GATE Zoology [Life Science] Exam 2025 Latest Syllabus, Exam pattern, Seats in IITs, Eligibility Criteria, Latest Books & More
GATE Life Science Zoology XL-T: In This Article We Will Discuss All Important Tools, Like Latest Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Level of Difficulty, Best Books, Previous Year Paper & Many More Information for GATE Zoology
Gate Zoology [Code -XL-T] Part of Optional Sections Paper XL- Life Science ] is One of The Most Important Optional Exams of GATE Life Science, Subject is Divided into 11 Sections & Asked 20 Questions Based on MCQ, MSQ 10 Questions Based on 1 Marks Each & Remain 10 Questions 2 Marks Each. Apart from Chemistry ( Compulsory ) Include, 15 Questions Gives 25 Marks, & General Aptitude 10 Questions 5 Questions Based on 1 Marks Each & Remains 5 Questions 2 Marks Each & Your Second Optional Subject 20 Questions. Total 100 Marks Paper, Total 65 Questions Asked in Exam. Zoology Subjects Based on Details Topics Like – Animal Diversity, Evolution, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology
Overview of Gate Zoology [XL-T] Exam 2025-
| Particulars | Details |
| Examination Mode Gate Zoology | Computer Based Test (Online) |
| Duration Gate Zoology | 3 Hours |
| Number of Subjects Gate Zoology | 3 Papers [ 2 optional + Chemistry] |
| Section Gate Zoology | General Aptitude (GA) , Chemistry & Candidate Selected Subject |
| Type of Questions Gate Zoology | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)Multiple Select Questions (MCQs)Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| Design of Questions Gate Zoology | The questions are designed to test the listed abilities Application Analysis Comprehension Recall Synthesis |
| Number of Questions | 65 Questions (including 10 questions from General Aptitude) |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | Two types of MCQs: MCQs – 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer MCQs – 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. There is no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions and NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT. |
GATE Life Science Syllabus – General Aptitude
The General Aptitude section is common in all the GATE Life Science syllabus 2023. This section is divided into- Verbal Ability & Numerical Ability. There are 10 questions in this section, out of which 5 questions have a weightage of 1-mark each and 5 have a weightage of 2-marks each. The topics covered in this section are as follows:
| Sections | Topics |
| Verbal Ability | English grammar Sentence completion, Instructions Verbal analogies Word groups Critical reasoning Verbal deduction |
| Numerical Ability | Numerical computation Numerical reasoning Numerical estimation Data interpretation |
Syllabus of Compulsory Subject Chemistry XL-P Life Science –
Here is Given Complete Syllabus for Chemistry compulsory subject for all optional subjects
| Unit Number & Name | Topics |
|---|---|
| Section 1: Atomic Structure and Periodicity | Planck’s quantum theory, wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, comparison between Bohr’s model and quantum mechanical model of the hydrogen atom, and 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. |
| Section 2: Structure and Bonding | Ionic and covalent bonding, MO and VB approach 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. |
| Section 3: 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, color, geometry, magnetic properties and isomerism. |
| Section 4: Chemical Equilibria | Osmotic pressure, the 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. |
| Section 5: Electrochemistry | Conductance, Kohlrausch law, cell potentials, EMF, Nernst equation, thermodynamic aspects and their applications. |
| Section 6: 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. |
| Section 7: 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. |
| Section 8: 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, orientation effect as exemplified by various functional groups. Identification of common functional groups by chemical tests. |
| Section 9: 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 purificationIon exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Identification of these biomolecules and BeerLambert’s law. |
Check Free Sample PDF of Gate Zoology Complete Study Notes – Click Here
GATE Zoology [XL-T] Latest Syllabus 2025-
GATE Zoology: Syllabus Subject Based on Topics Such as Animal Diversity, Evolution, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & more This means that you’d have to cover a lot of ground to get a surface-level understanding of the fundamentals. While the syllabus is dense, it would help to break down each component that makes a lesson. This is why we’ve broken them down into the GATE Zoology syllabus according to the names of the units themselves. It would be easier to digest what topics under them are involved so that it would be easy for you to be prepared for the upcoming exams.
