GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus 2027: Download PDF, Important Topics, Books

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027 ( GATE )

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GATE 2027 Registration Last Date without late fee

27 Sep '26

UPASANA
UPASANA PRADHAN
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Sep 10, 2026 13:02 IST
GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus 2027 includes Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology, Food Engineering, etc. Candidates can check GATE Life Sciences (XL) syllabus, books, subject-wise weightage, books and preparation tips here.

GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus 2027: IIT Madras have officially uploaded the GATE 2027 XL exam syllabus on its official website: gate2027.iitm.ac.in. The GATE exam syllabus for Life Sciences has moderate changes with few topics removed and added section. GATE XL includes Chemistry (common for all XL candidates), and optional electives: Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Food Technology, etc. Read below for more. 

GATE XL Syllabus

GATE 2027 Life Sciences Syllabus, Important Topics and Books

IIT Madras has made a few changes to the GATE Life Sciences Syllabus 2027. Candidates applying for Life Sciences (XL) must review the syllabus carefully. The GATE XL syllabus include General Aptitude section, Chemistry (common for XL applicants), and elective subjects, where candidates can select any two subjects. In GATE 2027, the section codes have been revised with few new additions and removal. Candidates can check GATE Life Sciences Exam Syllabus changes, important topics, pattern, and other details. 

IIT Madras have started GATE 2027 application form. Candidates can apply at gate2027.iitm.ac.in by linking DigiLocker account for registration and verification. The last date to apply for GATE 2027 registration is September 27, 2026 (with no late fees). Interested applicants must refer to GATE 2027 exam eligibility and fees before applying. 

Table of contents
  • What's Changed in GATE XL Syllabus 2027
  • GATE XL Syllabus 2027: General Aptitude
  • GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus 2027: Chemistry
  • GATE 2027 Life Sciences Syllabus: Biochemistry
  • GATE XL Syllabus 2027: Botany
  • GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus: Microbiology
  • GATE XL Syllabus 2027: Zoology
  • GATE XL Exam Syllabus 2027: Food Technology
  • GATE 2027 Life Science (XL) Syllabus: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
  • Books for GATE 2027 Life Sciences Preparation
View More

What's Changed in GATE XL Syllabus 2027

  • Section codes have been revised and renamed
  • A new section included under Chemistry section: Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Immunology section under Biochemistry has been removed. Metabolic disorders added
  • Major changes are done in Food Technology section

To know about other papers, check GATE 2027 Syllabus Changes

GATE XL Syllabus 2027: General Aptitude

The GATE General Aptitude is common for all subjects. Candidates can refer to the GATE General Aptitude (GA) syllabus details for Life Sciences below:

Topics

Syllabus

English

English Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence completion, Verbal analogies, word groups, instructions, critical reasoning, and verbal deduction

Reading comprehension

Reading comprehension and interpretation of passages

Quantitative aptitude

Numerical computation, estimation, ratios, percentages, powers, exponents, logarithms, permutations and combinations, probability, statistics, mensuration, geometry, and data interpretation using tables, charts, and graphs

Analytical and spatial aptitude

Logical and analytical reasoning, pattern recognition, spatial visualisation, transformation, paper folding, and assembling of shapes

GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus 2027: Chemistry

The GATE XL (Chemistry) section is common for all subjects applying for life sciences. Candidates can check GATE XL0 (Chemistry) syllabus details below:

