The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the information bulletin for the Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) 2026 and the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 2026 on its official website. The notification, published on behalf of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), announces the schedule for these crucial national-level examinations.
The online application process opens on 19th March 2026 and closes on 9th April 2026. GAT-B is the gateway for admission to DBT-supported postgraduate programs, while BET is the qualifying exam for the prestigious DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Check the important dates and details of the NTA GAT-B & BET 2026 here.
NTA GAT-B & BET 2026 Notification
The GAT-B and BET 2026 examinations provide a significant opportunity for students and researchers in the field of biotechnology and life sciences. GAT-B opens doors to M.Sc., M.Tech., and other postgraduate programs at over 79 participating institutions across India, complete with a monthly stipend. BET is the pathway to a research career, offering the DBT-JRF fellowship for doctoral studies.
| Recruiting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) for RCB/DBT |
|---|---|
| Official Websites | exams.nta.nic.in/gat-bet/ , www.nta.ac.in |
| Examinations | Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) 2026 & Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 19th March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9th April 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 9th April 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | 11th April to 13th April 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Date | 17th May 2026 |
| Exam Purpose | GAT-B: Admission to DBT-supported PG programs; BET: Award of DBT-JRF for Ph.D. |
NTA GAT-B & BET 2026 Notification Out
The NTA has published the comprehensive information bulletin for GAT-B and BET 2026. This document is essential for all aspirants as it contains all the details regarding eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, application procedure, fee structure, and participating institutions. Candidates must download and read the bulletin carefully from the NTA website before starting their application to ensure they meet all the requirements. The direct link is available on the official NTA portal.
Important Dates
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 19th March 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 9th April 2026 (up to 5:00 P.M.) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 9th April 2026 (up to 11:50 P.M.) |
| Application Correction Window | 11th April 2026 to 13th April 2026 |
| GAT-B 2026 Exam Date | 17th May 2026 (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) |
| BET 2026 Exam Date | 17th May 2026 (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM) |
NTA GAT-B & BET 2026 Apply Online
The application process for both GAT-B and BET 2026 is conducted exclusively online through the NTA website. Candidates can choose to apply for one or both exams. The process includes online registration, form filling, document upload, and fee payment. It is crucial to submit the application within the deadline (19th March to 9th April 2026).
How to Apply for the NTA GAT-B & BET 2026?
Follow these simple steps to submit your application successfully:
Step 1: Visit the official NTA website for these exams at exams.nta.nic.in
Step 2: Download and read the information bulletin carefully.
Step 3: Click on the registration link and fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to generate your application number.
Step 4: Log in using your credentials and complete the online application form with all required personal, academic, and communication details. Select your choice of exam (GAT-B, BET, or both) and four preferred cities for the exam centre.
Step 5: Upload legible scanned images of your recent photograph, signature, category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), proof of date of birth, and a certificate for result-awaited candidates (if applicable) in the prescribed format and size.
Step 6: Pay the prescribed examination fee online through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
Step 7: After successful payment, the Confirmation Page will be generated. Download and print multiple copies of this page for your future reference.
Examination Fees
The examination fee is based on the candidate’s category and which exam(s) they are applying for.
| Examination | General (UR)/OBC NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|
| GAT-B 2026 | Rs. 1300/- | Rs. 650/- |
| BET 2026 | Rs. 1300/- | Rs. 650/- |
| GAT-B & BET (Both) 2026 | Rs. 2600/- | Rs. 1300/- |
NTA GAT-B 2026: Eligibility and Details
GAT-B is the entrance exam for admission to DBT-supported postgraduate programs like M.Sc., M.Tech., and M.V.Sc. in biotechnology and allied areas for the academic year 2026-27.
- Nationality: Bonafide Indian nationals.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria of the participating institution they wish to apply to. Generally, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Chemical, Biological, Agricultural, Veterinary, Fishery Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering/Technology, or Medicine (MBBS/BDS) is required.
- Result Awaited: Candidates appearing for their final year examination are eligible to apply under the ‘Result Awaited’ category but must submit a certificate from the Head of their Institute (format in Appendix-III).
- Stipend: Selected students can receive a monthly stipend ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 12,000, depending on the program.
NTA BET 2026: Eligibility and Details
BET is the qualifying examination for the award of the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF), which supports doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences.
- Nationality: Bonafide citizen and resident of India.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a 4-year/8-semester UG degree or a Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.Tech./M.V.Sc./M.Pharm./MBBS) in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or allied disciplines with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD). B.Tech/B.E. graduates with 60% marks are also eligible.
- Age Limit: Maximum 28 years for General & EWS categories as of the last date of application. Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/Differently Abled/Women, and 3 years for OBC-NCL.
- Fellowship: Category-I qualified candidates are eligible for the DBT-JRF fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. at any recognized university/institution in India.
FAQs
Ques: What is the purpose of the NTA GAT-B 2026 exam?
Ans: GAT-B is for admission to DBT-supported postgraduate programs (M.Sc., M.Tech., etc.) in biotechnology and allied areas at participating institutions across India.
Ques: What is the purpose of the NTA BET 2026 exam?
Ans: BET is the qualifying exam for the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF), which provides a fellowship for candidates to pursue a Ph.D. in biotechnology and life sciences.
Ques: Can I apply for both GAT-B and BET 2026?
Ans: Yes, a candidate can apply for both exams through a single application form by paying the combined fee of Rs. 2600/- (for General category) or Rs. 1300/- (for SC/ST/PwD).
Ques: What is the last date to apply for NTA GAT-B & BET 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 9th April 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Fee payment is allowed until 11:50 PM on the same day.
Ques: What is the mode of examination for GAT-B and BET?
Ans: Both examinations will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Ques: When will the GAT-B and BET 2026 exams be held?
Ans: Both exams are scheduled for 17th May 2026. GAT-B will be held in the morning shift (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon), and BET in the afternoon shift (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
