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ShareThe Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) - Biotechnology is a national-level entrance examination conducted jointly
by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). It evaluates the understanding and knowledge
of candidates in core biotechnology concepts and allied subjects, including biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics,
bioinformatics, and process engineering.
GATE-BT serves as a gateway for admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech/M.E/Ph.D) in Biotechnology and related disciplines at top
institutions in India. Additionally, it is widely recognized by public and private sector companies for recruitment, offering opportunities
for careers in research, development, and industrial applications.
| Number of tests | Once in a year |
| Fellowship/ Assistantship | Subject to fulfilling the admission criteria of the admitting institutes. |
| Administering institutes | IISc Bangalore and 7 IITs |
| Organizing Institute of Exam | One of the administering institutes |
| Medium of examination | English |
| Mode of examination | Computer based test (CBT) |
| Subject papers allowed | Maximum TWO Paper combinations |
| Combination of TWO Papers Allowed | BM (Biomedical Engineering), XL (Life Sciences): Allowed as the Second Paper, if primary paper is biotechnology. |
| Time duration | 3 hours |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| Number of questions | 10 (GA) + 55 (subject) = 65 Questions |
| Pattern of questions |
GA : 5 x 1 + 5 x 2 =15 : 5 questions carrying 1-mark each and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each Subject: 25 x 1 + 30 x 2 = 85: 25 questions carrying 1-mark each and 30 questions carrying 2-marks each |
| Distribution of Marks | General Aptitude: 15 Marks + Engineering Mathematics: 13 Marks + Subject Questions: 72 Marks , Total: 100 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry 1 mark and 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For a wrong answer chosen in a MCQ, there will be negative marking. For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. |
| Eligibility | 3rd Year or higher years of any undergraduate degree program OR Currently in the first year or higher or already Completed Master’s degree in any relevant science subject |
| Age limit | NO age limit |
| Syllabus | Click here |
| Validity of Score Card | Three years |
| Relevant website | https://gate2025.iitr.ac.in/ |
The GATE Biotechnology exam is one of the important examinations for Biotechnology and Life Sciences students in India. It provides candidates with numerous career opportunities. However, the increasing competition and number of applicants each year make it essential to prepare strategically. Below are some effective preparation tips and strategies to crack the GATE Biotechnology exam:
Success in the GATE Biotechnology exam requires a combination of consistent preparation, practice, and strategic planning. Focus on understanding core concepts, solving problems, and revising regularly while staying disciplined throughout the preparation journey
To effectively prepare for the GATE 2025 Biotechnology exam, students must familiarize themselves with the exam pattern. The format provides insight into the structure and types of questions in the examination. The GATE Biotechnology exam pattern is as follows:
Question Types:
Total Sections:
Types of question : MCQ
Types of question : MCQ, MSQ and NAT
Key points:
Choosing the right books is crucial for effective preparation for any exam, including the GATE Biotechnology exam. The selection of appropriate resources can significantly impact a candidate's preparation and performance. Below is a list of recommended books for GATE Biotechnology 2025 preparation, organized by sections:
Section 1: Engineering Mathematics Higher Engineering Mathematics by B.S. Grewal
Section 2: General biology
Biotechnology: A Problem Approach by Pranav Kumar (JMI), Usha Mina (JNU), and Praveen Verma (JNU)- Pathfinder publication
Principles of Biochemistry by Lehninger
Microbiology by Prescott
Section 3: Genetics, Cellular, and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology: A Problem Approach by Pranav Kumar (JMI), Usha Mina (JNU), and Praveen Verma (JNU)- Pathfinder publication
Section 4: Fundamentals of Biological Engineering Bioprocess Engineering Principles by Pauline M. Doran Bioprocess Engineering: Basic Concepts by Michael L. Shuler and Fikret Kargi
Section 5: Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology Bioprocess Engineering: Basic Concepts by Michael L. Shuler and Fikret Kargi Bioprocess Engineering Principles by Pauline M. Doran
Section 6: Plant, Animal, and Microbial Biotechnology Biotechnology: A Problem Approach by Pranav Kumar (JMI), Usha Mina (JNU), and Praveen Verma (JNU)- Pathfinder publication Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA by Bernard R. Glick, Jack J. Pasternak, and Cheryl L. Patten
Section 7: Recombinant DNA Technology and Other Tools in Biotechnology Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics by S.B. Primrose and R.M. Twyman, Biophysics & Molecular Biology by Pranav Kumar (Pathfinder) Bioinformatics by Jin Xiong.
Section 8: General Aptitude