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DHR BRET Syllabus 2025, Updated Exam Pattern, Subject-wise Topics

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 outlines the key topics for candidates preparing for the DHR BRET Recruitment 2025. The exam has three sections: Aptitude, Life Science Fundamentals, and Subject-Specific domains, with 150 MCQs for 150 marks. Download the DHR BRET Syllabus PDF from the official DHR/ICMR website.

authorImageAnanya Gupta10 Nov, 2025
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DHR BRET Syllabus 2025

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 is an important resource for students who want to become Junior Research Fellows in Biomedical and Health Sciences. The Department of Health Research conducts the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test to select candidates for this fellowship program. 

Getting a good score in this national-level exam can help you pursue a Ph.D. degree at top institutions like UGC-recognized universities or ICMR institutes.

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 Overview

DHR-BRET is an examination for non-medical students who want to do research in fields related to health. The official notification for the DHR BRET Recruitment 2025 contains all the crucial dates and rules. Candidates who qualify get financial support through the fellowship.

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 Overview
Feature Details
Exam Full Name DHR-ICMR Biomedical Research Eligibility Test
Conducting Body National Testing Agency/ AIIMS / PGIMER Varies by year, check latest official notice
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test
Total Duration 2 Hours (120 minutes)
Total Questions 150 Multiple Choice Questions 
Total Marks 150 Marks
Language of Paper English only
Fellowship Seats Around 250 -The exact number depends on fund availability and DHR rules

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 Subject-wise

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 is detailed and covers topics at the postgraduate (M.Sc./M.Tech) level. Here is a breakdown of what each of the three sections covers:

Section A: General Aptitude

This part of the syllabus tests your general scientific knowledge and thinking ability. It is designed to see how well you understand science in daily life.

  • General Science: Scientific phenomena seen in everyday life.

  • General Knowledge: Basic knowledge in science subjects.

  • Quantitative Reasoning: Numerical analysis, graphical interpretation.

  • Analytical Ability: Problem-solving and reasoning skills.

  • Research Methodology: Includes basic statistics and measurement concepts.

Section B: Fundamentals of Biomedical and Life Sciences 

Section B checks your understanding of the basic concepts that are common to all Life Science fields.

  • Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life: Structure and function of DNA, RNA, cell parts, cell growth, reproduction, and how cells communicate with each other.

  • Physiological Processes: Basic understanding of body systems and their functions.

  • Genetics and Evolution: How traits are passed on, genetic disorders, and the origin and development of life.

  • Techniques: Principles of common tools used in biology and research (like spectroscopy or PCR).

  • Biosafety and Bioethics: Rules and good practices in research laboratories.

Section C: Discipline/Subject-Specific Domains

You must choose and attempt questions from only one subject area in this section. These questions are more applied and analytical, meaning they require deeper knowledge of your specialization.

The common subjects generally available include:

  • Biochemistry

  • Microbiology

  • Genetics

  • Biotechnology

  • Zoology

  • Botany

  • Biophysics

  • Bioinformatics

  • Environmental Sciences

  • Public Health

  • Nutrition

  • Pharmacology

  • Social and Behavioural Sciences

DHR BRET Exam Pattern

Understanding the structure of the paper is the first step in your preparation. The DHR BRET Exam Pattern is divided into three parts. All sections are compulsory, and the exam is conducted in a single session.

DHR BRET Exam Pattern 

Section

Focus Area

Questions

Marks

Status

A

Aptitude (General Science, Reasoning, Statistics)

50

50

Compulsory

B

Cross-Disciplinary (Fundamental Life Science Concepts)

50

50

Compulsory

C

Subject-Specific (Applied/Analytical knowledge in your chosen field)

50

50

Compulsory (You choose one subject from the list)

Total

 

150

150

 

DHR BRET Marking Scheme

The DHR BRET Marking Scheme follows a penalty system for incorrect answers.

  • Correct Answer: You get +1 Mark.

  • Incorrect Answer: You lose 0.25 Marks (This is the negative marking).

  • Unattempted Question: No marks are added or deducted.

How to Download the DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 PDF?

The detailed and official DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 PDF has been released with the Information Bulletin for the exam. Students can follow these simple steps to download the syllabus document:

  1. Visit the official website of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

  2. Look for the link or tab named Information Bulletin or Prospectus for the DHR-BRET or DHR-ICMR JRF 2025.

  3. The complete syllabus is usually provided in an Annexure or Appendix section within this main document.

  4. Download the Information Bulletin to get the DHR BRET Syllabus PDF, which is the final official guide for your preparation.

 

DHR BRET Syllabus 2025 FAQs

What is the full form of BRET?

The full form of BRET is the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test.

What is the eligibility criteria for DHR BRET Recruitment 2025?

Candidates must have an M.Sc. or an equivalent postgraduate degree in a relevant biomedical or life science subject. General category students need a minimum of 55% marks, while reserved category students need 50%.

Is there a maximum age limit to apply for DHR BRET?

Yes, the upper age limit to apply for the DHR BRET is generally 30 years. There is age relaxation for reserved categories and Female candidates get up to 5 years and OBC candidates get up to 3 years).

What is the DHR BRET Marking Scheme?

The DHR BRET Marking Scheme includes negative marking. For every correct answer, you get +1 mark and for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted.
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