I).

Correction in the Particulars of Application Form online only 07 March 2023 - 09 March 2023

Downloading of Admit Cards by the candidate from NTA website

Date of Examination

To be announced on the website

To be announced later through website.

Duration of Examination 180 minutes (3.00 hours)

Timing of Examination

To be announced later on the website

Exam Centre As indicated on the Admit Card

Display of Recorded Responses and Provisional Answer

Keys on the Website for inviting challenges

To be announced later through website.

Will be intimated later through website. Website gpat.nta.nic.in / www.nta.ac.in

Declaration of Result on NTA Website

[Note: (i) Multiple Application Forms submitted by a candidate will not be accepted at any cost.

(ii) The fee can be submitted only online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card or UPI Services. Processing charges and GST as applicable are chargeable to the candidate (in addition to the examination fee) by the concerned Bank/Payment Gateway Integrator. For details / procedure, please see Annexure-I]

1. Candidates must read carefully the Instructions (including how to fill up application form online) given in the Information Bulletin available on the NTA Website. Candidates not complying with the Instructions shall be summarily disqualified.

2. Candidates can apply for GPAT 2023 through “Online” mode only The Application Form in any other mode will not be accepted.

3. Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate. More than one application i.e. multiple Application Forms submitted by a candidate will not be accepted.

4. Instructions for filling Online Application Form:  Download Information Bulletin and Replica of Application Form. Read these carefully to ensure your eligibility.

 Follow the steps given below to Apply Online: Step-1: Register for Online Registration using your own Email Id and Mobile No.and note down system generated Application Number.

Step-2: Complete the Online Application Form and note down the system generated

Application Number. Upload legible scanned images of: (i) a recent photograph (file size 10Kb – 200Kb) either in colour or black & white with 80% face (without mask) visible including ears against white background; (ii) candidate‟s signature (file size: 4kb - 30kb) (iii) PwD certificate (file size: 50kb to 300kb), if applicable Step-3: Pay fee using Canara/ICICI Bank through Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI and keep proof of fee paid

 Download, save and print a copy of Confirmation Page of the Application Form (which would be downloadable only after successful remittance of fee) for future reference.

 All the 3 Steps can be done together or at separate timings. The submission of Application of a candidate could be considered as successful and his/her candidature would be confirmed only on the successful transaction/receipt of the prescribed application fee from him/her.

5. The Confirmation Page of the online Application Form will be generated only after successful payment by the Candidate.

 In case the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment of fee, then the candidate should approach the concerned Bank/Payment Gateway (in the helpline no. and email given in Annexure- I of the Information Bulletin) for ensuring the successful payment or for obtaining the refund of duplicate / multiple payments.

 However, if inspite of above action payment has not been successfully made it means that the transaction has not been completed and the amount not reflected in the NTA account. Such amount will be refunded to concerned Credit/Debit Card within a reasonable time. Therefore, such candidates have to pay the fee once again and ensure the OK fee status.

6. Candidates shall ensure that the information entered by them in their respective online Application Form is correct.

7. Information provided by the candidates in their respective online Application Forms, like, name of candidate, contact/ address details, category, PwD status, educational qualification details, date of birth, choice of exam cities, etc. will be treated as final. Any request for change in such particulars after the closure of correction period will not be considered by NTA under any circumstances.

8. NTA does not edit /modify/alter any information entered by the candidates under any circumstances. Any request for change in information after submission of Application Form will not be entertained. Therefore, candidates are advised to exercise utmost caution for filling up correct details in the Application Form.

9. NTA disclaims any liability that may arise to a candidate(s) due to incorrect information provided by him/her in his/her online Application Form

10. Candidates must ensure that their email address and mobile number to be registered in their online Application Form are their own, as relevant/important information/ communication will be sent by NTA through e-mail on the registered e-mail address and / or through SMS on registered mobile number only. NTA shall not be responsible for any non-communication / miscommunication with a candidate in the email address or mobile number given by him/her other than his/her own.

Candidates are advised to visit the NTA Website and check their e-mails regularly for latest updates.

11. Candidates are also requested to download and install the SANDES application as a secondary channel to receive time-to-time notifications from NTA.

SANDES APP can be downloaded and installed on Mobile Device by following the below-listed steps:

• Visit the Google Play Store on your Mobile Device.

• Search for the “Sandes App” in the search bar.

• It then displays the app in the play store.

• Click on Install, and then the app gets downloaded to your mobile device.

• Now, mobile users can enjoy the services of the Sandes Mobile App.

12. Candidates shall appear at their own cost at the Examination Centre on the Date, Shift and time indicated on their Admit Cards issued by the NTA in due course through its Website.

Note: i. The final submission of Online Application Form will remain incomplete if Step-2 and step-3 are not complete. Such forms will stand rejected and no correspondence on this account will be entertained. ii. No request for refund of fee once remitted by the candidate will be entertained by NTA under any circumstances. iii. NTA is facilitating to all candidates with an additional platform of UMANG and DigiLocker to download their documents like Confirmation Page, Admit Card, Score Cards, etc. Instruction will be provided in subsequent phases. Candidates are advised to visit the NTA Website and check their e-mails regularly for the latest updates. iv. The entire application process for GPAT 2023 is online, including uploading of scanned images, payment of fees, and printing of confirmation page, admit card, etc. Therefore, candidates are not required to send/submit any document(s) including confirmation page to NTA through Post/ Fax/WhatsApp/Email/by Hand. v. Usage of Data and Information: NTA/Government of India can use the data provided by the End Users (test taker in this case) for internal purpose(s) including training, research and development, analysis and other permissible purpose(s). However, this information is not for use by any third party or private agency for any other use.

