byBhaskar Das Academic Content Specialist
GATE Life Science 2025 Exam will be conducted on 1, 2, 15, and 16 February. If you are willing to appear for the GATE Life Science paper 2025, you should be well aware of the important topics, suitable sections, marking scheme, and other important aspects.
GATE Life Sciences is mainly divided into 4 sections; general aptitude, one compulsory section chemistry, and two other sections out of 5 optional sections. The GATE Life Sciences syllabus 2025 for all the subjects consists of three sections including:
- Section 1: General Aptitude
- Section 2: Chemistry (XL-P)
- Section 3: Life Science subjects
Sections 1 and 2 are compulsory for all students. The third section of Life Science (XL) includes segments Q to U. The candidates must choose two questions to attempt. The General Aptitude section is common in all the GATE 2025 Syllabus for Life Sciences. This section is divided into numerical ability and verbal ability. This section contains 10 questions. This includes five questions with a mark of 1 each, five questions with a mark of 1 each, and five questions with a mark of 2 each.
The GATE syllabus for Life Science (XL) has segments named Q to U, such as Biochemistry (XL-Q), Botany (XL-R), Microbiology (XL-S), Zoology (XL-T), and Food Technology (XL-U). From these, aspirants will have the choice to select any two.
GATE Life Sciences (XL) 2025 Exam Pattern
In the GATE Exam pattern for Life Science, you need to attempt the General Aptitude and Chemistry sections along with any two of the remaining sections (Q-U) according to their area of expertise. The General Aptitude section is worth 15 marks, Chemistry is worth 25 marks, and the two chosen sections contribute a total of 60 marks, summing up to 100 marks for the entire paper.
- General Aptitude (GA) - mandatory
- GATE Chemistry (Section P) - mandatory
- GATE Biochemistry (Section Q)
- Botany (Section R)
- Microbiology (Section S)
- Zoology (Section T)
- Food Technology (Section U)
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 5 of 1 mark | 5 of 2 marks | 10 | 15 |
| Compulsory Section [XL-P: Chemistry] | 5 of 1 mark | 10 of 2 marks | 15 | 25 |
| Optional section 1 [Any one section from Q to U] | 10 of 1 mark | 10 of 2 marks | 20 | 30 |
| Optional Section 2 [Any one section from Q to U except optional section 1] | 10 of 1 mark | 10 of 2 marks | 20 | 30 |
General Aptitude (GA)
The GATE General Aptitude section, separately common to all the papers of GATE, test the candidate’s ability to think and word power. It is divided into two main parts:
- Verbal Ability: Includes grammar, word studies, fill-in-the-blank sentences, and verbal reasoning.
- Numerical Ability: Embedded with data and number interpretation, rough enumeration, and quantitative reasoning.
Chemistry (Section P)
Chemistry is one of the sections that applicants are obliged to sit for, in the GATE Life Sciences examination. Important topics in this section include:
- Atomic Structure and Periodicity: Electron quantization numbers, electron configuration, and periodicity trends of elements.
- Bonding and Molecular Structure: Bonding theories include the covalent bond theory, the sigma and pi bond concept, the overlap of atomic orbitals, the electron-pair sharing concept, the dipole moment, the valency bond theory, the molecular orbital theory, the valence bond theory, hybridization, the hybrid orbital theory, and the spectroscopic method.
- Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics first and second, thermochemistry, and entropy.
- Equilibrium: Subtopic 2 – Phase rule, equilibrium constants, and Le Chatelier’s principle.
- Electrochemistry: Redox, conductance, and cell potentials.
- Reaction Kinetics: Kinetic control and mechanisms: rate laws and activation energy.
- Organic Chemistry: Strategies of reaction, types of functional groups and stereochemistry.
Quick Links:
Biochemistry (Section Q)
Biochemistry is one of the optional sections for GATE Life Sciences, focusing on molecular biology and biomolecules:
- Biomolecules: Organization and roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins as well as nucleic acid and acids.
- Enzymes: Instruction: Basic kinetic and regulatory principles; fundamental properties and methods of enzyme function.
- Metabolic Pathways: Fermentation, TCA cycle, light-dependent reactions of the chloroplast, and anabolic pathways.
- Molecular Biology: Total, DNA replication, the transcription process, the process of translation, and control of gene expression.
- Cell Signaling: Signalling pathways, receptors, and second messengers.
- Analytical Techniques: Chromatography Separation by moving through different media, electrophoresis is the relocation of charges, and spectroscopy is the separation of vibrations.
