The NTA GAT-B BET 2026 exams are key national-level tests for aspiring biotechnologists in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), these exams open doors to advanced studies and research careers.
Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) serves as the entrance for DBT-supported postgraduate programs (like M.Sc., M.Tech., M.V.Sc. in Biotechnology and allied fields) at participating institutions. Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) qualifies candidates for the prestigious DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF) to pursue Ph.D. research in biotechnology. As of March 2026, registrations for GAT-B BET 2026 are open, making this the ideal time to prepare and apply.
Key Updates for GAT-B BET 2026
As per the latest NTA information bulletin (released in March 2026), key dates include:
- Online registration and application submission: March 19, 2026, to April 9, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM).
- Last date for fee payment: April 9, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).
- Correction window: April 11 to April 13, 2026.
- Exam date for both GAT-B and BET: May 17, 2026.
- GAT-B timing: Likely morning session (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon).
- BET timing: Likely afternoon session (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) with multiple-choice questions.
The official website for applications is https://exams.nta.nic.in/gat-bet/ or https://dbt.nta.ac.in/. Candidates should monitor these for admit cards, city intimation slips, provisional answer keys, and results.
Application fees (as per 2026 bulletin):
- General/UR/OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹1300 for GAT-B or BET (₹2600 for both).
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹650 for one, ₹1300 for both.
These reflect the current 2026 cycle, with extensions or updates possible via NTA notices.
Eligibility Criteria for GAT-B 2026
To apply for GAT-B:
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.Tech/BE in Biotechnology/Life Sciences or related fields) or equivalent.
- Minimum marks: 60% aggregate for General/EWS/OBC categories; 55% for SC/ST/PwD.
- For specific programs (M.Tech/M.Sc./M.V.Sc.), eligibility aligns with participating institutions’ requirements.
- No upper age limit.
- Bonafide Indian nationals only.
Final admissions depend on GAT-B rank and counseling by participating institutes.
Eligibility Criteria for BET 2026
For BET (DBT-JRF):
- Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.Tech) in Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Biology or related fields, or B.Tech in Biotechnology.
- Minimum 60% marks (55% for reserved categories).
- Aimed at Ph.D. aspirants seeking fellowships.
- Similar no-age-limit policy.
Both exams require careful verification of category certificates during application.
Exam Pattern for GAT-B 2026
GAT-B follows a structured MCQ format:
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).
- Total Questions: 160 (but attempt rules apply).
- Sections:
- Section A — 60 compulsory MCQs (10+2 level in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology). Each correct answer: +1 mark; negative marking: -0.5 per wrong answer.
- Section B — 100 MCQs (Bachelor’s/Graduate level in Basic Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology); attempt 60. Each correct: +3 marks; negative: -1 per wrong; unanswered: 0.
- Total marks: 240.
- No sectional time limits.
This pattern tests foundational and advanced knowledge with emphasis on accuracy due to negative marking.
Exam Pattern for BET 2026
BET is similarly CBT-based:
- Duration: 180 minutes.
- Focuses on general aptitude plus specialized biotechnology branches.
- Sections include General Aptitude (common) and domain-specific questions.
- Marking similar to GAT-B, with negative marking.
Both exams are held on the same day but in different shifts.
Detailed Syllabus for GAT-B BET 2026
Section A (Common for GAT-B, 10+2 level): Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology basics.
Section B / Specialized (Graduate level):
- Biomolecules: Structure, functions, enzymes, kinetics.
- Metabolism: Carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids; photosynthesis, respiration, bioenergetics.
- Microbiology: Microbial classification, growth, nutrition, diseases, host-pathogen interactions.
- Cell Biology: Prokaryotic/eukaryotic cells, cell cycle, signaling, transduction.
- Genetics & Molecular Biology: Gene structure, replication, transcription, translation, mutations, Mendelian inheritance, RNAi, DNA repair.
- Techniques: Microscopy, centrifugation, spectroscopy, chromatography, electrophoresis, microarrays.
For BET, additional depth in specialized areas like agricultural, medical, industrial biotechnology, or bioinformatics may apply.
Download the official syllabus PDF from rcb.res.in or NTA site for complete topics.
How to Apply for GAT-B BET 2026
- Visit https://exams.nta.nic.in/gat-bet/.
- Register with basic details (name, email, mobile).
- Fill the application form, upload scanned documents (photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay fees online (net banking, card, UPI).
- Submit and note the application number.
Apply early to avoid last-minute issues. One application covers both exams if opting for both.
Preparation Tips for GAT-B BET 2026
- Master NCERT basics for Section A.
- Focus on graduate-level biotechnology textbooks (e.g., Lehninger for biochemistry, Prescott for microbiology).
- Practice previous years’ papers and mock tests.
- Emphasize conceptual clarity over rote learning due to analytical questions.
- Time management is key—practice full-length mocks.
- Stay updated via official NTA/RCB sites.
With consistent effort, qualifying is achievable.
Participating Institutions and Career Prospects
GAT-B qualifiers gain entry to DBT-supported PG programs at institutes like IITs, JNU, BHU, AIIMS, and others. BET opens DBT-JRF for Ph.D. at premier research labs.
Successful candidates pursue careers in research, academia, biopharma, biotech industries, agriculture, and healthcare.
In 2026, with growing biotech sector demand in India, these exams remain highly competitive yet rewarding gateways. Prepare strategically, apply on time, and aim high for a bright future in biotechnology.