RRB Pharmacist · Central Government

🚆 RRB Pharmacist Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) hires pharmacists for Indian Railways hospitals and health units nationwide — a single-stage CBT combining a Professional Ability section with general subjects.

Last updated: 7 August 2026 · Always cross-check against the latest official RRB CEN notification.

At a Glance

Quick Facts

Conducting Body	Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Post	Pharmacist (Entry Grade)
Level	Central Government
Qualification	Diploma/Degree in Pharmacy, registered with the State Pharmacy Council or Pharmacy Council of India
Exam Mode	Single-stage Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination
Official Notification	rrbapply.gov.in — latest CEN notification
Official Syllabus	rrbapply.gov.in — official syllabus

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Candidates must hold a Diploma or Degree in Pharmacy from a recognised institution and be registered with the State Pharmacy Council or the Pharmacy Council of India. Age limit is typically 18–33 years with standard government age relaxations — always confirm against the specific CEN (Centralised Employment Notice) you are applying under.

Exam Pattern

How the Exam is Structured

100 Qssingle-stage CBT

100 marks1 mark per question

90 minutesduration

−1/3 Negative Markingper wrong answer

Full Syllabus

RRB Pharmacist Syllabus — Subject by Subject

Tap a subject to expand. This is the complete official syllabus, not a summary.

1. Pharmacology & Toxicology20 Qs — Highest Weightage▾

Introduction and scope of Pharmacology; routes of administration of drugs (advantages/disadvantages); absorption, metabolism, distribution and excretion of drugs; general mechanism of drug action and modifying factors; pharmacological classification of drugs.
CNS: General anaesthetics (adjuncts to anaesthesia, intravenous anaesthetics); analgesic antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; narcotic analgesics; antirheumatic and anti-gout remedies; sedatives and hypnotics; psychopharmacological agents; anticonvulsants, analeptics; centrally acting muscle relaxants and anti-Parkinsonism agents; local anaesthetics.
ANS: Cholinergic, anticholinergic, anticholinesterase drugs; adrenergic drugs and adrenergic receptor blockers; neurone and ganglion blockers; neuromuscular blockers used in myasthenia gravis.
Eye: Mydriatics; drugs used in glaucoma. Respiratory: Respiratory stimulants, bronchodilators, nasal decongestants, expectorants, antitussive agents. Autocoids: Physiological role of histamine and serotonin; histamine and antihistamines; prostaglandins.
Cardiovascular: Cardiotonics, antiarrhythmic agents, anti-anginal agents, antihypertensive agents, peripheral vasodilators, drugs used in atherosclerosis. Blood: Haematinics, coagulants and anticoagulants, haemostatics, blood substitutes and plasma expanders. Renal: Diuretics and anti-diuretics.
Hormones: Hypoglycemic agents, anti-thyroid drugs, sex hormones and oral contraceptives, corticosteroids. GIT: Carminatives, digestants, bitters, antacids and peptic ulcer drugs, purgatives and laxatives, anti-diarrhoeals, emetics, anti-emetics, antispasmodics.
Chemotherapy: Urinary antiseptics, sulphonamides, penicillin, streptomycin, tetracyclines and other antibiotics; anti-tubercular, antifungal, antiviral, anti-leprotic drugs; chemotherapy of protozoal diseases; anthelmintic drugs; chemotherapy of cancer.
Clinical Pharmacy & Pathophysiology: Patient counselling and medication history; disease manifestation for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cardiovascular diseases, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Peptic Ulcer, Hypertension. Drug interactions — mechanism, drug-drug (analgesics, diuretics, cardiovascular, GI, vitamins, hypoglycemics), drug-food interaction. Adverse Drug Reactions — significance, drug-induced diseases, teratogenicity. Clinical toxicity — general treatment of poisoning, systemic antidotes, insecticide/heavy metal/narcotic/barbiturate/organophosphorus poisoning. Drug dependence, drug abuse, addictive drugs. Bioavailability and factors affecting it. Experimental Pharmacology — drug discovery and development.

