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IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Which Exam is Right for you?

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B are the most preferred exams when students look to study Biotechnology at prestigious universities to bag the best options for the future. Candidates should understand both exams to know the right exam.
authorImageDr. Kumar29 Nov, 2024
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IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: IIT JAM and DBT GAT B are two exams that instantly strike your mind when studying M.Sc. or M.Tech. in Biotechnology from good universities. GAT B is a national-level exam organized for students to pursue DBT-supported Postgraduate Programs whereas, the IIT JAM is conducted for students who hold a bachelor's degree as per eligibility criteria and want to pursue postgraduate courses in Biotechnology from IITs and NITs. Both exam have their significance and are similar to each other but have their perks which could be known by reading further in this article.

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B Exam Overview

The IIT JAM and DBT GAT B exams are both important for students interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology. While IIT JAM is conducted by IIT Bombay, the DBT GAT B exam is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Both exams provide opportunities for admission to top universities offering Biotechnology programs. Here’s a comparison of the two exams to help you understand their differences:
IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B Exam Overview
Exam Name IIT JAM DBT GAT B
Conducting Body IIT Bombay National Testing Agency (NTA)
Full Form IIT Joint Admission Test Gratitude Aptitude Test- Biotechnology
Mode of Application Online Online
Exam Mode Online (CBT) Online
Exam Duration 180 minutes 180 minutes
Medium of Paper English English
Total Marks 100 240
Marking Scheme +1,+2 for a correct answer based on section & -0.33, -0.66 for a wrong answer based on section. Section A : +1 for each correct answer, -0.5 for each wrong answer Section B : +3 For each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer
Number of Questions 60 160
Difficulty level Easy to Moderate Moderate
Official Website To be Released https://dbt.ntaonline.in/
Helpline 0512-259 0151 011 4075 9000

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Exam Pattern

The exam patterns for IIT JAM and DBT GAT B are different in terms of the number of sections, types of questions, and the total marks. While both exams assess candidates on various subjects, they follow distinct formats that candidates need to be aware of. Here’s a quick comparison of the exam patterns for both IIT JAM and DBT GAT B to help you understand their structure better:
IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Exam Pattern
Criteria IIT JAM DBT GAT B
Sections 3 sections 2 sections
Total Questions 60 questions 160 questions
Type of Questions
  • MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions):- 30 questions
  • MSQs (Multiple Select Questions):- 10 questions
  • NATs (Numerical Answer Type):- 20 questions
  • Section A (10+2 Level):- 60 questions
  • Section B (Graduate Level):- 100 questions
Total marks 100 240

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for both exams differ as there’s no age limit for IIT JAM but there is an age limit of a maximum of 28 years for DBT GAT B with some relaxation for reserved classes. The Educational qualification is similar but minimum marks differ. The candidates are advised to check the Eligibility criteria for both exams before choosing which exam is right for them.
IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Eligibility Criteria
Criteria IIT JAM DBT GAT B
Age Limit No age limit
  • General/EWS: 28 years max.
  • OBC: 31 years max.
  • SC/ST/PwD/Women: 33 years max.
Educational Qualification Passed Bachelors Degree with 55% for unreserved and 50% for reserved Or final year students. Passed B.Tech./BE in relevant stream with 60% for (General/EWS/OBC) and 55% for SC/ST/PwD)  or a final year student with proof from institute of final exam appearance.
Nationality Indian Indian

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Top Colleges Accepting Scores

IIT JAM and DBT GAT B offer opportunities for pursuing Biotechnology postgraduate courses, but the top colleges accepting their scores differ. IIT JAM is more focused on science and technology, while DBT GAT B offers a wider variety of specialized Biotechnology programs. Below is a comparison of top colleges accepting scores from both exams:

IIT JAM Top Colleges for Biotechnology

IIIT JAM scores to pursue Biotechnology Postgraduate courses for candidates and are considered among the best options for those wanting to pursue postgraduate in Science-related fields as compared to DBT GAT B which focuses more on engineering and technology.
IIT JAM Top Colleges for Biotechnology
Institute Total Seat
IIT Bombay 35
IIT Indore 15
IISc Banglore N/A
IIT Roorkee To be released soon

DBT GAT B Top Colleges for Biotechnology

DBT GAT B Exam has more options for candidates to pursue Biotechnology courses as it has more universities under it and also has more specialization of postgraduate Biotechnology courses comparatively.
DBT GAT B Top Colleges for Biotechnology
Universities Number of Seats
Banaras Hindu University, UP 30
Central University of Jammu 10
Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu 10
Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi 30
North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya 30
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Kerala 10
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra 30
University of Hyderabad, Telangana 30

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Cut Off

Cut-offs are the minimum marks set by the conducting body, and candidates appearing for the exam must obtain these minimum marks to clear the examination successfully. The cut-off scores for the previous years’ of IIT JAM and DBT GAT B for Biotechnology are given below:
IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B: Cut Off
Exam General SC/ST OBC
IIT JAM 35 17.5 31.5
DBT GAT B 128 65-61 88

Preparation Tips for IIT JAM and DBT GAT B

All candidates who want to pursue postgraduate programs in biotechnology through IIT JAM or DBT GAT B exams should keep in mind a few preparation tips to excel and achieve their desired result with utmost ease, they can also use these tips to prepare for both exams to maximize their chances of getting admission into a prestigious university and grab best opportunities for themselves. These tips are:
  1. Consistency is the key factor in cracking any exam, be it IIT JAM or DBT GAT B. While learning any new topic, there should always be continuity as it won't deviate the mind of a student and it will definitely fetch good results.
  2. You should always try to aim high as it will help you set a goal for yourself and will help succeed in exams.
  3. Time management is also a great stepping stone towards success as it will help you do things in a systematic way.
  4. Aspirants must focus on everything relevant to the exam as it will help lead to great results and better performance.
  5. The practice of previous year's questions, practice questions, and regular mock tests can help a student get familiar with the pattern and do better in exams. You can join our course to be provided with all this with the best guidance.
  6. Learn from your mistakes and it will help you attain better results as you will try not to make the same mistake again.

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CUET PG vs JEST CUET PG vs TIFR GS

IIT JAM vs DBT GAT B FAQs

What is the difference between DBT GAT B and IIT JAM?

DBT GAT B exam is just for DBT-supported postgraduate courses in Biotechnology whereas IIT JAM offers more than just Biotechnology courses in PG. There are also differences in the Eligibility criteria for both exams.

Is GAT B exam tougher than IIT JAM?

DBT GAT B exam is an exam that is considered to be easier or moderate whereas IIT JAM is also of same difficulty level.

Is IIT JAM only for IIT students?

No, the exam is open to all the aspirants whose nationality is Indian. 

How many times did DBT GAT B and IIT JAM happen? 

Both exams, DBT GAT B and IIT JAM happen annually every year.

What are the best colleges in DBT GAT B and IIT JAM?

IIT Madras is the best college in IIT JAM whereas from the DBT GAT B exam, JNU is considered the best.
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