The Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) administers the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 2025, an admission test that is taken on a nationwide basis. National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET), a national-level competitive examination, on behalf of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
One of the main goals of BET is to find students who will be a part of the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF) Program, which helps fund graduate students’ research in biotechnology and related fields.
Participants are tested on their knowledge of basic biotechnology ideas, such as genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and other related topics. There are two types of BET: Applicants in Category I are eligible for financing via the Biotechnology Research Fellowships Program of the DBT, while those in Category II are considered for research jobs in other projects financed by the DBT based on merit.
Here is all the information you need about BET 2025 if you want to pursue a career in biotechnology research: eligibility, test pattern, curriculum, significant dates, and how to apply.
BET 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| BET 2025 Notification Release | March 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | March 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 10, 2025 |
| BET 2025 Admit Card Release | May 2025 |
| BET 2025 Exam Date | May 15, 2025 |
| BET 2025 Result Announcement | June 2025 |
Candidates must regularly check the official DBT website (dbtindia.gov.in) for any updates regarding the exam.
BET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must check whether they fulfil the eligibility requirements:
- Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be nationals of India.
- Must have a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline, such as biotechnology, life sciences, botany, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a closely related area.
- Minimum Marks Required:
- General & OBC candidates: 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- Age Limit:
- Maximum 28 years as of the last application date.
- Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
BET 2025 Fellowship Categories
Candidates qualifying for BET 2025 will be classified into two categories:
| Category | Benefits |
| Category I | Eligible for a DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), allowing them to pursue Ph.D. research in any DBT-recognized institution. |
| Category II | Candidates are placed on a merit list for consideration in DBT-funded projects but do not receive direct DBT-JRF funding. |
Fellowship Stipend
| Fellowship Level | Stipend (per month) | Additional Allowance |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | ₹37,000 | HRA (as per institutional norms) |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | ₹42,000 | HRA (as per institutional norms) |
BET 2025 Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
| Part A (General Biotechnology) | 50 | +3 | -1 |
| Part B (Specialized Biotechnology Subjects) | 150 | +3 | -1 |
| Total | 200 |
- The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.
- The exam will be multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
BET 2025 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus is divided into two parts:
Part A: General Biotechnology (50 Questions)
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Recombinant DNA Technology
Part B: Specialized Areas in Biotechnology (150 Questions)
- Plant and Animal Biotechnology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
- Structural Biology
- Biophysics and Biostatistics
A detailed syllabus is available on the official DBT website.
BET 2025 Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the DBT BET 2025 exam:
- Visit the official DBT website: dbtindia.gov.in.
- Click on the BET 2025 application link.
- Register by providing basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
- Fill out the online application form with educational qualifications and personal details.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, and certificates).
- Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submit the form and download a copy for future reference.
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/OBC | ₹1200 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹600 |
BET 2025 Admit Card
- In May 2025, the official website will host the BET 2025 admission card.
- Before the test, candidates are required to download and print their admit cards.
- Important instructions, exam date, time, and centre are all included in the admit card.
BET 2025 Result and Selection Process
- The results of the BET 2025 will be revealed in June of that year.
- There will be two categories for candidates: Category I and Category II, depending on their cutoff grades.
- Those who meet the criteria for Category I will be granted the DBT-JRF scholarship.
Conclusion
Students majoring in biotechnology who are interested in pursuing careers in scientific research should take the BET 2025 test. The learning of a DBT-JRF fellowship not only grants candidates financial assistance but also facilitates their access to India’s superior research institutions.
If they want to have the best chance of passing, aspiring candidates should start studying early by going over the curriculum and answering exams from prior years. Stay tuned for more developments and be sure to check the official DBT website for further details!