| Unit Number & Name | Topics |
|---|---|
| Section 1: Animal Diversity | Distribution, systematics and classification of animals, phylogenetic relationships (based on classical and molecular phylogenetic tools). |
| Section 2: Evolution | Origin and history of life on earth, theories of evolution, natural selection, adaptation, speciation |
| Section 3: 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. |
| Section 4: 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 |
| Section 5: Cell Biology | Basic principles of cellular microscopy, the structure of the cell, cytoskeletal organization, cellular organelles and their structure and function, cell cycle, cell division, chromosomes and chromatin structure. |
| Section 6: Gene expression in Eukaryotes | Eukaryotic genome organization and regulation of gene expression, transposable elements. |
| Section 7: Animal Anatomy and Physiology | Comparative physiology, the respiratory system, Muscular system, circulatory system, digestive the system, the nervous system, the excretory system, the endocrine system, the reproductive system, the skeletal system. |
| Section 8: Parasitology and Immunology | Nature of parasite, host-parasite relation, protozoan and helminthic parasites, the immune response, cellular and humoral immune response. |
| Section 9: Development Biology | Gametogenesis, Embryonic development, cellular differentiation, organogenesis, metamorphosis, Model organisms used in developmental biology, genetic and molecular basis of development, stem cells |
| Section 10: 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. |
| Section 11: Animal Behaviour | Type of behaviors, courtship, mating and territoriality, instinct, learning, and memory, social behavior across the animal taxa, communication, pheromones, evolution of behavior in animals |
GATE Life Science Zoology [XL-T] Latest Syllabus to Download PDF Kindly Fill the Form & Click on Submit Button
Career Scope & Job Opportunities for Gate Zoology Aspirants –
After achieving a Good Rank in GATE life Science Great Opportunities will welcome you in Many Field Zoology is a valuable degree commercially and that will come in useful for a range of well-paid jobs in an array of important industries. If one is looking for a career at the juncture of Botany and Wild Science, then biochemistry could be interesting for him. The work field within Zoology is vast.
Jobs directly related to a Zoology degree include:
Scope in Zoology
Candidates who finish Zoology courses can make career in private or government sectors. There are a range of job opportunities in this field. They can work in government departments, environmental agencies, universities and colleges. There is an ample opportunities in biotechnological and pharmaceutical fields as well for Zoology graduates. Those who want to pursue higher studies can do specialised courses such as physiology, ethology, biogeography, and marine biology. There is a huge scope of research in Zoology field.
Top Recruiters
| Agrochemical Companies | Fisheries and Aquaculture |
| Animal Clinics | Environmental and Ecosystem Management Sector |
| Aquariums | Medical Research |
| Colleges & Universities | Forensics |
| Conservation Agencies | Forests Laboratories |
| Medical Laboratories | Medical Laboratories |
Zoology: Jobs and Salary Structure
There are numerous career opportunities for candidates completing their BSc, MSc, and PhD in Zoology in the public and private sectors. Candidates find jobs as Animal Behaviourist, Conservationist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoo Curator, Wildlife Educator, Zoology faculty, Forensic experts, lab technicians, and Veterinarians. The salary offered for these posts is given below.
| Job Profile | Salary (Per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Veterinarians | INR 5 lakh and above |
| Wildlife Biologist | INR 5 lakh and above |
| Conservationist | INR 5 lakh and above |
| Wildlife Educator | INR 4 lakh and above |
| Zoology faculty | INR 4 lakh and above |
| Forensic experts | INR 4 lakh and above |
Eligibility for Gate Life Science Zoology: Educational Qualification
A candidate who is currently studying in the 3rd or higher years of Life Science undergraduate degree program OR has already completed any government-approved degree program in Life Science or Relevant Stream is eligible for appearing in the GATE 2023 exam.
| Qualifying Degree | Qualifying Degree/Examination | Description of eligible candidates |
| BSc Life Science BA Life Science | Bachelor’s degree holders in Life Science Stream (3 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc./Diploma in Life Science ) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed |
GATE Exam Minimum / Maximum Age Limit Criteria 2025
Candidates have to meet the GATE eligibility 2023 in order to appear for the GATE exam. There is No Age Limit to applying for the GATE exam 2023.
