← Combined Technical (NG)
Past Questions — 2026
The spatulation process is most suitable for mixing which of the following type of powder:
A)
Hygroscopic powder
B)
Eutectic powder
C)
Effervescent powder
D)
Dr syrup powder
Option B is correct: Eutectic powder.
Which type of causality assessment do we use for Pharmacovigilance in India?
A)
WHO-UMC causality assessment method
B)
Naranjo’s algorithm for causality assessment
C)
RUCAM score for causality
D)
Karch & Lasagna causality scale
Option A is correct: WHO-UMC causality assessment method.
The disadvantage of using artificial ripening agents such as calcium carbide for fruits is because it:
A)
Provides extra shelf life which may compromise the nutrients in the fruit
B)
Releases acetylene gas and may contain toxic arsenic or phosphorus
C)
Increases the natural sweetness and may be harmful for diabetics
D)
Can cause increase in blood cholesterol
Calcium carbide is used illegally for artificial ripening because it produces acetylene gas, which acts like ethylene and speeds up ripening. However, commercial calcium carbide may contain impurities such as arsenic and phosphorus, making it hazardous to health. Hence, option (b) is correct. Option (a) is incorrect because shelf life is not the main disadvantage stated here, option (c) is unrelated, and option (d) is not a known effect of calcium carbide ripening.
Which of the following is a salient feature of the Indian Pharmacopoeia?
A)
The book is intended for use by physicians to help them decide their p-drug on a case-based scenario.
B)
The main focus is on drugs of plant origin and their regulations.
C)
The main target is drug manufacturers as the book provides legal standards for drugs manufactured in India.
D)
The main focus is on the production of various dosage forms from a single drug to help drug manufacturers decide their options.
Option C is correct: The main target is drug manufacturers as the book provides legal standards for drugs manufactured in India..
What is the main function of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)?
A)
FSSAI is responsible for monitoring of nutrition in schools
B)
FSSAI ensures safe food practices through regulation and certification.
C)
Monitoring the sale of only packaged foods
D)
Monitoring only the import of fruits and grains
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the apex food regulatory body in India. Its main function is to regulate and supervise food safety, set standards, and ensure that food sold in the country is safe for consumption. Option (b) is correct. Option (a) is too narrow and not the main function. Options (c) and (d) are incorrect because FSSAI does not limit its work only to packaged foods or only to imports.
A patient on warfarin should avoid large increases in foods rich in:
A)
Vitamin K
B)
Vitamin C
C)
Vitamin A
D)
Vitamin D
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by antagonizing vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. If a patient suddenly increases intake of vitamin K-rich foods, the effect of warfarin is reduced and the INR may fall. Therefore, patients on warfarin should avoid large changes in foods rich in vitamin K. The other vitamins listed do not have this major direct interaction with warfarin.
In mushroom poisoning, if the mushroom species has been identified to contain muscarine toxin, what is the antidote?
A)
Pilocarpine
B)
Atropine
C)
Acetylcholine
D)
Physostigmine
Option B is correct: Atropine.
When filling a prescription for a pregnant mother who has come for an antenatal check-up, which of the following is a crucial counselling point to be given to her?
A)
Always take iron and calcium together at the same time
B)
Take only calcium if iron tablets cause abdominal discomfort
C)
Never take calcium and iron at the same time as calcium chelates iron
D)
Take only iron tablet if calcium causes bloating
In antenatal counselling, it is important to advise the mother not to take iron and calcium together. Calcium interferes with iron absorption by forming insoluble complexes (chelation), reducing the effectiveness of the iron tablet. Therefore, they should be taken at different times of the day, usually spaced by a few hours. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect because they either promote simultaneous intake or suggest stopping one essential supplement instead of spacing them properly.
In India, as per the official regulatory program, adverse drug reaction reports are filled up using an ICSR form which stands for:
A)
Individual & community surveillance report
B)
Individual cluster safety report
C)
Individual case safety report
D)
Individual case surveillance report
Option C is correct: Individual case safety report.
Grapefruit juice can cause drug–food interactions mainly by:
A)
Enhancing digestion by increasing the bioavailability
B)
Inhibiting CYP3A4 enzymes and increasing drug levels
C)
Preventing drug absorption by increasing plasma protein binding
D)
Increasing stomach acid by increasing the action of proton pumps
Grapefruit juice is well known to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4 enzymes (and can also affect drug transporters). This reduces first-pass metabolism of many drugs, so their blood levels may rise and cause toxicity. Option (a) is incorrect because the main issue is not enhanced digestion. Option (c) is incorrect because grapefruit juice does not mainly work by increasing plasma protein binding. Option (d) is incorrect because it does not increase stomach acid via proton pumps.
