GATE 2026 XL Syllabus – Life Sciences PDF & Section-wise Topics

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 will help candidates avoid studying irrelevant content, so they can focus and efficiently. Candidates will be able to 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.

GATE Life Science Syllabus 2026

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

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.

Section 1: Atomic Structure and Periodicity

• Planck’s quantum theory

• Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion principle

• Periodic table and periodic properties

Section 2: Structure and Bonding

• Ionic and covalent bonding

• VSEPR theory and the shape of molecules

• HSAB principle

Section 3: s, p and d Block Elements

• Halides and Hydrides of alkali

• General characteristics of 3d elements

Section 4: Chemical Equilibria

• Osmotic pressure

• 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 will include Biochemistry as an important syllabus. There will be a 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 will include 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 will be covered in the GATE XL syllabus for 2026. The Microbiology will include 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 will be 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