GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences 2023, Important Topics Weightage, Exam Pattern, Question Papers

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    GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences 2023 PDF is available for download. No new changes have been made to GATE 2023 Life Sciences Syllabus PDF. GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences for General Aptitude, Chemistry and Core Discipline Subjects carry a total weightage of 15%, 25% and 60% respectively. Check GATE Life Sciences Exam Pattern

    • GATE Life Sciences General Aptitude and Chemistry are compulsory subjects while candidates can choose two of the subjects from Core Discipline syllabus.
    • GATE Life Sciences Question Paper includes 65 questions in total carrying a weightage of 100 marks. Download GATE Life Sciences Question Paper PDFs
      • The General Aptitude section includes 10 questions with a total weightage of 15 marks.
      • GATE Life Sciences Chemistry (XL- P) includes 15 questions carrying a weightage of 25 marks.
      • GATE Core Discipline (XL Q-U) includes 20 questions from each of the two selected subjects. Each subject selected carries a weightage of 30 marks.
    • Candidates appearing for Life Sciences can choose Biotechnology (BT), Chemistry(CY) or Ecology and Evolution(EY) as one of their second paper in GATE 2023.

    Table of Contents

    1. GATE 2023 Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus PDF
      1.1 GATE XL-Chemistry Syllabus PDF
      1.2 GATE XL- Biochemistry Syllabus PDF
      1.3 GATE XL- Botany Syllabus PDF
      1.4 GATE XL-Microbiology Syllabus PDF
      1.5 GATE XL-Zoology Syllabus PDF
      1.6 GATE XL- Food Technology Syllabus PDF
      1.7 GATE XL-General Aptitude Syllabus PDF
    2. GATE XL Important Topics Weightage
    3. GATE Life Sciences Exam Pattern 2023
    4. GATE Life Sciences Preparation 2023
      3.1 GATE Life Sciences (XL) Books
      3.2 GATE Life Sciences Question Papers
    5. GATE 2023 Life Sciences Syllabus FAQs

    Quick Links:  

    How to use GATE 2023 Virtual Calculator?What will be the Validity of GATE 2023 Score?Online Coaching for GATE 2023
    GATE XL Syllabus

    GATE 2023 Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus PDF

    GATE 2023 Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus PDF is available for download for General Aptitude, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology. Candidates can download GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences 2023 PDF for each of the subjects they will be appearing for.

    GATE Life Sciences Chemistry (XL-P) Syllabus PDF


    GATE Life Sciences Biochemistry (XL-Q) Syllabus PDF


    GATE Life Sciences Botany (XL-R) Syllabus PDF


    GATE Life Sciences Microbiology (XL-S) Syllabus PDF


    GATE Life Sciences Zoology (XL-S) Syllabus PDF


    GATE Life Sciences Food Technology (XL-T) Syllabus PDF


    GATE Life Sciences General Aptitude (GA) Syllabus PDF


    GATE XL Weightage of Topics

    GATE Life Sciences Important Topics Weightage

    The section below covers the previous year's weightage for GATE Life Sciences important topics. Candidates can check the year-wise weightage for GATE XL Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology.

    GATE Life Science- Biochemistry (XL-Q) Important Topics Weightage

    Units202120202019201820172016
    Organization of life, Biomolecules523315
    Enzyme kinetics; Vitamins and Coenzymes; Metabolic pathways and their regulation: Photosynthesis3-7777
    Biochemical separation techniques226454
    Cell biology and signal transduction: Hormones and neurotransmitters331334
    Molecular biology, Recombinant biotechnology42--2-
    Immunology31332-

    GATE Life Science- Botany (XL-R) Important Topics Weightage

    Units202120202019201820172016
    Plant Systematics213312
    Plant Anatomy-12114
    Morphogenesis & Development424311
    Physiology And Biochemistry454446
    Genetics412543
    Plant Breeding And Genetic Modification343121
    Economic Botany12-121
    Plant Pathology211121
    Ecology And Environment-31131

    GATE Life Science- Microbiology (XL-S) Important Topics Weightage

    Units202120202019201820172016
    Historical Perspective11-11-
    Methods In Microbiology25111-
    Microbial Taxonomy And Diversity314423
    Prokaryotic And Eukaryotic Cells: Structure And Function011111
    Microbial Growth313356
    Control Of Micro-Organisms12111-
    Microbial Metabolism311111
    Microbial Diseases And Host Pathogen Interaction-33324
    Chemotherapy/Antibiotics214431
    Microbial Genetics411111
    Microbial Ecology131123