Botany (Section R)
Botany covers plant biology, physiology, and genetics:
- Plant Systematics: Taxonomic, categorization, and evolutionary relationship.
- Plant Anatomy: Elements that refer to the structure of roots, stems, and leaves.
- Plant Physiology: Stomatal control of gas exchange, photosynthesis and respiration, plant growth hormones, and nitrogen metabolism.
- Genetics and Breeding: The principles of genetics, selective breeding, plant breeding, hereditary variation, and the technologies of plant genetic mapping, plant breeding, and genetic manipulation.
- Plant Pathology: Diseases, pathogens, and biotic stress.
- Ecology: Issues; Biology, Endangered species, Habitat, and wildlife.
Microbiology (Section S)
Microbiology focuses on microorganisms and their applications:
- Microbial Taxonomy: Bacteria viruses fungi and algae.
- Microbial Physiology: Fatty structure of microbes and how microbes work.
- Microbial Genetics: Transduction and transposition and conjugation, plasmids, and bacteriophages.
- Immunology: Innate response, specificity and sensitivity, and vaccinations.
- Industrial Microbiology: Bioproducts, fermentation and microbial biotechnology.
- Environmental Microbiology: Bioremediation and wastewater treatment.
Zoology (Section T)
Zoology focuses on animal biology, genetics, and physiology:
- Animal Diversity and Evolution: Classification, evolutionary relatedness and phylogenetics.
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology: Roles and organs in vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Developmental Biology: Spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and embryogenesis as well as organogenesis.
- Behavioral Ecology: Upgrade, survival, and habits of animals.
- Genetics and Evolutionary Biology: Genetics of man & domestic animals with special reference to domain and speciation.
Food Technology (Section U)
Food Technology emphasizes food processing, safety, and quality:
- Food Chemistry and Nutrition: Macronutrients, micronutrients, and nutraceuticals.
- Food Microbiology: Spoilage microorganisms, foodborne pathogens, and probiotics.
- Food Processing Techniques: Thermal processing, drying, and packaging.
- Quality Control: Standards, quality assessment, and HACCP.
- Food Engineering: Mass transfer, heat transfer, and equipment in food processing.
GATE Life Science Section Wise Weightage
GATE Life Science syllabus has different weightage for each and every section. We have included the types of questions, important topics, and their approximate weightage in the last 5 years:
Check GATE Life Sciences Exam Pattern
| Section | Important Topics | Types of Questions | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Data Interpretation | 1-mark MCQs and 2-mark MCQs | 15% |
| Chemistry (Section P) | Atomic Structure, Bonding, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanisms, Stereochemistry | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 25% |
| Biochemistry (Section Q) | Biomolecules, Enzymes, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Cell Signaling, Analytical Techniques | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 15% |
| Botany (Section R) | Plant Physiology, Plant Anatomy, Genetics and Breeding, Ecology, Plant Systematics | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 15% |
| Microbiology (Section S) | Microbial Taxonomy, Physiology, Microbial Genetics, Immunology, Industrial and Environmental Microbiology | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 15% |
| Zoology (Section T) | Animal Physiology, Comparative Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 15% |
| Food Technology (Section U) | Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Processing, Quality Control, Food Engineering | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 15% |
GATE Life Science- Biochemistry (XL-Q) Important Topics Weightage
| Units | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organization of life, Biomolecules | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Enzyme kinetics; Vitamins and Coenzymes; Metabolic pathways and their regulation: Photosynthesis | 3 | - | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Biochemical separation techniques | 2 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Cell biology and signal transduction: Hormones and neurotransmitters | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Molecular biology, Recombinant biotechnology | 4 | 2 | - | - | 2 | - |
| Immunology | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | - |
GATE Life Science- Botany (XL-R) Important Topics Weightage
| Units | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Systematics | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Plant Anatomy | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Morphogenesis & Development | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Physiology And Biochemistry | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Genetics | 4 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Plant Breeding And Genetic Modification | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Economic Botany | 1 | 2 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Plant Pathology | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Ecology And Environment | - | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
GATE Life Science- Microbiology (XL-S) Important Topics Weightage
| Units | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Perspective | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | - |
| Methods In Microbiology | 2 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Microbial Taxonomy And Diversity | 3 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Prokaryotic And Eukaryotic Cells: Structure And Function | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Microbial Growth | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Control Of Micro-Organisms | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Microbial Metabolism | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Microbial Diseases And Host Pathogen Interaction | - | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Chemotherapy/Antibiotics | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Microbial Genetics | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Microbial Ecology | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
GATE Life Science- Zoology (XL-T) Important Topics Weightage
| Units | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal World | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Evolution | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Genetics | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Biochemistry And Molecular Biology | 4 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Cell Biology | 3 | 2 | - | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Gene Expression In Eukaryotes | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | 1 |
| Animal Anatomy And Physiology | 2 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Parasitology And Immunology | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Development Biology | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Ecology | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Animal Behaviour | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - |
GATE Life Science- Food Technology (XL-U) Important Topics Weightage
| Units | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Chemistry and Nutrition | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| Food Microbiology | 7 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Food Products Technology | 4 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Food Engineering | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Check:
| Year | Exam Date & Session | Exam Mode | GATE XL Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 12 (Afternoon Session) | Online | Check Here |
| 2021 | February 13 (Afternoon Session) | Online | Check Here |
| 2020 | February 2 (Forenoon Session) | Online | Check Here |
| 2019 | February 2 (Afternoon Session) | Online | Check Here |
| 2018 | February 3 (Forenoon Session) | Online | Check Here |
GATE Life Science Questions
Here's an analysis based on the last 5 years of GATE Life Sciences (XL) papers, showing the frequently asked questions, types, and approximate number of questions from each section.