Sections Topics
Atomic Structure and Periodicity Planck’s quantum theory, wave particle duality, uncertainty principle, comparison between Bohr’s model and quantum mechanical model of hydrogen atom, electronic configuration of atoms and ions. Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion principle. Periodic table and periodic properties: ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity and atomic size.
Structure and Bonding Ionic and covalent bonding, MO and VB approaches for diatomic molecules, VSEPR theory and shape of molecules, hybridization, resonance, dipole moment, structure parameters such as bond length, bond angle and bond energy, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. Ionic solids, ionic radii and lattice energy (Born‐Haber cycle). HSAB principle.
s, p and d Block Elements Oxides, halides and hydrides of alkali, alkaline earth metals, B, Al, Si, N, P, and S. General characteristics of 3d elements. Coordination complexes: valence bond and crystal field theory, colour, geometry, magnetic properties and isomerism
Bioinorganic Chemistry Oxygen transport and storage metalloproteins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, hemocyanin); Electron transport Fe-S metalloproteins; Carbonic anhydrase and Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase.
Chemical Equilibrium Osmotic pressure, elevation of boiling point and depression of freezing point, ionic equilibria in solution, solubility product, common ion effect, hydrolysis of salts, pH, buffer and their applications. Equilibrium constants (Kc, Kp, and KX) for homogeneous reactions
Electrochemistry Conductance, Kohlrausch law, cell potentials, EMF, Nernst equation, thermodynamic aspects and their applications
Reaction Kinetics Rate constant, order of reaction, molecularity, activation energy, zero, first and second order kinetics, catalysis and elementary enzyme reactions. Reversible and irreversible inhibition of enzymes.
Thermodynamics Qualitative treatment of state and path functions, First law, reversible and irreversible processes, internal energy, enthalpy, Kirchoff equation, heat of reaction, Hess’s law, heat of formation. Second law, entropy and free energy. Gibbs‐Helmholtz equation, free energy change and spontaneity, Free energy changes from equilibrium constant.
Structure-Reactivity Correlations and Organic Reaction Mechanisms Acids and bases, electronic and steric effects, Stereochemistry, optical and geometrical isomerism, tautomerism, conformers and concept of aromaticity. Elementary treatment of SN1, SN2, E1, E2 and radical reactions, Hoffmann/Saytzeff rules, addition reactions, Markownikoff rule and Kharasch effect. Elementary hydroboration reactions. Grignard’s reagents and their uses. Aromatic electrophilic substitutions, nucleophilic aromatic substitutions, and orientation effect as exemplified by various functional groups. Identification of common functional groups by chemical tests
Chemistry of Biomolecules Amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids and nucleotides. Peptide sequencing by chemical and enzymatic proteolytic methods. DNA sequencing by chemical and enzymatic methods. Carbohydrates (upto hexoses only). Lipids (triglycerides only). Principles of biomolecule purification-Ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for the identification of biological molecules.

GATE 2027 Life Sciences Syllabus: Biochemistry

Check Biochemistry syllabus for Life Sciences below:

Section Topics
Structure and Function of Biomolecules Organization of life; Importance of water; Structure and function of biomolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; Protein structure, folding/misfolding, and function; Myoglobin, hemoglobin, lysozyme, ribonuclease A, carboxypeptidase, and chymotrypsin
Enzymes and General Principles of Metabolism Enzymes: catalysis, specificity, and regulation, kinetics (up to two substrates), enzyme inhibitors; Regulatory Enzymes; Vitamins and coenzymes; General principles of metabolism, hormonal regulation of metabolism; Generation and utilization of ATP
Metabolic Pathways and Associated Disorders Glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid metabolism; Metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds: nitrogen fixation, amino acids, and nucleotides.Photosynthesis, photophosphorylation, Calvin cycle. Metabolic disorders (Sugars, amino acids, and lipids).
Analytical Techniques Buffering against pH changes in biological systems, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation; Ion exchange, size exclusion and affinity chromatography, Thin layer and paper chromatography, centrifugation; Characterization of biomolecules by electrophoresis; Analytical methods to study DNA-protein and protein–protein interactions; Lambert-Beer law, UV-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy; next-generation DNA sequencing, PCR, and site-directed mutagenesis. Antibody-antigen interaction; Immunological techniques: immunodiffusion, immune-electrophoresis, RIA and ELISA, flow cytometry; monoclonal antibodies and their applications.
Cell Structure and Function Cell structure and organelles; Biological membranes; Transport across membranes; Membrane assembly, Protein targeting and degradation; Biosignalling; Receptor-ligand interaction; Two-component system, hormones and neurotransmitters; Toxins and ion channels.
Gene Expression and Its Regulation, and DNA Repair DNA replication, transcription, and translation; DNA damage and repair; Nuclease accessibility methods; Biochemical regulation of gene expression. 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is GATE 2026 Exam structure?
A: 

GATE papers have three major sections; General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics & Specific Subject. There are 65 questions asked for 100 marks in GATE exam.  

General aptitude questions are asked for 15 marks, Engineering mathematics in some paper codes, 13 marks and the rest 72 marks from the chosen subject.  

