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GATE Exam 2025

Exam Overview

GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted for students who want to join postgraduate engineering programs (M.Tech, ME, MS) or want jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The exam checks a student’s understanding of engineering and science subjects they learned during their graduation. The exam is jointly conducted by IITs and IISc Bangalore.

Category of Exam

National-Level Entrance Exam for Postgraduate Engineering and PSU Jobs

Related Courses or Fields of Study

  • M.Tech / ME (Master of Technology / Engineering)

  • MS / M.Sc (for Science streams)

  • Doctoral Programs (PhD)

  • Recruitment in PSUs like NTPC, IOCL, ONGC, BHEL, etc.

  • Higher studies in India and abroad

Exam Frequency

Once a year (usually in February)

Eligibility

  • You must have completed or be in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Architecture, or Humanities.

  • There is no age limit to apply.

  • Students from any country can apply.

Application Process

Mode: Online

  • Visit the official GATE portal during the registration window.

  • Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.

  • Choose your exam paper and center.

  • Upload your photo, signature, and ID proof.

  • Pay the application fee and submit the form.

  • Keep a copy of the confirmation page.

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Test (CBT)
You will take the exam on a computer at a test center.

Exam Pattern

  • Type of Questions:

    • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

    • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

    • Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

  • Total Marks: 100

  • Total Time: 3 hours

  • Number of Questions: 65

  • Subjects:

    • 15 marks – General Aptitude (English + Reasoning)

    • 85 marks – Subject-specific (Engineering/Science topic you choose)

  • Negative Marking: Only for MCQs, not for NAT and MSQs

Syllabus Overview

The syllabus changes depending on your subject paper. GATE has 30+ papers including:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Electronics and Communication

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Science, Humanities and more
    Each subject includes core concepts from graduation level.

Important Dates (Example Timeline)

  • Application Start: August

  • Last Date to Apply: September

  • Admit Card Release: January

  • Exam Date: February

  • Result Announcement: March

Result and Cutoff Info

  • Results are announced online with scores and ranks.

  • A scorecard is provided to qualified students.

  • Cutoff marks are different for each paper and category (General, OBC, SC/ST).

  • GATE scores are valid for 3 years for admission purposes.

Admit Card Release Info

  • Admit cards are released a few weeks before the exam.

  • You must download and print it to enter the exam hall.

  • The admit card has your name, roll number, exam date, and exam center.

Preparation Tips

  • Make a daily study plan and revise your graduation-level subjects.

  • Focus on problem-solving, formulas, and basic concepts.

  • Practice with mock tests and previous year papers.

  • Strengthen your General Aptitude section too.

  • Use standard textbooks and online video lectures if needed.

  • Take short breaks and revise regularly.

FAQs

Q1. Who can apply for GATE?
A: Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree or in the final year of engineering, science, or related fields.

Q2. How many times can I take GATE?
A: You can appear as many times as you want. There’s no limit.

Q3. Can I apply for more than one paper?
A: Yes, now you can choose up to two papers if allowed by the combination rules.

Q4. Is there an age limit?
A: No, there is no age limit for GATE.

Q5. How long is the GATE score valid?
A: The score is valid for 3 years for M.Tech admissions and often shorter for PSU recruitment.

Top Institutes Accepting GATE Score

  • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)

  • National Institutes of Technology (NITs)

  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

  • IIITs and other top engineering colleges

  • Foreign universities like NUS Singapore, TU Munich (in some cases)

Counseling & Admission Process

  • After the result, you must apply separately to the institute or PSU using your GATE score.

  • For admission in M.Tech programs, register at CCMT (Centralized Counseling for M.Tech).

  • For jobs in PSUs, check their websites for GATE-based recruitment notices.

  • Submit documents and complete admission/job formalities as per the guidelines.

Latest Updates

  • GATE now allows more paper combinations and includes humanities and social sciences papers.

  • Some PSUs offer direct recruitment based on GATE score without interviews.

  • More students are using GATE for overseas higher education and fellowships too.

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