2. Pharmaceutics17 Qs▾

Introduction of dosage forms — classification with examples, new drug delivery systems, Pharmacopoeias (Indian Pharmacopoeia). Metrology — weights/measures, unit conversion, percentage calculations, allegation method, isotonic solutions. Packaging — desirable container features, glass/plastic materials, rubber closures, aerosol packaging.
Size reduction — objectives, factors, hammer mill, ball mill, fluid energy mill, disintegrator. Size separation — sifting, IP powder standards, sedimentation methods, cyclone separator construction/working. Mixing and homogenization — liquid/powder/semisolid mixing; Silverson mixer homogenizer, planetary mixer, agitated powder mixer, triple roller mill, propeller mixer, colloid mill, hand homogeniser, double cone mixer.
Clarification and filtration — theory, filter media/aids, filter press, sintered filters, filter candles, meta filter. Extraction and Galenicals — percolation, maceration, continuous hot extraction, tinctures and extracts. Heat processes — evaporation, evaporating still/pan. Distillation — simple, fractional, steam, vacuum distillation; purified water IP and water for injection IP.
Drying — tray dryers, fluidized bed dryer, vacuum dryer, freeze dryer. Sterilization — concept and difference from disinfection, thermal resistance of microorganisms; moist heat, dry heat, radiation, filtration and gaseous sterilization. Aseptic techniques — hospital applications for surgical dressings and IV fluids.
Tablet processing — compressed tablet types/properties, production processes, excipients, defects, evaluation, physical standards, disintegration/dissolution, coating (sugar, film, enteric, micro-encapsulation). Capsule processing — hard/soft gelatin capsules, sizes, filling, handling, storage. Immunological products — sera, vaccines, toxoids and their preparation.

3. Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology12 Qs▾

Introduction to biochemistry — chemistry and role of proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, classification, qualitative tests, biological value, deficiency diseases. Carbohydrates — chemistry, classification, qualitative tests, metabolism-related diseases. Protein — amino acid classification, protein structure, urea cycle, identification tests, metabolism disorders.
Lipids — chemistry, classification, qualitative tests, metabolism-related diseases. Vitamins — chemistry, coenzymes; role of minerals and water in life processes. Enzymes — enzymatic action concept, factors affecting it. Therapeutics — pathology of blood and urine, lymphocytes and platelets in health/disease. Erythrocytes — abnormal cells and significance; abnormal urine constituents and significance in disease. Nucleic Acid — DNA, RNA, Central Dogma process.

4. Human Anatomy & PhysiologyCore▾

Scope of Anatomy and Physiology — anatomical terminology, structure of cell, mitochondria and microsomes. Elementary tissues — epithelial, muscular, connective, nervous. Skeletal System — structure/function, joint classification and disorders.
Cardiovascular System — blood composition and functions, blood groups, coagulation, disorders of blood, lymph glands, heart structure, arterial/venous system (names and positions of main arteries/veins), blood pressure recording, cardiovascular disorders. Respiratory system — parts and functions, physiology of respiration. Urinary System — parts, kidney structure/function, urine formation physiology, patho-physiology of renal disease and edema.
Muscular System — skeletal muscle structure, muscle contraction physiology, names/positions/attachments/functions of major muscles, neuromuscular junction physiology. Central Nervous System — parts, brain and reflex action, ANS anatomy/physiology. Sensory Organs — taste, smell, ear, eye, skin; physiology of pain. Digestive System — parts and functions, liver structure/function, digestion and absorption physiology. Endocrine System — glands and hormones — pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas. Reproductive system — physiology and anatomy.

5. Health Education & Community Pharmacy2 Qs▾

Concept of health — physical, mental, social, spiritual health; determinants and indicators of health; concept of disease, natural history of disease, disease agents, prevention concept. Nutrition and health — food classification, requirements, deficiency-induced diseases (proteins, vitamins, minerals) — treatment and prevention. Demography and family planning — demography cycle, fertility, contraceptive methods (behavioural, natural, chemical, mechanical, hormonal), population problem of India.
First aid — emergency treatment for shock, snake-bite, burns, poisoning, heart disease, fractures, resuscitation methods, minor surgery/dressings. Environment and health — water supply/pollution/purification, air/noise/light pollution, solid waste disposal, medical entomology, arthropod-borne diseases, rodent/animal-related diseases.
Fundamental principles of microbiology — microbe classification, isolation, staining techniques. Communicable diseases — causative agents, transmission, prevention: respiratory infections (chicken pox, measles, influenza, diphtheria, whooping cough, TB); intestinal infections (poliomyelitis, hepatitis, cholera, typhoid, food poisoning, hookworm); arthropod-borne infections (plague, malaria, filariasis); surface infections (rabies, trachoma, tetanus, leprosy); STDs (syphilis, gonorrhoea, AIDS). Non-communicable diseases — causative agents, prevention, care, control. Epidemiology — scope, methods, dynamics of disease transmission. Immunity and immunization — immunological products and dose schedules. Principles of disease control/prevention, hospital-acquired infection control, disinfection procedures (faeces, urine, sputum, room linen, dead bodies, instruments).

6. Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence8 Qs▾

Origin and nature of pharmaceutical legislation in India — scope and objectives; evolution of the "concept of pharmacy" in the health care system. Principles and significance of professional ethics — code of pharmaceutical ethics drafted by the Pharmacy Council of India.
Pharmacy Act 1948 — general study with reference to Education Regulations, working of state/central councils, constitution and functions of councils, registration procedures. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 — general study and Rules thereunder, definitions and salient features of retail/wholesale distribution, powers of Inspectors, sampling procedures, licensing formalities, facilities for running a pharmacy, schedules C, C1, F, G, J, H, P and X, labeling and storage conditions.
The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act 1954 — objectives, advertisements, magic remedies and objections, permitted advertisements. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 — objectives, offences and punishment. Brief introduction to: latest Drugs (Price Control) Order in force; Medicinal and Toilet Preparations (Excise Duties) Act 1955; Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971.

7. Pharmaceutical Chemistry5 Qs▾

Nomenclature of organic chemical systems, heterocyclic systems up to 3 rings. Chemistry of pharmaceutical organic compounds — nomenclature, chemical structure (for starred compounds), uses, physical/chemical properties, stability, storage, formulation types and popular brand names for: antiseptics and disinfectants (Proflavine, Benzalkonium chloride, Cetrimide, Phenol, Chloroxylenol, Formaldehyde, Hexachlorophene, Nitrofurantoin); sulfonamides (Sulfadiazine, Sulphaguanidine, Phthalylsulphathiazole, Sulphadimethoxine, Co-trimoxazole, Sulfacetamide); antileprotic drugs (Clofazimine, Thiambutosine, Dapsone, Solapsone); anti-tubercular drugs (Isoniazid, PAS, Streptomycin, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Thiacetazone, Ethionamide, Cycloserine, Pyrazinamide); antiamoebic/anthelmintic drugs (Emetine, Metronidazole, Diloxanide furoate, Paromomycin, Piperazine, Mebendazole, D.E.C.); antibiotics (Penicillin, Ampicillin, Cloxacillin, Gentamicin, Neomycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Cephalexin, Cephaloridine, Griseofulvin, Chloramphenicol); antifungal agents (Undecylenic acid, Tolnaftate, Nystatin, Amphotericin, Hamycin); antimalarial drugs (Chloroquine, Amodiaquine, Primaquine, Proguanil, Pyrimethamine, Quinine, Trimethoprim); tranquilizers and hypnotics (Chlorpromazine, Prochlorperazine, Trifluoperazine, Haloperidol, Chlordiazepoxide, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Meprobamate, Phenobarbitone, Nitrazepam, Glutethimide); general anaesthetics (Halothane, Cyclopropane, Diethyl ether, Thiopental sodium); antidepressants and analeptics (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Theophylline, Caffeine); adrenergic drugs and antagonists (Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Salbutamol, Terbutaline, Propranolol); cholinergic drugs and antagonists (Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine, Pilocarpine, Atropine, Hyoscine, Tropicamide); diuretic and cardiovascular drugs (Furosemide, Chlorothiazide, Mannitol, Glyceryl trinitrate, Alpha methyldopa, Quinidine); hypoglycemic agents (Insulin, Chlorpropamide, Tolbutamide, Glibenclamide, Metformin); coagulants/anticoagulants (Heparin, Warfarin sodium); local anaesthetics and antihistamines (Lignocaine, Procaine, Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine); analgesics/antipyretics (Morphine, Pethidine, Codeine, Aspirin, Paracetamol, Pentazocine); NSAIDs (Indomethacin, Phenylbutazone, Ibuprofen); thyroxine/antithyroid drugs; diagnostic agents; steroidal drugs (Betamethasone, Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Testosterone, Estradiol, Nandrolone).

8. Pharmacognosy3 Qs▾

Definition, history and scope including indigenous systems of medicine. Systems of classification of drugs of natural origin. Adulteration and drug evaluation — significance of pharmacopoeial standards. Occurrence, distribution, isolation, identification tests, therapeutic effects and pharmaceutical application of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins, resins.
Crude drugs by category — laxatives (Aloes, Rhubarb, Castor oil, Ispaghula, Senna); cardiotonics (Digitalis, Arjuna); carminatives/GI regulators (Coriander, Fennel, Ajowan, Cardamom, Ginger, Black pepper, Asafoetida, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Clove); astringents (Catechu); nervous-system-acting drugs (Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, Aconite, Ashwagandha, Ephedra, Opium, Cannabis, Nux-vomica); antihypertensive (Rauwolfia); antitussives (Vasaka, Tolu balsam, Tulsi); antirheumatics (Guggal, Colchicum); antitumour (Vinca); antileprotics (Chaulmoogra oil); antidiabetics (Pterocarpus, Gymnema sylvestre); diuretics (Gokhru, Punarnava); antidysenterics (Ipecacuanha); antiseptics/disinfectants (Benzoin, Myrrh, Neem, Curcuma); antimalarials (Cinchona); oxytocics (Ergot); vitamins (Shark liver oil, Amla); enzymes (Papaya, Diastase, Yeast); perfumes/flavouring agents (Peppermint, Lemon, Orange, Lemongrass, Sandalwood oils); pharmaceutical aids (Honey, Arachis oil, Starch, Kaolin, Pectin, Olive oil, Lanolin, Beeswax, Acacia, Tragacanth, Sodium alginate, Agar, Guar gum, Gelatin); miscellaneous (Liquorice, Garlic, Picrorhiza, Dioscorea, Linseed, Shatavari, Shankhpushpi, Pyrethrum, Tobacco). Collection and preparation of crude drugs for market (Ergot, Opium, Rauwolfia, Digitalis, Senna). Fibres used in sutures/surgical dressings — cotton, silk, wool, regenerated fibres. Gross anatomical studies of Senna, Datura, Cinnamon, Cinchona, Fennel, Clove, Ginger, Nux-vomica, Ipecacuanha.

