JNU CEEB Syllabus 2026 

JNU CEEB 2026 (Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology) is a gateway for admission into multiple postgraduate biotechnology programs across top Indian universities. For 2026, the JNU CEEB 2026 syllabus is carefully structured to test both core concepts from school and advanced analytical skills at the undergraduate level, tailored to each program track.

General Syllabus Structure for JNU CEEB 2026

The JNU CEEB entrance exam consists mainly of two sections

• Part A:MCQs from core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) based on 10+2 level syllabus. Candidates must be well-versed with concepts taught in classes 11 and 12.
• Part B:MCQs focused on undergraduate-level topics, requiring deeper analysis and application from candidates. Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and comprehensive Biology disciplines (Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology) as well as reasoning and comprehension abilities.

M.Sc. Biotechnology Programme

• Part A:10+2 level MCQs in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology. Usually, 30 questions worth 1 mark each.
• Part B:Bachelor’s level MCQs in Physics, Maths, Biology (detailed areas), Chemistry. Up to 100 questions, attempt 70, 1 mark per question. Biology topics must be covered up to B.Sc. Biotech (Honours), including Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Botany, and Zoology.

M.Sc Agricultural Biotechnology & MVSc Programme

• Similar structure to MSc Biotechnology. Two sections – Part A (school-level core sciences) and Part B (advanced domain knowledge as listed above).

1. Tech Biotechnology Programme

• Part A:Basic Engineering & Technology (including Pharmacology)
• Part B:Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (all compulsory)
• Part C:Fundamentals of Life Sciences and Informatics

Practice questions from undergraduate Engineering, Pharmacy, and Life Sciences subjects.

Life Sciences Programme

• Part A:Life Sciences (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Environmental Science)
• Part B:Physics & Chemistry
• Part C:Mathematics, Computer & Information Sciences.

Key Subjects and Important Areas

• Physics & Chemistry:Physical and chemical properties, reactions, classical and modern physics.
• Biology:Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology, Ecology, Plant/Animal Biotechnology, Environmental, Medical Biotech. Special focus on analysis, reasoning, and synthesis of concepts.
• Mathematics:Concepts from school to graduation level, supportive in data analysis and reasoning.
• Life Sciences:Broad spectrum from basic systems to advanced applications.
• Engineering/Technology:Only for M. Tech aspirants; includes pharmacy, applied engineering topics.

Syllabus Coverage Tips for JNU CEEB 2026

• Prepare all sciences up to both 10+2 and graduation level (especially for Part B questions).
• Refer to previous years’ question papers for topic distribution and difficulty level.
• Give dedicated attention to molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and applied biotechnology topics.

Click Here For JNU CEEB 2026 Exam Pattern

FAQs

Q1: What is the syllabus for Part A of JNU CEEB 2026?

Ans. Part A consists of MCQs based on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. This section tests basic concepts taught in school.

Q2: Which topics in Biology are important for MSc Biotechnology in JNU CEEB 2026?

Ans. Candidates should focus on Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, Microbiology, Botany, and Zoology up to B.Sc. Biotech (Honours) level, along with classical and applied areas.

Q3: Does the exam syllabus differ for MSc, M. Tech, or Life Sciences programs?

Ans. Yes. While the core sciences overlap, M. Tech includes engineering and technology topics, and Life Sciences covers a broader spectrum in its respective section. The structure and emphasis vary across programs.

Q4: How should candidates prepare for reasoning and comprehension topics in JNU CEEB?

Ans. Verbal and reasoning ability is mainly asked in Part B for some tracks. Practicing previous question papers and sample MCQs from reasoning and comprehension aids in preparation.

Q5: Is there any negative marking in JNU CEEB 2026 for syllabus-based questions?

Ans. Yes, there is negative marking in both Part A and Part B, ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 marks (varies by section and program), so accuracy is essential.