Interview of Ms. Harshita Dalvi - Preparing for GPAT and NIPER

Pharma Literati is pleased to publish the interview of one of it's brightest stars Ms. Harshita Dalvi. She recently graduated from Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina. 

Clearing the GPAT (AIR 106) and NIPER (AIR 60) entrance examination with flying clears, Harshita wishes to pursue her masters and a career in Research and Development. She is a recipient of "BCP Silver Jubilee Scholarship" and "Late Prof. A. S. Deshpande Memorial prize". 

She was also an intern in 2018 with Pharma Literati wherein she worked on a project for competitive intelligence about molecules in phase III clinical trials.

We wish Harshita a great career ahead.

The excerpts:

How one can keep a good hold on regular semester studies as well as competitive exam 

preparation?

Key to excel in both university exams and competitive exams is thorough preparation from official textbooks. The more you read, more it will be beneficial. Even though competitive 

exams are choice based it requires thorough understanding of the concepts behind it.

Qualifying entrance exams are difficult or they seem to be difficult.

Entrance exams are not at all difficult. Yes it seems to because it tests knowledge and it’s 

application as they need to be answered in minimum time. Again if the concepts are clear, 

no question is difficult.

Is there a real need to join classes for the GPAT preparations?

As far as my thought, there is no need of extra classes. But in order to check accuracy in correctness of answering and getting familiar with online interface, online tests of Pharma 

Literati is what I prefer.

What is the actual time to start with the entrance exams preparation?

Entrance preparation for me has always been something that I started in my second year 

of B. Pharm when major subjects were introduced. Solving MCQs and papers I started after 

completion of third year. It’s not something that can be done in a month but requires good 

preparation so as to avoid any hassle at the last moment.

Which books do you refer for your entrance exam preparations?

Foremost reference was always standard textbooks such as

Lachman for Pharmaceutics;

Foye for Pharmaceutical Chemistry;

K. D tripathi for pharmacology;

For mcqs followings books were referred:

Pearson by Umang shah

Mohmd. Ali for its subject synopsis

Niper a companion for niper preperation

What are the further procedures to get admission after securing a good rank?

Once results of competitive exams GPAT (declared within 10 days of exams) is followed by semester 8 of university where very little time is left for NIPER preparation around 10-15 

days. After university exams end those 10-15 days are devoted to NIPER preparation. After 

securing good ranks in exams, a proper list of preferences of subjects, and university is to 

be made. Followed by document preparation, counselling and lastly admission.

Strategy for studying semesters and preparing for entrance exams were same, or they 

differ?

For me it was same as preparing well for semesters involves in depth learning of concepts and this in turn saves lot of time for entrance exams as thorough learning makes attempting questions quickly and confidently. But for exams such as NIPER, general knowledge, logical reasoning and current news is an add-on thing to prepare for.

Is it a good decision to appear for GPAT and NIPER as well?

Yes, if one wishes to study for masters and is ready to go NIPER (which is out of mumbai) is best choice as concerned with pharma education. If one wants to stay in Mumbai, GPAT is 

the best option to secure admission in good colleges for M. Pharm.

What's your personal experience about Pharma Literati?

My journey with Pharma literati started in 2018 as their summer intern student.  Ever since 

then Pharma literati has been a pillar of support in my education. It made me introduced to many people and broadened my horizon and developed my skills. Vijay sir has been so 

much cooperative and best guide to solve any matters regarding my education. Online test series has helped me so much to understand the level of my preparation and my stand 

point in crowd. It’s one of the best organizations which offer wide ranges of opportunity, skillsets, and certificate programs in Pharmacy education.

How different and unique Pharma Literati stands in a crowd?

Pharma literati as an organization is more of students oriented on personal level and offers excellent programs that can help gaining knowledge and current status of industry. It cares 

for its student and even provides industrial links which definitely helps as a pharma 

student.