Brief Advisory regarding COVID-19 Pandemic:

Candidates are advised to carry only the following with them into the examination venue: a) Admit Card along with Self Declaration (Undertaking) downloaded from the NTA Website (a clear printout on A4 size paper) duly filled in. b) A simple transparent Ball Point Pen. c) Additional photograph, to be pasted on Attendance Sheet d) Personal hand sanitizer (50 ml). e) Personal transparent water bottle. f) ID Proof. g) Sugar tablets/fruits (like banana/apple/orange) in case the candidate is diabetic.

Note:

1. Candidate shall ensure that the information (like, his/her name. mother‟s name, father‟s name, gender, date of birth, category, PwD status, mobile number, email address, photograph and signature, choice of cities for exam centre, etc.) provided by them in their online Application Form are correct and of their own. Candidates are advised to exercise utmost care for filling up correct details in the Application Form. Any request for change in the particulars after the closure of correction period will not be considered by NTA under any circumstances. Corrections sent by the candidate through Post/ Fax/WhatsApp/Email/by Hand will not be entertained by NTA.

2. In case it is found at any time in future that the Candidate has used / uploaded the photograph, signature and certificate(s) of someone else in his/ her Application Form / Admit Card or he/she has tampered his/her Admit Card / result, these acts of the candidate shall be treated as Unfair Means (UFM) Practices on his/her part and he/she shall be proceeded with the actions as contemplated under the provisions of the Information Bulletin relating to Unfair Means Practices.

3. Candidates are NOT allowed to carry Instruments, Geometry or Pencil box, Handbag, Purse, any kind of Paper/ Stationery/ Textual material (printed or written material), Eatables (loose or packed), Mobile Phone/ Earphone/ Microphone/ Pager, Calculator, DocuPen, Slide Rules, Log Tables, Camera, Tape Recorder, Electronic Watches with facilities of calculator, any metallic item or electronic gadgets/ devices in the Examination Hall/Room. Smoking, chewing gutka, spitting etc. in the Examination Room/Hall is strictly prohibited

4. If any candidate is in possession of any of the above item, his/ her candidature will be treated as unfair means and lead to cancellation of the current examination & also debar the candidate for future examination(s) & the material will be seized.

Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) For

Academic Session 2023-2024

1. About National Testing Agency(NTA)

The Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GOI) has established the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an independent, autonomous, and self-sustained premier testing organization under the Societies Registration Act (1860) for conducting efficient, transparent and international standards tests in order to assess the competency of candidates for admissions to premier higher education institutions.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the Ministry of Education with the task of conducting the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) w.e.f 2019

2. About Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test

Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a National Level Entrance Examination for entry into M. Pharma Programme

Till 2018, the Test was conducted by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). NTA is conducting this Test since 2019.

This test facilitates institutions to select suitable Pharmacy graduates for admission into the Masters (M. Pharma) program. The GPAT is a three hours Computer Based Online Test.

The GPAT score is accepted by all AICTE-Approved Institutions / University Departments / Constituent Colleges /Affiliated Colleges.

3. Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT)-2023

3.1 GPAT-2023 will be conducted by NTA as three hour entrance examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to evaluate the candidates‟ ability across various segments, for admission to the Masters (M.Pharma) program Courses in the Academic Session 2023-24. The participating Institutions of GPAT-2023 are the Institutions which will be accepting the GPAT Scores

3.2 NTA does not verify the information provided by the candidates during online registration and hence candidature will be purely provisional subject to fulfillment of eligibility criteria as per AICTE norms

3.3 NTA has no role in counselling for admission to the Masters (M.Pharma) program. Candidates must apply separately to the desired GPAT-2023 Participating institutions with the GPAT Score 2023. Thereafter, each Participating Institute will release their respective cut off GPAT Scores which a candidate should meet to get qualified for admission to that particular Institution. Once qualified, the candidate will have to comply with the selection procedure of that particular Institution, which may comprise of Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). The final selection of the candidate will be based on the candidate‟s performance in GD & PI

3.4 Candidates are advised to read the details of the admission process of each Participating Institute of GPAT-2023 on their respective websites

4. Scheme of Examination

4.1 Pattern of Examination

The syllabus for the exam will be as prescribed by AICTE.

