The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – Biotechnology (BT) is one of the most sought-after exams for candidates aiming for postgraduate programs and recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Organized annually by IITs and IISc on a rotational basis, GATE Biotechnology is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with a duration of 3 hours, consisting of 65 questions totaling 100 marks.
The exam evaluates candidates on General Aptitude (15 marks) and Biotechnology (85 marks), with a marking scheme that includes both positive and negative marking for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. The GATE Biotechnology syllabus covers key topics in Engineering Mathematics and Biotechnology, with recommended textbooks such as “Molecular Biology of the Cell” by Alberts and “Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry” by Nelson and Cox.
The application process is online, with important dates starting from the notification in July, application in September, and exam in February. GATE scores are valid for 3 years and are widely used for admissions to M.Tech, Ph.D. programs, as well as for PSU recruitment and scholarships. GATE 2025: GATE Biotechnology Syllabus PDF 2025 Direct Download Free
GATE Biotechnology Exam Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) – Biotechnology (BT) |
| Organizing Institute | IITs and IISc on a rotational basis |
| Frequency | Annually (Usually in February) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or Master’s in relevant science subjects |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (15 marks) and Biotechnology (85 marks) |
| Marking Scheme | ★ MCQs: +1 or +2 marks for correct answer, -1/3 or -2/3 marks for wrong answer. ★ NAT: +1 or +2 marks, no negative marking. |
| Syllabus Topics | Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods |
| Biotechnology: | |
| Preparation Tips | Understand the syllabus thoroughly, refer to standard textbooks, solve previous years’ papers, take mock tests |
| Key Textbooks | ★ Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts ★ Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson and Cox ★ Bioprocess Engineering by Shuler and Kargi ★ Introduction to Bioinformatics by Arthur Lesk |
| Application Process | Online through the official GATE website |
| Application Fee | Varies for different categories and countries |
| Important Dates | ★ Notification Release: July ★ Application Start: September ★ Admit Card Release: January ★ Exam Date: February ★ Results Announcement: March |
| Result Declaration | Online on the official GATE website |
| Score Validity | 3 years |
| Cut-Off Marks | Varies each year based on the difficulty level of the exam and number of candidates |
| Uses of GATE Score | Admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech, Ph.D.), PSU recruitment, scholarships |
GATE Biotechnology 2025 Exam Date
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025 schedule has been officially released, providing important dates for candidates aspiring to appear in the prestigious exam. The online application portal (GOAPS) opens on August 24, 2024, with the regular registration deadline set for September 26, 2024. An extended registration period with a late fee will be available until October 7, 2024.
Candidates have until November 6, 2024, to make changes in their application details. The admit cards will be available for download starting January 2, 2025, with the GATE 2025 exam scheduled across two weekends: February 1-2, 2025, and February 15-16, 2025. Results will be announced on March 19, 2025, followed by the release of scorecards on March 28, 2025. Candidates can download their scorecards for free until May 31, 2025, after which a fee of Rs. 500 will be applicable until December 31, 2025.
| Event | Day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) opens | Saturday | August 24, 2024 |
| Closing date of regular online registration/applications | Thursday | September 26, 2024 |
| End of extended period for online registration/application (with late fee) | Monday | October 7, 2024 |
| Last date for change of Category, Paper and Examination City, adding a new test paper, and change of personal details (additional fee applicable per change) | Wednesday | November 6, 2024 |
| Admit Cards available for download | Thursday | January 2, 2025 |
| GATE 2025 Examination Dates | ||
| Forenoon: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM (IST) | Saturday | February 1, 2025 |
| Sunday | February 2, 2025 | |
| Saturday | February 15, 2025 | |
| Sunday | February 16, 2025 | |
| Announcement of results in the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) | Wednesday | March 19, 2025 |
| Score Cards available for free download | Friday to Saturday | March 28, 2025 to May 31, 2025 |
| Score Cards available for download by paying a fee of Rs. 500 per test paper | Sunday to Wednesday | June 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025 |
What is GATE Exam?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate programs, such as M.Tech and Ph.D., at prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, and IISc. It is also used for recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and for obtaining scholarships. The exam is held annually and is organized by IITs and IISc on a rotational basis.
GATE tests the comprehensive understanding of subjects in Engineering, Technology, and Science, depending on the candidate’s chosen discipline. For Biotechnology (BT), the exam consists of 65 questions in both Multiple Choice (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) formats.
It covers subjects like General Aptitude and core Biotechnology topics, along with Engineering Mathematics. GATE is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), lasts for 3 hours, and is evaluated on a total of 100 marks. The scores are valid for 3 years and play a crucial role in shaping a candidate’s academic and professional future. Read: DBT JRF 2025: Biotechnology Eligibility Test – Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Result
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) – Biotechnology (BT) |
| Organizing Institute | IITs and IISc on a rotational basis |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (15 marks) and Biotechnology (85 marks) |
| Marking Scheme | ★ MCQs: +1 or +2 marks for correct answer, -1/3 or -2/3 marks for wrong answer. ★ NAT: +1 or +2 marks, no negative marking. |
| Result Declaration | Online on the official GATE website |
| Score Validity | 3 years |
GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before filing the application, candidates must ensure that they meet the educational eligibility criteria of GATE 2025 exam. A candidate who is currently studying in the 3rd or higher years of any undergraduate degree program OR who has already completed any government approved degree program in Engineering/ Technology/ Architecture/ Science/ Commerce/ Arts/ Humanities is eligible for appearing in the GATE 2025 exam.