| Section | Frequently Asked Topics | Question Types | Average Number of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Grammar, Data Interpretation | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs | 10 questions (5 of 1 mark, 5 of 2 marks) |
| Chemistry (Section P) | Atomic Structure, Bonding, Organic Reaction Mechanisms, Thermodynamics, Stereochemistry | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 15 questions (8-10 of 1 mark, 5-7 of 2 marks) |
| Biochemistry (Section Q) | Biomolecules, Enzyme Kinetics, Metabolism, Molecular Biology | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 10-12 questions (4-6 of 1 mark, 5-6 of 2 marks) |
| Botany (Section R) | Plant Physiology, Genetics, Plant Anatomy, Plant Pathology | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 10-12 questions (5-6 of 1 mark, 4-6 of 2 marks) |
| Microbiology (Section S) | Microbial Physiology, Microbial Genetics, Immunology, Environmental Microbiology | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 10-12 questions (5-6 of 1 mark, 4-6 of 2 marks) |
| Zoology (Section T) | Comparative Physiology, Developmental Biology, Animal Diversity, Genetics | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 10-12 questions (5-6 of 1 mark, 4-6 of 2 marks) |
| Food Technology (Section U) | Food Processing, Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Quality Control | 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark MCQs, NATs | 10-12 questions (5-6 of 1 mark, 4-6 of 2 marks) |
GATE Life Science Books
Here's a table with some of the most recommended books for GATE Life Sciences preparation, including key topics covered and approximate prices.
| Book Title | Author(s) | Key Topics Covered | Approximate Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Biochemistry | Lehninger, Nelson, Cox | Biomolecules, Enzymes, Metabolism, Molecular Biology | ₹1,500 - ₹2,000 |
| Molecular Biology of the Cell | Alberts et al. | Cell Structure, Cell Signaling, DNA/RNA Structure, Gene Regulation | ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 |
| Plant Physiology and Development | Taiz, Zeiger | Plant Physiology, Photosynthesis, Plant Growth, Hormones | ₹1,000 - ₹1,500 |
| Fundamentals of Microbiology | Prescott | Microbial Taxonomy, Physiology, Immunology, Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology | ₹1,500 - ₹2,000 |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison, Boyd | Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanisms, Stereochemistry | ₹1,200 - ₹1,800 |
| Physical Chemistry | Peter Atkins, Julio de Paula | Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Electrochemistry | ₹800 - ₹1,500 |
| Genetics: A Conceptual Approach | Benjamin A. Pierce | Genetics, Mendelian Inheritance, Population Genetics, Genetic Mapping | ₹1,500 - ₹2,200 |
| Food Science | Norman Potter, Joseph H. Hotchkiss | Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Processing Techniques, Quality Control | ₹700 - ₹1,000 |
| Developmental Biology | Scott F. Gilbert | Embryogenesis, Organogenesis, Animal Development | ₹1,200 - ₹1,700 |
| Immunology | Kuby, Owen, Punt, Stranford | Immune System, Antigen-Antibody Interactions, Vaccines | ₹1,200 - ₹1,800 |
| Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach | Judd, Campbell, Kellogg | Plant Taxonomy, Classification, Phylogenetics | ₹1,500 - ₹2,000 |
| Environmental Microbiology | Mitchell, James | Environmental Impact, Microbial Ecology, Wastewater Treatment | ₹1,000 - ₹1,500 |
| General Aptitude and Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Data Interpretation | ₹500 - ₹700 |
Candidates preparing for GATE Life Sciences are advised to get the latest edition of some of the most popular books. GATE Books from popular publications are available as both in physical form at bookstores or as e-books online.