GATE Exam Attempts Limit Criteria 2025
There is No Restriction on the number of GATE attempts. One can enroll and appear for the exam as many times as they want.
Who Can Apply for GATE Zoology Exam?
There is no specified minimum pass percentage in the qualifying exam to apply for the GATE exam 2023. For Zoology You Must Have Under Graduation in a Related Subject of Life Science. Following Degree Example Given Below
- BSc in Life Science
- BSc in Biochemistry
- BSc in Zoology
- BA in Life Science
- BSc Genetics
- BSc Advanced Plant Biology
- BSc Bioinformatics
- BSc Biochemistry and Immunology
- BTech Marine Science
- BSc Cell Biology and Biostatistics
Check Free Sample PDF of Gate Zoology Complete Study Notes – Click Here
GATE Life Science Zoology Exam Pattern-
Total Number of Questions in GATE 2025
- GATE 2025 will have a total of 55 + 10 (General Aptitude) questions.
- General Aptitude will have 10 questions + Chemistry 15 Questions and Zoology will have 20 questions & 20 Questions from Second Optional Paper
- There is No Restriction to move to and from among the Papers.
- All the questions are compulsory to attempt.
The table below shows the exam pattern of Gate General Aptitude and Zoology:
| GATE Paper | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 | Cumulative time duration of 3 hours.Shift 1: 9.30 AM – 12.30 PMShift 2: 2.30 PM – 5.30 PM |
| Chemistry [Compulsory] | 15 | 25 | |
| Gate Zoology | 20 | 30 | |
| GATE Life Science Optional 2 | 20 | 30 | |
| Total | 65 MCQs | 100 Marks | 180 minutes |
Marking Scheme for GATE Biochemistry Exam 2025
Below, we are sharing the GATE Biochemistry marking scheme that will make you aware of the exam paper’s difficulty level.
Section A: [General Paper]
This section is divided into two parts. The first part will contain 05 Multiple Choice Questions of 1 mark. There is a negative marking for every wrong answer (1/3 will be deducted for the 1-mark question).
The remaining 05 Multiple Choice Questions are of 2 marks each, and 2/3 marks will be deducted for these types of questions in case of wrong attempts.
Section B: [Chemistry]
This section contains 15 Multiple. The first part will contain 05 Multiple Choice Questions of 1 mark. There is a negative marking for every wrong answer (1/3 will be deducted for the 1-mark question).
Remaining 10 Questions for 2 Marks & No Negative Marking [ Only 4 Questions Negative Marking of 2/3]
Section C: Zoology
This section is divided into two parts. The first part will contain 10 Multiple Choice Questions of 1 mark. There is a negative marking for every wrong answer (1/3 will be deducted for the 1-mark question).
The remaining 10 Multiple Choice Questions are of 2 marks each, and 2/3 marks will be deducted for these types of questions in case of wrong attempts
Section 4 – Optional Paper
Check Free Sample PDF of Gate Zoology Complete Study Notes – Click Here
GATE Zoology Number of Students Appeared Every Year-
Every year 23000+ Students Appeared for GATE Life Science Exam Every Year. More than 10000 Students Choose Zoology As an Optional Subject Every Year. Check Most Chosen Combination by students
| Biochemistry + Zoology | Zoology + Botany [Mostly] |
| Botany + Zoology | Biochemistry + Microbiology |
| Biochemistry +Food Technology | & More |
GATE Zoology Books Chapter Wise –
Here is Section wise Suggested book for GATE Zoology check all details below
| Chapter | Book Name | Author | Price | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1: Animal Diversity | The Living Organization (English, Paperback, Wolfe Norman) | Book by Cleveland P Hickman Jr. | Rs 1300 -/ | McGraw-Hill Education |
| Section 2: Evolution | EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY | Dr. S. P. Singh | Rs – 300 | Rastogi Publications |
| Section 3: Genetics | GENETICS | Phundan Singh | Rs 425-/ | Kalyani Publications |
| Section 4: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Biochemistry And Molecular Biology 8Ed | HOFMANN A | Rs 1200-/ | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS |
| Section 5: Cell Biology | Cell Biology | S.C. Rastogi | Rs 410 | —New Age International Publishers |
| Section 6: Gene expression in Eukaryotes | Regulation of Gene Expression in Plants: The Role of Transcript Structure and Processing | Carole L. Bassett | Rs – 801-/ | Springer |
| Section 7: Animal Anatomy and Physiology | Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (Wiley Desktop Editions) | R. Michael Akers | 3420 | Wiley–Blackwell |
| All Sections 1 to 11 Booklets | Cover all 11 Chapters As Per Syllabus With 4000 Questions Answer [Theory + MCQ] | Expert Faculties of Zoology | Start Rs 300-/ | Check Sample PDF |
GATE Life Science Zoology Previous Year Question Paper 2019 & 2021 –
To Download Previous Year Question Paper of Life Science [XL] Kindly fill the Form & Click on Submit Button
Advantages of Solving GATE Life Science Previous Year Question Papers
To Analysis the Previous year’s Question Paper it’s the best move to crack GATE Exam because the previous year’s question paper is like a Mirror which tells you all details about the Paper. These papers are available in the form of a PDF file. Solving the GATE Life Science previous year question papers has several benefits mentioned below.