| Degree / Program | Qualifying Degree / Examination | Description of Eligible Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| B.E. / B.Tech. / B. Pharm. | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc. / Diploma in Engineering / Technology) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed |
| B. Arch. | Bachelor’s degree of Architecture (5-year course) / Naval Architecture (4-year course) / Planning (4-year course) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed |
| B.Sc. (Research) / B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma / 4 years after 10+2) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed |
| Pharm. D.(after 10+2) | 6 years degree program, consisting of internship or residency training, during third year onwards | Currently in the 3rd/ 4th/ 5th/ 6th year or already completed |
| M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc. | Degree holders of M.B.B.S. / B.D.S. / B.V.Sc and those who are in the 5th/ 6th/ 7th semester or higher semester of such programme. | 5th/ 6th/ 7th or higher semester or already completed |
| M. Sc. / M.A. / MCA or equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Arts / Science / Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Applications or equivalent | Currently in the first year or higher or already Completed |
| Int. M.E. / M.Tech.(Post-B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering / Technology (4-year program) | Currently in the 1st/ 2nd/ 3rd/ 4th year or already completed |
| Int. M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Pharm or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) | Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering / Technology (5-year program) | Currently in the 3rd/ 4th/ 5th year or already completed |
| B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com. | Bachelor degree in any branch of Science / Arts / Commerce (3 year program) | Currently in the 3rd year or already completed |
| Int. M.Sc. / Int. B.S. / M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S.- M.S. program | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed |
| Professional Society Examinations* (equivalent to B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch.) | B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognized by MoE / UPSC / AICTE (e.g. AMIE by Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India and so on) | Completed Section A or equivalent of such professional courses |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) | 4-years program | Currently in the 3rd/ 4th year or already completed |
GATE 2025 Application Fee
Details of the application fee per candidate per test paper are given. The application fee is NEITHER refundable (except for condition mentioned ) NOR transferable. Payments have to be made online by using net banking / debit card / credit card / wallet / UPI / etc. As per the prevailing norms, additional online transaction charges or bank charges may be applicable. These charges will be specified on the payment portal.
| Category | Regular Period (August 24 to September 26, 2024) | Extended Period (September 27 to October 7, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Female Candidates | Rs. 900 | Rs. 1400 |
| SC / ST / PwD Category Candidates* | Rs. 900 | Rs. 1400 |
| All Other Candidates | Rs. 1800 | Rs. 2300 |
GATE Biotechnology 2025 Exam Pattern
The GATE exam follows a structured pattern to assess the candidate’s knowledge in their respective field. It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted over a duration of 3 hours, with a total of 65 questions worth 100 marks.
The exam is divided into two sections: General Aptitude (GA), which carries 15 marks, and the Subject-Specific Section, which accounts for 85 marks. The questions are a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). MCQs have both positive and negative marking, awarding +1 or +2 marks for correct answers and deducting -1/3 or -2/3 marks for wrong ones, depending on the weight of the question.
NAT questions, however, do not have negative marking and require candidates to input numerical values as answers. This comprehensive format ensures that the GATE exam rigorously evaluates both technical knowledge and general aptitude.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | The test papers will be in English. It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted at select centers in select cities. |
| Duration | 3 Hours* |
| Number of Subjects (Papers) | 30 |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subjects |
| Type of Questions | Candidate’s Selected Subject(s): (a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) (b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) (c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Questions for Testing Abilities | (a) Recall (b) Comprehension (c) Application (d) Analysis & Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks (Except Specific Papers) | General Aptitude: 15 marks Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks Subject Questions: 72 marks Total: 100 marks |
| Distribution of Marks (Specific Papers) | For papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL: General Aptitude: 15 marks Subject Questions: 85 marks Total: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry 1 mark or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For a wrong answer in MCQs: – 1-mark question: 1/3 mark deduction – 2-mark question: 2/3 mark deduction No negative marking for MSQ/NAT |
| Partial Marking | There is no partial marking in MSQ |
The GATE 2025 online application process is designed to provide a seamless interface for candidates to interact with the GATE administration. The process is outlined below:
How to Apply for GATE Biotechnology 2025 Exam
- Application Submission: Candidates can apply for the GATE 2025 examination via the online portal at gate2025.iitr.ac.in.
- Document Upload: Upload the required documents including a photograph, signature, category certificate (SC/ST/PwD), and/or Dyslexic certificate if applicable.
- Application Fee Payment: The application fee can be paid through various electronic payment methods.
- Application Status Check: Track the application status, such as “Received,” “Under Scrutiny,” “Accepted,” “Defect Status,” “Status after Rectification,” or “Rejected with valid reasons.” Additionally, candidates can check when their admit card is ready for download.
- Admit Card Download: Once available, candidates can download their admit cards.
- View Results and Download Scorecards: After the examination, candidates can view their answers, marks, and GATE scores, and download their scorecards.
Registration Process:
- Initial Registration: Candidates must register on the GATE portal by providing the following details:
- Full Name (as per a valid photo ID, which must be presented at the exam center).
- A valid e-mail address and mobile number.
- Choose a password.
- Ensure that only one registration is made with one email address and mobile number.
- Communication: All communications will be sent via the registered e-mail address and mobile number. It is essential to provide a personal mobile number and e-mail to avoid missed updates.
Enrolment ID:
- After successful registration, an Enrolment ID will be sent via e-mail to the candidate. This ID will serve as a reference for all future communications and is required until the exam process is complete.
Password:
- During the registration process, the candidate must choose a secure password (8-15 characters long). It should not be easily guessable, such as using the candidate’s name or date of birth. The password must be kept confidential as it is essential for logging into the account throughout the process.
Similar Articles
- GATE 2025: GATE Biotechnology Syllabus PDF 2025 Direct Download Free
- How to Prepare for MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam in 2025