The medium of Question Paper shall be in English only.

i) Each question carries 04 (four) marks.

ii) For each correct response, candidate will get 04 (four) marks.

iii) For each incorrect response, 01 (one) mark will be deducted from the total score.

iv) Un-answered/un-attempted will be given no marks.

v) To answer a question, the candidate needs to choose one option which is most appropriate vi) However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or change in key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer Key will be awarded marks. vii) In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates irrespective of the fact who have attempted it or not

5. Eligibility Criteria for GPAT-2023

5.1 The candidate must hold a Bachelor‟s Degree in Pharmacy (4 years after 10+2, including lateral entry students) or equivalent from a recognized university. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor‟s Degree B.Pharmacy (10+2+4) whose result will be declared before commencement of admission for academic year 2023-24 can also apply for GPAT2023 Computer Based Test (CBT)

5.2 B.Tech. (Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Technology)/ equivalent candidates are not eligible to apply. The candidate must be a citizen of India

5.3

6. Reservations

6.1 In the case of Institutes run by the Central Government, the reservation would be applicable as mentioned below:

(i) 15% of the seats Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates

(ii) 7.5% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates

(iii) 27% seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates as per the Central List*

(iv) 10% of the seats for General Economically Weaker Sections (General - EWS) candidates

(v) Persons with Disability (PwD) with 40% or more disability

6.2 Each category will have 5% reservations for the candidates with 40% or more disability as defined in Section 2 (r) and (zc) of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

6.3 In the case of the Institutes run/aided/recognized by State Governments, the reservation policy of the respective State Governments shall be applicable.

Notes:

1. The benefit of reservation for admission to Central Educational Insititutions (CEIs) shall be given only to those classes/castes/tribes which are in the respective Central List published by the Government of India from time to time.

2. *Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (OBC–NCL) are as per the Central list of Other Backward Classes available on National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), Government of India website www.ncbc.nic.in Thus, the candidates falling in this list may mention OBC in the Category Column. State list OBC Candidates who are not in OBC-NCL (Central List) must choose General.

3. Economically Weaker Section (EWS) his provision would be regulated as per the OM No. 20013/01/2019-BC-II dated January 17, 2019 issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the OM No. 12-4/2019-U1 dated 17.01.2019 as well as the Letters No 35-2/2019-T.S.I dated 21.01.2019, 01.02.2019, 04.02.2019 and 15.02.2019 of MHRD Department of Higher Education regarding implementation of reservation for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for admission in Central Educational Institutions

7 Provisions relating to Persons with Disability (PwD):

7.1 As per Section 2(t) of the RPwD Act, “Persons with Disability (PwD)” means a person with long term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.

According to Section 2(r) of the RPwD Act, 2016, “persons with benchmark disabilities” means a person with not less than forty percent (40%) of a specified disability where specified disability has not been defined in measurable terms and includes a person with disability where specified disability has been defined in measurable terms, as certified by the certifying authority.

The “specified disabilities”, which are included in the Schedule of the RPwD Act, are as follows:

S. No. Category Type of Disability

1. Physical Disability Locomotor Disability

Visual Impairment

Hearing Impairment

Speech & Language

Disability

2. Intellectual Disability

3. Mental Behaviour

4. Disability caused due to i.Chronic Neurological Conditions ii. Blood disorder

5. Multiple Disabilities

Specified Disability

a. Leprosy cured person, b. cerebral palsy, c. dwarfism, d. muscular dystrophy, e. acid attack victims.

a. blindness, b. low vision a. deaf, b. hard of hearing a. specific learning disabilities/perceptual disabilities: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia & Developmental Aphasia) b. autism spectrum disorder a. mental illness a. multiple sclerosis b. Parkinson‟s disease a. Haemophilia, b. Thalassemia, c. Sickle cell disease

Permanent disability arising out of conditions such as laryngectomy or aphasia affecting one or more components of speech and language due to organic or neurological causes.

More than one of the above specified disabilities including deaf blindness

7.2 Facilities for PwD candidates to appear in the exam

As per the guidelines issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under Ministry of Social Justice & following facilities will be made available to Person with Benchmark Disability: a. In case of persons with benchmark disabilities in the category of blindness, locomotor disability (both arms affected-BA) and cerebral palsy, holding a disability certificate in the format prescribed in Annexure- II (A), the facility of scribe/reader/lab assistant shall be given, if so desired by the person. b. Compensatory time of one hour for examination of three hours duration would be provided, whether such candidate with benchmark disability uses the facility of Scribe or not.

In the case of other category of person with benchmark disability the provision of scribe/reader/lab assistant can be allowed on production of certificate to the effect that the person concerned has physical limitation to write and scribe is essential to write examination on his/her behalf, from the Chief Medical Officer/ Civil Surgeon/ Medical Superintendent of a Govt. Healthcare Institution as per Profoma at Annexure-II (A).

NTA will arrange for providing scribe to such candidates based on the requirement indicated in their Application Form.

The NTA does not guarantee any change in the category or sub-category (PwD status) after the submission of the Online Application Form, and in any case, no change will be entertained by NTA after the declaration of GPAT 2023 NTA Scores. Therefore, the candidates are advised to fill in the category / sub-category column very carefully.

Note: PwD certificate (file size: 50kb to 300kb) may be uploaded while filling in the Application Form.

7.3 Services of a Scribe

As per the office memorandum of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Reference: F.No. 34-02/2015-DD-III dated August 29, 2018), the PwD candidates who are visually impaired OR have a disability in the upper limbs OR have lost fingers/hands thereby preventing them from properly operating the Computer Based Test platform may avail the services of a scribe (amanuensis).

The scribe will help the Candidate in reading the questions and/or keying in the answers as per the directions of the Candidate.

A scribe will NEITHER explain the questions NOR suggest any solutions.

PwBD candidates who desire to avail the services of a scribe need to opt for this during the online registration. A copy of the PwBD certificate must be uploaded at the time of online registration. If a candidate desires to bring his/her own Scribe, then he/she should submit a Letter of undertaking for using own Scribe as per the format available at Annexure- II (B).

