OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF 2026: Exam Pattern & Topics

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The official OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF has been cleared for the 100-mark written OMR-based examination. The competitive test is expected to be conducted in November 2026. Check the subject-wise weightage, topic-wise breakdown, practical skill parameters, and download the official syllabus sheet in this article.

OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF details are crucial for thousands of qualified pharmacy professionals preparing for the upcoming Group-C state-cadre competitive test. The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission has established a specialized single-stage OMR-based written examination to evaluate candidates. Since the selection depends solely on the written merit score with no separate interview round, candidates must master both the core pharmaceutical domains and general arithmetic sections to secure their postings.

Also Check: AIIMS NORCET 11 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online Link, Syllabus

This article provides a comprehensive look at the official 100-mark exam pattern, detailed topic-wise syllabus, and download guidelines.

OSSSC Pharmacist Exam Pattern 2026: 100 Marks

The written test is conducted offline on OMR sheets and consists of a single objective-type paper of 100 marks:

Section NameSubject Areas CoveredTotal QuestionsMaximum Marks
Section AQuestions on subjects as per D.Pharm Syllabus6060
Section BQuestions based on Practical Skill Test2525
Section CArithmetic (Matriculation/HSC Standard)1010
Section DGeneral English (Matriculation/HSC Standard)0505
TotalCBT / OMR Written Examination100100

Key Rules of the Written Exam:

  • Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • Total Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes).
  • Negative Marking: A penalty of 25% (0.25 marks) is applied for every incorrect response.
  • Qualifying Marks: Standard qualifying marks are 35% for SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen, and 40% for General, EWS, and OBC/SEBC candidates.

Detailed Topic-Wise Syllabus Breakdown

The syllabus is structured according to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) guidelines approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), alongside secondary high school subjects:

1. Section A: Pharmacy Core Subjects (60 Questions | 60 Marks)

  • Pharmaceutics: Systems of weights and measures, introduction to different dosage forms (tablets, capsules, syrups, sterile formulations), packaging materials, preservation, sterilization, and basic dispensing rules.
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Inorganic and organic pharmaceutical chemistry, tests of purity, limit tests for iron, arsenic, and heavy metals, structure and uses of antiseptic, anti-bacterial, antibiotic, and cardiovascular drugs.
  • Pharmacognosy: Classification of crude drugs from natural sources, study of active constituents (alkaloids, glycosides, resins, and essential oils), and identification of medicinal plants.
  • Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology: Chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and vitamins. Basic study of clinical pathology, blood cells, and urine components.
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology: Basic structure of human organs, muscular-skeletal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, and digestive system.
  • Health Education & Community Pharmacy: Concept of health, nutrition, family planning, communicable diseases, first aid, and basic epidemiology.
  • Pharmacology & Toxicology: Drug routes of administration, mechanism of action of major drugs, drug-drug interactions, side effects, and toxicology of common poisons.
  • Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence: Basic understanding of the Pharmacy Act 1948, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, and basic medical ethics.
  • Drug Store & Business Management: Inventory control, purchase procedures, accounting, and hospital drug store management.

2. Section B: Practical Skill Test (25 Questions | 25 Marks)

  • Safe dispensing practices and prescription reading.
  • Calculation of pediatric and geriatric doses based on body weight/age.
  • Identification of chemical and physical incompatibilities in prescriptions.
  • Cold chain maintenance, storage rules for sensitive medicines, and inventory management.
  • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for preparing sterile solutions and ointments.

3. Section C: Arithmetic (10 Questions | 10 Marks)

This section evaluates basic mathematical aptitude up to 10th standard (HSC) difficulty:

  • Number System, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, and HCF.
  • Percentage, Profit & Loss, and Discount.
  • Average, Simple Interest, and Compound Interest.
  • Ratio and Proportion, Time & Work, and Time & Distance.

4. Section D: General English (5 Questions | 5 Marks)

  • Basic Grammar (Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adverb, Adjective).
  • Active and Passive Voice.
  • Direct and Indirect Speech.
  • Articles, Prepositions, Synonyms, and Antonyms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Official Syllabus PDF

  1. Open your internet browser and visit the official website of OSSSC at www.osssc.gov.in.
  2. Navigate to the “Recruitment” or “Latest Advertisements” tab on the menu bar.
  3. Click on the detailed advertisement link for the “Pharmacist / Group-C Recruitment 2026”.
  4. Download the complete advertisement PDF file to your device.
  5. Scroll down to the bottom of the document to find the Syllabus and Marks Distribution annexure.
  6. Save or print the syllabus pages for your study table reference.

OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF Important Links

Resource PortalOfficial Web Link
Download Official Syllabus PDFDownload OSSSC Syllabus Portal
Active Apply Online LinkOSSSC Direct Application Portal
Official OSSSC Homepageosssc.gov.in

OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF: Frequently Asked Questions

How many sections are covered under the OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF?

The syllabus is divided across four main sections: Pharmacy Core Subjects (60 marks), Practical Skill Test (25 marks), Arithmetic (10 marks), and General English (5 marks).

What is the marking scheme and negative marking in the OMR written test?

The total marks of the written exam is 100. There is a negative marking penalty of 25% (0.25 marks) for every incorrect answer marked by the candidate.

What is the standard qualifying percentage for the OSSSC Pharmacist exam?

The minimum qualifying marks required to clear the written test is 35% for SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories, and 40% for General, EWS, and OBC/SEBC candidates.

Are there any interview rounds in the selection process?

No. There is no personal interview round for the Group-C Pharmacy Officer post. The final selection merit list is based solely on the scores secured in the 100-mark OMR written examination.

Where can I download the official OSSSC Pharmacist Syllabus PDF?

You can download the official detailed syllabus PDF directly from the recruitment circular section on the official commission website at www.osssc.gov.in.