In some paper codes engineering mathematics will be excluded only 15 marks general aptitude questions and rest 85 marks will be of chosen subject. 

Q:   What is the ideal number of question attempts to obtain a GATE rank under 1000?
A: 

According to topper's and experts, the ideal number of questions to attempt correctly is 50 to 55, to obtain a GATE rank under 1000. 

Q:   Is there negative marking in GATE exam?
A: 

Yes, GATE has negative marking for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only. In GATE question paper, MCQs will be of one and two marks. Hence, the marking scheme for such questions can be checked below -

  • For one mark MCQ - 1/3rd mark will be deducted
  • For two mark MCQ - 2/3rd mark will be deducted
Q:   Which branch GATE question paper is the toughest?
A: 

Considering the past year's trends and experts analysis, GATE CSE, ECE, and EE papers are considered as the toughest papers in GATE exam. Here's why -

  • Complex technical concepts and fundamentals

  • Heavy mathematics

  • Branch popularity and number of registered candidates are more.

GATE XL Syllabus 2027: Botany

Section Topics
Plant Systematics Botanical nomenclature; History of plant taxonomy; Diversity and classification of plants; APG system of plant classification; Major families such as Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Solanaceae, Verbenaceae, Poaceae and Orchidaceae; Phylogenetics and cladistics; Molecular taxonomy and DNA barcoding; Centres for plant taxonomy and herbaria in India.
Plant Anatomy Anatomy of root, stem and leaves, floral organs, embryo and young seedlings; Primary and secondary meristems; Stellar organization; Vascular system and their ontogeny; Xylem and phloem structure; Secondary growth in plants and wood anatomy; Plant cell structure and differences from animal cells
Plant development; Cell and Tissue Morphogenesis Life cycle of an angiosperm; Development of male and female gametophyte; Cell fate determination and tissue patterning; Spacing mechanisms in trichomes and stomata; Embryogenesis, organization and function of shoot and root apical meristems; Transition to flowering: photoperiodism and vernalization; ABC model of floral organ patterning, pollen germination, double fertilization, seed development; Xylem and phloem cell differentiation, photomorphogenesis; Phytochrome, cryptochrome, phototropin; Role of auxin, cytokinin, gibberellins, and brassinosteroids on plant development
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Plant water relations, mechanisms of uptake and transport of water, ions, solutes from soil to plants, apoplastic and symplastic transport mechanisms; Mechanism of stomatal movements, nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis; C3, C4 and CAM cycles, photorespiration, respiration: glycolysis, TCA cycle and electron transport chain; Plantresponses and mechanisms of abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, freezing and heat stress, metal toxicity; Role of abscisic acid in abiotic stresses; Structure and function of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids,
nucleic acid), enzyme kinetics; Structure and biosynthesis of major plant secondary metabolites (alkaloids, terpenes, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids); Biosynthesis, mechanism of action and physiological effects of auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acids, brassinosteroid, ethylene, strigolactone, abscisic acid, salicylic and jasmonic acid; Plant peptide hormones; Concept of hormone-receptor-repressor; Senescence and programmed cell death.
Genetics and Genomics Cell cycle and cell division; Principles of Mendelian inheritance, linkage, recombination, genetic mapping; Extra
chromosomal inheritance; Introduction to epigenetics; Gene silencing- transgene silencing, post transcriptional
gene silencing, miRNA and siRNA; Evolution and organization of eukaryotic genome structure, gene expression,
gene mutation and repair, chromosomal aberrations (numerical: euploidy and aneuploidy and structural: deletion,
duplication, inversion, translocation), transposons; Model organisms for functional genetics and genomics;
Introduction to transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics; Large data analysis, bioinformatics, statistical
analysis.
Plant Breeding, Genetic Modification, Genome Editing Principles, methods – selection, hybridization, heterosis; Male sterility; Genetic maps and molecular markers;
Embryo rescue; haploid and doubled haploids; Plant tissue culture: micropropagation, embryo culture and in vitro
regeneration, somatic embryogenesis, artificial seed, cryopreservation, somaclonal variation, somatic cell hybridization, marker-assisted selection, gene transfer methods viz. direct and vector-mediated, generation of transgenic plants; Introduction to genome editing: CRISPR/Cas9, Cre-Lox system to generate chimeras; Plastid
transformation; chemical mutagenesis.
Economic and Applied Botany A general account of economically and medicinally important plants - cereals, pulses, plants yielding fibers, timber, sugar, beverages, oils, rubber, pigments, dyes, gums, drugs and narcotics; Economic importance of algae, fungi, lichen and bacteria; Major Indian cash crops; Effect of industrialization on agricultural botany such as plastic on fiber economy; Genetically modified crops and its regulation eg. Bt cotton, Bt brinjal, golden rice etc.; Chemical
Biology of phytochemicals; Postharvest processing of tea and essential oil-bearing plants.
Plant Pathology Nature and classification of plant diseases; Diseases of important crops caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes and
viruses, and their control measures (chemical and biological) mechanism(s) of pathogenesis, resistance: basal,
systemic, induced systemic resistance, gene for gene concept; Molecular detection of pathogens; Plant-microbe
interactions: symbionts and mycorrhiza, pathogens and pests; Signaling pathways in plant defence response;
Salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) in plant-pathogen and plant-herbivore interaction, necrosis; Calcium
signalling in plants; Host-parasitic plant interaction (such as Cuscuta).
Ecology and Environment Ecosystems – types, dynamics, degradation, biogeochemical cycles, ecological succession; Food webs and energy
flow through ecosystem; Vegetation types of the world, Indian vegetation types and biogeographical zones, climate
and flora endemism; Pollution and global climate change, speciation and extinction, biodiversity and conservation
strategies, ecological hotspots, afforestation, habitat restoration; Plant interactions with other organisms;
epiphytes, parasites and endophytes.
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GATE Life Sciences (XL) Syllabus: Microbiology

