DBT BET (Department of Biotechnology - Biotechnology Eligibility Test)
A student writes the DBT BET (Biotechnology Eligibility Test) examination after completing a degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related subjects.
This examination is mainly conducted for students who wish to pursue research and Ph.D. studies in Biotechnology and Life Sciences.
Candidates who perform well in the examination may become eligible for the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
📌 Quick Facts
Who Can Apply? Students with eligible qualifications in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and related fields.
Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Frequency: Usually conducted once a year
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related biological sciences.
Eligible Degrees:
- M.Sc.
- M.Tech.
- M.V.Sc.
- M.Pharm.
- Integrated M.Sc. / M.Tech.
- MBBS
- B.E. / B.Tech.
- 4-Year BS (Bachelor of Science)
Minimum Marks:
- 60% for General / EWS / OBC candidates
- 55% for SC / ST / PwD candidates
For 4-Year Bachelor's Degree with Research:
- 75% for General / EWS / OBC candidates
- 70% for SC / ST / PwD candidates
Final-Year Students: Candidates appearing in the final semester/year of their eligible degree can also apply provisionally.
Age Limit:
- Maximum 28 years for General / EWS
- 31 years for OBC (3-year relaxation)
- 33 years for SC / ST / PwD / Female candidates (5-year relaxation)
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Duration: 3 Hours
Total Questions: 200
Questions to Attempt: 100
Total Marks: 300 Marks
Question Paper Structure:
- Section A: 50 compulsory questions on General Aptitude, Analytical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Science.
- Section B: 150 questions from Biotechnology and Life Sciences, out of which candidates attempt any 50 questions.
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 Mark
- Unanswered Question: 0 Marks
Students who qualify the DBT-BET exam can pursue advanced studies and research in biotechnology and life sciences. The fellowship helps students join research-based postgraduate and doctoral programs at universities and research institutes across India.
- Ph.D. in Biotechnology
- Ph.D. in Life Sciences
- Ph.D. in Genetics
- Ph.D. in Microbiology
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology
- Ph.D. in Bioinformatics
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
- Integrated Ph.D. Programs
- Research Fellowships in Biotechnology and Life Science Institutes
Note: DBT-BET is primarily a fellowship examination. Qualifying the exam helps students receive financial support (DBT-JRF) while pursuing research-oriented Ph.D. programs.