    GATE Life Science- Zoology (XL-T) Important Topics Weightage

    Units202120202019201820172016
    Animal World132212
    Evolution112322
    Genetics422242
    Biochemistry And Molecular Biology426241
    Cell Biology32-224
    Gene Expression In Eukaryotes--1-21
    Animal Anatomy And Physiology261412
    Parasitology And Immunology112122
    Development Biology211223
    Ecology1121-1
    Animal Behaviour1111--

    GATE Life Science- Food Technology (XL-U) Important Topics Weightage

    Units202120202019201820172016
    Food Chemistry and Nutrition666452
    Food Microbiology7451088
    Food Products Technology456446
    Food Engineering353234

    GATE XL Exam Pattern

    GATE 2023 Exam Pattern for Life Sciences

    • GATE XL 2023 Exam Mode: Online
    • GATE XL 2023 Duration: 3 hours
    • Types of Questions: MCQs, MSQs and NAT
    • Number of Sections: 3 sections – General Aptitude, Chemistry (XL-P) and Core Discipline (XL Q-U)
    • Total Questions: 65 questions
    • Check GATE Life Sciences Exam Pattern
    SectionTotal Number of 1 mark questionsTotal Number of 2 mark questionsTotal Number of QuestionsTotal Marks
    GA551015
    Section P(Chemistry)5101525
    Section Q-U(Any two of these)10+1010+1020+20=4030+30=60
    Total307065100

    Quick Links:

    GATE Question PapersGATE 2023 Exam Pattern

     


    GATE XL Preparation

    GATE Preparation 2023 for Life Sciences

    To assist the students in their GATE Life Sciences Preparation 2023, the following sections have been curated. The students are advised to check out the following and avail the benefits of the same.

    GATE Life Sciences (XL) Books

    Candidates preparing for GATE Life Sciences are advised to get the latest edition of some of the most popular books. GATE Books from popular publications are available as both in physical form at bookstores or as e-books online. 

    GATE Zoology Books

    Books NameAuthor/Publication
    Animal Cell Culture MethodsJennie P Mather, David Barnes
    Modern Text Book Of Zoology VertebratesR.L.Kotpal
    ZoologyStephen A Miller and John P Harley

    GATE Chemistry Books

    Books NameAuthor/Publication
    Gate Guide Life Science Chemistry & General AptitudeG K Publications
    A Logical Approach to ChemistryPragati Publications
    3,000 Solved Problems In Chemistry (Schaum’s Outline Series)David E Goldberg

    GATE Food Technology Books

    Books NameAuthor/Publication
    Food TechnologyNeil Morris
    Food Technology and NutritionSunetra Roday
    Textbook of Food Science and TechnologyAvantina Sharma

    GATE Biochemistry Books

    Books NameAuthor/Publication
    Biochemistry Satyanarayana
    Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyWilson/Walker
    Practical BiochemistryDamodaran Geetha K

    GATE Botany Books

    Books NameAuthor/Publication
    A Text Book Of BotanySingh Pande Jain
    A Textbook Of Botany Vol-3S.N Pandey
    Principles Of GeneticsGardner

    GATE Microbiology Books

    Books NameAuthor/Publication
    Microbiology(fifth edition)Micheal Pelczar, E.C.S Chan, Noel R. Krieg
    Prescott’s MicrobiologyJoanne M. Willey, Christopher J. Woolverton, Linda M. Sherwood
    Smart Study Series MicrobiologyAnkit Gupta, Prafulla Songara
    GATE XL Question Papers

    Previous Year GATE Life Sciences Question Paper

    Solving and practicing using previous year GATE Life Sciences Question Papers is one of the best ways to test your exam prep level. Candidates can use the links below to Download GATE Life Sciences Question Paper PDFs.

    YearExam Date & SessionExam ModeGATE XL Question Paper PDF
    2022February 12 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2021February 13 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2020February 2 (Forenoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2019February 2 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2018February 3 (Forenoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2017February 12 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2016February 7 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2015January 31 (Forenoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2014February 2 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2013January 20 (Afternoon Session)OnlineCheck Here
    2012February 12 (Afternoon Session)OfflineCheck Here
    2011February 13 (Afternoon Session)OfflineCheck Here
    2010February 14 (Forenoon Session)OfflineCheck Here
    2009February 8 (Forenoon Session)OfflineCheck Here
    2008February 10OfflineCheck Here
    2007February 11OfflineCheck Here