The GATE XL syllabus 2027 (Microbiology) is another elective subject under life sciences. Check details below:

Section Topics
Historical Perspective Discovery of microbial world; Landmark discoveries relevant to the field of microbiology; Controversy over
spontaneous generation; Role of microorganisms in transformation of organic matter and in the causation of
diseases
Methods in Microbiology Pure culture techniques; Disinfection and Sterilization: principles, methods and assessment of efficacy; Principles
of microbial nutrition; Enrichment culture techniques for isolation of microorganisms; Antigen and antibody detection methods for microbial diagnosis; Light-, phase contrast-, fluorescence- and electron-microscopy; PCR, Real-time PCR for quantitation of microbes; CRISPR-Cas.
Microbial Taxonomy and Diversity Bacteria, Archea and their broad classification; Eukaryotic microbes: Yeasts, molds and protozoa; Viruses and their classification; Molecular approaches to microbial taxonomy and phylogeny.
Prokaryotic Cells: Structure and Function Cell walls, cell membranes and their biosynthesis; Mechanisms of solute transport across membranes; Flagella
and Pili, Capsules, Cell inclusions like endospores and gas vesicles; Bacterial locomotion, including positive and
negative chemotaxis.
Microbial Growth Definition of growth; Growth curve; Mathematical expression of exponential growth phase; Measurement of
growth and growth yields; Synchronous growth; Continuous culture; Effect of environmental factors on growth;
Sporulation; Quorum sensing; Bacterial biofilm and biofouling
Microbial Metabolism Energetics: redox reactions and electron carriers; Electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation; An overview of metabolism; Glycolysis; Pentose-phosphate pathway; Entner-Doudoroff pathway; Glyoxalate pathway; The citric acid cycle; Fermentation; Aerobic and anaerobic respiration; Chemolithotrophy; Photosynthesis; Calvin cycle; Biosynthetic pathway for fatty acids synthesis; Common regulatory mechanisms in synthesis of amino acids; Regulation of major metabolic pathways.
Microbial Diseases and Host Pathogen Interaction Normal microbiota; Classification of infectious diseases; Reservoirs of infection; Nosocomial infection; Opportunistic infections; Emerging infectious diseases; Mechanism of microbial pathogenicity; Nonspecific defense of host; Antigens and antibodies; Humoral and cell mediated immunity; Vaccines; Passive immunization; Immune deficiency; Human diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and pathogenic fungi.
Control of Micro-organisms: Chemotherapy/Antibiotics General characteristics of antimicrobial drugs; Antibiotics: Classification, molecular mechanism of mode of action
and resistance; Antifungal and antiviral drugs.
Microbial Genetics Types of mutation; UV and chemical mutagens; Selection of mutants; Ames test for mutagenesis; Bacterial genetic
system: transformation, conjugation, transduction, recombination, plasmids, transposons; DNA repair; Regulation
of gene expression: repression and induction; Operon model; Bacterial genome with special reference to E.coli;
Phage λ and its life cycle; RNA ; Mutation in virus genomes, virus recombination and reassortment; Basic concept
of microbial genomics; Cell cycle and cell division in lower eukaryotes.
Microbial Ecology Microbial interactions; Carbon, sulphur and nitrogen cycles; Soil microorganisms associated with vascular plants;
Bioremediation; Uncultivable microorganisms; Basic concept of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is General Aptitude section same for all GATE subject test papers?
A: 