It is to be noted that the Scribe may be provided by the National Testing Agency if requested in the online application form. However, the candidate is also permitted to bring his/her own scribe, if he/she so chooses.

However, in case a PwBD Candidate is bringing his/her own scribe, the qualification of the scribe should be one step below of the qualification of the candidate taking the examination. Such candidates have to submit the details of the own scribe at the examination centre as per the proforma prescribed at Annexurte-II (B) of the said Guidelines.

If it is found at any stage that a candidate has availed the services of a scribe and/or availed the compensatory time, but does not possess the extent of disability that warrants the use of a scribe and/or grant of compensatory time, the candidate will be excluded from the process of evaluation, ranking, counseling, and admission. In case such a candidate has already been admitted to any Institution, the admission of the candidate will be cancelled.

Candidates are advised to go through the Public Notice No. No.NTA/Exam/PwD/Scribe/2022 dated 11.09.2022 on the NTA website www.nta.ac.in in this regard.

The NTA does not entertain any change in the category or sub-category (PwBD status) after the completion of correction window of the online Application Form. Further, no change will be entertained by NTA after the declaration of NTA Score for the Exam. Therefore, the candidates are advised to fill in the category/sub-category column very carefully.

Note:

1. The minimum degree of disability should be 40% (Benchmark Disability) in order to be eligible for availing reservation for persons with specified disability.

2. The extent of “specified disability” in a person shall be assessed in accordance with the “Guidelines for the purpose of assessing the extent of specified disability in a person included under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016)” notified in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment [Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)] on 4 January 2018.

3. No change in the category will be entertained later.

Candidates must note that the benefit of reservation will be given to them subject to verification of documents. If it is discovered at any stage that a candidate has used a false/fake/incorrect document, or has furnished false, incorrect, or incomplete information, in order to avail the benefit of reservation, then such a candidate shall be excluded from all admission processes. In case such a candidate has already been given admission, the admission shall stand cancelled.

8. Guidelines for conducting written examination for persons with specified disabilities covered under the definition of Section 2(s) of the RPwD Act, 2016 but not covered under the definition of section 2(r) of the said Act i.e. persons having less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing

I. These guidelines may be called as Guidelines for conducting written examination for persons with specified disabilities covered under the definition of Section 2(s) of the RPwD Act, 2016 but not covered under the definition of Section 2(r) of the said Act, i.e. persons having less than 40% disability and having difficulty in writing.

II. The facility of scribe and/or compensatory time shall be granted solely to those having difficulty in writing subject to production of a certificate to the effect that person concerned has limitation to write and that scribe is essential to write examination on his/her behalf from the competent medical authority of a Government healthcare institution as per proforma at Annexure-III (A).

III. The medical authority for the purpose of certification as mentioned in point (II) above should be a multi-member authority comprising the following:- i. Chief Medical officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer.....Chairperson ii. Orthopaedic/PMR specialist iii. Neurologist, if available* iv. Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist/ Psychiatrist/Special Educator v. Occupational therapist, if available* vi. Any other expert based on the condition of the candidate as may be nominated by the Chairperson. (*the Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer may make full efforts for inclusion of neurologists, occupational therapist from the nearest District or the Medical College/Institute, if the same is not available in the District)"

IV. Compensatory time not less than 20 minutes per hour of the examination should be allowed for persons who are eligible for getting scribe. In case the duration of the examination is less than an hour, then the duration of the compensatory time should be allowed on prorata basis. Compensatory time should not be less than 5 minutes and should be in the multiple of 5.

 Physical Disability certificate (Unique Disability Identification (UDID) issued by the notified medical authority needs to be uploaded in the Online Application Form of GPAT – 2023.

9 Choice of Cities for Exam Centre

9.1 The City of Examination Centres where the test shall be conducted are given at Annexure-V It is mandatory for candidates to select four cities of their choice while filling Online Application Form of GPAT 2023. Effort will be made to allot Centre of examination to the candidates in order of the City Choice opted by them in their Application Form. However, due to logistic & administrative reasons, a different city of nearby area may be allotted.

9.2 The City of Examination once chosen and allotted cannot be changed (after the closing of the correction window) and any request in this regard will not be entertained.

9.3 NTA will allocate the examination centre in the chosen city, which will be mentioned in the Admit Card.

10. General Instructions

10.1 GPAT 2023 is an Examination for Admission to Pharmacy (PG) Programme Courses for 2023-24 Academic Session

10.2 Merely appearing in GPAT 2023 does not make a candidate qualified and eligible for admission in Institutions and it does not confer any automatic rights to secure a PG seat

10.3 Online Registration begins on 13 February, 2023 onwards and must be completed by 06 March, 2023.

10.4 Fee can be deposited by the candidates till 06 March, 2023 upto 11:50 pm

10.5 However, registered candidates can edit their particulars in certain field during the correction window between 07 March, 2023 to 09 March, 2023 upto 11:50 pm. No new registrations will be entertained during the correction period

10.6 Applications of candidates producing false or fabricated information will not be considered and candidates may be debarred from appearing in any future examinations conducted by NTA/AICTE

10.7 Before initiating registration process, candidates should go through the Information Bulletin carefully for eligibility criteria, scheme, and pattern of examination etc. Any queries and other issues will only be entertained if the requested information is not given in the Information Bulletin

10.8 Incomplete application, if not in accordance with instructions, will not be considered and is liable to be rejected. Applicant should carefully fill up all the fields during registration process correctly. Application cannot be modified/edited, after the closing of correction window period

10.9 The Examination Fee once paid will neither be refunded nor be carried forward under any circumstances.

10.10 NTA/AICTE reserves the right to withdraw permission, if any, granted inadvertently to any candidate who is not eligible to appear in GPAT-2023 even though Admit Card/Registration number has been issued or is displayed on website.

