Purpose
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance exam conducted for admissions to postgraduate programs (M.E., M.Tech, Ph.D.) in engineering, architecture, and science at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other prestigious institutions. It is also used for recruitment by various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
Conducting Authority
The exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee) on a rotational basis. In 2025, the exam is being organized by IIT Bombay.
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree (4-year program) in Engineering/Technology/Architecture, or hold a Master’s degree (2-year program) in any relevant science subject.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for GATE.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals or have obtained necessary permissions for studying or working in India.
Exam Schedule
- Registration: Begins on August 30, 2024, and ends on September 28, 2024.
- Admit Card: Available from January 3, 2025.
- Exam Dates: The exam will be held on February 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2025.
- Result: Announced on March 16, 2025.
Application Process
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the GATE website (gate.iitb.ac.in).
- Register: Complete the registration process by entering the required details.
- Fill the Application Form: Fill out the GATE application form and upload scanned documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the fee using credit/debit cards or net banking.
- Submit the Form: Submit the application form and print a hard copy for future reference.
Application Fee
- General/OBC Male Candidates: ₹1,500
- Female/SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹750
- Late Fee: An additional ₹500 for all categories
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Questions: 65 questions (10 questions on General Aptitude, 55 questions on Engineering Mathematics and Subject-specific questions)
- Total Marks: 100 marks
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
- Medium: English
Syllabus
The syllabus varies for different papers. Here are the main sections covered:
General Aptitude
- Verbal Ability
- English Grammar
- Sentence Completion
- Verbal Analogies
- Word Groups
- Instructions
- Critical Reasoning
- Numerical Ability
- Numerical Computation
- Numerical Estimation
- Numerical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
Engineering Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Complex Variables
- Probability and Statistics
- Numerical Methods
Subject-specific Topics
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Architecture and Planning
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
- And more…
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and focus on the important topics.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each subject and stick to your schedule.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Concepts: Strengthen your understanding of fundamental concepts rather than rote learning.
- Seek Guidance: Consider joining coaching classes or seeking guidance from teachers and mentors.
- Stay Healthy: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take breaks during your study sessions.