    GATE 2023 Syllabus of Other Subjects

    Candidates who are planning to appear for GATE can check the syllabus their respective subjects from the links provided in the table below:

    PaperCodePaperCode
    Aerospace EngineeringAEMechanical EngineeringME
    Agricultural EngineeringAGMetallurgical EngineeringMT
    Civil EngineeringCEMining EngineeringMN
    Chemical EngineeringCHPetroleum EngineeringPE
    Engineering SciencesXEProduction and Industrial EngineeringPI
    Electronics and CommunicationECTextile Engineering and Fibre ScienceTF
    Electrical EngineeringEEBiotechnologyBT

    Frequently Asked Questions

    GATE Syllabus for Life Science 2023 FAQs

    Ques: What will be options provided to select the subjects in GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences 2023?

    Ans: GATE Life sciences 2023 XL section comprises the following subjects/codes:

    • XL-P – Chemistry
    • XL-Q – Biochemistry
    • XL-R – Botany
    • XL-S – Microbiology
    • XL-T – Zoology
    • XL-U – Food Technology

    GATE Life Sciences Chemistry (XL-P) is a mandatory subject for candidates to attempt. Meanwhile, candidates can choose any two subjects from Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology.


    Ques: What will be the marking scheme and weightage of sections in GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences 2023?

    Ans: The weightage of General Aptitude will be 15% and the remaining 85% will be reserved for chemistry & sections (two) selected by the candidates. 

    Section Number of QuestionsTotal Marks
    No. of 1 mark questionsNo. of 2 marks questions
    GA5515 marks 
    Section P – Chemistry (compulsory)51025 marks 
    Sections Q to U (Any two)10 + 1010 + 1030 marks + 30 marks
    TOTAL30 questions35 questions100 marks

    Ques: Can I opt for Food Technology & Zoology sections as my 2 optional sections along with Chemistry in GATE Life sciences 2023?

    Ans: Yes. You can opt for any 2 sections from Q to U. The sections P that is chemistry will remain compulsory for all the candidates. The rest of the 2 sections can be selected as per the preference of candidates.


    Ques: What will be major topics for GATE Life sciences 2023 microbiology sections that is XL-S section?

    Ans: The major topics for these sections are mentioned below:

    • Historical Perspective
    • Methods in Microbiology
    • Microbial Taxonomy and Diversity
    • Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
    • Microbial Growth
    • Control of Microorganisms
    • Microbial Metabolism
    • Microbial Diseases and Host-Pathogen Interaction
    • Antibiotics
    • Microbial Genetics
    • Microbial Ecology

    Ques. What are the sub-topics to prepare for in GATE Life Sciences- Chemistry Syllabus 2023?

    Ans. The sub topics in the GATE Life Sciences- Chemistry Syllabus 2023 is as follows: 

    • Atomic Structure and Periodicity
    • Structure and Bonding 
    • s, p & d Block Elements
    • Chemical Equilibria
    • Electrochemistry 
    • Reaction Kinetics
    • Thermodynamics 
    •  Structure Reactivity Correlations and Organic Reaction Mechanisms
    • Chemistry of Biomolecules

    Ques. What are some good books for GATE Life Sciences- Biochemistry Syllabus 2023?

    Ans. Some good books for GATE Life Sciences- Biochemistry Syllabus are as follows: 

    • Biochemistry by Satyanarayana
    • Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by Wilson/Walker
    • Practical Biochemistry by Damodaran Geetha K

    Ques. What are the sub-topics that one needs to prepare for in the GATE Life Sciences- Botany Syllabus 2023?

    Ans. The subtopics in the GATE Life Sciences- Botany Syllabus 2023 is as follows:

    • Plant Systematics
    • Plant Anatomy 
    • Plant development
    • Physiology and Biochemistry
    • Genetics and genomics
    • Plant Breeding, Genetic Modification, Genome Editing Principles, methods
    • Economic and applied Botany
    • Plant Pathology
    • Ecology and Environment

    Ques. What are the sub-topics that one needs to prepare for in GATE Life Sciences- Microbiology Syllabus 2023?

    Ans. The subtopics in the GATE Life Sciences- Microbiology Syllabus 2023 is as follows:

    • Historical Perspective 
    • Methods in Microbiology
    • Microbial Taxonomy and Diversity 
    • Prokaryotic Cells: Structure and Function
    • Microbial Growth
    • Control of Microorganisms 
    • Microbial Metabolism
    • Microbial Diseases and Host-Pathogen
    • Chemotherapy/Antibiotics
    • Microbial Genetics
    • Microbial Ecology 

    Ques. What is a good score for GATE Life Sciences 2023? 

