1. Important Dates & Application Fees
GAT-B 2026 is the gateway to DBT-supported M.Sc. and M.Tech programs in India. Below are the anticipated dates based on current 2026 trends.
| Exam Milestone | Tentative Timeline (2026) |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Commencement | First Week of February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Form | Mid-March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Early April 2026 |
| GAT-B 2026 Exam Date | April 20, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Results Declaration | May 2026 |
Application Fees:
- General / OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹1,300
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹650
2. Detailed Application Process
Register at dbt.nta.ac.in. Ensure you have a working mobile number and email for OTP verification and future updates.
Enter your qualifying degree details. If you are in your final year of graduation, you can apply under the Result Awaited (RA) category with an undertaking form.
Upload a scanned passport photo (20KB-50KB) and signature (10KB-20KB). Ensure documents are clear to avoid rejection.
Complete the transaction via the online gateway. Crucial: Download the confirmation page; it is required during the university counseling process.
3. Eligibility & Participating Institutes
GAT-B scores are accepted by top central universities, IITs, and regional institutes. However, each institute has its own specific cutoff and degree requirement.
| Program | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. Biotechnology | Bachelor's (10+2+3) in Life Sciences/Biotech | 60% (Gen) | 55% (Res) |
| M.Tech. Biotechnology | B.E./B.Tech. in Biotechnology/Allied areas | 60% (Gen) | 55% (Res) |
| M.V.Sc. (Animal Biotech) | B.V.Sc. & A.H. or equivalent | CGPA 6.6/10 or 60% |
4. Technical Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The exam is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with a 3-hour duration.
Section A (60 Questions)
Compulsory 10+2 level questions in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
Marking: +1 for correct, -0.5 for wrong.
Section B (100 Questions)
Attempt any 60 graduate-level questions. Focus on Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Immunology.
Marking: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong.
5. Stipend & Career Opportunities
DBT Supported Fellowship
Students admitted through GAT-B are eligible for a monthly stipend:
₹5,000 / month (M.Sc.)
₹12,000 / month (M.Tech./M.V.Sc.)
This fellowship is supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, ensuring your research journey is financially stable.
Graduates often secure positions in premier research labs (NCBS, CCMB), pharmaceutical R&D, and agricultural biotech firms.
