Year
2025
Paper
KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2025
Subject
Pharmacology
Phase
2nd Year MBBS
View
University Hub2nd YearKNRUHSPharmacology
KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Papers (2025 to 2021)
KNRUHS Pharmacology is the Phase 2 (2nd Year) theory paper covering general pharmacology, autonomic drugs, cardiovascular drugs, CNS drugs, antimicrobials, and endocrine pharmacology. It is the most classification-heavy and list-dense subject in the MBBS curriculum. GeckoMed provides the complete KNRUHS Pharmacology question paper archive from 2025 to 2021, with topic-wise analysis, exam pattern breakdown, and links to drug classification charts, mnemonics, and important question lists.
Sourced from official KNRUHS exam archives.
Open KNRUHS Pharmacology papers in the GeckoMed app for offline access. All KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Papers
2025
| Year | Paper | Subject | Phase | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2025 | Pharmacology | 2nd Year MBBS | Web View |
2024
| Year | Paper | Subject | Phase | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2024 | Pharmacology | 2nd Year MBBS | Web View |
Year
2024
Paper
KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2024
Subject
Pharmacology
Phase
2nd Year MBBS
View
2023
| Year | Paper | Subject | Phase | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2023 | Pharmacology | 2nd Year MBBS | Web View |
Year
2023
Paper
KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2023
Subject
Pharmacology
Phase
2nd Year MBBS
View
2022
| Year | Paper | Subject | Phase | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2022 | Pharmacology | 2nd Year MBBS | Web View |
Year
2022
Paper
KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2022
Subject
Pharmacology
Phase
2nd Year MBBS
View
2021
| Year | Paper | Subject | Phase | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2021 | Pharmacology | 2nd Year MBBS | Web View |
Year
2021
Paper
KNRUHS Pharmacology Question Paper 2021
Subject
Pharmacology
Phase
2nd Year MBBS
View
KNRUHS Pharmacology Exam Pattern
KNRUHS Pharmacology is a 100-mark theory paper examined in the Phase 2 (2nd Year) professional examination under the NMC CBME format. The paper duration is 3 hours. It is written alongside Pathology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine in the 2nd Year professional examination.
The paper follows the NMC CBME structure of long essay questions (LEQ), short essay questions (SEQ), and short answer questions (SAQ). Pharmacology LEQs typically ask for a drug class or mechanism with clinical applications — a beta-blocker question covers mechanism, cardiovascular uses, contraindications, and adverse effects; an antibiotic question covers spectrum, mechanism of resistance, and clinical indications. SEQs cover individual drug profiles or smaller drug classes. SAQs test specific recall — drug doses, named adverse effects, receptor types, and classification lists. The specific mark allocation and question count are visible in the full papers above.
Unlike other Phase 2 subjects, Pharmacology does not have a traditional gross or histology practical. The practical examination at KNRUHS covers pharmacological calculations, prescription writing, and applied viva questions on drug mechanisms and clinical use.
Topic-wise Analysis: KNRUHS Pharmacology (2021 to 2025)
The following topic areas recur across KNRUHS Pharmacology papers from 2021 to 2025. Frequency classification is based on review of papers in the GeckoMed archive.