What is the meaning of food adulteration?
A)
Mixing inferior or harmful substances to food and food products
B)
Mixing a substitute but equally nutritious item in food products
C)
Mixing synthetic products to increase the taste of food
D)
Mixing synthetic products to increase the shelf life of food products
Food adulteration means making food impure by adding inferior, harmful, or cheaper substances, or by removing valuable ingredients. Option (a) correctly defines this. Option (b) is incorrect because a nutritious substitute is not adulteration. Options (c) and (d) describe possible food additives or processing methods, but they are not the definition of adulteration.
Which quality control measure is used to check if the capsules release the contents properly in the GI tract?
A)
Visual inspection test
B)
Weight measurement test
C)
Disintegration test
D)
Absorption test
Option C is correct: Disintegration test.
The World Health Organisation model list of essential medicine is updated:
A)
Every 2 years
B)
Every 4 years
C)
Every 5 years
D)
Every 10 years
Option A is correct: Every 2 years.
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) mainly functions under which Ministry?
A)
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
B)
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
C)
Ministry of Food & Drugs
D)
Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Option B is correct: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
In which year was the Indian Pharmacopoeia first published?
A)
1975
B)
1985
C)
1965
D)
1955
Option C is correct: 1965.
What is the specific antidote to be given in organophosphorus poisoning?
A)
Atropine & Pralidoxime
B)
Atropine & Adrenaline
C)
Naloxone & Adrenaline
D)
Naloxone & Pralidoxime
Option A is correct: Atropine & Pralidoxime.
Olive oil is used in cosmetic preparations because:
A)
It has a very potent antimicrobial & wound healing property
B)
It contains oleic acid which is beneficial for hydration
C)
It has record of high patient compliance due to quick evaporation
D)
It contains folic acid which helps in circulation
Option B is correct: It contains oleic acid which is beneficial for hydration.
Under the Pharmacovigilance Program, who can report an ADR?
A)
Registered Medical Practitioners only
B)
Registered Nurses only
C)
Any health care professional
D)
Registered Pharmacists only
Option C is correct: Any health care professional.
What is the advantage of a coated tablet over an uncoated tablet for use as an orally administered drug?
A)
Coated tablets usually have faster disintegration time which may increase the bioavailability of the drug
B)
Taste masking of unpalatable drugs
C)
Reduced manufacturing cost
D)
Higher dose capacity
Option B is correct: Taste masking of unpalatable drugs.
Which of the following types of tablets are meant to dissolve slowly in the mouth?
A)
Enteric coated tablet
B)
Lozenges
C)
Chewable tablet
D)
Sustained release tablet
Option B is correct: Lozenges.
Sharp wastes like needles, scalpels etc must be discarded in:
A)
Yellow coloured bins
B)
Green coloured bins
C)
Red coloured bins
D)
Puncture proof & leak-proof white containers
Option D is correct: Puncture proof & leak-proof white containers.
What is the main therapeutic role of dietary fibres?
A)
They help in increasing the blood cholesterol level when it is too low
B)
They help in improving bowel movement and preventing constipation
C)
They are a rich source of vitamin E
D)
They help prevent malnutrition by acting as a food supplement for malnourished children
Option B is correct: They help in improving bowel movement and preventing constipation.
Syrups prevent growth of bacteria due to its:
A)
Low osmotic pressure
B)
High osmotic pressure
C)
Low melting point
D)
High melting point
Option B is correct: High osmotic pressure.
Dry powders for reconstitution are mainly used when:
A)
The drug is stable for a long time in aqueous medium
B)
The drug decomposes quickly when it is dissolved
C)
The drug is in the form of an oily preparation
D)
The drug requires complete sterility
Option B is correct: The drug decomposes quickly when it is dissolved.
What is the main indication for iron supplementation?
A)
Anaemia
B)
Peripheral neuropathy
C)
Essential hypertension
D)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Iron supplementation is primarily indicated for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, so when iron stores are low, supplementation helps correct anaemia. Peripheral neuropathy, essential hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus are not main indications for iron supplementation.