10.11 Candidates must verify criteria of eligibility for admission from the respective institutions where they want to seek admission.

10.12 The existing schedule, pattern, policy and guidelines are for ready reference only but in no way, they are or ought to be treated as representative or acknowledgment of fact that NTA/AICTE is bound to follow the same in future

10.13 In case of any ambiguity in interpretation of any of the instructions/terms and conditions/rules/criteria regarding the determination of eligibility/conduct of examinations/registration of candidates/information contained herein, the interpretation of the NTA/AICTE will be final and binding

10.14 Requests shall not be entertained for change in date or subject of examination.

10.15

Absentees from the examination will forfeit their examination fee. No further communication will be acknowledged in this regard

10.16 Result for GPAT 2023 will be available on the website gpat.nta.nic.in only

10.17 Candidates should ensure before applying for online registration that their degree is recognized as per provisions of AICTE. If it is found at any time that degree is not recognized, the candidature/result of the candidate shall be cancelled

10.18 All the correspondence should be addressed by e-mail. The e-mail query shall be addressed only if it is not anonymous and contains the name, postal address and contact number of the sender. An e-mail containing vague or general queries and other queries as contained in the Information Bulletin shall not be entertained. Queries shall not be entertained from person claiming themselves to be representative, associates or officiates of the applicant candidate

10.19 The following information shall not be revealed by phone or email: a. Internal documentation /status of NTA b. Internal decision-making process of NTA/AICTE, Any claim/counter claim thereof c. Dates and venue of internal meetings or name of the staff/officers dealing. d. Any information which in the opinion of NTA/AICTE cannot be revealed.

10.20 Terms & Conditions of GPAT 2023 as mentioned in the Information Bulletin shall apply.

10.21 GPAT 2023 will be conducted by NTA at exam centers engaged for the purpose. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the route and location of the exam centre. (Refer to Annexure V for List of Exam cities)

10.22 Candidates are advised to look into the website gpat.nta.nic.in regularly for various information, updates and notices pertaining to GPAT 2023 examination.

10.23 Kindly note that by registering for the GPAT 2023, candidates are covered by NonDisclosure Agreement (NDA). As per NDA, candidates cannot disclose any question or contents of question paper in part or otherwise with any person or party or website or such other media/publication. Any act in breach of the NDA shall be liable for penal action as per law. Kindly note that this is a punishable offence and shall lead to cancellation of candidature.

10.24 Candidates are deemed to have read, agreed and accepted the contents of Information Bulletin and the terms and conditions in the information bulletin for GPAT 2023 on completing the registration/Online Application Form by the candidates.

10.25 Candidates can register for GPAT 2023 only once

10.26 Possession/Use of mobile phone or any such electronic devices is strictly prohibited in the premises of GPAT 2023 Test Centers. Candidates shall be liable for penal action for Possession/ Use of Mobile phones/ Electronic devices.

10.27 The jurisdiction for court cases/disputes shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts at Delhi/New Delhi only.

11. Registration and Application Process

Instructions for filling online application form

11.1

Candidates have to apply for GPAT-2023 “Online” ONLY by accessing the website: gpat.nta.nic.in. The Application Form other than online mode would not be accepted in any case. Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate. More than one application i.e. multiple application forms submitted by a candidate will be rejected.

11.2

It is suggested that the candidate should keep the following ready before starting the filling of the Application Form: o A computer with proper internet connectivity o The particulars of a valid Government ID proof o The Date of Birth (as mentioned in Class X Board Certificate) o Govt Identity Details like Aadhaar Number (last 4 digits)/Election Card (EPIC No.)/Passport number/Ration Card Number/ Bank Account Number/PAN Number/ Other valid Govt IDs. o Educational/Qualification details o Scanned clear passport photograph in JPG/JPEG format (size between 10 kb–200 kb) either in colour or black & white with 80% face (without mask) visible including ears against white background o Scanned clear signature in JPG/JPEG format (size between 4 kb–30 kb) o PwD certificate (file size: 50kb to 300kb), if applicable. o List of City of your choice (Refer Annexure-V for Cities) o Bank account details for payment of fee. o A valid e-mail Id as important communications will be made on this e-mail Id o A valid mobile number as important information via SMS will be sent to this number o A valid debit/credit card or Net banking account for ONLINE payment.

11.3 Information Bulletin should be downloaded and read carefully by the candidate to be sure about his/her eligibility and acquaint themselves with requirements for submission of Online Application Form.

11.4 In order to avoid correction in the particulars in later stage, the candidate should exercise utmost caution while filling up correct details.

11.5 Follow following Steps may be followed to Apply Online:

Step-1: Apply for Online Registration using own Email Id and Mobile No.

