What is GATE Exam?

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GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) Exam is an online national-level examination conducted every year for admission into postgraduate programs in Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. The GATE Exam is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The exam is held in February and the results are announced in March. GATE 2025 Exam is expected to be conducted in February 2025. The exam is designed to test the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate engineering subjects and mathematical concepts. GATE Exam is also used as a screening test for various public sector undertakings and research organizations in India.

Why GATE Exam?

The GATE exam is considered essential for students who wish to pursue higher education in technical fields. The exam tests the candidate’s understanding of the core concepts of their chosen engineering stream and evaluates their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, qualifying in GATE is often a mandatory requirement for admission to M.Tech, MS, and Ph.D. programs in prestigious institutes in India and abroad.

GATE scores are also used as a criterion for recruitment into various public sector undertakings (PSUs) such as BHEL, IOCL, NTPC, and many others. Some universities and research organizations also consider GATE scores for their recruitment processes.

In conclusion, the GATE exam is a crucial step for students aspiring for higher education and career opportunities in technical fields.

Streams in GATE Exam

GATE Exam is conducted in 30 different streams, each covering a specific area of engineering and science. These streams include Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Ecology and Evolution, Geomatics Engineering, Geology and Geophysics, Instrumentation Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Physics, Production and Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Textile Engineering, and Fibre Science, Engineering Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Life Sciences.

Each stream has its own unique syllabus and question paper pattern, and candidates must choose the stream that aligns with their educational background and interests. The GATE score is valid for three years, and successful candidates can use it to apply for postgraduate programs or job opportunities in their chosen field.

What is the GATE Exam Registration Fees?

GATE is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering and science. The GATE exam registration fees vary depending on the category of the candidate and the deadline for registration.

Category Regular Period
(30th Aug to 12th Oct 2023)
During the Extended Period
(13th Oct to 20th Oct 2023)

Female/SC/ST/PwD* candidates (per test paper)

₹ 900

₹ 1400

All other candidates including foreign nationals (per test paper)

₹ 1800

₹ 2300

*PwD means Persons with Benchmark Disability.

Note: The above Application fees are for a single test paper. Candidates opting for two papers would have to pay twice the above mentioned fees. Several new two-paper combinations are available during 11-17, November 2023, in addition to the previously available combinations during the regular and extended registration periods.

During 11-17 November, 2023, candidates can login to GOAPS (goaps.iisc.ac.in) and
— Add a new second paper at the regular application fee; or
— Change the second paper at no cost.

For more information, please visit https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/two-paper-combinations/

Candidates are advised to ensure that E-COM transaction facility is enabled for their credit/debit cards before proceeding with fee payment.

GATE Exam Highlights

  • GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level exam conducted for admission to postgraduate programs in Engineering, Architecture, and Science.
  • The exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis.
  • The exam is conducted online and consists of multiple-choice questions and numerical answer-type questions.
  • The exam consists of 27 papers, and candidates can appear for only one paper.
  • The exam is of three hours duration and carries a total of 100 marks.
  • The exam is conducted in English, and candidates must have a good command of the language.
  • The GATE score is valid for three years, and candidates can use it for admission to various postgraduate programs.
  • Apart from admission, GATE scores are also used for recruitment by various public sector companies and organizations.
  • GATE is considered one of the toughest exams in India, and candidates must prepare well to crack it.
  • The GATE exam is conducted once a year in February.

Average people taking GATE Exam Every Year

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, commonly known as GATE, is one of the most popular entrance exams in India for engineering and science graduates. The exam is conducted every year by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and other prestigious institutes on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

While the number of applicants for the GATE exam varies every year, on average, around 1 million candidates register for the exam. These applicants come from diverse educational backgrounds, including engineering, science, and mathematics.

The GATE exam is a gateway for admission into various postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, and science fields offered by prestigious institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other universities across India. It is also a means for securing employment in public sector undertakings (PSUs) like BHEL, IOCL, HPCL, etc., which recruit candidates based on their GATE score.

While the competition for the GATE exam is tough, the increasing number of applicants every year reflects the growing interest of students in pursuing higher education and research in engineering and science fields. With its high standards and recognition, the GATE exam remains an important benchmark for academic and career growth in India.