- Candidates will get knowledge about the exam pattern of the entrance exam.
- Aspirants must practice question papers to know about the question type and difficulty level of the exam.
- In this way, candidates can decide which section they need to focus on more and which need improvement to enhance their ability to solve questions.
- By referring to the question papers, candidates will get an idea of how much time they will require for solving those questions.
- Candidates can focus more on the questions asked repeatedly in previous years.
- Candidate confidence will get increased while solving the various question papers of GATE.
- Aspirants can refer to the previous year’s question papers to get an idea about the GATE marking scheme.
Additional Benefits Practice GATE Life Science Previous Year Question Papers
1. Helps understand the Exam Pattern –
Previous Year Papers will assist you with understanding the test design followed by NTA NET. This not only increases your speed at attempting the exam but also ensures time Efficiency.
2. Helps Prepare for the difficulty level of questions –
This examination isn’t going to be a joyride for you. having depth Knowledge about the Syllabus & Difficulty level of the Exam will help you a lot to crack UGC NET Exam
When you will go through the UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers, you will get acquainted with the difficulty level of the questions asked from the topics and sub-topics of both the Papers, i.e., Paper-I and Paper-II.
3. Develops an understanding of the Important topics –
UGC NET Previous Year Question Papers will help you in recognising significant topics that are regularly asked in the exams. In any case, to speed up your exam preparation for 2021 you should concentrate on rehearsing the significant subjects first. This can effectively be done by recognizing them through the Previous Year Question Papers.
4. Identify and balance Strong and Weak areas –
It’s no rocket science to know that we all have our strengths and weaknesses, rather than being ignorant about the weaknesses and overconfident about the strengths, why not focus on finding a balance between the two?
While I recommend focusing on both of them, always work a little harder on topics you’re a little weak in.
Not just from the point of view of the exam but also in general, so that you don’t lack any skill.
As the exam has no negative marking, try to make your strengths a solid case so that you can absolutely nail the exam.
5. Increases Accuracy –
It’s a known fact, that the more you practice your speech before going on stage, the lesser you’re bound to fumble or make a mistake.
Similarly, the more you Practice on the UGC NET Previous Year Papers, the more accurate you will be, which in the long run will lead you to secure a high score on the test.
GATE Zoology [XL-T] Notes Preview –
To Download Click on right-hand side Arrow
Check Free Sample PDF of Gate Biochemistry Complete Study Notes – Click Here
GATE LIFE SCIENCE Cut-Off 2020 & 2021
GATE Cutoff 2021 – IIT Delhi has been declared the GATE 2021 cutoff online. Check the GATE Life Science 2021 cutoff here along with the previous year’s cutoffs
LIFE SCIENCE(XL) Cut-Off: 2021
| CATEGORY | RANGE OF MARKS |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 36 |
| OBC | 32.4 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 24 |
LIFE SCIENCE(XL) Cut-Off : 2020
| CATEGORY | RANGE OF MARKS |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 31.7 |
| OBC | 28.5 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 21.01 |
GATE Zoology [Life Science XL] Study Tips How to Crack in First Attempt –
You Just Have to Fellow These Simple Steps to Crack GATE Biochemsitry Exam –
Given Below
- Allot 120 days for preparation of Biochemistry Subjects.
