GATE 2026 XL Syllabus: IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 XL syllabus on the official website. The syllabus of GATE XL 2026 has been updated in this article. A direct GATE XL syllabus 2026 PDF download link is given here.. Candidates who are preparing to apply for the GATE 2026 exam must check out the syllabus for their study plans. The GATE syllabus remains consistent. Candidates should refer to the syllabus of GATE XL to prepare for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. The GATE 2026 is scheduled on February 7 for the Life Sciences paper. Download GATE 2026 XL Syllabus PDF
GATE 2026 XL Syllabus – Life Sciences PDF & Section-wise Topics
Candidates can download the GATE XL Syllabus PDF for free on this page. As per the GATE XL syllabus, it is inclusive of multiple sections, including Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, etc. For more detailed information on the GATE syllabus, candidates can read the article below:
GATE 2026 XL Syllabus
The GATE syllabus is important for students planning to appear for the exam. The syllabus helps students to outline the exact topics and subjects that will be covered in the exam. Also, it helps candidates avoid studying irrelevant content, so they can focus and study efficiently. Candidates can access the relevant topics via the GATE 2026 life science syllabus PDF. Further, candidates are also advised to check the GATE exam pattern along with the syllabus, while preparing for the exam.
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The syllabus of GATE Life Sciences comprises various topics as mentioned:
XL - U Food Technology
XL - P Chemistry
XL - Q Biochemistry
XL - R Botany
XL - S Microbiology
XL - T Zoology
GATE Previous Year Question Paper's
Download GATE previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice with these papers to boost your preparation and improve your score.
Find below a brief description of each syllabus topic.
GATE Syllabus for Life Sciences 2026- Chemistry
Chemistry in a course is the scientific study of matter, its properties, and how it interacts. The GATE Life Science Syllabus 2026 for Chemistry will include a total of 9 chapters, covering various topics, including Planck’s quantum theory, Rate constant, Kirchhoff's equation, Conductance, and more. Find below a few lists of chapters covered, along with the respective topics.
Equilibrium constants (Kc, Kp, and KX) for homogeneous reactions
Section 5: Section 5: Electrochemistry
Conductance
Kohlrausch law
Cell potentials
GATE 2026 Life Science Syllabus - Biochemistry
The GATE Life Science Syllabus 2026 includes Biochemistry as an important syllabus. There are total of six chapters covering some of the important topics in the field of Biochemistry. Some of the topics are as follows.
Section 1:
Organisation of life
Structure and function of biomolecules.
Enzyme kinetics, regulation and inhibition
-Enzyme classification
-Generation and utilisation of ATP
Section 3:
Biochemical separation techniques
Spectroscopic techniques
Principles of microscopy
Section 4:
DNA replication, transcription and translation
Biochemical basis of gene expression
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression
Section 5:
Biochemical signals and second messengers
Hormones and neurotransmitters
Biochemical basis of disease
GATE XL Syllabus 2026 – Botany
In the GATE Life Sciences Syllabus 2026, Botany includes topics related tothe in-depth scientific study of plant life and their structures, properties. Candidates can find below the chapters covered and their related topics under the Botany syllabus.
Section 1: Plant Systematics
Botanical nomenclature
History of plant taxonomy
Diversity and classification of plants
Section 2: Plant Anatomy
Anatomy of root and shoot apices
Floral organs
Primary and secondary meristems
Section 3: Plant Development and cell and tissue morphogenesis
Life cycle of an angiosperm
Endosperm and embryo development
Plant morphogenesis
Section 4: Plant physiology and biochemistry
Plant-water relations
Mineral nutrition – essential elements, major functions and deficiency symptoms
Plant hormones – biosynthesis, storage, breakdown and transport; physiological effects and mechanisms of action.
Section 5: Genetics and genomics
Mendelian principles
Concept of gene
Allele interactions.
