GATE 2021 XL (Life Sciences) was conducted on 13th February by IIT Bombay. GATE 2021 XH comprises several sections out of which two sections are compulsory to attempt. The Chemistry section was mandatory to attempt, carrying a total of 15 marks out of 100. Candidates were required to attempt one section from the other available sections such as Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology. The total marks of the exam was 100. The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate. Candidates would get 3 hours to solve the questions listed in the two sections of GATE 2021 XL.

GATE 2021 XL Question Paper with Answer Key

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GATE 2021 XL Paper Analysis

The mandatory section chemistry comprises 25 questions, carrying 40 marks out of 100.

• The chemistry comprises of 10 questions from the General Aptitude carrying 15 marks, and 15 questions from core Chemistry section carrying the 25 marks
• There were 16 MCQs in chemistry carrying 25 marks (9 questions of 2 marks and 7 questions of 1 mark)
• 7 questions appeared as NATs carrying 11 marks (4 questions carrying 2 marks, and 3 questions carrying 1 mark each)
• 2 MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) also appeared carrying 2 mark each
• Students were required to choose any other two sections from Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Botany and Food Technology, for attempting the other 65 questions carrying the rest of the 60 marks
• Each optional section comprises 20 questions that carried 30 marks (10 questions carrying 1 mark, and the other

GATE 2021 XL Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

• Candidates had solve 65 questions from the two sections combined in 3 hours
• Every Wrong MCQ will result in reduction by 1 mark
• ⅓ marks would be deducted for every MCQ carrying 1 mark, and ⅔ marks would be deducted for wrong MSQ carrying wrong 2 marks
• NATs (Numerical Answer Types) and MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) are exempted from negative marking pattern

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