The GAT-B Exam is essential for students who want to advance in biotechnology and related fields. Conducted by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with the National Testing Agency (NTA) managing it, this exam helps students gain entry into top postgraduate programs like MSc, MTech, MVSc, and MSc Agri.
The test assesses knowledge in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It includes two sections: Section A, covering high school-level topics, and Section B, focusing on graduate-level biotechnology. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the institutions they are applying to.
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What is the GAT B Exam?
The GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test – Biotechnology) is a national entrance exam managed by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) for the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The GAT B 2024 exam will be conducted by the NTA on behalf of RCB. It helps students get into postgraduate courses like MSc, MTech, MVSc, and MSc Agri. in Biotechnology and related fields.
The exam evaluates knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It includes two sections: Section A covers 10+2 level subjects, and Section B focuses on graduate-level biotechnology topics. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the institutions they wish to apply to.
You can also check out the Career in Biotechnology here!
GAT B Exam Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Graduate Aptitude Test – Biotechnology (GAT-B) 2024, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria set by participating institutions and universities. These criteria ensure that applicants are qualified for the postgraduate courses they wish to pursue. Here’s a breakdown of the general eligibility criteria required for GAT B exam:
- Minimum Eligibility: Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria of the institutions and universities they are applying to. It is advisable to verify these requirements on the respective institution’s website.
- Result Awaited Category: Candidates who have appeared or are due to appear in the final examination of their qualifying degree can apply under the ‘Result Awaited’ (RA) category. They must submit an Undertaking/Attestation Form, certified by their institution’s head.
- Risk of Non-Eligibility: Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria but still appear for GAT-B 2024 do so at their own risk. Non-compliance may result in application rejection, cancellation of admission, or other penalties according to the institution’s rules.
- Jurisdiction: Any disputes related to eligibility and admissions will be subject to Delhi jurisdiction only.
GAT B Exam 2024 Important Dates
The GAT B exam 2024 was successfully conducted on 20th April 2024 by the National Testing Agency. However, you can refer to the date schedule for the upcoming GAT B exams:
| Events | Dates |
| GAT B exam registration and form submission | 08 February 2024 to 06 March 2024 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Last date of form submission | 06th March 2024 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| GAT B exam form correction | 08th March 2024 to 09th March 2024 |
| GAT B Exam Date 2024 | 20th April 2024 |
| Duration of the exam | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Timing of the exam | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
Suggested Read: Biotechnology Colleges in India
GAT B Exam Pattern
The Graduate Aptitude Test – Biotechnology paper will comprise of multiple-choice questions. The paper is divided into two sections, A and B. Number of questions in Section A and B are 60 and 100 respectively. The table below contains the exam pattern for the GAT B exam:
| Sections | Total Questions | Questions to be Attempted | Marks |
| Section A (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology) | 60 | 60 | 1X60=60 |
| Section B (Basic Biology, LifeSciences, Biotechnology and allied areas as per syllabus given) | 100 | 60 | 3X60=180 |
| Total | 160 | 120 | 240 |
GAT B Exam Syllabus Overview
Syllabus for the first section (Section A) of the GAT B exam is of 10+2 level in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The aspirants need to have a thorough understanding of the important topics of these subjects. However, the syllabus for Section-B is of graduate level. The important topics for Section B are listed here:
- Biomolecules – structure and functions
- Viruses – structure and classification
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure
- Molecular structure of genes and chromosomes
- History of Immunology
- Major bioinformatics resources and search tools
- Restriction and modification enzymes
- Totipotency
- Animal cell culture
- Chemical engineering principles applied to biological system
- Engineering principle of bioprocessing
- Tissue culture and its application
These were some of the important topics related to the GAT B exam syllabus. You can choose to visit the detailed syllabus via the link https://rcb.res.in/DBTPG/upload/GAT-B%20Syllabus.pdf.
GAT B Exam Registration Process
Registering for the Graduate Aptitude Test – Biotechnology is a simple process. You can easily register for the exam through the official website online. Here’s the important steps regarding the GAT B registration process:
- Go to the Official Website: Start by visiting the official GAT-B website managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) or Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Register: Create an account by entering your name, email address, and mobile number. You’ll get a unique application number to use throughout the process.
- Fill Out the Form: Log in with your application number and password, then complete the form by providing your personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and other required documents in the correct format.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee online through credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit: Review your details, make any corrections needed, and submit your application. Don’t forget to print the confirmation page for your records.
GAT B Exam Cut Off
The GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test for Biotechnology) is an important exam for students aspiring to pursue biotechnology-related courses. The cutoff marks for GAT-B vary each year based on factors like the total number of applicants, exam difficulty, and available seats. Here are the category-wise cutoff marks for GAT-B in recent years:
| Category | 2024 Cutoff | 2023 Cutoff | 2022 Cutoff |
| General | 127 out of 240 | 115 out of 240 | 112 out of 240 |
| General – EWS | 91 out of 240 | 70 out of 240 | 65 out of 240 |
| OBC – NCL | 89.5 out of 240 | 75 out of 240 | 71 out of 240 |
| SC | 65 out of 240 | 60 out of 240 | 60 out of 240 |
| ST | 60 out of 240 | 60 out of 240 | 60 out of 240 |
| PwD | 64 out of 240 | 55 out of 240 | 60.50 out of 240 |
Wrapping It Up!
The GAT-B Exam is essential for students who want to advance in biotechnology and related fields. Conducted by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with the National Testing Agency (NTA) managing it, this exam helps students gain entry into top postgraduate programs like M.Sc., M.Tech., M.V.Sc., and M.Sc. Agri.
The test assesses knowledge in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It includes two sections: Section A, covering high school-level topics, and Section B.
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FAQs
The GAT-B exam is a national entrance test for students seeking admission to postgraduate programs in biotechnology, such as MSc, MTech., MVSc, and MSc Agri. It helps determine candidates’ knowledge and aptitude in subjects related to biotechnology and allied fields.
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria set by participating institutions can apply for the GAT-B exam. This generally includes those who have completed or are about to complete their undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Specific requirements can vary by institution.
The GAT-B exam is considered challenging due to its comprehensive coverage of subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It tests both high school and graduate-level knowledge, making preparation crucial for success.
The GAT-B exam is used to assess candidates’ qualifications for postgraduate studies in biotechnology. It helps institutions select students for advanced programs and is a key step for those aiming for careers in research, academia, and the biotechnology industry.
Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