Step-2: Fill in the Online Application Form and note down the system generated Application Number. Upload scanned images of: (i) the recent photograph (file size 10Kb – 200Kb) either in colour or black & white with 80% face (without mask) visible including ears against white background; (ii) candidate‟s signature (file size: 4kb - 30kb) (iii) PwD certificate (file size: 50kb to 300kb), if applicable.

Step-3: Pay fee using Canara Bank/ICICI Bank through Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI and keep proof of fee paid

All the 3 Steps can be done together or at separate timings. The submission of Application of a candidate could be considered as successful and his/her candidature would be confirmed only on the successful transaction/receipt of the prescribed application fee from him/her.

Note:

(i) The final submission of Online Application Form will remain incomplete if Step - 2 and Step-3 are not completed, such Appliction Forms will stand rejected and no correspondence on this account will be entertained.

(ii) No request for refund of fee once remitted by the candidate will be entertained

(iii) The entire application process of GPAT-2023 is online, including uploading of scanned images, Payment of Fees and Printing of Confirmation page. Therefore, candidates are not required to send/submit any document(s) including Confirmation page to NTA through Post/Fax/By Hand/E-mail.

(iv) Candidates are advised to keep visiting the NTA‟s website regularly for latest updates and to check their e-mails.

(v) The NTA can make use of the data generated for the purpose of research and analysis.

(vi) All the candidates who have submitted the online application and paid the examination fee till last date will be allowed to appear in GPAT-2023 and their Admit Cards will be uploaded on the website as per schedule.

(vii) NTA does not verify the information filled by the candidates in the application form nor verifies any certificate of category/educational qualification for deciding the eligibility of candidates.

(viii) The certificates of educational qualification and category (if applied under reserved category) will be verified by the concerned institution. The candidates are, therefore, advised to ensure their eligibility and the category (if applying under reserved category).

(ix) The NTA will, in no way, be responsible for any wrong/incorrect information furnished by the candidate(s) in his/her Online Application Form. The letter/e-mails/WhatsApp Message/Public Grivence in this regard will not be entertained by the NTA.

11.6 Procedure for Filling Application Form

Part I: Registration Page Fill

(i) Candidate‟sName/Mother‟sName/Father‟sName:

Provide Candidate‟s Name, Mother‟s Name, Father‟s Name as given in the Secondary School Examination or equivalent Board/ University Certificate in capital letters. No prefix in the name of the candidate is allowed.

(ii) Date of Birth:dd/mm/yyyy

ProvideCandidate‟sdateofbirthasrecordedinSecondarySchoolExaminationor equivalent Board/ UniversityCertificate.

(iii) Mobile Number and e-mail Address: Candidates must provide own Mobile Number and e-mail address.

Note: Only one e-mail address and one Mobile Number are valid for one application

PART II: Fill in the complete Application Form FillinthecompleteApplication

Note:

(i) Other Backward Classes (OBC) - Non Creamy Layer as per the Central List of Other Backward Classes available on National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), Government of India website (www.ncbc.nic.in). Thus, the candidates falling in this list may mention OBC in the CategoryColumn. StatelistOBCCandidateswhoarenotinOBCNCL(CentralList)mustchoose General.

(ii) Economically Weaker Section (EWS) - As per the OM No. 20013/01/2019-BC-II dated January 17, 2019 issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the OM No. 12-4/2019-U1 dated 17.01.2019 as well as the Letters No 35-2/2019-T.S.I dated 21.01.2019, 01.02.2019, 04.02.2019 and 15.02.2019 of MHRD Department of Higher Education (which is known as Ministry of Eduction) regarding implementation of reservation for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) for admission in Central Educational Institutions.

(iii) Provide complete postal address with PIN Code (Correspondence Address as well as Permanent Address) for further correspondence. PIN code of Correspondence Address should be given in the space provided for this purpose.

Note: The NTA shall not be responsible for any delay/loss in postal transit or for an incorrect Correspondence address given by the Applicant in the Application Form.

Choice of Cities for Examination Centres: The City of Examination Centres where the test shall be conducted are given at Annexure-V It is mandatory for candidates to select four cities of their choice while filling Online Application Form of GPAT 2023. Effort will be made to allot Centre of examination to the candidates in order of the City choice opted by them in their Application Form. However, due to administrative reasons, a different city of nearby area may be allotted.

Allocation of test centre will be based on the candidates‟ permanent or correspondence address.

Uploading of scanned images

(i) Candidate‟s Photograph: to be uploaded

 Photograph should not be with cap or goggles. Photograph should cover 80% face (without mask) visible including ears against white background.

 Spectacles are allowed if being used regularly.

 Polaroid and Computer generated photos are not acceptable.

 Applications not complying with these instructions or with unclear photographs are liable to be rejected.

 Candidates may please note that if it is found that photograph uploaded is fabricated i.e. de- shaped or seems to be hand-made or computer made, the form of the candidate will be rejected and the same would be considered as using unfairmeans and the candidate would be dealt with accordingly.

 Application without photograph shall be rejected. The photograph need not be attested. Candidates are advised to take 6 to 8 passport size coloured photographs with white background.

Note: Passport size photograph is to be used for uploading on Online Application Form and also for pasting on Attendance Sheet at the examination centre.

 The candidate should scan his/her passport size photograph for uploading File size must be between 10 kb to 200 kb.

