GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
GATE is a national-level entrance examination used for admission to postgraduate programmes in engineering, technology, science, architecture, and humanities.
A student writes the GATE examination and receives a score.
The score can be used to apply for postgraduate courses at IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISc, and many other universities and institutes across India.
Courses may include: M.Tech, M.E., M.Arch, M.Plan, M.Sc., Ph.D., and other postgraduate programmes.
Conducted by: Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on a rotational basis.
📌 Quick Facts
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree holders or students in the final year of Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
Exam Pattern: Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.
Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Total Questions: 65 Questions.
Total Marks: 100 Marks.
Frequency: Conducted once a year (Usually in February).
Qualification:
- Must have completed a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, Humanities, Commerce, or related fields.
- Students currently studying in the final year of an eligible undergraduate programme can also apply.
- Candidates who have already completed an eligible degree are also allowed to appear for GATE.
Age:
- There is no age limit for appearing in the GATE examination.
Min mark:
- No minimum percentage is required to appear for the exam.
- Candidates must satisfy the qualifying degree requirements.
Attempts:
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
- You can appear for GATE multiple times.
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Frequency: Conducted once a year (usually in February).
Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Total Questions: 65 Questions
Total Marks: 100 Marks
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions.
- MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): Choose one correct answer from the given options.
- MSQ (Multiple Select Questions): More than one option may be correct. You must select all correct answers.
- NAT (Numerical Answer Type Questions): No options are given. You must calculate and enter the numerical answer.
Question Paper Structure:
The GATE examination has two sections:
- General Aptitude (GA): 10 Questions carrying 15 Marks. This section is compulsory for all candidates.
- Subject-Specific Section: 55 Questions carrying 85 Marks. Questions are based on the subject selected by the candidate.
In both sections, there is MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions will be there.
Marking Scheme:
- Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks.
- MCQs: Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.
- MSQs: No negative marking.
- NAT Questions: No negative marking.
Important: The subject-specific section carries the majority of the marks and plays a major role in determining the final score.
GATE scores are widely used for admission to postgraduate and research programmes at IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISc, and many other institutions across India.
Courses may include:- M.Tech (Master of Technology)
- M.E. (Master of Engineering)
- M.Arch (Master of Architecture)
- M.Plan (Master of Planning)
- M.Des (Master of Design) at selected institutes
- Ph.D. Programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma Programmes at selected institutions
🌐 Official Website
Do you want to know the latest eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, application dates, admit card details, results, scorecards, or admission opportunities through GATE? Visit the official websites below.
Note: GATE is conducted jointly by IISc and the IITs on a rotational basis. The official website changes each year depending on the organizing institute. Always refer to the current GATE website and GOAPS portal for the latest updates.