State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026: Complete List of Pharmacy & Paramedical Exams in India
- Vaishnavi Mestry
- Dec 17
- 4 min read
Introduction
The landscape of medical education in India is rapidly evolving. While NEET remains the primary gateway for MBBS and BDS, students aspiring for specialized roles in the healthcare sector often turn toward Pharmacy and Paramedical courses. Securing a seat in these professional programs requires navigating a complex web of State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026. These examinations are the lifeblood of state-run and private medical institutions, ensuring that only the most dedicated candidates enter the pharmaceutical and allied health sciences..
In 2026, the medical domain continues to refine its admission processes. While national exams like NEET and CUET provide broad access, State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026 offer a localized advantage, often reserving a significant percentage of seats for state domiciles. These exams are tailored to the regional educational boards, making them a preferred choice for many students.
Why Choose Pharmacy and Paramedical Courses?
High Demand: The pharmaceutical industry in India is the "pharmacy of the world," creating millions of jobs.
Diverse Career Paths: From Radiology and Optometry to Clinical Research and Hospital Management.
Job Security: Paramedical professionals are the backbone of any hospital, and their demand never fluctuates.
State-Wise Pharmacy Entrance Exams 2026
1. MHT CET 2026 (Maharashtra)
The Maharashtra Health and Technical Common Entrance Test is one of the largest state exams. It is the primary gateway for B.Pharm and Pharm.D courses in the state.
Registration:
Expected to start in December 2025.
Exam Date:
Tentatively scheduled for April 21–26, 2026 (PCB Group) and May 10–11, 2026.
Mode:
Computer-Based Test (CBT).
2. KCET 2026 (Karnataka)
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) organizes KCET for admission to pharmacy, agriculture, and veterinary courses.
Registration:
January 2026.
Exam Date:
Likely the second week of April 2026.
Key Subjects:
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
3. KEAM 2026 (Kerala)
Kerala’s CEE conducts KEAM for engineering and pharmacy. Interestingly, for B.Pharm applicants, only the Physics and Chemistry papers are mandatory.
Registration:
February 2026.
Exam Date:
April 15–21, 2026.
Eligibility:
10+2 with 50% marks in English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
4. GUJCET 2026 (Gujarat)
For students in Gujarat, GUJCET is the mandatory requirement for degree and diploma pharmacy courses.
Registration:
December 2025 – January 2026.
Exam Date:
March 29, 2026.
Pattern:
120 MCQs with a negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers.
5. WBJEE 2026 (West Bengal)
WBJEE serves as the single-window entry for pharmacy programs in West Bengal.
Registration:
Late December 2025.
Exam Date:
April 27, 2026 (Expected).
Mode:
Offline (OMR-based).
Paramedical Entrance Exams in India 2026
Paramedical courses (like B.Sc Nursing, Radiology, and MLT) are gaining significant traction. While some states use pharmacy entrance scores for these, others have dedicated tests.
National & Allied Health Entrance Highlights:
GAHET 2026 (Global Allied Healthcare Entrance Test): Formerly known as AIPMCET, this is a national-level exam gaining popularity for its focus on 50+ allied health specializations.
Exam Date: Late December 2025 / Early 2026.
AIIMS Paramedical 2026: AIIMS Delhi conducts its own entrance for B.Sc. Paramedical courses across various AIIMS campuses. Notifications typically arrive in March 2026.
TS EAPCET & AP EAPCET 2026: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh integrate Pharmacy and Agriculture (including paramedical-allied fields) into a single common entrance test scheduled for May 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Aspirants
To appear for most State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026, candidates must fulfill the following general criteria:
Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 (Higher Secondary) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
Minimum Marks: Generally, 45%–50% aggregate in core subjects (relaxation of 5% for reserved categories).
Age Limit: Minimum 17 years of age as of December 31, 2026.
Domicile: Many state exams require a domicile certificate to claim seats under the state quota.
Conclusion
As we approach the 2026 academic session, the landscape of State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026 is becoming more streamlined and competitive. With the Indian healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors projected for record growth, securing a seat in a Pharmacy or Paramedical program is a strategic move toward a stable, high-impact career. Success in 2026 will belong to those who stay informed on state-specific deadlines and master the core sciences early.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the most important State Level Medical Entrance Exam 2026 for Pharmacy?
The "most important" exam depends on your home state. However, MHT CET 2026 (Maharashtra), KCET 2026 (Karnataka), and WBJEE 2026 (West Bengal) are among the most sought-after State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026 due to the high density of top-tier pharmacy colleges in these regions.
2. Is NEET mandatory for B.Pharm and Paramedical courses in 2026?
No, NEET is not mandatory for all pharmacy and paramedical courses. While some central universities and states (like Rajasthan or Delhi) may use NEET scores for B.Sc Nursing, most states conduct their own entrance exams or use marks from tests like MHT CET, GUJCET, or KCET.
3. When should I start applying for the State Level Medical entrance exams 2026?
Registrations for many 2026 sessions (like GUJCET and MHT CET) are expected to open as early as December 2025. It is best to check official state board websites starting in November 2025 to ensure you don't miss the deadlines.
4. Can a student from one state appear for another state's medical entrance exam?
Generally, you can appear for private college seats (All India Quota) in other states, but government seats are usually reserved for candidates with a domicile certificate of that specific state.
CTA
Securing a seat in a premier Pharmacy or Paramedical college requires more than just hard work—it requires a strategic head start. With the State Level Medical Entrance Exams 2026 fast approaching, now is the time to organize your preparation.
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