GATE Exam

Overview

GATE exam also known as Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a national level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Sciences and also the seven IIT`s which are in Roorkee, Guwahati, Chennai, Kanpur, Mumbai, Delhi and Kharagpur on behalf of the National Co-ordination Board and Government of India. GATE Exam is mainly conducted for admissions in post-graduation or higher studies from top institutes which constitute the education board. It gets financial support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Development of India (MHRD) and various other government agencies. It is the most competitive exams in India. The exam is a computerized standard test conducted at national level with an objective of volunteering to pick the best students for various engineering and other science fields.

Eligibility Criteria

GATE exam does have eligibility criteria for every course and also has different set of entitlement for international students. The eligibility criteria in terms of age limit and number of attempts is given below:

  1. There is no specific age limit to appear for the exam. Candidates of any age can apply for the entrance exam.
  2. candidates who reside in India and outside India can apply for the exam.
  3. The exam is held once in a year and the scores are valid for 3 years since the exam date. Thus, the student once qualified need not try for another attempt.

GATE exam will not just be attended by Indian students but many students outside India in foreign countries also are eligible to write the exam. The eligibility criteria again differ for International students.

  1. Candidates with the nationality of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE can get admissions through this exam or jobs.
  2. The candidates must have completed their Bachelor`s degree in engineering or the same such as 10+2+4
  3. Candidates can choose to apply for MTech or PhD program offered by IIT`s or IISC.
  4. There is no specific age limit as such.
  5. The basic eligibility is that candidates must have completed their program with a duration of 3 years.
  6. Candidates who have completed their final year or yet to complete their final year can also attend the exam.
  1. The candidates those who have had a break or completed their degree in the year 2018, need to submit a certificate of their completion such as degree certificate, provisional certificate etc.
  2. For those candidates those who have completed their degree in 2021 need to submit a certificate of education by the institute or principal for the attainment of score card of GATE 2022 exam.
  1. The UGC and MHRD along with IIT's and IISC decided to declare that BDS and MPharm are also eligible to apply for the exam.
  2. GATE two-paper combination has been revised just like last year.
  3. Two new subjects have been introduced Geometrics engineering and Naval Architecture and Marine engineering (NM).
  4. The total subjects for GATE 2022 have increased up to 29.
  5. According to the change in 2022 students can opt for two different papers from each set of combination prescribed.

Apparently, GATE exam being one of the top competitive exams is considered to be a tough catch for students. However, with meticulous training and practice alongside vigorous preparation it can be cracked with good scores. Speaking of GATE exam tough as a whole, wouldn’t be that appropriate. While preparation students can consider the layer-based hassle such as the different subjects, number of questions, how many can be answered, the time-management and presentation of paper etc.

Firstly, GATE is conducted once in a year, students can attempt the exam once. The scores of an attempted exam can be valid for three years. Nonetheless, the student if scored well in first attempt need not make a second attempt.

GATE exam is attended by lakhs of students all over India and foreign countries. The exam is most awaited engineering exams. Students mostly think that this exam is only for MTech, well this exam has definitely various to offer the students. Including job opportunities abroad and PSU Public Sector Undertakings. Many students take up M.E or MTech in their respective fields followed by their under graduation. But there are top 5 branches which most of the students look to apply for:

  1. Computer science
  2. Mechanical engineering
  3. Electrical and electronics engineering
  4. Civil engineering
  5. Aerospace engineering

The main reason for this course's popularity is believed to be its career prospects. Other than these specializations other branches such as aeronautical engineering, electronics and telecommunication engineering has also gained massive prominence.

GATE exam results are out usually around 40 days from the exam date. GATE marks and scores are two different entities. GATE score is calculated by the exam conducting authorities after evaluating all the marks of the papers they have appeared for.

  1. GATE score is for a total of 1000.
  2. GATE marks are usually out of 100.
  3. AIR: GATE highest ranking students all around the world.
  4. Minimum marks/ qualifying marks for different categories such as general category, OBC, SC/ST, PWD.
  5. Total number of candidates appearing for the exam.

After students complete their exam, they would be looking forward for their GATE exam scores and marks, because GATE rank would be attained depending upon the GATE score. Based on their scores the exam conducting authority will release the GATE qualifying marks, rest of which students can either apply for admissions in IIT`s or IIM`s or get recruited in PSU. In order to get into these top tier institutes student, need to get very good marks in the exam followed by aiming high for ranks below 200. These scores are valid for 3 years.

Overview

What is the GATE exam application fee? (please recheck and add these fees)

For Examination Centres in India Regular Period During the Extended Period
Female candidates (per paper) ₹ 750 ₹ 1250
SC / ST / PwD* category candidates (per paper) ₹ 750 ₹ 1250
All other candidates (per paper) ₹ 1500 ₹ 2000

Fee Charges for changes / modifications (One-Time Only) in GATE 2022 Application

Description of Changes / Modifications Fee Charges
Change in Name ₹ 500
Change in Date of Birth ₹ 500
Change in choice of examination cities ₹ 500
Change of existing paper ₹ 500
Add a second paper (from given combinations with respect to the primary paper) ₹ 500 plus suitable amount per paper for the candidate's category
Change of gender to female ₹ 500
Change of gender from female to any other gender ₹ 500 + ₹ 750 = ₹ 1250
Change of category to SC/ST ₹ 500
Change of category from SC/ST to any other ₹ 500 + ₹ 750 = ₹ 1250
Change from Non-PwD/Dyslexic to PwD/Dyslexic ₹ 500
Change from PwD/Dyslexic to Non-PwD/Dyslexic ₹ 500 + ₹ 750 = ₹ 1250
Any other change in category (not mentioned above) ₹ 500
Details of Parents/Guardian/Correspondence Address ₹ 500
College Name and Location, Roll No., Registration No NIL

Candidates who are attending GATE exam must clearly choose a discipline appropriate to your qualifying degree by keeping in mind the GATE eligibility criteria and also remember the subject codes while filling the application form. Candidates cannot change the paper after submitting the application form.

