UPPSC Botany Assistant Professor Syllabus, Eligibility – GDC Examination 2025

September 11, 2025

Are you preparing for the UPPSC Assistant Professor (Botany) Government Degree College Examination 2025? This exam is a golden opportunity for aspiring academicians to secure a teaching position in prestigious Government Degree Colleges of Uttar Pradesh. To help you plan your preparation effectively, here is the complete and detailed syllabus for Botany, broken down unit-wise.

UPPSC Botany Assistant Professor Syllabus 2025

Unit I – Molecules and Their Interaction Relevant to Biology

This unit focuses on the basic building blocks of life and their chemical interactions.

  • Structure of atoms, molecules, chemical bonds

  • Biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins

  • Stabilizing interactions – hydrogen bonding, van der Waals, hydrophobic interactions

  • Principles of biophysical chemistry: pH, buffers, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics

  • Bioenergetics: glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, coupled reactions

  • Enzymes: catalysis, kinetics, regulation, isoenzymes

  • Protein and nucleic acid conformation (Ramachandran plot, secondary structures, A/B/Z DNA)

  • Metabolism of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides)

Unit II – Cellular Organization

This unit explains the structure and functioning of cells and their components.

  • Membrane structure, transport systems, pumps, ion channels

  • Cell organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, Golgi, ER, cytoskeleton

  • Gene organization: operons, repetitive DNA, chromatin structure, transposons

  • Cell division (mitosis & meiosis) and cell cycle regulation

  • Microbial physiology and stress response

Unit III – Fundamental Processes

This is the molecular biology core of the syllabus.

  • DNA replication, repair, recombination

  • RNA synthesis, processing, editing, splicing

  • Protein synthesis, genetic code, post-translational modifications

  • Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Unit IV – Cell Communication and Cell Signaling

This unit covers cell signaling pathways and pathogen-host interactions.

  • Host-parasite interaction and plant diseases

  • G-protein coupled receptors, second messengers, light signaling in plants

  • Cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix, neurotransmission

Unit V – Plant Physiology

Key focus on plant metabolic and physiological processes.

  • Photosynthesis (C3, C4, CAM cycles) & photorespiration

  • Respiration, ATP synthesis, alternate oxidase

  • Nitrogen metabolism & amino acid biosynthesis

  • Plant hormones – biosynthesis, transport, action

  • Photobiology, photoperiodism, biological clocks

  • Solute transport, transpiration, phloem loading/unloading

  • Secondary metabolites and stress physiology

Unit VI – Inheritance Biology

Classical and modern genetics and inheritance principles.

  • Mendelian principles & gene concepts

  • Gene mapping and linkage analysis

  • Chromosomal aberrations and extra-chromosomal inheritance

  • Quantitative genetics & QTL mapping

  • Mutation types and mechanisms

  • Recombination, microbial genetics

Unit VII – Diversity of Life Forms

A comprehensive look at taxonomy and biodiversity.

  • Taxonomy methods, classification of plants, microbes, and animals

  • Levels of structural organization (unicellular to multicellular)

  • Natural history of India, rare & endangered species

  • Biodiversity of viruses, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms

Unit VIII – Ecological Principles

This section tests ecology and conservation knowledge.

  • Habitat & niche concepts, population ecology

  • Community structure, succession, ecosystem functions

  • Biogeography, biodiversity monitoring, conservation strategies

  • Environmental pollution, global change, environmental impact assessment

Unit IX – Evolution and Behaviour

Covers evolutionary biology and population genetics.

  • Lamarck, Darwin, modern synthesis, natural selection

  • Origin of life and evolution of cells

  • Molecular evolution, phylogeny, gene duplication

  • Population genetics, speciation, sexual selection, co-evolution

Unit X – Applied Biology & Methods in Plant Science

Focus on modern research techniques and applications.

  • Microbial fermentation, transgenic plants, genomics

  • Plant breeding, bioremediation, biosensors

  • Recombinant DNA technology, cloning, sequencing

  • Microscopy, radiolabeling, field biology methods

  • Statistical methods for biology research

General Studies Syllabus (Common for All Subjects)

Along with Botany, candidates must also prepare General Studies which includes:

  • General Science

  • Current Events (National & International, with focus on Uttar Pradesh)

  • History of India & Indian National Movement

  • Indian Polity & Economy

  • Indian & World Geography

  • Mental Ability & Statistical Data Analysis

UPPSC Botany Assistant Professor Eligibility

Option A: Master’s Degree + NET/SET/SLET

A Master’s degree with 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point-scale wherever the grading system is followed) in Botany or a relevant/allied subject from an Indian University,
OR an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign university.

In addition, candidates must have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the UGC/CSIR, or a similar test accredited by the UGC such as SLET/SET.

Candidates who hold a Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the UGC Regulations (2009/2016 and amendments) are exempted from NET/SLET/SET, provided they fulfill the following conditions (for Ph.D. registered before July 11, 2009):

  • The Ph.D. degree was awarded in regular mode.

  • Thesis evaluated by at least two external examiners.

  • An open Ph.D. viva voce was conducted.

  • At least two research papers published from the Ph.D. work (one in a refereed journal).

  • At least two papers presented in conferences/seminars sponsored by UGC/ICSSR/CSIR or similar bodies.

These conditions must be certified by the Registrar/Dean (Academic Affairs) of the awarding University.

Note: NET/SLET/SET is not required for disciplines where such tests are not conducted by UGC, CSIR, or accredited agencies.

Option B: Ph.D. from Top 500 Foreign Universities

A Ph.D. degree obtained from a foreign university/institution ranked among the top 500 in the World University Rankings at any time by one of the following ranking agencies:

  • Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)

  • Times Higher Education (THE)

  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Preparation Strategy for Botany Assistant Professor Exam

  • Focus on Core Units: Units I–V (Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Cellular Organization) carry the most weightage.

  • Revise Basic Genetics & Ecology: Units VI–VIII often have direct and conceptual questions.

  • Stay Updated: Current research techniques in Unit X and environmental updates are crucial.

  • Practice Previous Papers: This helps understand question patterns and improve time management.

  • Make Short Notes: Especially for metabolic pathways, classification systems, and signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The UPPSC Botany Assistant Professor Syllabus 2025 is comprehensive and integrates both theoretical and applied aspects of plant sciences. Candidates must plan their preparation systematically, revise regularly, and practice objective questions to excel in this competitive examination.

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