9. Drug Store & Business Management3 Qs▾

Introduction — trade, industry and commerce, functions and subdivision of commerce, elements of economics and management, forms of business organizations, channels of distribution. Drug House Management — site/space selection and legal requirements, purchasing objectives, supplier selection, credit information, tenders/contracts/price determination, codification, drug store handling; Inventory Control — objects and importance, ABC/VED analysis, lead time, inventory carrying cost, safety stock, minimum/maximum stock levels, economic order quantity, scrap and surplus disposal. Sales — promotion, market research, salesmanship, salesman qualities, advertising, window display. Recruitment — training, evaluation and compensation of the pharmacist. Banking and Finance — bank services and functions, finance planning and sources of finance.

10. Hospital PharmacyCore▾

Hospital — definition, function, classification criteria, organization, management and health delivery system in India. Hospital Pharmacy — definition, functions and objectives of hospital pharmaceutical services, location, layout, flow chart of materials and men, personnel/facility requirements, hospital pharmacist requirements and abilities.
Drug Distribution system in Hospitals — outpatient/inpatient services, unit dose system, floor ward stock system, satellite pharmacy services, central sterile services, bedside pharmacy. Manufacturing — economic considerations, demand estimation. Sterile manufacture — large/small volume parenterals, facilities, layout, production planning, manpower requirements. Non-sterile manufacture — liquid orals, externals, bulk concentrates, procurement and raw material testing; nomenclature and uses of surgical instruments and hospital equipment/health accessories.
Hospital Formulary system — organization, functioning, composition. Drug Information service and Drug Information Bulletin. Surgical dressings (cotton, gauze, bandages, adhesive tapes) and their pharmacopoeial quality tests. Other hospital supplies — IV sets, BG sets, Ryals tubes, catheters, syringes. Application of computers — records maintenance, inventory control, medication monitoring, drug information, data storage and retrieval in hospital/retail pharmacy establishments.

Non-Pharma Section30 Qs — combined▾

General Arithmetics (3 Qs): Number systems, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, elementary statistics, square root, age calculations, calendar and clock, pipes and cistern.
General Intelligence and Reasoning (7 Qs): Analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagram, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, statement — arguments and assumptions.
General Awareness (11 Qs): Current affairs, Indian geography, culture and history of India including freedom struggle, Indian Polity and constitution, Indian Economy, environmental issues concerning India and the world, sports, general scientific and technological developments.
General Science (9 Qs): Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences up to 10th standard CBSE syllabus.

Read the Full RRB Pharmacist Guide (notification, eligibility, salary) →

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RRB Pharmacist syllabus?

RRB Pharmacist's Professional Ability section covers 10 pharmacy subjects — Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Health Education & Community Pharmacy, Drug Store & Business Management, and Hospital Pharmacy — plus a Non-Pharma section (Arithmetic, Reasoning, General Awareness, General Science).

What is the RRB Pharmacist exam pattern?

A single-stage Computer Based Test with 100 objective questions for 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes, with 1/3 mark negative marking for each wrong answer.

What is the subject-wise weightage in RRB Pharmacist?

Out of 100 questions: Pharmacology & Toxicology 20, Pharmaceutics 17, General Awareness 11, Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology 12, Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence 8, General Science 9, General Intelligence & Reasoning 7, Pharmaceutical Chemistry 5, Pharmacognosy 3, Drug Store & Business Management 3, General Arithmetics 3, Health Education & Community Pharmacy 2.

Is there negative marking in RRB Pharmacist?

Yes — 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.

Where can I find the official RRB Pharmacist syllabus?

The official CEN notification and syllabus are published on the respective RRB regional websites and rrbapply.gov.in — always confirm against the latest CEN before relying on any summary.

Official Sources

Verify Directly

RRB: rrbapply.gov.in — official CEN notifications and regional RRB links.

This page is maintained by Pharma Insights Academy as a study aid. The official RRB CEN notification remains the authority for recruitment-specific details.