Candidates who have completed Master’s Degree in any of the subjects such as Botany, Zoology/ Microbiology/ Molecular Biology/ Bio-Chemistry and Physiology are eligible to write West Bengal State Eligibility Test in Life Science. Candidates can expect graduation/ post graduation level questions in the exam.

Detailed Syllabus for Life Science in West Bengal State Eligibility Test

The test will consist of three papers. Questions will be in objective type format.

Paper 1 will contain questions to measure the teaching/research aptitude. Paper 2 and Paper 3 will contain questions from the following topics.

Molecules and Their Interaction Relevant To Biology

• Structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds
• Composition, structure and function of biomolecules
• Stabilizing interactions
• Principles of biophysical chemistry
• Bioenergetics
• Principles of catalysis
• Conformation of proteins
• Conformation of nucleic acids
• Stability of protein and nucleic acid structures
• Metabolism of carbohydrates

Cellular Organization

• Membrane structure and function
• Structural organization and function of intracellular organelles
• Organization of genes and chromosomes
• Cell division and cell cycle
• Microbial Physiology

Fundamental Processes

• DNA replication, repair and recombination
• RNA synthesis and processing
• Protein synthesis and processing
• Control of gene expression at transcription

Cell Communication and Cell Signaling

• Host parasite interaction
• Cell signaling
• Cellular communication
• Cancer
• Innate and adaptive immune system

Developmental Biology

• Basic concepts of development
• Gametogenesis, fertilization and early development
• Morphogenesis and organogenesis in animals
• Morphogenesis and organogenesis in plants
• Programmed cell death, aging and senescence

System Physiology

• Photosynthesis
• Respiration and photorespiration
• Nitrogen metabolism
• Solute transport and photo assimilate translocation
• Secondary metabolites
• Stress physiology
• Blood and circulation
• Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory system
• Excretory system
• Thermoregulation
• Sense organs
• Stress and adaptation
• Endocrinology and reproduction
• Digestive system

Inheritance Biology

• Mendelian principles
• Extensions of Mendelian principles
• Extra chromosomal inheritance
• Microbial genetics
• Human genetics
• Quantitative genetics
• Structural and numerical alterations of chromosomes

Diversity of Life Forms

• Principles and methods of taxonomy
• Levels of structural organization
• Natural history of Indian subcontinent
• Organisms of health and agricultural importance
• Outline classification of plants, animals and microorganisms
• Natural history of Indian subcontinent

Ecological Principles

• The Environment
• Habitat and niche
• Population ecology
• Ecological succession
• Community ecology
• Applied ecology
• Conservation biology

Evolution and Behavior

• Emergence of evolutionary thoughts
• Origin of cells and unicellular evolution
• Paleontology and evolutionary history
• Brain, Behavior and Evolution

Applied Biology

• Bioremediation and phytoremediation
• Bioresource and uses of biodiversity
• Molecular biology and recombinant DNA methods
• Microscopic techniques
• Computational methods

Medium of instruction for this exam will be in English. Total marks allotted for the test is 400. Time duration of the entire test is 5 hours.