  1. Aerospace engineering AE
  2. Geology and Geophysics GG
  3. Agricultural engineering AG
  4. Architecture and Planning AR
  5. Biotechnology BT
  6. Chemical engineering CH
  7. Chemistry CY
  8. Ecology and Evolution EY
  9. Geology and Geophysics GG
  10. Mathematics MA
  11. Mining engineering MN
  12. Metallurgical engineering MT
  13. Petroleum engineering PE
  14. Production and Industrial Engineering PI
  15. Textile engineering and Fiber science TF
  16. Engineering sciences XE
  17. Environmental Science and engineering ES
  18. Humanities and Social sciences XH
  19. Life sciences XL
  20. Geomatics engineering GE
  21. Naval Architecture and Marine engineering NM

Exam Pattern

GATE exam paper pattern is somehow very polished and proficient with a stellar way of better understanding as there are different papers and the varies with additional subjects. GATE exam will be conducted for 29 subjects which comprises of 65 subjects. Which will be multiple choice questions (MCQ`s), objective types and numerical answer type questions. The duration of the exam would be for 3 hours and students need to manage their time effectively and efficiently.

  1. Multiple Choice Questions MCQ's: MCQ's are for two marks. The questions will be having 4 choices out of which only one choice would be correct.
  2. Multiple Choice Questions: MSQ's carry 1 or 2 marks in each of the GATE paper. The question will be having 4 choices out of which 1 or 2 choices would be correct.
  3. Numerical Type Questions: NAQ's carry 1 or 2 marks in each of the GATE papers. For these types of questions, the answer is a number and choices would be given for this. The candidate needs to enter a number with the help of virtual keypad which will be displayed on the monitor. The answers can be in integers, decimals etc.
Exam Name Marks I Marks II Negative marking I Negative marking II
MCQ's 1 mark 2 marks 0.33 0.66
MSQ's 1 mark 2 marks Nil Nil
NAQ's 1 mark 2 marks Nil Nil

General Aptitude Questions: Which constitute of 15 marks and which is a common section for all streams to test the analytical, logical, verbal and numerical skills and abilities.

Core questions from the chosen subject constituting of 70-72 marks.

Engineering and Mathematical questions for 13-15 marks.

What is GATE syllabus?

In order to get victorious marks in GATE exam it is very important to understand the syllabus of what we study. Candidates those who are willing to write the exam must thoroughly understand the syllabus for preparation to hit the spot on. The exam syllabus covers various topics in engineering which will help for better preparations. Once the candidate understands the syllabus, a student can choose the GATE coaching centre for exam preparations.

GATE exam results are very beneficial to a student based on his career plans, but best and top results is like a cherry on cake if students are planning to get recruited. GATE scores are taken by some PSU`s and private sector companies providing jobs for research organization.

  1. ONGC
  2. BHEL
  3. GAIL
  4. HPCL
  5. PGCIL
  6. BSNL
  7. NHPC
  8. BARC
  9. DRDO
  10. ISRO

GATE exam is conducted in 8 zones across the country jointly by the institutes on behalf of Department of Higher education, Ministry of Education and Government of India.

  1. IIT, Roorkee
  2. IIT, Delhi
  3. IIT, Guwahati
  4. IIT, Kanpur
  5. IIT, Kharagpur
  6. IIT, Madras
  7. IIT, Mumbai
  8. IISC's
Which are the institutions you can get into with GATE scores?
  1. GATE exam can be undoubtedly a very competitive on the edge exam which offers a broad arena for students. But to say cracking the exam impossible is not appropriate. If the student is optimistic and sincere about their studies, they will definitely be able to get good results.
  2. Here are a few points on how to boost up your confidence for better preparations:
  3. Student should very well know the exam syllabus for proper understanding of the chosen subject.
  4. The candidate must be aware of the topics that carry more weightage which will help them score more in the paper.
  5. The candidates need to solve previous years question papers to get more understanding of the question paper pattern.
  6. Understanding the concepts and its essential fundamentals for a gripping edge.
  7. Makes notes in such a way that you can revise the concepts time and again.
  8. Starting an early preparation would be accurate as the syllabus would be vast.
  9. Analyze your time and divide the subjects and number of days required to complete a subject/topic.
  10. In order of the difficulty level make a list of GATE important topics.
  11. Try to study from the best resources which are trustable for the exam pattern. Online study, e-books, articles which explains the topics in detail.
  12. Refer IIT professor`s books or IES recommended books.
  13. Ensure that you jot down all the important and tough formulas on a stick paper and put them on your walls.
  14. Solve more mock tests which will give you a hands-on experience to crack the exam real time effectively and efficiently.
  15. Frequent revision is the key to cracking the paper well.
  16. Follow a healthy diet routine with proper sleep.

Since the exam is onto a national level it involves cut-throat competition. But you standing out as an individual if you are truly focused and dedicated in your preparation, you can undoubtedly clear the exam in one go. All you need is a push of positivity and a touch of luck and you are ready to beat the Game of Competitive exams.