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GATE 2025: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

What is GATE?

The GATE is a national-level Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted jointly by IITs and IISc on behalf of the Ministry of Education. It assesses undergraduate-level knowledge in engineering, science, architecture, and humanities. Qualifying scores are used for postgraduate admissions (M.Tech, M.Sc, Ph.D.), PSU recruitment, and educational opportunities abroad .

Eligibility & Application

  • Who can apply: Bachelor’s degree holders in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications (final-year students eligible).
  • Age limit: No restrictions .
  • Application fee (GATE 2025): Approximately ₹1,400 for most candidates; ₹500 for female/PwD.

Exam Pattern

  • Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).

  • Total marks: 100, comprised of 65 questions.

  • Sections:

    • General Aptitude (GA): 10 questions, 15 marks (compulsory).
    • Section B: Core subject + Engineering Maths (mandatory for most streams) totaling 85 marks (varies by paper) .

Question Types & Marking

  • MCQs: 1-mark and 2-mark questions

    • Wrong answer → −1/3 or −2/3 penalty.

  • MSQs (multiple correct): 1-mark and 2-mark, no negative marking.

  • NATs (numeric): 1-mark and 2-mark, no negative marking.

Exam Sections Breakdown

SectionMarksDescription
General Aptitude (GA)15Shared across all papers; includes verbal, numerical, logical skills
Engineering Mathematics~13Included in core streams (e.g., AE, CE, CS); not for AR, CY, XL, etc. 
Core Subject~72Discipline-specific questions TS respective to chosen paper 
  • Specialized papers (e.g., AR, GG, XE, XL) include Part A (compulsory) and elective Part B sections.

Syllabus

  • General Aptitude: English proficiency, basic numeracy, logical reasoning, data interpretation.
  • Engineering Mathematics: Linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, probability, numerical methods.
  • Core Subjects: Vary by discipline—e.g., for CSE, topics include algorithms, data structures, OS, DBMS, networks.

Important Dates (GATE 2025)

  • Registration: Aug 24 – Sep 26, 2024 (Late fee until Oct 7).
  • Admit Card: Jan 2, 2025.
  • Exam Dates: Feb 1–2, Feb 15–16, 2025.
  • Results Declared: Mar 19, 2025.

Preparation Cheat Sheet

1. Understand Weightage

  • GA: 15%
  • Eng Mathematics: ~13–15%
  • Core Discipline: ~70–72%

2. Practice Question Types

  • MCQ, MSQ, and NAT – focus on accuracy and time management.

3. Use Standard Resources

  • Textbooks (e.g., CLRS for CS, B.S. Grewal for Maths).
  • Online platforms: NPTEL, previous years' papers, mock tests.

4. Timed Practice

  • Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
  • Analyze errors and improve time allocation and section-wise strength.

5. Targeted Revision

  • Focus on GA, frequently seen core subjects, and weak areas.
  • Brush up shortcut formulas and conceptual clarity.

Why GATE Matters

  • Postgraduate Admissions: IITs, IISc, NITs, IIITs, CMs.
  • PSU Jobs: BHEL, IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, etc., commonly use GATE scores.
  • Research Fellowships: JRF positions in CSIR labs, SP Mukherjee Research Fellowships.

Quick Facts

  • Total Papers: 30 subject-specific (plus optional two-paper combinations).
  • Language: English only.
  • Score Validity: 3 years.
  • Exam Mode: Computer-based across India and select international centres .

Bottom Line

GATE 2025 is a 100-mark, 3-hour CBT with a strategic mix of aptitude, math, and subject knowledge. Focus on core concepts, practice diverse question types, and time yourself strictly. With targeted preparation, a good GATE score opens doors to PG programs, research fellowships, and prestigious PSU roles.