The Graduate Aptitude Test in 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) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. It determines eligibility for admission to DBT supported postgraduate programs, including M.Sc, M.Tech, and M.VSc in Biotechnology and allied sciences, across participating institutions in India. Many of these seats come with a monthly DBT stipend.
Note: GAT-B is different from BET (Biotechnology Eligibility Test), a separate paper conducted the same day for DBT Junior Research Fellowship eligibility. This page and our coaching program focus specifically on GAT-B for postgraduate admission.
Notification timing and exact exam dates vary year to year, generally released around January to March with the exam held around April or May, so check the official NTA and RCB websites for the current cycle rather than relying on past year dates.
We focus specifically on Life Sciences and Biotechnology, which means our Section B preparation goes deep into the actual subject matter GAT-B tests, rather than being a generic multi-exam template. We also give real attention to Section A, since many biotechnology graduates have not touched 10+2 level Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics in years and lose avoidable marks there without focused revision.
Our faculty bring research and teaching backgrounds in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and related fields, with an understanding of how GAT-B’s negative marking structure should shape your attempt strategy, particularly in Section B where wrong answers cost a full mark against a 3 mark reward.
GAT-B qualified candidates can apply for admission at DBT-supported postgraduate programs across roughly 79 participating institutions and universities in India, offering approximately 1,300 to 1,330 sanctioned seats across M.Sc, M.Tech, and M.VSc Biotechnology and allied programs. The exact list, seat count, and program-wise eligibility for each institute is published by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology each cycle at rcb.res.in/DBTPG, and it is worth checking this list directly once you have a sense of your likely score, since seat availability and specific eligibility criteria can vary by institute and program.
Admission counselling and seat allocation is handled individually by each participating institute, not by NTA or RCB directly, so once your GAT-B result is out, you will need to follow each institute’s own counselling process to secure admission.
Qualified candidates admitted to a DBT-supported postgraduate program through GAT-B receive a monthly stipend during their course, with the exact amount varying by program, for example M.Sc Biotechnology and allied sciences, M.Sc Agricultural Biotechnology, and M.Tech or M.VSc programs each have their own stipend structure as notified by DBT each cycle.
GAT-B cutoffs are typically expressed as a percentage of the maximum 240 marks and vary by category each year based on the difficulty of that year’s paper and the number of applicants. As a general reference point, General category cutoffs have historically landed in the range of roughly 50 to 55 percent of total marks, though this shifts year to year, so treat any specific past cutoff as a rough benchmark rather than a target to aim exactly for. Reserved category cutoffs are typically lower, in line with standard reservation norms.
Because Section B’s negative marking deducts a full mark for a wrong answer against a 3 mark reward for a correct one, most of the gap between an average score and a strong, cutoff-clearing score comes down to attempt selection discipline, not just raw subject knowledge.
Six to eight months out: If you have not touched 10+2 level Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics in a while, start Section A revision early alongside your core Section B subjects, since it is easy to underestimate how much this section needs dedicated time versus assuming it will come back naturally.
Four to five months out: Complete full coverage of Section B’s core subjects, including cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology applications, with regular topic-wise tests to track retention.
Two to three months out: Shift into full-length mock tests that replicate GAT-B’s actual sectional structure and negative marking, so you build a realistic sense of which questions to attempt versus skip under exam conditions.
Final month: Focus on rapid revision, previous year paper analysis, and refining your attempt strategy specifically around Section B’s negative marking, since over-attempting uncertain questions here is one of the most common ways strong students lose otherwise qualifying scores.
Section A tests 10+2 level fundamentals across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. This includes mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism in Physics, physical and organic chemistry basics, algebra, calculus, and coordinate geometry in Mathematics, and cell biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology in Biology. Many biotechnology graduates have not revisited these subjects in detail since school, so we treat Section A as a genuine, separate preparation track rather than an afterthought.
We offer two classroom program lengths depending on how much lead time you have:
Extended Programme (around 12 months), 30,000 rupees Suited to students starting well ahead of the exam, covering foundation building, advanced concept work, intensive practice, and a full revision phase.
Condensed Programme (around 6 to 8 months), 30,000 rupees Suited to final year students or those with a stronger existing biology background, focusing on high-weightage topics at a faster pace while covering the same core syllabus.
Both options are also available as an online programme at 25,000 rupees.
GAT-B’s Section B draws from core biotechnology and life sciences subjects at the graduate level. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the areas typically covered:
For the complete, official topic-wise syllabus, refer to the syllabus document published on the official NTA or DBT website for the current exam cycle, since exact topic coverage is confirmed there each year.
Classroom Programme, 30,000 rupees Structured daily classes in Hyderabad covering both Section A and Section B, with direct faculty access, regular tests, and doubt clearing sessions.