- According to this timetable, divide each topic week-wise.
- Look at the syllabus for Biochemistry – GATE
- Check out the Best Study Notes available at Diwakar Education Hub
- During the preparation time, make summary notes for each and every topic
- don՚t waste time deciding which topic is most important and which is not, give equal attention to each topic
- If possible Make a List of weeks with the topic you allotted and one extra column is about whether you successfully completed this topic or not, Because it will help you later when you revise the syllabus (it is silly but try it)
- Do not depends on just one material try to get more and more information from different books, Wikipedia, various blogs and websites, and video tutorials.
Step 2: Solve Previous Year Paper
- After completion of preparation, it is not over here, it is just the first step. The next step is evaluation of your preparation which is done by solving the previous year’s papers.
- Spend at least one week time for this paper-solving section, because you will get a better idea about your preparation week area and paper pattern.
Step 3: Revision
- After gathering your weakness next step is revision.
- Same as above allot at list 1 to 2 weeks for revision and in this days go through all the notes which you prepare and week topics gathered in paper solving.
- Also check reviews for each topic you have made and study according to that.
GATE Zoology Four-Month Preparation Plan 2025
GATE 2023 will be conducted in February. This gives you 4 months to prepare for the examination. Now we are fully aware of the fact that a single timetable cannot suit everyone’s preferences. So, being mindful of that, we have prepared you a standard plan which you can modify as per your Schedule and daily schedule.
| Preparation Time | 4 Months (16 Weeks) |
| Total Chapters/ Topics to Prepare | 7 |
| Total Sub-Topics | Over 60 |
| Studying Hours Per Day | 4 – 5 Hours |
| Number of Days Required to Prepare Each Chapter | 12 Days |
| Number of Chapters Completed in a Month | 2 Chapters |
| Break Days or Extra Days Each Month | 2 – 3 Days* |
| Time Taken to Complete Entire Syllabus | 3 Months |
| Remaining Time | One Month |
| Days to Solve Sample Papers/ Model Papers/ Mock Tests | 20 Days |
| Days Left for Final Revision | 10 Days |
Frequently Asked Question GATE Biochemistry
Q1. What is the GATE Cut Off for Zoology 2021?
Ans – Here are Cut -the off Marks & Highest Marks out of 100 GATE Exam 2021
GATE Cutoff 2021 – IIT Delhi has been declared the GATE 2021 cutoff online. Check the GATE Life Science 2021 cutoff here along with the previous year’s cutoffs
LIFE SCIENCE(XL) Cut-Off: 2021
| CATEGORY | RANGE OF MARKS |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 36 |
| OBC | 32.4 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 24 |
Question -2 Are candidates allowed to use a physical calculator to solve long and complex calculations asked in GATE Question Paper?
Ans. All the candidates are provided with an online virtual scientific calculator to be used to answer the questions. However, it is important to understand that this virtual calculator would be available to use only in the selected questions and not in all the questions. This virtual calculator has the same capability as a scientific calculator
Question -3: Are there any eligibility criteria regarding the nationality of a candidate?
Ans: No, candidates from India as well as other countries can apply for GATE 2022.
Question -4: How is the GATE cutoff decided?
Ans- GATE cutoff is decided by considering various factors like the number of applicants, availability of seats, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of candidates. The conducting institute decides the cutoff in consultation with other responsible authorities.
Question -5 How easy to crack GATE Life Science Exam?
Ans: Cracking any exam needs a lot of hard work, time management, dedication, and proper use of resources. If you are dedicated to cracking GATE, you can clear it easily.
Also, Read for Other Subjects Article of Life Science–
| GATE Life Science [Chemistry] | GATE Biochemistry |
| GATE Botany | GATE Life Science Syllabus |
Know More About GATE Life Science Exam Watch Video –
| GATE Life Science Books | GATE Life Science XL |
| GATE Life Science Syllabus | GATE Life Science Eligiblity Criteria |