Yes, GATE General Aptitude is common for all papers. The general aptitude section carries 15 marks out 100 marks, comprising 10 questions in total. The section mainly tests candidates' analytical and thinking skills in the exam. Here's a breakdown of the GATE General breakdown of questions -

  • The GA section includes 5 questions of 1 mark and 
  • 5 questions of 2 marks. 

The GATE marking scheme is the same for all. 

Q:   What changes are made in GATE 2027?
A: 

This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026, and two things have been modified - 

  • The GATE fees have been revised for all categories
  • A new sectional paper has been introduced, called Energy Science (under Engineering Sciences).

The details are available on the official website as well as in the information brochure. 

Q:   What is the exam pattern for GATE Robotics and Automation?
A: 

The GATE "Robotics and Automation" (RA) question paper will have a total of 100 marks. 

  • General Aptitude: 15 marks

  • Subject Questions: 85 marks

The marking scheme and time duration remain the same. GATE "RA" paper structure can be checked below:

  • Part "A" is common, which carries 60 marks. It is compulsory for all candidates

  • Part "B" is optional. It carries 25 marks in total. Candidates can either select Part B1 (Electrical Stream) or Part B2 (Mechanical Stream) during the test.

Q:   What are GATE zones in the exam centres list?
A: 

The GATE zones are the authorities that perform any operations related to the GATE examination. These are managed by the GATE offices of IISc and IITs. The list of GATE zones is as follows-

  • IISc Bengaluru
  • IIT Delhi
  • IIT Bombay
  • IIT Guwahati
  • IIT Kanpur
  • IIT Kharagpur
  • IIT Madras
  • and IIT Roorkee

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GATE XL Syllabus 2027: Zoology

Candidates can check GATE XL (Zoology) syllabus 2027 below:

Section Topics
Animal Diversity Systematics and classification of animals, phylogenetic relationships (based on classical and molecular phylogenetic tools).
Evolution Origin and history of life on earth, theories of evolution, natural selection, adaptation, speciation
Genetics Basic Principles of inheritance, molecular basis of heredity, sex determination and sex-linked characteristics, cytoplasmic inheritance, linkage, recombination and mapping of genes in eukaryotes, population genetics, genetic disorders, roles of model organisms in understanding genetic principles
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; replication, transcription and translation, Krebs cycle, glycolysis, enzyme catalysis, hormones and their actions, roles of vitamins and minerals
Cell Biology Basic principles of cellular microscopy, structure of cell, cytoskeletal organization, cellular organelles and their structure and function, cell cycle, cell division, chromosomes and chromatin structure.
Gene Expression in Eukaryotes Eukaryotic genome organization and regulation of gene expression, transposable elements. 
Animal Anatomy and Physiology Comparative anatomy and physiology, respiratory system, muscular system, circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, excretory system, endocrine system, reproductive system, skeletal system.
Parasitology and Immunology Nature of parasite, host-parasite relation, protozoan and helminthic parasites, the immune system, cellular and humoral immune response.
Development Biology Gametogenesis, Embryonic development, cellular differentiation, organogenesis, metamorphosis, Model organisms used in developmental biology, genetic and molecular basis of development, stem cells.
Ecology The ecosystem, Animal distribution, ecological niche and its contribution to ecological diversity, the food chain, population dynamics, species diversity, zoogeography, biogeochemical cycles, conservation biology, ecotoxicology, biodiversity hotspots in India.
Animal Behavior Type of animal behaviours and their evolution, courtship, mating and territoriality, instinct, learning and memory, social behaviour across the animal taxa, communication, pheromones

