Preparing for the CUET PG Life Science 2026 exam? Looking for the CUET PG Life Science syllabus? Worry not, we have got that right here for you. This syllabus outlines the most important topics such as Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant and Animal Sciences and more. Also, this CUET Life Science syllabus is the foundation for your MSc Life Science syllabus. In this blog, we provide you with the complete CUET PG Life Science syllabus 2026 PDF download, a subject-wise breakdown, exam pattern details, and the best books for preparation. Whether you’re searching for the life science subjects list or the full MSc Life Science syllabus, this guide will help you head start your preparation.

Table of Contents
CUET PG Life Science Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics
Download the latest CUET PG Life Science Syllabus 2026 PDF (SCQP17)
CUET PG Life Science Exam Pattern 2026
Best Books for CUET PG Life Science Syllabus Preparation
Preparation Tips for CUET PG Life Science 2026
Faqs

CUET PG Life Science Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics

The CUET PG Life Science syllabus 2026 (officially listed as Life Sciences – SCQP17) covers core areas of biology, biotechnology, genetics, plant and animal sciences, and allied subjects. Below is the subject-wise breakdown of topics:

Techniques in Life Sciences

  • Principles & applications of:
    • Chromatography
    • Spectroscopy
    • Microscopy
    • Electrophoresis
    • Centrifugation
    • Blotting methods
    • PCR
    • Radioisotope techniques

Chromatin Structure and Function

  • Organisation of chromosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
  • Chromatin types (euchromatin & heterochromatin)
  • Centromere & Telomere
  • Concept of gene

Biochemistry

  • Structure & functions of: Proteins, DNA, Carbohydrates, Lipids & Vitamins
  • Bioenergetics
  • Glycolysis, TCA cycle, Electron Transport System & ATP synthesis
  • Oxidation & synthesis of fatty acids
  • Membrane structure & function

Biotechnology

  • Recombinant DNA technology
  • Principles of gene cloning
  • Applications in medicine, industry & agriculture
  • Plant & animal cell culture techniques
  • Environmental biotechnology

Microbiology

  • Diversity of microbes & bacterial reproduction
  • Antimicrobial agents
  • Microbes in industry & agriculture
  • Antigen, Antibody & Complement Systems
  • Immunity & Vaccines
  • Plant viruses & Animal viruses
  • Environmental microbiology

Molecular Genetics

  • Principles of inheritance
  • Linkage & crossing over
  • Chromosomal aberrations
  • Extrachromosomal inheritance
  • DNA replication, transcription & translation
  • DNA repair mechanisms
  • Population genetics

Plant Sciences

  • Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms
  • Plant vascular system
  • Economic importance of plants
  • Photosynthesis mechanisms
  • Photoperiodism & Vernalization
  • Biogeochemical cycles

Animal Sciences

  • Characteristics of invertebrates & vertebrates
  • Human anatomy & physiology (various systems)
  • Nerve impulse transmission
  • Endocrinology
  • Human diseases
  • Apoptosis & Cancer biology
  • Inherited diseases
  • Animal cell culture

Together, these subjects form the CUET PG Life Science syllabus 2026. These topics in whole form the foundation for the MSc life science subjects list. These will help in essential postgraduate study and research in life science subjects.

CUET PG Life Science Syllabus 2026 – SCQP17 Subject-Wise Summary

Section Key Topics Covered Importance of the Exam
Techniques in Life Sciences Chromatography, Spectroscopy, Microscopy, Electrophoresis, Centrifugation, Blotting, PCR, Radioisotopes Tests knowledge of core lab techniques used in life science research.
Chromatin Structure & Function Chromosome organisation (prokaryotes & eukaryotes), Euchromatin & Heterochromatin, Centromere, Telomere, Gene concept Builds foundation in genetics & molecular biology.
Biochemistry Structure & function of Proteins, DNA, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Vitamins; Bioenergetics; Glycolysis; TCA cycle; ETC; Fatty acid metabolism; Membrane biology Covers metabolism, biomolecules, and energy pathways.
Biotechnology Recombinant DNA technology, Gene cloning, Applications (medicine, agriculture, industry), Plant & Animal cell culture, Environmental biotech Focuses on applied biology & modern biotech applications.
Microbiology Microbial diversity, Bacterial reproduction, Antimicrobial agents, Industrial & Agricultural microbiology, Antigen–Antibody, Immunity, Vaccines, Plant & Animal viruses, Environmental microbiology Tests microbial biology & immunology concepts.
Molecular Genetics Inheritance, Linkage, Crossing over, Chromosomal aberrations, Extrachromosomal inheritance, Replication, Transcription, Translation, DNA repair, Population genetics Strengthens core genetics & molecular processes.
Plant Sciences Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms, Vascular system, Economic importance, Photosynthesis, Photoperiodism, Vernalization, Biogeochemical cycles Evaluates botany & plant physiology knowledge.
Animal Sciences Invertebrates & Vertebrates, Human anatomy & physiology, Nerve impulse, Endocrinology, Human diseases, Apoptosis & Cancer, Inherited diseases, Animal cell culture Covers zoology, physiology & human health.