General and Autonomic Pharmacology
| Topic Area | Exam Relevance | Study Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacokinetics — absorption, Vd, half-life, bioavailability, hepatic first-pass effect | Core | Pharmacology Subject Hub |
| Pharmacodynamics — receptor types, agonist vs antagonist, dose-response, therapeutic index | Core | Pharmacology Subject Hub |
| Anticholinesterases — neostigmine, physostigmine; mechanism, uses, organophosphate poisoning | High-yield | MBBS Drug Dosing Reference |
| Adrenergic drugs — catecholamines, alpha/beta-agonists, beta-blockers; receptor selectivity | High-yield | Antihypertensive Drugs Classification Chart |
Topic Area
Pharmacokinetics — absorption, Vd, half-life, bioavailability, hepatic first-pass effect
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Pharmacodynamics — receptor types, agonist vs antagonist, dose-response, therapeutic index
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Anticholinesterases — neostigmine, physostigmine; mechanism, uses, organophosphate poisoning
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Adrenergic drugs — catecholamines, alpha/beta-agonists, beta-blockers; receptor selectivity
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
| Topic Area | Exam Relevance | Study Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Antihypertensives — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, beta-blockers, diuretics; mechanism and adverse effects | Core | Antihypertensive Drugs Classification Chart |
| Cardiac glycosides — digoxin mechanism, toxicity features, management of toxicity | Core | MBBS Drug Dosing Reference |
| Anticoagulants — heparin (UFH vs LMWH), warfarin (interactions, reversal), DOACs | High-yield | MBBS Drug Dosing Reference |
| Antiarrhythmics — Vaughan Williams classification (Class I-IV), specific drug examples | High-yield | Pharmacology Subject Hub |
Topic Area
Antihypertensives — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, beta-blockers, diuretics; mechanism and adverse effects
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Cardiac glycosides — digoxin mechanism, toxicity features, management of toxicity
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Anticoagulants — heparin (UFH vs LMWH), warfarin (interactions, reversal), DOACs
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Antiarrhythmics — Vaughan Williams classification (Class I-IV), specific drug examples
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
CNS Pharmacology
| Topic Area | Exam Relevance | Study Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid analgesics — morphine (mechanism, effects, tolerance, withdrawal), naloxone reversal | Core | MBBS Drug Dosing Reference |
| NSAIDs — COX-1 vs COX-2 selectivity, adverse effects (GI, renal, cardiovascular) | Core | NSAID Classification Chart |
| Antiepileptics — phenytoin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate; mechanisms, adverse effects | High-yield | Pharmacology Mnemonics PDF |
| Local anaesthetics — mechanism, ester vs amide classification, toxicity, adrenaline addition | High-yield | Pharmacology Subject Hub |
| Antidepressants and antipsychotics — SSRIs vs TCAs, typical vs atypical, EPS | Recurring | Pharmacology Mnemonics PDF |
Topic Area
Opioid analgesics — morphine (mechanism, effects, tolerance, withdrawal), naloxone reversal
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
NSAIDs — COX-1 vs COX-2 selectivity, adverse effects (GI, renal, cardiovascular)
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Antiepileptics — phenytoin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate; mechanisms, adverse effects
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Local anaesthetics — mechanism, ester vs amide classification, toxicity, adrenaline addition
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Antidepressants and antipsychotics — SSRIs vs TCAs, typical vs atypical, EPS
Exam Relevance
Recurring
Study Resource
Antimicrobials
| Topic Area | Exam Relevance | Study Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Penicillins and beta-lactams — mechanism, beta-lactamase inhibitors, allergy cross-reactivity | Core | Antibiotic Classification Chart |
| Aminoglycosides — streptomycin, gentamicin; ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, monitoring | High-yield | Antibiotic Sensitivity Chart |
| Anti-TB drugs — first-line HRZE regimen, specific adverse effects per drug | High-yield | MBBS Drug Dosing Reference |
| Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines — mechanism, contraindications, spectrum | Recurring | Antibiotic Classification Chart |
Topic Area
Penicillins and beta-lactams — mechanism, beta-lactamase inhibitors, allergy cross-reactivity
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Aminoglycosides — streptomycin, gentamicin; ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, monitoring
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Anti-TB drugs — first-line HRZE regimen, specific adverse effects per drug
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines — mechanism, contraindications, spectrum
Exam Relevance
Recurring
Study Resource
Endocrine and Other Pharmacology
| Topic Area | Exam Relevance | Study Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin — types (regular, NPH, analogues), onset and duration, regimens, hypoglycaemia management | Core | Antidiabetic Drugs Classification Chart |
| Oral antidiabetics — metformin (mechanism, lactic acidosis), sulfonylureas, DPP-4, SGLT-2 | High-yield | Antidiabetic Drugs Classification Chart |
| Corticosteroids — classification, mechanism, adverse effects, contraindications | Recurring | MBBS Drug Dosing Reference |
Topic Area
Insulin — types (regular, NPH, analogues), onset and duration, regimens, hypoglycaemia management
Exam Relevance
Core
Study Resource
Topic Area
Oral antidiabetics — metformin (mechanism, lactic acidosis), sulfonylureas, DPP-4, SGLT-2
Exam Relevance
High-yield
Study Resource
Topic Area
Corticosteroids — classification, mechanism, adverse effects, contraindications
Exam Relevance
Recurring
Study Resource
Note: Frequency data is based on GeckoMed's analysis of KNRUHS Pharmacology papers from 2021 to 2025. Full question paper content is available in the papers above.
