GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a nationwide test that evaluates candidates’ knowledge in different undergraduate subjects. It is organized by the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Passing this exam can leads to admission in Master’s and Doctoral programs with financial aid from the Ministry of Education and other government bodies.
GATE exam in India is highly respected and offers many career opportunities. There are 30 subjects to choose according to latest GATE exam 2024, allowing candidates to pursue their interests.
What is GATE?
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a highly competitive exam that is conducted annually by the Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technology. It serves as a gateway for individuals looking to pursue higher education in various fields such as Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, Humanities and more.
By successfully clearing the GATE exam, candidates can gain admission to prestigious postgraduate programs in top institutions across India and even secure lucrative job opportunities in the public sector. The exam not only tests the academic knowledge and skills of candidates but also serves as a stepping stone towards a successful and fulfilling career in their chosen field.
Some of the important key point about the GATE exam:
- Duration: The GATE exam lasts for 3 hours.
- Question Types:
- MCQs: These questions have four options, and candidates must choose the correct answer.
- MSQs: These questions have multiple correct answers, and candidates must select all the correct options.
- NAT Questions: In NAT questions, candidates must enter a numerical value as the answer. No options are provided.
- Total Marks: The total marks for the GATE exam vary depending on the subject paper. It can be up to 100 marks.
- Sections:
- The exam consists of a single paper related to the chosen subject.
- Some papers may have both MCQs and MSQs, while others may have only one type.
- Negative Marking:
- For MCQs, there is negative marking. Incorrect answers result in a deduction of 1/3 mark.
- No negative marking for MSQs and NAT questions.
- Syllabus:
- Each subject paper has a specific syllabus.
- Candidates should thoroughly study the topics mentioned in the syllabus.
- Application Process:
- The application process is online.
- Candidates need to register, fill in personal details, select the subject paper, and pay the application fee.
- The application fee varies based on the category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD).
- Admit Card:
- Candidates must bring a valid admit card to the exam center.
- The admit card contains important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, and session.
- Online Mode:
- GATE is a computer-based test (CBT).
- Candidates answer the questions on a computer screen.
- General Aptitude Section:
- All papers include a General Aptitude (GA) section.
- The GA section assesses verbal and numerical ability.
- Subject-Specific Section:
- The majority of the exam focuses on the subject-specific knowledge.
- Candidates should have a good understanding of their chosen subject.
GATE 2024 Overview
- Exam Name: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
- Conducting Body: IISc Bangalore
- Exam Level: National
- Mode of Application: Online
- Application Fee: INR 1500 (General Category)
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Question Types: Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Total Subjects: 29
- Exam Dates: February 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, 2024
GATE Exam Study Materials
| GATE Exam Syllabus |
| GATE Exam Reference Books |
| GATE Exam Previous Year Question Papers |
| GATE Exam Notes |
Important preparation strategies for GATE exam
Here’s a list of important strategies for the preparation of GATE Exam:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Get familiar with the GATE exam format, including the different types of questions and marking scheme. Review the detailed syllabus for your specific paper and identify the main topics to focus on.
- Create a Study Plan: Make a timetable that allocates time for each subject based on its importance and your proficiency. Include regular breaks and revision periods in your schedule.
- Use Standard Textbooks and Resources: Refer to recommended textbooks and other resources that cover the GATE syllabus thoroughly. Make use of online resources like video lectures, webinars, and e-books.
- Practice with Previous Years’ Papers and Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the difficulty level and question patterns of the exam. Take mock tests regularly to improve your speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the online exam environment.
- Focus on Conceptual Understanding: Make sure you have a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. Practice application-based questions to enhance your problem-solving skills.
- Revision is Key: Regularly revise the topics you have studied to reinforce your memory. Create summary notes and formula sheets for quick revisions.
- Join Study Groups and Forums: Participate in study groups and online forums to discuss and clarify any doubts you may have. Engaging with peers can provide new insights and learning methods.
- Manage Time Effectively: Focus on managing your time efficiently during preparation to cover all the topics. During the exam, allocate time to each question and avoid spending too much time on a single problem.
- Stay Healthy and Stress-Free: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise to keep your mind and body fit. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation or yoga to stay calm and focused.
- Seek Guidance When Needed: If you find certain topics challenging, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or mentors. Consider joining a coaching institute for additional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the GATE exam?
- The GATE exam is a national-level test that evaluates the knowledge and understanding of candidates in various undergraduate subjects in engineering/technology/architecture and post-graduate level subjects in science.
- How many papers are there in GATE 2024?
- GATE 2024 will be conducted for 30 test papers.
- Is there a new paper introduced in GATE 2024?
- Yes, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (NEW) is introduced in GATE 2024.
- What is the structure of the GATE Syllabus 2024?
- The GATE syllabus includes General Aptitude (GA) common for all papers and the respective test paper syllabus.
- Are there any changes in the pattern of the question papers for GATE 2024?
- For detailed pattern changes, candidates should refer to the official GATE website – https://gate2024.iisc.ac.in/.
- Can I appear for more than one paper in GATE 2024?
- A candidate is allowed to appear either in one or upto two test papers, depending on the two-paper combination criteria.
- Will the GATE 2024 be conducted in multiple sessions?
- Yes, some papers like Computer Science and Civil Engineering will be conducted in multiple sessions.
- How are scores normalized for multi-session papers in GATE 2024?
- The scores will be normalized according to the normalization formula given in the Information Brochure.
- Where can I find detailed syllabi for the GATE 2024 papers?
- The detailed syllabi can be downloaded from our website or from the official GATE 2024 website by clicking on the respective paper/code.
- What is the marking scheme for the GATE 2024 exam?
- Each GATE paper is for a total of 100 marks, with GA being 15 marks and the rest covering the respective test paper syllabus.