B.Sc Biotechnology Entrance Exams 2026: List, Pattern & Dates

Admission to B.Sc Biotechnology entrance exams 2026 in India is dominated by CUET UG, which is now the single gateway to biotechnology seats at Delhi University, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia and most central and state universities. Alongside CUET, students also appear for agriculture-route and private-university tests such as CUET (ICAR-UG), VITEEE, SET and LPU NEST. This page lists every major B.Sc Biotechnology entrance exam for 2026, with exam pattern, eligibility and marking details so you can plan your application timeline early.

For the full programme picture — what B.Sc Biotechnology is, its duration and career paths — see our B.Sc Biotechnology course details guide.

What are the entrance exams for B.Sc Biotechnology in 2026?

B.Sc Biotechnology admission in 2026 happens through three routes: national exams (CUET UG and CUET ICAR-UG), private/deemed-university exams (VITEEE, SET, LPU NEST, SUAT, SRMJEEE), and direct/merit-based admission at many private colleges. CUET UG is the most widely accepted test because the National Testing Agency (NTA) runs it for admissions across hundreds of participating universities in a single window.

Note: Exam acceptance and biotechnology programme availability vary by campus and year — always confirm on the official portal before applying.

CUET UG 2026 for B.Sc Biotechnology

CUET UG is the primary entrance exam for B.Sc Biotechnology in 2026 and is required for admission to nearly all central universities and a large number of state and private universities. Candidates typically take Biology (and often Chemistry) as their domain subjects, plus a language and, where required, the General Test.

CUET UG 2026 exam pattern

Each CUET UG subject paper carries 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions worth 250 marks, with +5 for a correct answer and -1 for a wrong answer, attempted in a 60-minute slot.

For a biotechnology aspirant, the most important paper is Biology, which draws from the Class 11–12 NCERT syllabus — cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology and its applications, and human physiology. If a target university lists Chemistry as a required domain, add it as a second subject. Registration usually opens early in the year on the NTA portal, so track dates from January onward.

CUET (ICAR-UG) and the agriculture route

Students who want agricultural biotechnology can take CUET (ICAR-UG), the merged exam that replaced ICAR AIEEA UG for admission to ICAR-affiliated agricultural universities. It is conducted by NTA and covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Agriculture and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. This route is worth considering if you are open to B.Sc (Ag) or biotechnology programmes offered within the agricultural university system.

University-specific and private entrance exams

Many deemed and private universities run their own biotechnology entrance tests instead of, or in addition to, CUET. These are typically shorter online tests covering PCB/PCM basics and are used both for admission and for scholarship or fee-waiver decisions.

A large number of private colleges also offer direct, merit-based admission on the strength of your Class 12 marks, with no separate entrance test — so if your board percentage is strong you may not need to sit any exam at all.

Eligibility to appear for B.Sc Biotechnology entrance exams

To be eligible for B.Sc Biotechnology entrance exams in 2026, you must have passed 10+2 in the Science stream with Biology (or Mathematics, where allowed) along with Physics and Chemistry, scoring at least 45–50% aggregate. Central universities generally require 50% for general category and offer a 45% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

• Qualification: 10+2 from a recognised board with PCB or PCM (Biology preferred).
• Minimum marks: Usually 45–50% aggregate; top universities may set higher cut-offs.
• Appearing students: Class 12 candidates awaiting results can usually apply provisionally.

For the full breakdown of subject and percentage requirements, read our detailed B.Sc Biotechnology eligibility guidance, and check the B.Sc Biotechnology syllabus to see which Class 12 topics carry the most weight in the Biology paper.

How to prepare and choose the right exam

The safest 2026 strategy is to register for CUET UG (Biology + Chemistry) as your primary exam and add one or two private-university tests as backups. Focus your preparation on NCERT Biology and Chemistry, practise MCQs under a 60-minute clock to match the CUET format, and factor in the negative marking while attempting.

Once you have a shortlist of colleges, compare their B.Sc Biotechnology fees and placement records — our list of B.Sc Biotechnology colleges in India and the broader B.Sc colleges in India and top Science colleges in India directories help you match exam choice to the institutes you actually want. If you are still deciding between routes, our B.Sc vs B.Tech Biotechnology comparison and scope of B.Sc Biotechnology guides are worth reading before you lock in an exam.

Explore more on FindMyCollege

Related pages for B.Sc in Biotechnology aspirants on findmycollege.com:

• BSC colleges in India
• top Science colleges in India
• B.Sc in Biotechnology overview
• Fees
• Colleges
• Syllabus
• Salary
• Scope & Career
• Comparisons

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Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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