MCQs on Tablet Formulation & Excipients are tailored for government pharmacist exams (HSSCE, AIIMS, ESI, etc.).

1. Which of the following is NOT a diluent used in tablet formulation?

A. Lactose
B. Microcrystalline cellulose
C. Magnesium stearate
D. Dicalcium phosphate

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Magnesium stearate is a lubricant, not a diluent.

2. The primary role of binders in tablets is to:

A. Improve dissolution
B. Increase hardness
C. Promote granule formation
D. Enhance flow

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Binders provide cohesion to form granules.

3. Which excipient acts by swelling to promote tablet disintegration?

A. Talc
B. Starch
C. Lactose
D. Gelatin

Correct Answer: B

4. Superdisintegrants include:

A. Starch
B. Sodium starch glycolate
C. Gelatin
D. PEG

Correct Answer: B

5. Which of the following is a hydrophobic lubricant?

A. Talc
B. Magnesium stearate
C. PEG
D. Starch

Correct Answer: B

6. Excess lubricant may lead to:

A. Increased hardness
B. Decreased dissolution rate
C. Faster disintegration
D. Improved bioavailability

Correct Answer: B

7. Which excipient improves powder flow?

A. Binder
B. Disintegrant
C. Glidant
D. Sweetener

Correct Answer: C

8. Talc is mainly used as

A. Binder
B. Glidant
C. Disintegrant
D. Diluent

Correct Answer: B

9. Direct compression requires excipients with:

A. Poor flow
B. Good compressibility
C. High moisture
D. Low density

Correct Answer: B

10. Which method involves forming granules using a liquid?

A. Dry granulation
B. Direct compression
C. Wet granulation
D. Lyophilization

Correct Answer: C

11. Which excipient is commonly used as a binder in wet granulation?

A. PVP
B. Talc
C. Magnesium stearate
D. Lactose

Correct Answer: A

12. Capping in tablets is due to:

A. Excess moisture
B. Air entrapment
C. High binder concentration
D. Low compression force

Correct Answer: B

13. Which of the following is a water-soluble diluent?

A. Lactose
B. Talc
C. Magnesium stearate
D. Calcium phosphate

Correct Answer: A

14. Disintegrants are added to:

A. Increase tablet hardness
B. Promote the breakup of the tablet
C. Improve flow
D. Reduce weight

Correct Answer: B

15. Which excipient is used for coating?

A. HPMC
B. Lactose
C. Talc
D. Starch

Correct Answer: A

16. Which is an example of a plastic material in compression?

A. Lactose
B. MCC
C. DCP
D. Talc

Correct Answer: B

17. Which property is essential for tablet compression?

A. Color
B. Flowability
C. Odor
D. Taste

Correct Answer: B

18. Friability test measures:

A. Hardness
B. Weight variation
C. Resistance to abrasion
D. Disintegration

Correct Answer: C

19. Which instrument is used for hardness testing?

A. Monsanto tester
B. Disintegration apparatus
C. Friabilator
D. pH meter

Correct Answer: A

20. Which problem results in the splitting of a tablet into layers?

A. Sticking
B. Lamination
C. Picking
D. Mottling

Correct Answer: B

21. Assertion (A): Magnesium stearate reduces tablet dissolution rate

Reason (R): It forms a hydrophobic film around particles

A. Both A and R are true, and R explains A
B. Both true, but R not an explanation
C. A true, R false
D. A false, R true

Correct Answer: A

22. Assertion (A): Wet granulation improves flow properties

Reason (R): It increases particle size

Correct Answer: A

Dr Alok Bains