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GATE Syllabus for Biotechnology (BT), Preparation Tips and Books

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Biotechnology is covered in various engineering branches like Bioinformatics, Biomedical engineering and in biotechnology itself. GATE Biotechnology Syllabus include Engineering Mathematics, Biotechnology, Recombinant DNA Technology, Plant and Animal Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology.

The exam consists of a total of 65 questions and a candidate can score a maximum of 100 marks in the exam. The total time duration to complete the paper is 3 hours. It is very important for a candidate to know the exam pattern so that he or she can know the type and number of questions asked in the exam.  Check GATE Exam Pattern

All GATE qualified candidates can apply for admission in M.Tech courses at IITs, NITs, etc. Other than admission in prestigious institutes candidates can also apply for  GATE PSU Recruitment  based on their GATE scores.

Also Read IIT Delhi Admission Process


GATE Biotechnology Syllabus

GATE Biotechnology Syllabus 2020

GATE Biotechnology paper will have questions from topics:

  • Section 1 – Engineering Mathematics
  • Section 2 – Biotechnology
  • Section 3 – Recombinant DNA Technology
  • Section 4 – Plant and Animal Biotechnology
  • Section 5 – Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology

Direct link to download GATE Biotechnology (BT) Syllabus PDF 


Important Topics for GATE Biotechnology Paper 

  • Sample Question 1: The hexapeptide P has an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.9. Hexapeptide Q is a variant of P that contains valine instead of glutamate at position 3. The two peptides are analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 8.0. Which one of the following statements is CORRECT?
  • Sample Question 2: In pea plants, the purple color of flowers is determined by the dominant allele while white color is determined by the recessive allele. A genetic cross between two purple flower-bearing plants results in an offspring with white flowers. The probability that the third offspring from these parents will have purple flowers is _______ (rounded off to 2 decimal places).
  • Sample Question 3: DNA synthesis in eukaryotes occurs during which phase of the mitotic cell cycle?

Weightage of Sections/Topics

Important Topics Weightage (Marks)
General Aptitude 10
Engineering Mathematics 10-15
Plant and Animal Biotechnology 15-20
Bioprocess Engineering 10-15
Biotechnology 20-25

Check GATE Paper Analysis


GATE Exam Pattern of BT

GATE Exam Pattern of Biotechnology BT Paper

  • Mode of Examination: Online
  • Duration of exam: 3 hours
  • Type of questions: MCQs & NATs 
  • Total Sections: 3 sections i.e. General Aptitude, Mathematics, Subject-based
  • Total questions: 65
  • Total marks: 100 marks
  • Negative marking: for MCQs only
Section  Distribution of Marks   Total Marks Types of questions
General Aptitude 5 questions of 1 mark each
5 questions of 2 marks each
15 marks  MCQs
Subject Paper (BT) 25 questions of 1 mark each
30 questions of 2 marks each 
85 marks MCQs and NATs

Marking scheme

Type of question Negative marking for wrong answer
MCQ 1/3 for 1 mark questions
2/3 for 2 marks questions
NAT No negative marking 

Check Detailed GATE Exam Pattern 


Important Books for BT
Recommended Books for GATE Biotechnology

Candidates can practice from some of the best books recommended for GATE mentioned below:

gate books
Book  Author/Publication
GATE Guide Biotechnology G.K.P; Publisher- G.K. Publisher
Biotechnology GATE B.M. Agarwal, Akanksha Singhal, Vidhika Goel; Publisher-Arihant Publications
Biotechnology for CSIR- NET, SET, GATE, JNU, AIIMS, JAM Vinita Thakur; Publisher- Himalaya Publication House

How to Prepare for BT Paper?

Preparation Tips for GATE Biotechnology Paper

1. Solving Previous Years Papers

  • It is very important for a candidate to solve previous year papers for Biotechnology so that they can idea regarding the type of questions asked in the exam.
  • It also helps in improving the speed of the candidate.
  • The candidate must practice using a stopwatch to improve the speed.
  • Take a note of the mistakes done and try not to repeat them again.
  • You can also get an idea about how to use the virtual calculator for calculations.

Download GATE Practice Papers

2. Improve Speed and Accuracy

  • First of all, you have to work on the accuracy of the answers. 
  • Once you master accuracy then you can automatically gain speed.
  • Both speed and accuracy matters a lot in the exam. 
  • Your accuracy will help in improving your performance in the exam along with your speed.

3. Do not Mix Topics/Sections

  • Candidates are advised not to juggle between two topics or sections at the same time. By doing so you will lose your concentration and confidence.
  • First complete one topics then move for the next topic.
  • The best way to start your preparation is to begin from the basics. Once your basics topics or sections are clear in mind then you can easily solve other relevant topics easily.
  • Do not panic and try to complete your syllabus 2-3 weeks before the exam so that you have ample time for revisions.

4. Follow a Strict Time Table

Time Allotment Activities to Do
5:00 AM to 8:00 AM Revision of Topics
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Take a Break
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pick up a Major Topic
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Take a Break
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Pick up next/incomplete topic
10:00 PM Revise again

5. Maintain Good Health

  • Candidates are advised not to exhaust or overburden themselves. 
  • Try to take frequent breaks for relaxation of body and mind.
  • Do not come under peer pressure. Focus on your preparation only.
  • Eat healthy, exercise and take proper sleep.

Read Preparation Tips from GATE Topper


Syllabus Of Other Papers

 GATE judges a candidate’s expertise in various fields. Candidates can go through the syllabus of other papers as well from the table below:  

GATE will have Virtual Calculator for the candidates for doing calculations during the exam. Apart from practicing previous years’ papers, candidates must also learn to use GATE Virtual Calculator. It was first introduced last in 2019 for the candidates as they brought a physical calculator for making calculations during the exam and also to reduce the chances of cheating through unfair means. Candidates can go through the syllabus of their respective subjects from the links provided above. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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