GATE XL Syllabus 2025: Life Sciences

The GATE Life Sciences (XL) syllabus consists of several sections, including Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology, and more. It covers various topics related to life sciences and their interdisciplinary aspects.

The syllabus for GATE Life Sciences generally remains consistent with minor updates, if any. It's always recommended to refer to the official GATE website for the latest and accurate syllabus.

While all sections are important, some topics hold more weightage in the exam. For example, in Biochemistry, topics like Metabolism, Enzymes, and Biomolecules are crucial. In Botany, topics like Plant Anatomy, Plant Physiology, and Plant Taxonomy are significant.

The GATE Life Sciences (XL) exam will consist of a total of 65 questions, with a duration of 3 hours. The question paper will be divided into two sections: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. MCQs will carry 1 or 2 marks each, while NAT questions will carry 1 or 2 marks each. There will be negative marking for incorrect answers in MCQs.

The weightage of sections may vary from year to year in the GATE Life Sciences exam. However, it is generally observed that topics from Biochemistry, Botany, and Microbiology have significant representation in the exam.

Some popular books for GATE Life Sciences preparation include 'Biochemistry' by Lehninger, 'Plant Physiology' by Taiz and Zeiger, 'Microbiology' by Pelczar, and 'Cell and Molecular Biology' by De Robertis. Additionally, previous years' question papers and study materials from reputed coaching institutes can be helpful.

While numerical problem-solving is not prominent in the Life Sciences paper, books like 'Biostatistics: A Foundation for Analysis in the Health Sciences' by Wayne W. Daniel and 'Bioinformatics: Sequence and Genome Analysis' by David W. Mount can provide insights into statistical and computational aspects of the subject.

Yes, several online platforms and websites offer free and paid resources for GATE Life Sciences preparation. Some popular ones include Gradeup, GateForum, and Made Easy.

These platforms provide online lectures, study materials, and mock tests specifically designed for GATE Life Sciences aspirants.

No, candidates need to choose any two sections out of the given options. It's advisable to choose the sections that align with your background and interests.

However, thorough preparation in the chosen sections is crucial to perform well in the exam.