GATE XL Exam Syllabus 2027: Food Technology

Candidates can check the GATE XL syllabus of Food Technology below:

Sections Topics
Food Chemistry and Nutrition

Food Components Characterization and quantification techniques

  • Carbohydrates: Structure and functional properties of mono-, oligo-, & poly- saccharides including starch,cellulose, pectic substances and dietary fibre, gelatinization and retrogradation of starch.
  • Proteins: classification and structure of proteins in food, Protein denaturation, functional properties of proteins and starch.
  • Lipids: Classification and structure of lipids, rancidity, polymerization and polymorphism.
  • Pigments: carotenoids, chlorophylls, anthocyanins, tannins and myoglobin. Curcumin, betalains.
  • Food Flavours: Terpenes, esters, aldehydes, ketones and quinines. Enzymes: specificity, simple and inhibition kinetics, coenzymes, enzymatic and non- enzymatic browning, Food enzymology.
  • Nutrition: Balanced diet, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids, protein efficiency ratio, water soluble and fat soluble vitamins, role of minerals in nutrition, co-factors, anti-nutrients, nutraceuticals, nutrient deficiency diseases. Food Supplements, Concept of nutrigenomics. Food adulteration (types of adulterants and their detection)
  • Chemical and Biochemical Changes: Changes occurring in foods during different processing. Changes occur in foods and food biopolymers (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) during different processing.
Food Microbiology
  • Characteristics of Microorganisms: Morphology of bacteria, yeast, mold and actinomycetes, spores and vegetative cells, gram-staining, Resistant bacteria.
  • Microbial Growth: D-value, Z-value, F-value, Growth and death kinetics,serial dilution technique.
  • Food Spoilage: Spoilage microorganisms in different food products including milk, fish, meat, egg, cereals and their products.
  • Toxins from Microbes: Pathogens and non-pathogens including Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Aspergillus genera, Food borne diseases.
  • Fermented Foods and Beverages: Curd, yoghurt, cheese, pickles, soya-sauce, sauerkraut, idli, dosa, vinegar, alcoholic beverages, and sausage.
  • Probiotic foods: probiotic microorganisms, their benefits, prebiotics, synbiotics.
Food Products Technology
  • Processing Principles: Food Components Characterisation and quantification techniques. Quality analysis of raw and processed food products. Thermal processing (blanching, pasteurisation, sterilisation), chilling, freezing, dehydration, addition of preservatives and food additives, Microwave, radiowave, and Infrared processing, irradiation, fermentation, hurdle technology, intermediate moisture foods.
  • Non- thermal technologies: Ultrasonication, HPP, Pulse Electric Field, Cold plasma.
Food Engineering

Mass and energy balance

  • Momentum Transfer: Flow rate and pressure drop relationships for Newtonian fluids flowing through pipe, Reynolds number.
  • Heat transfer: heat transfer by conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers.
    Mass Transfer: Molecular diffusion and Fick's law, conduction and convective mass transfer, permeability through single and multilayer films.
  • Mechanical Operations: Size reduction of solids, high pressure homogenization, filtration, centrifugation, settling, sieving, mixing & agitation of liquid.
  • Thermal operations: Thermal blanching, pasteurisation, sterilization, sterilization, evaporation of liquid foods, hot air drying of solids, spray and freeze-drying, freezing and crystallization.
  • Mass Transfer Operations: Psychometric, humidification and dehumidification operations
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many reasoning and comprehension questions asked in GATE question paper?
A: 

GATE Reasoning and Comprehension section is mandatory. For humanities and social sciences, the reasoning and comprehension section contains 16 questions of 25 marks, where 7 questions will be of 1 mark and 9 questions will be of 2 marks. Candidates must check distribution of questions carefully.