GATE Zoology Books
| Books Name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Animal Cell Culture Methods | Jennie P Mather, David Barnes |
| Modern Text Book Of Zoology Vertebrates | R.L.Kotpal |
| Zoology | Stephen A Miller and John P Harley |
GATE Chemistry Books
| Books Name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Gate Guide Life Science Chemistry & General Aptitude | G K Publications |
| A Logical Approach to Chemistry | Pragati Publications |
| 3,000 Solved Problems In Chemistry (Schaum’s Outline Series) | David E Goldberg |
GATE Food Technology Books
| Books Name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Food Technology | Neil Morris |
| Food Technology and Nutrition | Sunetra Roday |
| Textbook of Food Science and Technology | Avantina Sharma |
GATE Biochemistry Books
| Books Name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | Satyanarayana |
| Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Wilson/Walker |
| Practical Biochemistry | Damodaran Geetha K |
GATE Botany Books
| Books Name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| A Text Book Of Botany | Singh Pande Jain |
| A Textbook Of Botany Vol-3 | S.N Pandey |
| Principles Of Genetics | Gardner |
GATE Microbiology Books
| Books Name | Author/Publication |
|---|---|
| Microbiology(fifth edition) | Micheal Pelczar, E.C.S Chan, Noel R. Krieg |
| Prescott’s Microbiology | Joanne M. Willey, Christopher J. Woolverton, Linda M. Sherwood |
| Smart Study Series Microbiology | Ankit Gupta, Prafulla Songara |
Preparation Tips for GATE Life Science
You should fully grasp the syllabus at your institution in order to stand a better chance at passing your course. Toppers also stresses that starting with the syllabi of GATE Life Sciences is pleasant and unambiguous which needs to be understood first. What is more important, understanding the topic of each section lets you design your approach and concentrate on major-weight issues.
Check: GATE Preparation Tips
Create a Study Plan
Develop an effective timetable that has daily, weekly, and even monthly targets. Set more time on difficult lessons and frequently review previously taught lessons. The standard advice given by competitors is to dedicate 3 to 4 hours a day for a regular four to six months schedule.
Standard books and resources should be utilized
There is no need to run from one book to another in search of information just ensure you get quality books (Lehninger Biochemistry, Prescott’s Microbiology & Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology by Taiz and Zeiger). Preparation remains efficient if one or two well-recommended books for each topic are distinctly studied.
Solve Previous Year's Papers and Mock Tests
Solving previous years’ GATE question papers (of the previous 5-10 years) is essential. According to the toppers, it's better to write the mock tests on a weekly basis and review the mistakes committed while doing it. This also enables one to cope with questions and time during examination.
Focus on Important Topics
Concentrate on the subjects that carry high weight for that particular course; for instance, enzyme kinetics under the Biochemistry unit, plant physiology under the Botany unit, microbial physiology under the Microbiology unit, and comparative physiology under the Zoology unit. A must according to toppers since these areas are often covered in tests and the questions make up for a substantial number of marks.
Revise Regularly
Periodic review is required to help students retain the main ideas and solutions for problems in a subject area. According to the toppers, it is better to write brief notes for each topic and revise those notes on a weekly basis if there are tough subjects like Organic Chemistry and Genetics.
Build up the ability to solve quandaries
It is valuable to practice calculation and conceptual problems related to Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions as it would prove to be quite tricky. The toppers have suggested that students should solve numerical problems on a daily basis especially, in chemistry and biochemistry to develop precision.
Strengthen General Aptitude
The General Aptitude section contributes to 15% of the total weightage of the exam, and most of the time, toppers also cover a maximum number of questions relating to this section to improve their respective ranks. Aptitude questions when taken in intervals assist in mastering speed and thus enhance general exam performance.
Seek Assistance from the Internet and Support from Others
For difficult topics attend online study groups, and forums, and follow the teachings of the coaching videos if needed. NPTEL and YouTube channels are other means that toppers resort to, to gain more understanding or clarification on difficult areas.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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