(ii) Candidate‟s Signature : tobeuploaded

The candidates are required to upload the full signature in running hand writing in the appropriate box given in the Online Application Form. Writing full name in the Box in Capital letters would not be accepted as signature and the Application Form would be rejected. Further, unsigned Online Application Forms will also be rejected.

 The candidate should put his full signature on white paper with Black/Blue Ink pen and scanfor uploading.

 File sizemust bebetween04kb to 30 kb.

Note: Candidate must ensure that the uploaded images are clear and proper.

(iii) Candidate‟s PwD Centrificate, if applicable.

11.7 Check List for filling the Online Application Form:

The candidates are advised to ensure the following points before filling the Online Application Forms:

(i) Whether they fulfill the eligibility conditions for the Test as prescribed under the heading „Conditions of Eligibility‟.

(ii) That they have filled their gender and category viz General/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/SC/ ST/Gen-EWS/ Male/Female/Third gender, in the relevant column correctly.

(iii) That they have filled their Subject and City of examination in the relevant column correctly.

(iv) ThatthePersonwithDisability(PwD)candidatehasfilledtherelevantcolumninthe Online ApplicationForm.OnlyPwDcandidateshavetofillthiscolumnandtheothers have to leave it blank.

(v) Whether they have kept a Printout of Application Form (confirmation page) for their own record

11.8 Important Points to Note:

(i) The Candidates should fill their complete postal address with PIN Code for further correspondence.

(ii) The Candidate must ensure that e-mail address and Mobile Number provided in the Online Application Form are their own (which cannot be changed later) as communication may be sent by NTA through e-mail or SMS.

(iii) The Candidate should not give the postal address, Mobile Number or e-mail ID of Coaching Centre in the Online Application Form.

(iv) In order to appear in GPAT, 2023, the candidates are required to apply „online‟. The Application Form other than online mode shall not be accepted. No change will be accepted through offline mode i.e. through fax/application including e-mail etc.

(v) Online submission of application may be done by accessing the NTA official website: gpat.nta.nic.in.

(vi) Online Application Form cannot be withdrawn once it is submitted successfully.

(vii) Application Form of candidates who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria shall be rejected.

(viii) A candidate is allowed to submit only one Application Form. If a candidate submits more than one Application Form, the candidature is likely to be cancelled.

(ix) Request for change in any particular in the Application Form shall not be entertained after closing of correction window.

Note: However, a chance will be given to the candidates to correct / modify / edit some of the particular(s) of the Application Form online only, during 07 March, 2022 to 09 March, 2023 (Correction window).

(x) The City of Examination Centres where the test shall be conducted are given in the Information Bulletin.The Cities indicated for the entrance examination should be carefully chosen by the candidate, as no change will be allowed once application is submitted

(xi) Selection of a candidate in the test is provisional, subject to being found otherwise eligible for admission.

(xii) In case a candidate is found providing incorrect information or the identity is proved to be false at any time in the future, the candidate shall face penal action as per the law.

(xiii) The Candidates are not required to send/ submit the confirmation page of Online Application Form to the NTA. However, he/she is advised to retain the following documents with them as reference for future correspondence:

 At least four printouts of the Confirmation Page of Online Application Form.

 Proof of fee paid

 Photographs (same as uploaded on the Online Application Form)–6 to 8 passport size photographs need to be kept aside.

 The name on the photo identification must match with the name as shown on the Admit Card. If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, candidate must show the relevant document at the time of exam. Marriage Certificate / Divorce / Decree / Legal Name Change Document.

11.9 Provision of Aadhaar:

The Aadhaar number is only one of the types of identification and is not mandatory. Candidates may also enter Passport number, Ration Card number, Election Card (EPIC No.), Bank Account number or any other valid Government identitynumber.

12. Admit Card for GPAT-2023

1. The Admit Card is issued provisionally to the candidates, subject to their satisfying the eligibility conditions.

2. The candidate has to download the Admit Card from the NTA website and appear for the Examination at the given Centre on Date, timing and discipline as indicated in their Admit Card.

3. No candidate will be allowed to appear at the examination centre, on Date and timing other than that allotted to them in their Admit Card.

4. In case candidates are unable to download Admit Cards from the website, they may approach the Help Line between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5. The candidates are advised to read the instructions on the Admit Card carefully and follow them during the conduct of the examination.

6. In case of any discrepancy in the particulars of the candidate or his/her photograph and signatures shown in the Admit Card and Confirmation Page, the candidate may immediately approach the Help Line between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. In such cases, candidates would appear in the examination with the already downloaded Admit Card. However, NTA will take necessary action to make correction in the record later.

Note: a. Candidatemaypleasenote thatAdmit Cardswillnotbesentbypost. b. Innocase,theduplicateAdmit Card forGPAT-2023 wouldbeissuedattheExamination Centres. c. CandidatemustnotmutilatetheAdmit Card orchangeanyentrymade therein. d. CandidatesareadvisedtopreservetheirAdmitCardsingoodconditionforfuturereference. e. NoAdmit Card shallbeissuedtothecandidateswhoseApplicationsarefoundtobeincompletefor any reasons (including indistinct/ doubtful photographs/unsigned Applications) or who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria for the examination. f. Issue of Admit Cards, however, shall not necessarily mean acceptance of eligibility which shall be furtherscrutinized atsubsequentstagesofadmissionprocess.