GATE 2027 Life Science (XL) Syllabus: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

GATE Life Sciences is mainly divided into 4 sections: general aptitude, one compulsory section, chemistry, and two other sections out of 5 optional sections. Candidates can check the GATE 2027 exam pattern and marking scheme for life sciences in detail mentioned below:

Section No. of Questions   Total Marks
General Aptitude 5 of 1 mark 5 of 2 marks 10  15
Compulsory Section [Chemistry] 5 of 1 mark 10 of 2 marks 15  25
Optional section 1 [Any one section] 10 of 1 mark 10 of 2 marks 20  30
Optional Section 2 [Any one section except optional section 1] 10 of 1 mark 10 of 2 marks 20  30

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Books for GATE 2027 Life Sciences Preparation

Candidates can check the suggested books for the preparation of each section of the GATE Life Sciences (XL) paper;

Section Suggested Books
Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry by Ira N. Levine
  • Organic Chemistry by Jonathan Clayden, Nick Greeves, Stuart Warren
  • Principles of Inorganic Chemistry by B.R.Puri, L.R. Sharma, K.C.Kalia
Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry by Voet D. and Voet J.G
  • Essential Immunology by Ivan M. Roitt
  • Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics-S.B. Primrose
  • Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by Wilson/Walker
  • The Cell: A Molecular Approach by Geoffrey M. Cooper,
Botany
  • A Textbook Of Botany Vol-3 by S.N Pandey
  • Plant Physiology by Frank B. Salisbury
  • Basic Ecology: Fundamentals of Ecology by Eugene P. Odum
  • Plant Pathology by R.S. Mehrotra
  • Hill Economic Botany by O.P. Sharma
  • Modern Botany by M.P. Kaushik
Microbiology
  • Microbiology(fifth edition) by Micheal Pelczar, E.C.S Chan, Noel R. Krieg
  • Microbiology by Prescott
  • A and P Textbook of Microbiology by R. Ananthanarayan and Arti Kapil
zoology
  • Animal Biology  by Jurd
  • Modern Text Book Of Zoology Vertebrates by R.L.Kotpal
  • General Zoology by Guthrie Mary Jane and Anderson John M
  • Invertebrate Zoology by N.C Nair
  • Animal Physiology by Richard W. Hill
  • Mammology: Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology by George A. Feldhamer
Food Technology
  • Food Technology and Nutrition by Sunetra Roday
  • Advanced textbook on Food and Nutrition Vol. 1 by Dr M. Swaminathan
  • Technology of Food Product Development by Samuel A. Matz
  • Food Science and Processing Technology Biochemistry Of Food and Nutrition by Neha Publishers and Distributors
  • The Technology of Food Preservation by Desrosier
  • Agricultural Processing and Food Technology by Suresh Chandra, Goyal&Kumari

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UPASANA PRADHAN
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Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,

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Answered 2 days ago

The GATE total marks is 100. The marks in GATE question paper is distributed as follows:

  • General Aptitude - 15 marks
  • Engineering Mathematics - 13 marks
  • Subject/Core Discipline - 72 marks

A

Aishwarya Uniyal

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 6 days ago

No 

Every one need to pay fee

 

A

Addanki Pavan

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 6 days ago

NIT Silchar has a moderate overall engineering placement record with average packages around INR 12–14 LPA, but core CSE/IT departments claim a major share of these high-paying software offers.

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No GATE score is required for admission to BITS Pilani Dubai MEng course. For admission to the MEng course, Indian students are required to submit a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field with minimum 60% marks. Students can apply for the MEng course by filling out the application form. 

C

Chandra Chaudhary

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, GATE application form window is now open for GATE 2027 registration. Candidates can apply via DigiLocker now.

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UPASANA PRADHAN

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

According to the IIT Kanpur GATE cutoff 2024, the last round closing ranks ranged from 622 to 840 for the General AI category. So, students who score above 630 increase their chances of admission. The higher the score, the better the chances of admission. Check the list below to know the minimum sco

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, GATE application form window is now live on GOAPS portal. Candidates who want to apply can visit the official website and submit form before due date.

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Shiksha Gaurav

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

If additional amount is deducted while filling GATE exam form 2027, then extra amount will be refunded within 15 to 20 days.

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Sumridhi Sinha

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, GATE conducting body allows candidates to attempt for two subjects only. Candidates can select one primary and secondary paper based on their relevant degree during GATE registration. 

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Himanshi Choudhury

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

GATE 2027 is a computer-based national test administered by IIT Madras.  Candidates must be currently enrolled in atleast 3rd year or have completed a bachelor's degree in engineering, Science or technology. The exam duration is of 3 hours and covers 100 marks. It has no age limit.

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10