How Arnav Samudra Secured AIR 544 in GPAT 2026 with PW and a Consistent Preparation Strategy

For many pharmacy students, preparing for GPAT while managing college studies can be challenging. Arnav Samudra’s journey shows how regular study, practice, and effective time management can support exam preparation.

Arnav started his GPAT preparation in June 2025 after joining PW’s GPAT 2.0 batch. While studying in his third year, he appeared for the exam and secured AIR 544 with 252 marks. His preparation journey also included regular MCQ practice, PYQs, and PW mock tests.

How Arnav Started His GPAT Preparation

Arnav started preparing in June 2025. He continued his studies regularly and increased his preparation after the GPAT notification was released in December.

The notification initially made him slightly nervous, but he responded by increasing his study efforts.

Arnav described his initial preparation routine:

“Phir main har roz do-do lecture karta gaya aur phir padhte-padhte gaya.”

After the notification was released, he increased his preparation:

“Phir last ke December mein woh notification aaya to main thoda dar gaya. Phir woh thoda aur padhai badhai aur phir de diya exam achchhe se.”

Arnav's GPAT Preparation Strategy

For his next attempt, Arnav said he would begin with conceptual subjects because they require more time. He planned to keep subjects that require more memorisation for the later stages of preparation.

He explained how he would organise subjects:

“Concept wale subjects ko zyada waqt lagta hai, to woh wahan se start karunga. Jaise ecology ho gaya, therapeutics ho gaya, woh starting mein karunga.”

He also highlighted the importance of solving MCQs during preparation:

“Aur phir jitna zyada MCQ, utna achchha ho jayega, kyunki practice ho jaati hai.”

Arnav also considered PYQs important for preparation. Regular question-solving helped him practise and become more familiar with the examination.

PW Support and Mock Tests in Arnav's Preparation

Arnav was enrolled in PW's GPAT 2.0 batch and also used the tests provided by PW during his preparation. His interview specifically mentions regular weekly and monthly tests along with the test series.

When asked about the PW tests he attempted, Arnav said:

“Almost saare jo PW ke the, woh saare mock tests diye the maine.”

He further explained the different types of tests he attempted:

“Weekly test, monthly test aur test series bhi lagayi thi.”

This shows that his preparation included regular assessment along with lectures and question practice.

Arnav's Approach to Consistent Preparation

Arnav emphasised consistency when sharing advice with other aspirants. According to him, students do not need to study excessively for only a few days. Instead, studying every day is important.

His message to aspirants was:

“Consistent raho. Har roz padho. Bhale hi thoda padho par har roz padho.”

He also explained why consistency matters:

“Consistency se hi exam crack hota hai. Last ek din pehle karke nahi hota.”

During the preparation, even when he did not feel like studying, he continued with at least two hours of study. He gradually increased his study time.

Arnav's Time Management During College

Arnav was preparing for GPAT alongside his college activities. He also used time during laboratory sessions for academic discussions and practice with his friends.

He explained how he used this time:

“Lab mein baith ke agar koi timepass chal raha, to hum ek doosre ko questions poochte the.”

He further explained what they discussed:

“PYQ ho gaya, ye ho gaya, to aise hum discuss karte the.”

His experience shows how he used available college time for question discussions and practice while continuing his regular preparation.

How Arnav Managed Pressure and Preparation

Arnav also experienced pressure when the exam was preponed while almost half of his GPAT syllabus was still remaining. However, he decided to appear for the examination instead of giving up.

He recalled that phase:

“Exam prepone ho gayi aur mera almost aadha syllabus baaki tha, tab laga abhi nahi hoga qualify.”

He then explained how he handled the situation:

“Socha is baar ho gaya qualify to agli baar thoda kam tension hoga. Aise soch ke gaya tha.”

At the examination centre, he was initially nervous because he had skipped one or two subjects due to lack of time. However, once the examination started, he became calmer.

He described his experience:

“Ek baar exam jab chalu ho gaya to shaant ho gaya main aur phir jab bahar aaya to sukoon ho gaya, matlab ho gaya paper.”

Arnav's Advice for Future GPAT Aspirants

Arnav believes that preparation should be organised rather than mixed up across several subjects at the same time. For his next attempt, he plans to complete one subject properly before moving to another.

He explained the change he wants to make:

“Aise ghus-ghus ke nahi padhna hai. Aise pehle achchhe se ek subject clear karo aur phir doosra uthao.”

He also advised against mixing too many subjects together:

“Aise sab mix, jumble wagarah hota hai. Waisa kuch nahi karna hai.”

For students preparing for GPAT, his journey highlights the importance he placed on regular study, practice, tests, and a structured approach.

Arnav Samudra’s GPAT 2026 journey offers useful lessons for aspirants preparing for the exam.  A key lesson from his journey is to stay consistent and study every day, even if the daily study time is limited. Aspirants can also focus on completing one subject properly before moving to another, practise more MCQs for better practice, solve PYQs, and take regular tests. His preparation shows how consistent efforts and a structured approach can help aspirants stay focused during GPAT preparation.