7. Conduct of Exam

Candidates are advised to go through the instructions given in the Admit Card carefully before going for the Examination.

8. Documents to be brought to the Examination Centre i. Candidates must bring the following documents to the Test Centre ii. Printed copy of Admit Card downloaded from NTA website. iii. One passport size photograph (same as uploaded on the Online Application Form) for pasting on the specific space in the Attendance Sheet at Centre during the Examination. Any one of the authorized photo IDs (must be original, valid andnon- expired) – PAN card/ Driving License/ Voter ID/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (With photograph)/ Aadhaar Enrolment No/ Ration Card). The name on the photo identification must match with the name as shown on the Admit Card. iv. PwD certificate issued by the Competent Authority, if claiming the relaxation under PwD category v. PwD certificate issued by the Competent Authority, if claiming the relaxation under PwD category below 40% category.

13. Procedure for appearing in Computer Based Test (CBT)

The detailed procedure for CBT are provided at Annexure-VI. Please read them carefully.

14. Conduct of the Examination

14.1 Important Instructions for Candidates

(Candidates are advised to go through instruction printed on Admit Card carefully before going for theExamination) a. Candidates MUST bring the following documents on the day of examination at the test centre. Candidates who will not bring these will not be allowed to appear in the examination. i. Print copyof Admit Card downloadedfrom NTAwebsite ii. One passport size photograph (same as uploaded on the Online Application Form) for pasting on the specific space in the attendance sheet at the Centre during theExamination iii. AnyoneoftheauthorizedGovtphotoIDs(original,validandnon-expired),viz.PAN card/Driving License/Voter ID/Passport/Aadhaar Card (With photograph)/Aadhaar Enrolment No/RationCard iv. PwD certificate issued bythe Competent Authority, if claiming the relaxation under PwD category. b. The candidates shall report at the Examination Centre two hours before the commencementof theexamination so as to complete the frisking and registration formalities well before the time of exam c. Registration desk will close 90 minutes prior to the examination. d. Thecandidates areadvisedtoreadtheinstructionsontheAdmit Card carefully andfollow them strictly. e. Candidates should take their seat immediately after opening of the examination hall on their allotted seat. If notthey are likely to miss some of the general instructions to be announced in the Examination Rooms/Halls. The NTA shall not be responsible foranydelay. f. Any candidate found to have changed room/hall or the seat on his/her own other than allotted would be considered as a case of Unfairmeans and the candidature shall be cancelled and noplea would be accepted. g. The candidate must show, on demand, the Admit Card for entry in the examination room/hall. A candidate who does not possess the valid Admit Card shall not be allowed to enter the examination centre. h. The candidate should ensure that the question paper available on the computer is as per the opted Subject Code/ Discipline indicated in the Admit Card. In case, the subject of question paper is other than the opted paper, the same may be brought to the notice of the Invigilator concerned. i. Candidates are not allowed to carry any baggage inside the Examination Centre. NTA will not be responsible for any belongings stolen or lost at the premises. j. Candidate shall appear at their own cost at the Centre on Date and time as indicated in their Admit Card issued by the NTA. k. No candidate, without the special permission of the Centre Superintendent or the Invigilator concerned, will leave his/her seat or Examination Room/Hall until the full duration of the paper is over. Candidates must follow the instructions strictly as instructed by the Centre Superintendent/Invigilators. l. Candidates should not be in possession of any material listed in the list of prohibited material. m. All calculations/writing work are to be done only in the rough sheet provided at the centre in the Examination Room/Hall and on completion of the test candidates must hand over the roughsheets to the invigilator on dutyin theRoom/Hall. n. The candidate must sign and paste the photograph on the Attendance Sheet at the appropriate place. o. The candidates are governed by all Rules and Regulations of the NTA with regard to their conduct in the Examination Hall. All cases of Unfair means will be dealt with as perrules.

If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, candidate must show the relevant document at the time of exam. Marriage Certificate / Divorce / Decree / Legal Name Change Document.

14.2 Centres for GPAT-2023

1. The list of cities where Examination Centers are located is given at Annexure – V Candidates shall appear at the centre as shown on their Admit Cards at their own cost. No TA, DA or any accommodation facility will be admissible for appearing in GPAT 2023.

2. Candidate has the option of choosing four cities for the examination during the Online Application.

3. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the location of test centre and plan travel time accordingly. Candidates have to reach the test centers on or before the reporting time. Candidates may note that late entry to the examination premises is not permitted under any circumstances. NTA/AICTE shall not be responsible for any delayed arrival of the candidate in reaching the centre due to any reason.

4. Biometric information of all the candidates shall be captured.

5. Identity checks will be made upon arrival at the test centre to ensure that there are no unauthorized candidates appearing for the test. Candidates are required to cooperate with the security personnel for security checks.

6. Please note that only registered candidates will be allowed at the Examination Centre.

7. Friends or relatives accompanying the candidates shall not be allowed entry in the test centre under any circumstances and will not be allowed to contact the candidate while the examination process is going on.

15 Test Practice Centres (TPCs)

As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Education NTA has set up, established and created a network of Test Practice Centres for candidates, especially in remote and rural areas to enable them to practice and be comfortable in taking a Computer Based Test (CBT). Details mentioned in the Annexure-VII