The Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB). It serves as the gateway to several prestigious DBT-supported postgraduate biotechnology programs across India. Before beginning your preparation, it is essential to understand the exam pattern and weightage of different subjects.
Exam pattern
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Medium | English |
| Total questions | 160 |
| Questions to attempt | 120 |
| Total marks | 240 |
| Question type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
The GAT-B question paper is divided into two sections: Section A (General Science) and Section B (Biotechnology and Life Sciences).
Section A: General Science
| Total questions | 60 |
| Questions to attempt | 60 (Compulsory) |
| Marks per question | 1 |
| Negative marking | 0.5 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Total marks | 60 |
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology – (10+2 level)
Subject weightage in Section A
- Biology: 70–75%
- Chemistry: 10–15%
- Mathematics: 5–10%
- Physics: 5–10%
Although Section A includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, it is heavily dominated by Biology. Therefore, Biology should receive the highest priority during preparation.
Section B: Biotechnology and Life Sciences
| Total questions | 100 |
| Questions to attempt | 60 |
| Marks per question | 3 |
| Negative marking | 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Maximum marks | 180 |
Section B contributes 75% of the total score (180 out of 240 marks). Consequently, a strong command of Biotechnology and Life Sciences is crucial for securing a high rank.
Preparation strategy
One of the most common mistakes made by students is preparing all subjects equally. Instead, preparation should be aligned with the exam weightage and your scoring potential. A recommended distribution of study time is:
- Biology and Biotechnology: ~70%
- Chemistry: ~15%
- Mathematics, Physics, and Aptitude (combined): ~15%
“Since only 60 out of 100 questions need to be attempted in Section B, students have the flexibility to focus on their strongest areas and avoid topics in which they are less confident. Regular revision, topic-wise practice, and solving previous years’ questions are essential for maximizing performance.”
Recommended books for GAT-B preparation
For GAT-B, students do not need a large number of books. Successful candidates generally rely on a few standard textbooks along with extensive practice of questions and tests.
- Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry
- Bruce Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell
- Watson’s Molecular Biology of the Gene
- Kuby Immunology
- Pathfinder’s Life Sciences: Fundamentals and Practice (Part I & II)
- Pathfinder’s Biophysics and Molecular Biology: Tools and Techniques
- NCERT Biology (Class XI and XII)
- Pathfinder’s TEST PREP Question Bank for IIT-JAM, CUET-PG, and GAT-B: For Practice questions and PYQs.
- Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry: Standard Class XI and XII (10+2 level) books are sufficient for covering the syllabus of Section A.
Final advice
Success in GAT-B depends more on smart preparation than exhaustive preparation. Focus on Biology and Biotechnology, master the fundamental concepts, solve a large number of practice questions, and attempt mock tests. With a strategic approach and consistent revision, students can significantly improve their chances of securing admission to top DBT-supported biotechnology programs.
