GAT-B and BET 2026 Notification Released; Biotechnology Entrance Registrations Open Till April 9

NTA has released the GAT-B and BET 2026 notification. Eligible candidates can register for biotechnology entrance exams until April 9.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the detailed notification for the Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) and Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 2026. This announcement marks the start of the admission cycle for students seeking entry into postgraduate programs and research fellowships in biotechnology. On 21 March 2026, the application portal was opened for all eligible aspirants across the country. These examinations are essential for securing seats in M.Sc. Biotechnology and allied areas at participating institutions. Furthermore, the BET component is the primary requirement for the award of the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship. Interested students can access the application forms and the detailed information bulletin through the NTA official website.

Application Process and Registration Details

The registration period for GAT-B and BET 2026 is scheduled to conclude on April 9, giving students nearly three weeks to complete their submissions. On 21 March 2026, the authorities confirmed that the entire process, from form filling to fee payment, must be completed online. Candidates are advised to prepare their scanned photographs and signatures as per the specific sizes mentioned in the brochure. The Department of Biotechnology oversees these tests to ensure a high standard of selection for the country's growing bio-economy. It is crucial to provide an active mobile number and email ID, as all future communication regarding the admit card and results will be sent through these channels.

• Visit the official portal and select the specific test or both tests for registration.
• Fill in the personal, academic, and contact details with high accuracy to avoid rejection.
• Upload the necessary documents, including category certificates if applicable.
• Pay the examination fee using digital payment methods such as UPI, debit cards, or net banking.
• Download and save the confirmation page after the successful payment of the fee.

Examination Pattern and Participating Institutes

GAT-B and BET are conducted as computer-based tests in multiple cities to ensure maximum reach for students. On 21 March 2026, the NTA reaffirmed that the exam will focus on testing the fundamental knowledge and analytical skills of candidates in biological sciences. The GAT-B syllabus covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology at the 10+2 and undergraduate levels. Successful candidates will be eligible for admissions and a monthly stipend in over 60 participating universities. The National Testing Agency has designed the test to be fair and transparent, using a standardized scoring system.

1. The GAT-B paper is divided into two parts: Part A for general science and Part B for biotechnology.
2. Part A contains multiple-choice questions with negative marking for incorrect answers.
3. BET is specifically for the award of fellowships and consists of two sections focusing on specialized subjects.
4. Candidates can opt for either GAT-B, BET, or both examinations depending on their career goals.
5. The scores will be valid for the academic year 2026-27 only.

Important Dates and Admission Timeline

To help students manage their time effectively, the NTA has provided a clear schedule for the upcoming events. On 21 March 2026, the emphasis is on completing the registration before the April deadline to avoid last-minute server issues. The following table provides a breakdown of the key dates associated with the GAT-B and BET 2026 examination cycle.

Conclusion

The release of the GAT-B and BET 2026 notification on 21 March 2026 is a vital update for life sciences students. With the registration window closing on April 9, candidates have a narrow timeframe to ensure their eligibility and submit their forms. This examination remains the most prestigious path for pursuing a career in biotechnology research and academia in India. Aspirants should use the remaining weeks to revise their core subjects and familiarize themselves with the digital test environment through mock sessions. By securing a high rank in these national tests, students can access world-class laboratories and contribute to the scientific advancement of the nation.