    Ans. A good score for GATE Life Sciences is anywhere from 25 to 35 as the GATE Life Sciences Cut Off is usually in that range. Check GATE Cut Off for the previous year’s trends. 


    Ques. Is GATE Life Science hard?

    Ans. GATE Life Sciences is usually easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. Check GATE Paper Analysis for setting up realistic targets. 


    GATE 2025 : 20 Answered QuestionsView All

    • Top Answer By Pragya Tripathi on 20-Apr-2023

    Ans. An MS from IIT Kanpur is considered to be a highly respected and prestigious degree. The MS program at IIT Kanpur is reputed for its focus on excellent research and its strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. As an MS student, you get to work with some of the most experienced and respected scholars and researchers in their fields, which gives an insight into the latest industry developments and trends.  Additionally, not being located near metropolitan areas, IIT Kanpur gives a peaceful learning environment and students don’t spend much time partying or clubbing. Although it is a 2-year program, with the right determination one can complete it in 18 months also. If you are true to your passion you can also complete a Ph.D. under an experienced thesis advisor and won’t have to go to a foreign university for a Ph.D. Overall, an MS from IIT Kanpur is a valuable and highly esteemed program that offers many opportunities in terms of career and professional advancement. Although it is challenging, the learning experience is worth the effort. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Prachi Sinha on 09-May-2022

    Ans. Andhra University M.Tech admission is done in two ways, i.e. through GATE and through AP PGECET. To get admission, you need to have a valid GATE score or you need to score a valid rank in AP PGECET. Soon, Andhra University will release the notification for AP PGECET. Here are the tentative dates. Event Tentative dates Notification release date Second week of July 2022 Application form available  Second week of July 2022 Admit card release date  Second week of September 2022 Exam date Third week of September 2022 Result  Second week of October 2022 Andhra University will release the application form online. Visit the official website of the institute regularly to get the updated information.  Read more

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    • Top Answer By Aditi Gupta on 01-Apr-2022

    Ans. Many GATE toppers leave PSU and join NITIE, instead of IITs because it offers better placements. Usually, students with good scores join  ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, IOCL, and others. Despite the good salary, PSU jobs can get monotonous after a few years. So, the top rankers start looking for better career options. If they wish to do an MBA, they need to prepare for CAT. Some do prepare for CAT, but many join NITIE as it is an easier option. NITIE takes admission through GATE and the GATE score is valid for 3 years. So, they can easily get admission based on their GATE score.  Also, the institute has a great placement record. During the NITIE Mumbai placement in 2022, the average CTC offered was INR 25.41 LPA. The video below will convince you further to join NITIE Mumbai Overall, its the excellent opportunities offered by NITIE that makes mant GATE toppers leave PSU and join NITIE Read more

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    • Top Answer By Subham Patra on 15-Jul-2022

    Ans. Here are some strategies that can help you prepare for GATE and ESE simultaneously. Compare the syllabus of GATE and ESE. Go through the previous years' questions of both. The technical portion of both examinations overlaps a lot. The major difference is question patterns and styles. Different types of questions are asked on the same topics. GATE tests aptitude for solving technical questions. While ESE puts more emphasis on technical details.  Figure out which subjects contribute more to which examinations.  If you have less time, start with GATE preparation. The topics can be covered easily and in less time. Once you are through GATE preparation, you can solve ESE questions without much difficulty.  Focus on GATE and ESE preparations only.  First, go through the syllabus thoroughly. Once you are done with the syllabus, go through your notes and solve previous years' questions. Solve test series, and review hard questions. Analyze the tests you give and work on your mistakes.  Read more

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    • Top Answer By Dishi Mishra on 15-Jul-2022

    Ans. GATE consists mostly of numerical questions. It tests the aptitude for solving questions in less time. BITS HD papers have 10-15 numerical questions usually. The numerical questions aren’t on the same level as GATE and are just formula-based problems. Usually, around 80-90% of BITS HD questions are theory oriented. You need to have a good grasp of your engineering subjects to score well in BITS HD. The questions can come from anywhere in the syllabus. BITS HD usually consists -  15 Mathematics questions (difficulty usually higher than GATE) 15 general English questions 70 Engineering discipline questions Also, note that BITS take admission based on GATE scores as well.  Read more

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    • Top Answer By Lorina on 27-Feb-2023

