Life Sciences — Syllabus & Chapters

The complete syllabus for Life Sciences — every chapter you need to study, and how the exam paper is structured.

What you will study (chapters)

Chapter 1: Cell Structure and Function
Chapter 2: Biomolecules and Metabolism
Chapter 3: Genetics and Genomics
Chapter 4: Physiology and Homeostasis
Chapter 5: Evolution and Biodiversity
Chapter 6: Ecology and Environmental Interactions

Frequently asked questions

How many chapters are there in Life Sciences?

The Life Sciences syllabus has 6 chapters, listed in full above. Cover the high-weightage chapters first using the exam pattern as a guide.

How do I know which Life Sciences chapters carry the most marks?

Compare the chapter list above with the exam pattern and the last few years of question papers — the topics that appear most often and the units with the highest marks are where to focus first. Always confirm weightage against the official syllabus for your exam year.

Has the Life Sciences syllabus changed this year?

Boards occasionally revise the syllabus or remove topics for a session. Always download the official syllabus for your exact exam year from the official GATE portal rather than relying on an older copy or a social-media list.

How can I prepare for Life Sciences faster?

Begin with the most-frequently-asked topics and the last few years of question papers, then test yourself under timed conditions. If you want guided help, you can use the free AI study tutor for Life Sciences — practise past-paper questions and get instant feedback — or a focused Life Sciences study guide that condenses the syllabus into the topics that matter most — both are free to start.