Number of Candidates Appeared for GATE Exam Last 10 Years

Years Number of Candidates Appeared

2023

6,80,000 Nearly 

2022

 5,97,030

2021

8,82,684

2020

8.58,023

2019

7,79,632

2018

7,81,854

2017

7,87,148

2016

8,18,850

2015

8,04,463

2014

8,89,156

2013

9,84,855

2012

6,86,614

2011

5,53,654

2010

4,02,723

Students Appeared for the GATE Exam 2022

In 2022, the GATE exam saw the participation of 711,542 candidates, out of which 126,813 were successful in qualifying. A majority of those who cleared the exam were male, with 98,732 male students and 28,081 female students passing GATE 2022. The overall pass percentage for the exam remained the same as the previous year, at 17.82%.

What is GATE exam eligibility?

The GATE exam eligibility criteria are set by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for conducting the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam. To be eligible for the GATE 2024 exam, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or a Master’s degree in Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications.

Additionally, candidates must have a minimum qualifying percentage of 55% (or CGPA of 5.5 out of 10) for General/OBC category candidates, while SC/ST/PwD candidates must have a minimum qualifying percentage of 50% (or CGPA of 5.0 out of 10). There is no age limit to appear for the GATE exam. It is important for candidates to carefully review the GATE exam eligibility criteria before applying to ensure they meet all the requirements.

Who is eligible for the GATE exam?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination for admission to postgraduate engineering courses and public sector undertakings in India. To appear for the GATE 2024 exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria.

Firstly, candidates must have completed or be in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology from a recognized institution. Candidates with a Master’s degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent can also apply.

Secondly, there is no minimum percentage requirement for eligibility, but a good academic record is desirable. However, some institutions may have their eligibility criteria, which candidates should check before applying.

Lastly, there is no age limit for appearing in the GATE exam. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply for the GATE 2024 exam online during the application period.

What is the GATE exam syllabus?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted annually for admission into postgraduate programs in engineering and technology in India. The GATE 2024 exam is set to cover topics from various engineering fields, and the syllabus for each discipline is different.

It is essential for candidates to go through the GATE exam syllabus before starting their preparation to understand the topics covered and the level of difficulty of the exam. The syllabus can be found on the official GATE website.

What are Qualifying Disciplines for GATE Exam?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance exam for admission into postgraduate courses in engineering and technology. The qualifying disciplines for the GATE exam include a wide range of engineering and science disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer Science, Electronics, Production, Instrumentation, and Mathematics, among others. Candidates can choose the relevant discipline based on their educational background and career aspirations.

How Many times can I take GATE Exam?

GATE Exam is conducted once a year by IITs and IISc for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering and science. As per the GATE eligibility criteria, there is no limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for the exam. However, it is recommended that candidates should only appear for the exam if they feel they are well-prepared, as GATE requires rigorous preparation and is a highly competitive exam.

GATE Organizing Institutes

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is organized by one of the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis, along with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. The seven IITs that conduct GATE are IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee.

Each institute has a GATE organizing committee that oversees the examination process, including the registration process, admit card issuance, examination conduct, and result declaration. The organizing institute is responsible for setting the exam pattern, syllabus, and question papers. They also appoint a team of subject experts and professors to create and review the question papers.

Apart from organizing the exam, the organizing institute also plays a crucial role in providing resources and guidance to the candidates. They release the official GATE notification, which contains all the important details about the exam, including eligibility criteria, exam dates, and application procedure. The organizing institute also provides study materials, mock tests, and answer keys to help candidates prepare for the exam.

In conclusion, the organizing institutes play a significant role in conducting the GATE exam smoothly and ensuring that candidates have a fair chance to showcase their knowledge and skills.

ACE GATE Coaching

ACE GATE Coaching is an innovative and comprehensive solution for aspirants looking to prepare for the GATE exam. Our Self-Paced Programs and Live Classes are designed to help you learn and practice at your own pace and convenience, no matter where you are. With ACE GATE Coaching, you can access our high-quality study material, expert guidance, and interactive classes from the comfort of your home or on the go, making it easier than ever to stay on track with your exam preparation.

Our experienced faculty members are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and will provide personalized support and feedback throughout your journey. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, ACE GATE Coaching has the resources and tools you need to excel in the GATE exam. So, if you are looking for a reliable and effective way to prepare for your exam from anywhere and at any time, look no further than ACE GATE Coaching!

Since its inception in 1995, it helped thousands of students to establish themselves in their careers. So far, students of ACE have secured All India First Ranks in GATE 67 times and 27 selections in Engineering Service Examination (ESE). In the year 2022, ACE Academy and ACE Online got 309 All India Ranks in GATE and 158 selections in ESE 2021 under the top 100.