Online Programme, 25,000 rupees Live interactive classes, recorded lectures for revision, digital study material, and an online test series, suitable for students preparing from anywhere in India.
Our full-time program typically runs 5 to 6 months, including regular tests and revision cycles, with batches starting on a rolling basis. We recommend starting preparation at least 6 to 8 months before the exam if you are covering the syllabus from scratch, particularly for Section A topics you may not have studied recently.
Manas Kundu — AIR 1, GAT-B 2022
Manas Kundu, now pursuing an Integrated PhD at IISc Bangalore under DBT-JRF Category 1, secured All India Rank 1 in GAT-B 2022 while training with Chandu Biology Classes. His broader exam record includes AIR 48 in GATE XL 2024, AIR 86 in GATE XL 2022, AIR 33 in IIT JAM 2022, AIR 21 in ICAR PG 2021 (Agricultural Biotechnology), and a TIFR-JEEBILS qualification, reflecting consistent, top-tier performance across India’s major Life Sciences and Biotechnology entrance exams.
Qualifying GAT-B opens admission to DBT-supported postgraduate programs in Biotechnology and allied sciences at participating institutions across India, many of which carry a monthly DBT stipend during the program. It is a recognized pathway into research-oriented postgraduate education in biotechnology, ahead of eventual research or PhD opportunities in the field.
Chandu Biology Classes Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Phone: +91 8618301827 Email: chandubiologyc@gmail.com Website: chandubiologyclasses.com Address: Golden Leaf Estates, 3rd Floor, Chitrapuri Colony, Bagh Lingampally, near Mumbai Masala Restaurant, Narayanguda, opposite Metro Pillar No 1156, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500029
Who conducts GAT-B? GAT-B is conducted by the National Testing Agency, on behalf of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Is GAT-B the same as BET? No. BET is a separate paper conducted the same day for DBT Junior Research Fellowship eligibility. This page and our coaching focus specifically on GAT-B for postgraduate admission.
Is there negative marking in GAT-B? Yes. Section A deducts 0.5 marks for each wrong answer, and Section B deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Is there an age limit for GAT-B? No, there is no age limit for GAT-B, and there is no restriction on the number of times you can attempt it.
What is the eligibility for GAT-B? A relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate for General, EWS, and OBC candidates, or 55% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are applying for M.Sc, M.Tech, or M.VSc programs.
Do you offer both online and offline coaching for GAT-B? Yes, offline classroom coaching in Hyderabad at 30,000 rupees, and online coaching at 25,000 rupees, both covering the full syllabus and test series.
How many institutes and seats accept GAT-B scores? Roughly 79 DBT-supported institutions and universities participate, offering approximately 1,300 to 1,330 seats across M.Sc, M.Tech, and M.VSc Biotechnology and allied programs. The exact list is published by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology each cycle.
What is a good score to aim for in GAT-B? Cutoffs vary each year, but General category cutoffs have historically landed in the range of roughly 50 to 55 percent of the total 240 marks. Reserved category cutoffs are typically lower. Treat past cutoffs as a rough benchmark rather than an exact target, since they shift with each year’s paper difficulty and applicant pool.
How long is the GAT-B coaching program? Our full-time program typically runs 5 to 6 months, including regular testing and revision, though we recommend starting your own preparation 6 to 8 months before the exam if starting from scratch.
Welcome to Chandubiology classes
With over 9 years of dedicated teaching experience, I am Chandra Sekhar, a passionate educator committed to guiding students toward success in life sciences. I hold a Master's degree in Pharmacy from Andhra University and achieved an impressive AIR-2 in the CSIR NET Life Sciences. My academic journey includes completing my Junior Research Fellowship at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
As the founder and CEO of Chandubiology Classes, a premier institute in Bangalore and Hyderabad, I specialize in preparing students for competitive exams such as CSIR NET Life Sciences, IIT JAM Biotechnology, GATE Life Sciences, ICMR JRF, and NEET UG. Under my supervision, students have consistently excelled, with many achieving top ranks in national exams: AIR-3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13 in CSIR NET and AIR-1, 2, 4, 9, 10 in IIT JAM BT, among others.
I take pride in having guided over 4,500 students, many of whom have secured top ranks and are now pursuing advanced studies at renowned institutions worldwide, including leading IITs in India. My students have successfully cracked TGPSC and APPSC in Botany and Zoology, now serving as Assistant Professors and Lecturers across universities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Every year, my students achieve remarkable results in state-level exams such as TSSET, APSSET, and KSET, as well as national ranks in CSIR NET Life Sciences. Join me in this journey of knowledge and excellence, and let’s unlock your potential together!
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