Download the latest CUET PG Life Science Syllabus 2026 PDF (SCQP17)

For effective preparation, aspirants should always keep the official CUET PG MCA syllabus PDF handy. The syllabus document released by the NTA clearly outlines the key subjects & topics. Also, it has exam guidelines for the MCA entrance exam 2026 (SCQP09).

Download the latest CUET PG Life Science Syllabus 2026 PDF (SCQP17) here.

CUET PG Life Science Exam Pattern 2026

Before starting preparation, aspirants must understand the CUET PG Life Science exam pattern. Knowing the structure of the exam helps in creating an effective study strategy. Below are the details:

Particulars Details
Exam Name CUET PG Life Science (SCQP17)
Mode of Exam Online (Computer-Based Test)
Total Questions 75
Question Type Objective (MCQs)
Total Marks 300
Marking Scheme +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer
Duration 1.5 hrs (90 minutes)
Language English & Hindi
Coverage Subject-specific topics from the CUET PG Life Science syllabus
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Best Books for CUET PG Life Science Syllabus Preparation

Choosing the right study material is crucial for cracking the CUET PG Life Science 2026 exam. The syllabus (SCQP17) is vast and covers topics from biochemistry to animal sciences. We advise you to stick to standard reference books. Below is a subject-wise list of the best books for CUET PG Life Science preparation:

Subject Recommended Books Author(s)
Biochemistry Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Nelson & Cox
Biochemistry Satyanarayana & Chakrapani
Cell & Molecular Biology Molecular Biology of the Cell Alberts
Molecular Biology of the Gene Watson et al.
Genetics & Evolution Principles of Genetics Gardner & Simmons
Genetics: A Conceptual Approach Pierce
Microbiology & Immunology Microbiology Prescott, Harley & Klein
Kuby Immunology Owen, Punt & Stranford
Biotechnology Biotechnology B.D. Singh
Principles of Gene Manipulation Primrose & Twyman
Plant Sciences Plant Physiology and Development Taiz & Zeiger
Plant Anatomy B.P. Pandey
Animal Sciences Animal Physiology Guyton & Hall
Invertebrate Zoology Jordan & Verma
Vertebrate Zoology Kent & Carr
Techniques Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Wilson & Walker

Preparation Tips for CUET PG Life Science 2026

The CUET PG Life Science exam (SCQP17) tests subject-specific knowledge. This course is exhaustive and spread across multiple disciplines of biology. Here are some effective preparation tips:

  • Know the syllabus & exam pattern: Break the SCQP17 syllabus into sections (Biochemistry, Genetics, Plant & Animal Sciences, etc.).
  • Rely on standard books: Use trusted references like Lehninger Biochemistry, Alberts Cell Biology, Taiz & Zeiger Plant Physiology.
  • Make short notes: Summarise pathways, techniques (PCR, electrophoresis), and key definitions for quick revision.
  • Practice PYQs & mock tests: Helps with speed, accuracy, and understanding question patterns.
  • Revise weekly: Focus on high-scoring topics like DNA replication, photosynthesis, enzyme kinetics, and immunology.
  • Improve time management: Practice solving 40–50 MCQs daily under timed conditions.

Pro Tip: Prioritise Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Plant Sciences as they carry high weightage.

Frequently Asked Questions

    The paper consists of 75 compulsory subject-specific MCQs. Each correct answer gives +4 marks. Also, -1 is deducted for each wrong answer.
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