The syllabus and difficulty level of questions in all sections of the ICMR-JRF | DHR – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) — including Aptitude & Analytical Skills, General/Interdisciplinary Knowledge, and Domain-Specific Knowledge — will be aligned with the subjects and topics typically covered at the qualifying degree level. The standard of the examination will be appropriate for candidates intending to pursue advanced studies and research in the relevant biomedical fields.
SECTION-A : Aptitude and Analytical Skills
This component will assess general aptitude (approx. 50 questions) relevant to biomedical research consisting of, including:
- Reading comprehension
- Reasoning ability (verbal, non-verbal, data interpretation, deductive reasoning)
- Analytical ability (logical reasoning, data analysis)
- Quantitative ability (numerical analysis, graphical interpretation)
- Quantitative comparison
SECTION -B : General & Interdisciplinary Knowledge
This component will test broad-based fundamentals (approx. 50 questions) common across biomedical and life sciences, including:
- Molecular basis of cellular changes
- Cell structure and communication
- Basic physiology
- Genetics and genomics
- Evolution and origin of life
- Biotechnology processes and applications
- Biosafety and bioethics
- Immunology (innate and adaptive)
- Common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections
SECTION-C : Domain-Specific Knowledge
Each candidate must choose one discipline at the time of application. Questions (approx. 50 questions) will be drawn from the chosen subject domain, selected from the following list:
- a. Microbiology (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Entomology, Mycology)
- b. Biochemistry
- c. Biostatistics
- d. Veterinary Science / Medicine
- e. Public Health
- f. Nursing
- g. Biotechnology
- h. Social & Behavioural Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology)
- i. Nutrition
- j. Pharmacology
- k. Biological Science (Life Science, Human Biology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Botany)
