Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

What is GATE?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive examinations. It opens immense opportunities for candidates aiming to excel in academics and professional careers.

GATE is a national-level examination that tests candidates on undergraduate-level subjects in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and postgraduate subjects in Science, Commerce, and Arts. It serves as a gateway for higher education and recruitment in public sector undertakings (PSUs).

Conducting Body and Administration

GATE is administered by the GATE Committee, consisting of faculty members from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) — Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee. The exam is conducted in eight zones across India and is authorized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and the Department of Education.

Why Appear for GATE?

Postgraduate Admissions

Postgraduate Admissions

GATE is the gateway to top institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs for M.Tech, M.E., and Ph.D. programs, ensuring quality education and academic excellence.

PSU Recruitment

PSU Recruitment

Many leading Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Indian Oil, GAIL, NTPC, and BHEL recruit candidates based on GATE scores, offering prestigious jobs with attractive packages.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Assistance

Qualifying GATE can secure you financial assistance from the Ministry of Education and other government agencies to pursue higher education.

Fellowships

Fellowship Programs

GATE-qualified candidates are eligible for fellowship programs offered by various government bodies, enhancing career growth and research opportunities.

GATE Subjects and Disciplines

Postgraduate Admissions

Core Engineering Branches

Subjects: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer Science, Electronics, Chemical, Aerospace, and more..

PSU Recruitment

Pure Science Subjects

Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Sciences, etc.

Scholarships

Humanities & Social Sciences

Subjects: Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, and more.

Use of GATE Scorecard

Validity

Duration: The GATE score is valid for three years from the date of the result declaration.

Recruitment Opportunities

PSUs: Over 50 PSUs use GATE scores for hiring engineering graduates.

International Recognition

Foreign Universities: Some universities in Singapore and Germany recognize GATE scores for their postgraduate programs.

Detailed Exam Pattern of GATE

1. Mode and Duration:

Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
Number of Questions: 65 questions.
Total Marks: 100.

2. Types of Questions:

GATE consists of three types of questions:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

Format: Each question has four options, with only one correct answer.
Marking Scheme:
1-mark questions: 1 mark for a correct answer, ⅓ mark deduction for a wrong answer.
2-mark questions: 2 marks for a correct answer, ⅔ mark deduction for a wrong answer.

• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs):

Format: Similar to MCQs but with one or more correct options.
Marking Scheme:
No negative marking.
No partial marking for partially correct answers; all correct options must be selected to receive full marks.

• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions:

Format: Requires a numerical response; answers must be entered using a virtual keyboard.
Marking Scheme:
1-mark and 2-mark questions.
No negative marking.
Answers are real numbers that may have a precision of up to two decimal places.

3. Distribution of Questions:

1. General Aptitude (GA):

Marks: 15 marks.
Questions: 10 questions.
5 questions of 1 mark each.
5 questions of 2 marks each.
Purpose: To assess the candidate’s language and analytical skills.
Content: Verbal ability, numerical ability, logical reasoning, and basic aptitude questions.

2. Subject-Specific Section:

Marks: 85 marks.
Questions: 55 questions.
Combination of 1-mark and 2-mark questions.
Content: Based on the chosen paper/discipline. The questions test the core subject knowledge and understanding.

4. Detailed Marking Scheme:

General Aptitude Section:
Total: 15 marks (10 questions).
5 questions of 1 mark each = 5 marks.
5 questions of 2 marks each = 10 marks.
Subject-Specific Section:
Total: 85 marks (55 questions).
Mix of 1-mark and 2-mark questions.
Negative Marking:
MCQs: ⅓ deduction for 1-mark questions and ⅔ deduction for 2-mark questions.
No negative marking for MSQs and NAT questions.

Eligibility Criteria for GATE 2025: Click Here

GATE Syllabus

The GATE exam syllabus varies depending on the subject chosen by the candidate.

General Syllabus Structure

General Aptitude (GA): Common to all papers, consisting of 10 questions worth 15 marks.

Core Subject Topics: Specific to each paper, covering the main areas of the chosen discipline.

Engineering Mathematics: Common in most engineering papers, covering mathematical fundamentals used in engineering problem-solving.

General Aptitude (GA)

Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, verbal analogies, word groups, instructions, critical reasoning, and verbal deduction.

Numerical Ability: Numerical computation, numerical estimation, numerical reasoning, and data interpretation.

Detailed Syllabus for Each Paper Detailed Question Paper Pattern

Frequency and Number of Attempts

Frequency of the GATE Exam

Exam Frequency: GATE is conducted once a year, usually in February. Notifications are generally released in August or September of the previous year.

Organizing Institute: The exam is conducted by one of the IITs or IISc on a rotational basis. GATE 2025 is organized by IIT Roorkee.

Number of Attempts Allowed

Unlimited Attempts: Candidates can appear for GATE as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility criteria each time.

Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for attempting GATE.

Validity of GATE Score

Score Validity: A GATE score is valid for three years from the result announcement date.

Usage: The score can be used for postgraduate admissions and PSU recruitment during this period.

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Discipline-Wise Exam Weightage (GATE 2024/2025)

1. Engineering Papers:

General Aptitude: 15%

Engineering Mathematics: 13-15% (where applicable)

Core Subject: 70-72%

Discipline Core Subject Weightage Engineering Mathematics Weightage General Aptitude Weightage
Aerospace Engineering (AE) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Agricultural Engineering (AG) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Architecture and Planning (AR) 85% N/A 15%
Biotechnology (BT) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Civil Engineering (CE) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Chemical Engineering (CH) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Computer Science (CS) 72% 13% 15%
Electrical Engineering (EE) 72% 13% 15%
Electronics & Communication (EC) 72% 13% 15%
Mechanical Engineering (ME) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Instrumentation Engineering (IN) 70-72% 13-15% 15%
Production and Industrial Engineering (PI) 70-72% 13-15% 15%

2. Life Sciences (XL):

General Aptitude: 15%

Chemistry (Compulsory Section): 25%

Biology/Biochemistry/Botany/Zoology
/Microbiology/Food Tech (Optional Section):
60%

3. Humanities and Social Sciences (XH):

General Aptitude: 15%

Reasoning and Comprehension: 25%

Core Subject (Economics, English, Philosophy, etc.): 60%

4. Environmental Science and Engineering (ES):

General Aptitude: 15%

Environmental Science: 70-72%

Engineering Mathematics: 13-15%

5. Geomatics Engineering (GE):

General Aptitude: 15%

Geomatics/Geology: 70-72%

Engineering Mathematics: 13-15%

Proud Personalities who cleared Gate

Satya Nadella

Satya Nadella

CEO of Microsoft

Satya Nadella, who hails from India, pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at Manipal Institute of Technology. He serves as an inspiration for many GATE aspirants pursuing similar educational paths.

Ravindrababu Ravula

Ravindrababu Ravula

Founder, Raudra Eduservices

An IIT graduate and GATE topper, Ravindrababu Ravula is known for his YouTube channel and coaching services, which have helped many GATE aspirants achieve their dreams.

Ankit Goyal

Ankit Goyal

Co-founder, Kreatryx

Ankit Goyal is a GATE Electrical Engineering topper (AIR 1). He founded Kreatryx, a GATE preparation platform later acquired by Unacademy, inspiring many students through his journey.

Manish Kumar Jha

Manish Kumar Jha

Co-founder, EduRev

Manish Kumar Jha is a GATE Mechanical Engineering topper and co-founder of EduRev, contributing significantly to resources for GATE and other competitive exams.