    Ans. The required GATE rank depends upon various parameters like  The engineering branch Company (PSU)  Number of vacancies for the stream People who are graduating in 3-4 years are lucky as both IOCL and ONGC are planning to recruit in bulk because of massive retirements in both the companies. The mechanical and chemical branches are expected to have the most vacancies. Candidates will be called in a 1:5 ratio and thus, interviews will be the major determining factor of your selection. If you are unable to showcase your knowledge and talent during the interview, even a single-digit rank cannot guarantee your admission. A minimum of 40% marks are required to pass the interview. So if you get a call for the interview, don’t let your rank discourage you or even make you overconfident.  Read more

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    • Top Answer By Ankita Sinha on 07-Oct-2020

    Ans. Sikkim Manipal University has been ranked at 17 for Private Engineering by India Today in 2020. The largest department within the institution is the CSE department and it has also won the best department in SMIT multiple times. Admissions: Class 12th with mandatory subjects in Physics, Maths, Chemistry/computer science/biology is the prerequisite for admission to CSE at Sikkim Manipal. SMIT online, MET, JEE Mains is the examinations accepted for BTech admission. The total intake for CSE is 180 and the course fee is 12.20 lakhs. Curriculum: The University offers a well-structured and detailed curriculum with exposure to major areas of computer science like Big data analytics, robotics, cloud computing, ethical hacking, and more. The course structure focuses on providing students with knowledge of the core subjects of computer science in order to strengthen their foundation and make them industry-ready. Faculty: The university has 33 highly experienced and qualified faculties for CS. The faculty members also conduct seminars and workshops with esteemed institutions like ISRO, IIT, and TIFR. Infrastructure: The University offers a great infrastructure for the CSE department as it receives funding from two highly esteemed agencies, AICTE and ISRO. There are nine state-of-the-art practical labs like the Networking lab, digital circuit and microprocessor labs, GIS and remote sensing lab, advanced programming lab, and more. It also has a huge library with over 2500 journals and books dedicated to the CSE branch. It has been updated with modern facilities and infrastructure all across the campus in order to provide students with the best experience. Placements: AGS Infotech, Amazon, Britannia, Cipla, Capgemini are some of the major recruiters at the institute. Placement Rate within CSE 92.5% Lowest CTC 3.5 LPA Average CTC 5 LPA Highest CTC 18 LPA Sikkim Manipal University is a great option for students who want to pursue a BTech degree program in the CSE department. Read more

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    • Top Answer By Harshita Sinha on 15-Jul-2022

    Ans. It depends on your career goals. GATE offers more options for engineering students. It is an all-around examination. You can go for MTech, PSUs, MS, and FRM. If you want more options, GATE will be better for you.  If you want to do an MBA, after graduation, CAT will be the better option. Almost all top B-Schools accept CAT scores for MBA.  Read more

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    • Top Answer By Ashish Gupta on 15-Apr-2023

    Ans. IIT Roorkee admission 2023 hasn’t been wrapped up yet, hence its GATE cutoff too hasn’t been released as of now. M.Tech admission process of IIT Roorkee is conducted on the basis of the GATE cutoff, and all the candidates applying for admission into the M.Tech course under the non-sponsored category will be required to clear the cutoff for admission.  The cutoff scores for M.Tech admission at IIT Roorkee for 2022 and 2021 have not been disclosed by the admission authority. Let’s consider GATE 2020 cutoff for a slight idea. Category  GATE 2020 Cutoff General 77.1 EWS 79.1 OBC 72.32 SC 58.62 ST 61.33 Read more

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    • Top Answer By Radhika Srivastava on 11-Apr-2023

    Ans. First of all, admission to the IIT Roorkee MTech program is not given on the basis of GATE rank. The final shortlisting is done on the basis of Normalized GATE marks were used which is calculated by IIT Roorkee as follows: Normalized GATE marks = Normalized marks out of 100 or Marks*100\Maximum marks awarded in the paper that year  For example if a candidate has scored 64 marks and the maximum marks given that year are 92, the Normalized GATE marks are 64*100/92=69.57.  The table below comprises the expected GATE 2023 cut-off for IIT Roorkee based on the previous year's cut-off trends.  MTech Course Cutoff Alternate Hydro Energy Centre 760-839 Architecture & Planning 650-844 Biotechnology 570-577 Civil Engineering 656-780 Chemical Engineering 650-657 Computer Science & Engineering 840-844 Disaster Mitigation & Management 700-710 Electronics and Communication Engineering 736-750 Electrical Engineering 760-779 Mechanical and Industrial Engineering 748-785 Read more

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    *The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College

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