Quantitative genetics and multiple factors
GATE XL Syllabus 2026 - Microbiology
Microbiology in Science is the study of microorganisms. It is among the subjects that are covered in the GATE XL syllabus for 2026. The Microbiology includes multiple chapters with various topics. A few of the topics covered are as follows.
Section 1: Historical Perspective
Discovery of the microbial world
Controversy over spontaneous generation
Role of microorganisms in the transformation of organic matter and in the causation of diseases.
Section 2: Methods in Microbiology
Pure culture techniques
Principles of microbial nutrition
Microscopy
Section 3: Microbial Taxonomy and Diversity
Bacteria, Archaea and their broad classification
Eukaryotic microbes: Yeasts, moulds and protozoa
Viruses and their classification
Section 4: Prokaryotic Cells: Structure and Function
Prokaryotic Cells: cell wall, cell membranes and their biosynthesis
Mechanism of solute transport
Secretion mechanisms
Section 5: Microbial Growth
Definition of growth
Continuous culture
Mathematical expression of exponential growth
GATE XL Syllabus 2026 - Zoology
Zoology in programme is the scientific study of animals, encompassing their biology, behaviour, and ecological roles. This is another important subject that is covered in the syllabus for GATE XL 2026. Find below a few of the important chapters, along with the topics covered under Zoology.
Section 1: Animal Diversity
Distribution
Systematics and classification of animals
phylogenetic relationships
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,
Section 4: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Nucleic acids, proteins
Lipids and carbohydrates
Replication
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the subjects in XL in the GATE?
A:
As per the GATE XL syllabus, candidates can find some of the most important topics related to the study of science. A few of the major topics covered are Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, etc.
If you missed the correction window for GATE 2026, the portal will not allow changes right now. Usually, IIT opens a correction period only once. Since you need to change your surname, the best option is to contact the GATE organizing institute through their official support email or helpline and explain your issue with valid proof like your Aadhaar or school documents. They sometimes allow corrections in genuine cases, but it depends on their approval. Make sure to keep all documents ready when you contact them.
Balancing Engineering semester exams with competitive exam preparation can feel confusing but with right and realistic routine makes it very achievable.
Start by dividing your day into two parts: use college hours and afternoons for semester prep and keep early mornings or late evenings for GATE prep.
Make weekly targets instead of daily pressure, revise class notes on the same day.
Use weekends for mock tests, previous year papers and deeper revision.
Try to limit social media, study in 40 to 50 mins focused blocks and take short breaks.
Most importantly stay consistent and give yourself patience.
With consistent timetable and steady effort you can manage both in smooth. All the best Aanchal!
If you are interested in Development Studies and planning to appear for GATE XH C6 (Sociology), then you are already moving in the right direction. Having a backlog does not disqualify you from pursuing higher studies, as long as you clear it before the admission process begins. Since you mentioned that you can clear the backlog before February 2026, it should not affect your eligibility for PG admissions. Most universities require a completed bachelor’s degree with no active backlog at the time of admission.
Your CGPA of 6.9 is acceptable for many institutes, although some top institutes may have higher cutoffs. Your interest in sociology and Development Studies will be helpful because the GATE XH paper tests conceptual understanding. If you prepare consistently and score well in GATE, you can apply to reputed institutes offering Development Studies such as IITs, TISS, JNU, Azim Premji University, and others.
Focus on clearing your remaining backlog and continue your GATE preparation strongly. If you balance both, you can build a good academic profile for admission into Development Studies. All the best.
You can change your category in the GATE application by logging into the GOAPS portal during the correction window and using the "Edit GATE Application Form" option to make the change. You will likely need to pay an additional fee for the change and may need to provide a valid category certificate.
Other than the GATE exam, admission to MTech programs in Data Science/AI for 2026 includes university-specific entrance tests like VITMEE, BITS HD Entrance Test, and SRMJEEE PG, as well as state-level common entrance tests such as Karnataka PGCET and TS PGECET.
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