GAT-B vs CUET PG: Which Exam is Best for Biotechnology?

Students preparing for M.Sc in Biotechnology in some of the top institutions in India can appear for two of the largest entrance exams in the country, CUET PG and GAT-B. The GAT B exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission into M Tech and M Sc Biotechnology in participant Institutes and qualifies candidates to secure DBT- Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF).

New: CUET PG 2025 Application Form Correction Link

Latest: CUET PG Syllabus 2025 | CUET PG Exam Date 2025

Also Check: CUET PG College List 2025 | CUET PG Exam Pattern 2025

This Story also Contains

1. What is GAT-B?
2. Who is the Conducting Body of GAT-B?
3. Who is Eligible for GAT-B?
4. Who is the Conducting Body of CUET PG?

The CUET PG entrance is also conducted by the NTA to offer admission to various PG courses along with biotechnology courses. While CUET PG does not have a specific Biotechnology test paper, the students can appear for the Life Science paper (SCQP17) to be eligible for some institutions. For instance, the University of Delhi and BBAU, Lucknow, consider CUET PG Life Science scores for admission to their 2-year M.Sc. Biotechnology programmes. Students are advised to read the entire article to learn more about the differences between CUET PG and GAT B and other relevant details.

What is GAT-B?

The Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB). It determines the eligibility of Indian nationals for admission to Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supported postgraduate programmes in Biotechnology and allied disciplines at participating universities and institutions in India.

Also read,

• GAT B 2025 Application Out, Check dates

Who is the Conducting Body of GAT-B?

The GAT-B exam is conducted once every year by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), under DBT.

What is the GAT-B Syllabus?

The GAT-B exam is a computer-based test (CBT) with questions in English only. The GAT B exam lasts for 3 hours and includes multiple-choice questions. The GAT B syllabus includes topics like Biomolecules, Viruses, Cells, Genes/Chromosomes, Microscopes, Immunology, Bioinformatics, and Enzymes/Proteins. The question paper is divided into two sections:

1. Section A: Contains 60 compulsory questions of 1 mark each, covering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology at the 10+2 level. A wrong answer results in a deduction of 0.5 marks.

2. Section B: Contains 100 questions, out of which candidates must attempt any 60. Each question carries 3 marks, and a wrong answer leads to a deduction of 1 mark. This section covers Basic Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and allied sciences.

Who is Eligible for GAT-B?

To be eligible for the GAT B exam, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree with relevant subjects from a recognised university. For general, EWS, and OBC categories, 55% marks are required, while for SC, ST, and PH categories, 50% marks are required. There is no age limit for the GAT B exam.

Link: GAT B Exam 2025: All you need to know

What is CUET PG for Biotechnology?

The Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate programmes (CUET PG) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It grants admission to various postgraduate programmes, including biotechnology, offered by central and other participating universities across India.

Link: Learn more about CUET PG exam in details

Who is the Conducting Body of CUET PG?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CUET PG exam once every year.

What is CUET PG Syllabus?

There is no Biotechnology paper for the CUET PG exam. However, students can choose a Life Science paper (SCQP17). The Life Sciences syllabus consists of the following topics:

1. Techniques

2. Chromatin Structure and Function

3. Biochemistry

4. Biotechnology

5. Microbiology

6. Molecular Genetics

7. Plant Sciences

8. Animal Sciences

Link: Check CUET PG 2025 syllabus in detail

Who is Eligible for CUET PG?

• Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or Biological Sciences.

• Some universities require a minimum of 50% to 60% marks in the qualifying degree.

• There could be specific eligibility criteria for some universities participating. For this purpose, candidates need to check with their desired university's specific requirements.

Link: Check CUET PG eligibility criteria 2025 in details

GAT-B Vs CUET PG: Which one to Choose?

• Why choose GAT-B?

It depends entirely on the career goals, which one you want. Suppose you want to get admitted to DBT-supported institutes with a focus on research in biotechnology as well as industry-oriented programmes. These institutes will offer scholarships and provide better research opportunities too. Go with GAT-B.

• Why choose CUET PG?

If you are looking to enter the core of life sciences and biotechnology in central and state universities. More options are available under one umbrella of CUET PG across various universities.

Note: If you are interested in government-funded research programmes, GAT-B is a better choice. However, if you want to study in a broader variety of universities, CUET PG is a better option.