DBT-JRF BET Exam 2024: Application Forms, Important Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Exam Centres, Award Details

Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) exam 2024 is being conducted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad. This test aims to identify eligible candidates for the ‘DBT-Junior Research Fellowship’ (DBT-JRF) in the field of Biotechnology. Applications are invited from Indian citizens residing in India who are interested in pursuing research in frontier areas of Biotechnology.

Based on their performance in BET exam 2024, candidates will be shortlisted under Category-I and Category-II of the DBT-JRF Programme. The shortlisting process will follow the reservation norms set by the Government of India.

Candidates shortlisted under Category-I will have the opportunity to receive the fellowship at any recognized University or Institution in India, where they enroll for a Ph.D. Programme. On the other hand, candidates selected under Category-II will be eligible for appointment in any DBT sponsored project with a fellowship equivalent to NET/GATE qualification, as per the current DST guidelines.

They may also have the option to enroll in a Ph.D. programme, subject to the selection process of the respective institution. However, it is important to note that the Principal Investigators of DBT sponsored projects are not obligated to select JRFs from the Category-II list.

It is important to mention that selection under Category-II does not entitle candidates to avail any fellowship from the DBT-JRF programme.

Important Dates for DBT-JRF BET Exam 2024

Eligibility Criteria for DBT-JRT BET Exam

• Academic Qualification: To be eligible for this position, candidates must have a Bachelors degree (B.E./ B.Tech./ M.B.B.S.) or a Masters degree (M.Sc./ M.Tech./ M.VSc./ M.Pharm./ Integrated M.Sc./M.Tech.) in any discipline of Biotechnology, Life-Sciences, or any other allied areas of Biology. Those who have been admitted to any of the M.Sc./ M.Tech./ M.VSc./ M.Sc.(Agri) programs supported under the DBT Post Graduate Teaching Programme are also eligible to apply. Even candidates who are yet to appear in the final semester examination or are awaiting the result of the final semester examination can apply.
• Marks: Candidates must have a minimum of 60% marks for General, EWS & OBC category, and 55% marks for SC/ ST/ Differently Abled candidates in aggregate (or equivalent grade).
• Age Limit: The maximum age limit for General & EWS category is 28 years as of the last date of application. However, there is an age relaxation of up to 5 years (33 years) for SC/ ST/ Differently Abled/ women candidates and up to 3 years (31 years) for OBC (Non Creamy Layer) candidates.

Details of the Award:

• Category-I: Candidates will be eligible for fellowship upon joining a Ph.D. program and registering for Ph.D. from a recognized university/institution in India within two years from the date of the award letter.
• Category-II: Candidates will be eligible to be appointed in any DBT sponsored project with fellowship equivalent to NET/GATE qualification or enroll in a Ph.D. program, subject to institutional selection processes.

DBT-JRT BET Exam Pattern

DBT-JRT BET exam 2024 medium of instruction will be exclusively in English. The question paper format will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) as outlined below:

Section A will consist of 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions at the 10+2 level in subjects such as General Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, General Aptitude, Analytical, Quantitative Ability, and General Biotechnology. Each question will carry a weightage of Three (03) marks. It is important to note that there will be negative marking, with One (01) mark deducted for each incorrect response. Unanswered or unattempted questions will be awarded Zero (0) marks.

Section B will comprise of 150 multiple-choice questions focusing on specific areas in Biotechnology. Candidates are required to attempt 50 questions from this section, with each question carrying Three (03) marks. Similar to Section A, negative marking will be applied, deducting One (01) mark for each incorrect response. Unanswered or un-attempted questions will be given Zero (0) marks.

DBT-JRT BET Exam Centres

Candidates have the flexibility to select any four cities from the available options in the application form. Every effort will be made to assign one of the preferred cities, but in some cases, candidates may be assigned a different city for administrative purposes. It is important to note that candidates will not receive any travel allowance or daily allowance for attending the examination.

Mode of Application for DBT-JRT BET Exam 2024

For guidance on completing the application form, paying the application fee, and uploading necessary documents/certificates, please refer to the information bulletin available at https://dbt.nta.ac.in/ www.nta.ac.in. The prescribed formats for category certificates and undertakings to be submitted by candidates awaiting results are also accessible at the same link. General/OBC/EWS candidates are required to pay a non-refundable and non-transferable application fee of Rs. 1200/-, while SC/ST/PWD candidates must pay Rs. 600/-

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the DBT-JRF BET? 
   • The DBT-JRF BET is the Biotechnology Eligibility Test, which is part of the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship Programme. It is conducted to select candidates for pursuing research in Biotechnology and Life Sciences.
2. Who conducts the DBT-JRF BET? 
   • The exam is conducted by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, through the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB).
3. What are the eligibility criteria for the BET exam 2024? 
   • Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related fields. There are also specific marks and age criteria.
4. What are the categories under the DBT-JRF Programme? 
5. Candidates are shortlisted under Category-I and Category-II based on their performance in BET. Category-I candidates are eligible for fellowship, while Category-II candidates can be appointed in DBT-sponsored projects or enroll in Ph.D. programs.
6. When will the BET 2024 be conducted? 
   • The BET 2024 is scheduled for April 20, 2024.
7. What is the application period for BET exam 2024? 
   • The application forms are available from February 8, 2024, till March 6, 2024.
8. How long is the BET score valid? 
   • The BET exam score is valid for one year.
9. What is the salary for the DBT-JRF Fellowship? 
   • The basic salary for the DBT-JRF Recruitment ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 31,000.
10. What is the pattern of the examination?
    • The exam comprises Multiple Choice Questions and is conducted in English. The duration is 3 hours.
11. Where can I find the syllabus for the BET? 
    • You can visit the link to view or download pdf of DBT-JRT (BET) exam syllabus.