Study Tips for KNRUHS Pharmacology
Classification charts before paragraph notes. Pharmacology requires memorising drug classifications, receptor selectivities, and mechanism groupings before individual drug profiles. Starting revision with the GeckoMed classification charts — antihypertensives, antidiabetics, NSAIDs, and antibiotic classification — gives you the organisational framework that makes individual drug profiles easier to place and remember.
Learn each drug as a five-point profile. KNRUHS Pharmacology SAQs and viva questions follow a consistent structure: class, mechanism, uses, adverse effects, contraindications. Building every drug profile in this five-point format — rather than reading paragraphs — creates answers that directly match the marking structure. The pharmacology mnemonics PDF covers the high-yield adverse effect mnemonics that prevent confusing drug profiles under exam pressure.
Adverse effects are the highest-yield SAQ category. KNRUHS Pharmacology short answer questions disproportionately ask for adverse effects — digoxin toxicity features, aminoglycoside ototoxicity, phenytoin adverse effects, metformin lactic acidosis, steroid adverse effects. Maintaining a separate adverse effects list for the 20 most important drugs is more exam-efficient than revising mechanisms and uses alone.
Anti-TB drugs deserve a dedicated revision session. The HRZE first-line regimen and its drug-specific adverse effects — hepatotoxicity (isoniazid, pyrazinamide), optic neuritis (ethambutol), peripheral neuropathy (isoniazid), orange urine (rifampicin) — are tested as a cluster in KNRUHS papers. Revising all four drugs together in one session prevents mix-ups between their adverse effect profiles.
Antimicrobial coverage is directly testable. Antibiotic spectrum, mechanism of resistance, and clinical indications are asked as structured SAQs across most KNRUHS Pharmacology papers. The antibiotic sensitivity chart and antibiotic classification chart build this knowledge in a format that matches the question format — drug class, spectrum, organisms covered — rather than requiring extraction from a textbook paragraph.
Pharmacology knowledge compounds across subjects. Drug mechanisms and adverse effects tested in KNRUHS Pharmacology reappear in Final Year General Medicine (antihypertensive selection, DKA management drugs), General Surgery (pre-operative medications, DVT prophylaxis), and OBG (oxytocics, tocolytics, antihypertensives in pregnancy). Investing in accurate Pharmacology revision in 2nd Year reduces the revision burden across three Final Year subjects simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are KNRUHS Pharmacology question papers free to download on GeckoMed?
Yes. All KNRUHS Pharmacology question papers from 2021 to 2025 are free to view on the GeckoMed website. The GeckoMed app provides offline access and PDF download after a 4-day free trial, followed by an annual subscription.
Does the KNRUHS Pharmacology paper follow the NMC CBME format?
Yes. KNRUHS conducts Pharmacology examinations under the NMC Competency Based Medical Education framework. The paper includes long essay questions, short essay questions, and short answer questions covering general pharmacology, autonomic pharmacology, cardiovascular, CNS, antimicrobial, and endocrine drug classes as per the Phase 2 CBME syllabus.
Does Pharmacology have a practical examination at KNRUHS?
Yes, but its format differs from other Phase 2 subjects. Rather than gross specimen or slide identification, the Pharmacology practical at KNRUHS covers pharmacological calculations, prescription writing, and applied viva questions on drug mechanisms, adverse effects, and clinical use.
What is the most important topic in KNRUHS Pharmacology?
Based on analysis of KNRUHS Pharmacology papers from 2021 to 2025, antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides (digoxin), opioid analgesics, anti-TB drug adverse effects, and insulin types are among the most consistently tested topics. General pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics underpin the entire paper and appear in both LEQs and SAQs across all paper years.
Are KNRUHS Pharmacology papers useful for students at other universities?
Yes. The NMC CBME framework sets a common Pharmacology syllabus for all Indian medical universities. Topics recurring in KNRUHS papers — antihypertensives, antimicrobials, CNS drugs, endocrine pharmacology — appear at RGUHS, TNMGRMU, and other universities. Students at other universities should also review their own university's papers alongside the KNRUHS archive.
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