SSC Pharmacist key terms

A ratio compares two quantities of the same kind by division, while a proportion states that two ratios are equal. These concepts underpin problems on mixtures, partnership shares, and scale conversions.

A fraction expressed with denominator 100, showing a part per hundred of a whole. Percentage problems cover profit and loss, discount, simple and compound interest, and data interpretation.

Interest calculated only on the original principal for the whole period, using the formula P x R x T divided by 100. It does not compound, so the base amount stays constant each year.

Interest computed on the principal plus previously earned interest, so the amount grows each period. The formula is P times (1 plus R divided by 100) raised to the power T.

A technique that first finds the value of one unit and then multiplies to get the value of the required number of units. It solves work, speed, and cost problems quickly.

Problems that relate the rate at which individuals or groups complete a task to the time taken. Efficiency is treated as the reciprocal of time, which allows rates to be added.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. It is used to combine groups, find missing observations, and solve age and speed problems.

A sequence of numbers following a hidden rule such as addition, multiplication, squares, or alternating patterns. Candidates identify the rule to find a missing or wrong term.

A reasoning topic where words or letters are converted into a code using a fixed rule, such as shifting letters or reversing order. The task is to decode given words or encode new ones.

A relationship question presenting pairs of items linked by a common rule, such as part-to-whole or cause-to-effect. Candidates apply the same relationship to complete a new pair.

A reasoning task where all items except one share a common property, and the candidate must identify the item that does not fit. It tests observation of shared attributes.

A logical reasoning problem with two or more premises and conclusions, solved using Venn diagrams. Candidates decide which conclusions necessarily follow from the given statements.

Reasoning problems describing family links through statements or symbols, requiring the candidate to determine how two people are related. Family trees are drawn to avoid confusion.

A puzzle where people or objects must be placed in rows, circles, or squares based on clues about their positions. Candidates draw diagrams and apply constraints step by step.

Problems tracking movement in north, south, east, and west directions, often with turns. The candidate finds final distance or direction, typically using the Pythagorean theorem.

A diagram using overlapping circles to show sets and their relationships, such as union and intersection. It is widely used in syllogisms and set-based data questions.

Basic freedoms guaranteed to citizens by Part III of the Indian Constitution, including equality, speech, and life. They are enforceable in courts through writ petitions.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Indian Constitution directing the state toward social and economic welfare. They are not enforceable in courts but are fundamental in governance.

The introductory statement of the Indian Constitution declaring the source of authority as the people and listing ideals such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The three-tier system of local self-government in rural India at village, block, and district levels. It was given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992.

A seasonal reversal of wind direction that brings heavy rainfall to India, typically from June to September. It dominates Indian agriculture, water supply, and the economy.

A period of increased agricultural output in India from the late 1960s, driven by high-yielding seed varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation. It transformed wheat and rice production.

Government schemes such as the National Health Mission and immunization programmes aimed at improving public health. They are commonly tested in general awareness sections.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context. Synonym questions test vocabulary breadth and precision of word choice.

A word with a meaning opposite to another word, such as 'scarce' for 'abundant'. Antonym questions check whether a candidate understands contrast in meaning.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be understood from its individual words, such as 'to bite the bullet'. Candidates must know common idioms and their figurative meanings.

Replacing a long phrase with a single precise word, such as 'philanthropist' for a person who donates to good causes. It tests vocabulary and expression economy.

Two ways of expressing a sentence: active voice makes the doer the subject, while passive voice makes the receiver the subject. Conversion questions test sentence structure control.

Ways of reporting speech: direct speech quotes exact words, while indirect speech reports them with tense and pronoun changes. Questions test correct conversion and punctuation.

A question type where a sentence is divided into parts and the candidate finds the part containing a grammatical error. It tests grammar, usage, and subject-verb agreement.

A passage followed by questions about its content, inference, tone, or vocabulary. Candidates must read carefully and answer strictly from the given text.

An official publication setting out standards for drug identity, purity, strength, and quality. In India, the Indian Pharmacopoeia is the recognized book of drug standards.

A classification under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules that groups drugs by control requirements, such as prescription-only or restricted sale. Schedules regulate manufacture, sale, and labelling.

A medicine that may be supplied only on the written direction of a registered medical practitioner. Its sale is restricted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

A medicine considered safe for self-medication and sold without a prescription. In India, the concept is not formally defined, so pharmacists apply professional judgement.

The fraction of an administered dose of a drug that reaches systemic circulation unchanged. Intravenous administration is taken as 100 percent, and oral bioavailability is often lower.

The time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall by half. It guides dosing frequency and the time needed to reach steady state in the body.

The study of how the body handles a drug, covering absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. These four processes determine the drug concentration at its site of action.