The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is soliciting applications for the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 2025, an important step for anyone looking to embark on a career in research in biotechnology in India. BET 2025 is the entry point for the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF) that provides promising individuals with a chance to pursue innovative research in biotechnology throughout India. The fellowship seeks to foster excellence in the industry by selecting promising individuals who can contribute to the development and innovation of the biotechnology industry.

The online application for BET 2025 was open from February 20, 2025, and will remain open until March 28, 2025, at 5 PM. The candidates should also make sure that the application fee is submitted by the deadline of March 28, 2025, prior to 11:50 PM. Applicants who are interested in rectifying any information in their application forms can make the necessary corrections online on March 30 and 31, 2025. Candidates are advised to perform these actions within the given timeframe to ensure they do not miss this highly regarded opportunity.

For other categories of candidates, the fee for application differs. General category candidates, which also include the Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), need to pay Rs 1,300. On the other hand, candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories need to pay Rs 650. These amounts are payable online via the payment portal provided on the official application portal.

The eligibility criteria for the BET 2025 are available for those who possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biotechnology and life sciences-related fields. In particular, individuals who have graduated or are studying for Bachelor’s degrees (like BE, BTech, or MBBS) or Master’s degrees (like MSc, MTech, MVSc, MPharm, or Integrated MSc/MTech) in any branch of biotechnology, life sciences, or allied fields of biology are eligible to apply. In addition, students studying in postgraduate courses funded under the DBT’s postgraduate teaching program, like MSc(Agri) and other allied fields, can also apply. The candidates who have not yet appeared for their final semester exam or are still waiting for their final semester results are also eligible to apply.

The BET 2025 will be held as a computer-based test (CBT) on 13th May, 2025 between 10 AM and 1 PM. The test will be in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), in two sections, to evaluate the knowledge and understanding of candidates in biotechnology and allied subjects. The examination shall be held in English to provide an opportunity to candidates from all over India. The examination shall be conducted in order to evaluate the aptitude and capability of the candidates, which will greatly contribute to the selection of candidates for the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship.

After successful completion of the BET 2025, candidates will be divided into two categories according to their performance: Category-I and Category-II. These categories will be required while shortlisting the candidates for the DBT-JRF Programme. The norms for reservation by the government of India will be applicable while selecting candidates, maintaining the representation in the different social groups.

The DBT-JRF offers a great opportunity for young researchers to carry out doctoral research in biotechnology and allied fields. The fellowship enables the chosen candidates to conduct research in different areas of biotechnology, ranging from molecular biology to bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, and so on. It is also a stepping stone for further academic and professional development, significantly contributing to the development of biotechnology research in India.

For further details and to apply, candidates can log in to the official portal at http://dbtbet2025.ntaonline.in or www.nta.ac.in. The portal offers all the details in connection with the application process, payment of fees, and uploading the documents and certificates required.

Finally, the BET 2025 provides a great opportunity for prospective researchers to start their biotechnology research careers. By opening a straightforward avenue to the DBT-Junior Research Fellowship, it encourages applicants to apply their skills and energies towards creating pioneering research work in biotechnology that can bring a revolution to science and technology in India. The aspiring applicants are requested to keep track of crucial dates and follow all requirements in order to file their applications at the proper time.