GATE Overview
GATE tests the understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology, architecture and science. A good GATE score gives admission to M.Tech / ME and PhD programmes (often with a monthly scholarship) at IITs, NITs, IISc and many other institutes, and many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also recruit through GATE score.
The organising institute changes every year. Always check the official GATE website for the latest brochure, dates and paper list.
| Full form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Conducting body | IISc / IITs (rotation) |
| Exam level | National |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Papers | About 30 papers (candidate can appear in one or two as allowed) |
| Score validity | 3 years |
Official website: official GATE website of the organising institute →
GATE Important Dates
| Event | Date / timing |
|---|---|
| Registration | August to October (before the exam year) |
| Admit card | Around January |
| Exam | February (over weekends) |
| Result | March |
| Score validity | 3 years from the result date |
Typical timeline based on previous years - exact dates are in the official brochure.
GATE Eligibility
- B.E. / B.Tech / B.Arch / B.Pharm / B.Sc (Research) or equivalent degree holders.
- Students in the 3rd year or higher of such programmes can also apply.
- Holders of M.Sc / MCA / other relevant degrees can apply for the papers allowed for them.
- No age limit.
GATE Exam Pattern
| Total questions | 65 |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Question types | MCQ, MSQ (multiple select) and NAT (numerical answer) |
| Marking | 1 or 2 marks per question; negative marking for MCQ (1/3 or 2/3 mark); none for MSQ and NAT |
| Structure | General Aptitude (15 marks) + subject paper (85 marks) |
Section-wise structure
| Part | Marks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 | Verbal and numerical ability (10 questions) |
| Engineering Mathematics (for most papers) | varies | Linear algebra, calculus, probability, differential equations, numerical methods |
| Core subject | varies | Paper-wise subject syllabus (CS, ME, EE, EC, CE, CH, PI, BT, and others) |
GATE Syllabus
General Aptitude
Verbal ability (grammar, sentence completion, reading) and numerical ability (arithmetic, ratio, data interpretation, reasoning).
Engineering Mathematics
Linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, complex variables, probability and statistics, numerical methods.
Core subject
Each paper has its own syllabus, for example Computer Science (algorithms, DBMS, OS, networks, TOC), Mechanical (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design), Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Civil and Chemical.
How to Apply for GATE
- Register on the GATE portal of the organising institute and create a login.
- Fill in the application form, choose paper and exam cities.
- Upload photo, signature and ID proof and pay the fee online.
- Download the admit card and attempt the exam.
- Download the scorecard after the result and apply for M.Tech / PhD or PSU recruitment.
GATE Preparation Tips
- Solve previous year papers of your branch.
- Focus on core-subject basics and numerical (NAT) practice.
- Use the official mock test to learn the virtual calculator.
- Make short notes for formulas and revise weekly.
Colleges Accepting GATE
GATE FAQs
What is a good GATE score?
It depends on the paper, year and the institute. IITs and top PSUs need a higher score than other institutes - check the cutoff of the institute you want.
How many papers can I appear in?
A candidate can appear in one or two papers as per the allowed combinations in the brochure.
Is GATE only for M.Tech?
No. GATE is also used for direct PhD admission, scholarships and PSU recruitment.
How can I get GATE counselling?
Use the Call, WhatsApp or Email buttons on this page to talk to the StudyGalaxy counselling team.
Exam dates, pattern and eligibility can change every year. Please confirm on the official website before applying.