GATE Full Form: What is GATE Exam? Eligibility, Syllabus & Benefits
What is the GATE full form?
The GATE full form is Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. It is an admission test held in subjects like Engineering/Technology/Architecture and post-graduate level subjects like Arts, Commerce, and Science. As the GATE full form suggests, it is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate programmes at engineering colleges in India or PSU recruitment. Every year more than 9 lakh students appear for the GATE exam. The exam is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This year, IIT Roorkee will conduct the GATE 2025 exam. The authority has announced the GATE 2025 exam date as February 1, 2, 15 and 16, 2025. The authority has extended the GATE 2025 registration date to October 11 (with a late fee). Candidates were able to complete the GATE 2025 registration without a late fee by October 3, 2024.
Sections in GATE
Many applicants lack the section-by-section preparation methods required to get high GATE scores. To ensure a good score despite the tough competition, candidates must have some clarity on the various sections. The GATE exam is divided into two sections: general aptitude (GA) and the candidate's chosen branch (Core subject). The test paper comprises 65 questions, 10 of which are from General Aptitude.
- The weightage of marks in the AE, AG, BT, BM, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF, ST, and XE papers is divided into three sections according to the GATE exam pattern.
- Engineering Mathematics accounts for around 13% of total marks or 13 marks.
- The General Aptitude section will account for 15% of the total marks or 15 marks.
- The remaining 72 marks are devoted to the paper's content (technical portion).
- Section B, the candidate's chosen branch (subject), included MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), and NATs (Numerical Answer Type) questions from the topic.
- GATE will be a computer-based online test for 30 streams held at exam centres around the country. The examination will last three hours.
- Negative marking is assigned to MCQs, but no negative marking is assigned to NAT.
Related searches: GATE 2025 subjects list with paper codes | GATE two paper combination
Benefits of qualifying GATE
It is no surprise that GATE is one of the most prestigious tests, opening so many possibilities for students to advance their careers. Let's look at how you may develop a great career after passing the GATE test and at some of the advantages of the GATE exam:
Post-Graduation Program: If you pass the GATE test with a perfect score, the finest opportunity you can have is post-graduation from a reputable institute. After passing the GATE test, you can study M.Tech or ME at prestigious universities such as IITs, NITs, or IISC. You can narrow down your options depending on your primary subjects and GATE score. These institutes, on the other hand, are allowed to define their admittance criteria. You must reach the cutoff for admission to these elite engineering institutions.
Candidates: Who have passed GATE and wish to pursue a research career can apply for this position at research institutes. They are also qualified for Junior Research Fellowships in CSIR Laboratories and CSIR-funded projects. You no longer have to be concerned about your wages because you may earn a substantial stipend while conducting research and development. These scholarships also include a monthly stipend of Rs 31, 000 to Rs 35, 000.
International Study: Another fantastic advantage of passing the GATE test. You can now pursue higher education overseas. GATE scores are accepted by several overseas institutes, including the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, Technical University of Germany, and RWTH Aachen University. Students who wish to study abroad might obtain this option by passing the GATE exams.
Job Opportunities: It is another intriguing benefit associated with the GATE examination. After passing the GATE test, you will have access to a plethora of excellent employment prospects. Furthermore, if you are admitted to a prestigious institute like IIT or NIT, the odds are that you will be posted on the college campus. And we all know that universities like IIT and NIT are known for providing excellent on-campus possibilities.
PSU sectors: Many GATE applicants dream of working in a PSU (Public Sector Undertaking), and this is another advantage of the GATE test. You may realize your desire by passing the GATE exams. PSU has a special spot for kids with high GATE scores, and they contact them for additional recruiting. Candidates who qualify the exam and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for PSU recruitment through GATE at prestigious firms like BHEL, IOCL, ONGC, SAIL, NTPC, HPCL, PGCIL, BARC, and many more. A combination of high-level technical work and the benefits of a government income is sufficient to make your career rewarding.
Teaching position: Many colleges and universities now employ postgraduate engineering candidates from their campuses. If you want to pursue a career in academia, you can do so after earning your ME or M.Tech by applying for a faculty job at a reputable university. No surprise, teaching is one of the most prestigious careers you may obtain by passing the GATE.
Possibilities of Being Placed in Renowned Foreign Companies: Here's an incredible advantage of passing the GATE exam. Following your post-graduate program, candidates can potentially try their luck in worldwide firms. If you have ever wished to work abroad and advance your career, GATE can assist you. By taking the GATE exam, you can gain admission to a foreign university. So, after finishing your postgraduate program at an international university, you can look for work.
GATE 2025 Exam pattern
Students studying for the GATE examinations will benefit from the GATE exam pattern. The best strategy to perform well and score well in the examination is to prepare by referring to the prescribed GATE syllabus and exam pattern. The GATE exam papers are all objective. Some MCQs (multiple choice questions) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions may be included in the question pattern. Students are advised to examine the marks and topic weighting in the GATE curriculum's comprehensive marking system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A candidate who has completed 10+2+2 or 10+3+1 & are in the 3rd or higher years of any UG courses or has completed a government-approved degree program in engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, or the arts is qualified to take the GATE test. Candidates who have certification from any of the professional societies, however, must ensure that the examinations administered by the societies are recognized by the MoE/AICTE/UGC/UPSC as equal to B.E., B.Tech., B.Arch., B.Planning, etc.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is the entrance exam for postgraduate studies at prestigious institutes like the IITs, IISc, and NIT. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), on the other hand, is the entry point to graduation. Both tests serve various goals.
Exam scores are normally valid for three years from the day the results are released. As a result, if a candidate performs well in the test, they should avoid taking the GATE for the next three years. Aside from that, let us check how many GATE exam tries a candidate may get. There is no restriction on the number of GATE exam attempts. How many GATE attempts a candidate can make is entirely up to him or her. While some PSUs may say that the age limit is 28 or 30, the number of GATE exam tries for admission to research and post-graduate seats is totally dependent on the institution. Even though a score is only valid for three years after it is released, there is no age limit or limit on the number of attempts for GATE tests. A candidate may take the GATE examinations an unlimited number of times.
The second question that is likely to be asked is, "How difficult is GATE?"As previously said, while many students assume GATE is a tough exam, it is not. Many students have scored on the exams throughout the decades. Students that work hard will be able to successfully complete the GATE exam. Furthermore, a GATE aspirant can take the GATE test as many times as they desire, and there is no age limit to take the examinations, which might be advantageous to applicants. GATE hopefuls should also tackle questions they are confident in and avoid giving incorrect responses, which may result in a negative grade. The greater the candidate's GATE score, the more right answers they can provide. Avoiding negative marking ensures that the candidate's grades are not diminished. As a result, we can readily infer that the answer to the question "Is GATE Tough?" is that GATE exams, while frequently regarded as difficult, are not insurmountable. It is feasible to do well in these tests. And, depending on the exam preparations, "how difficult is GATE?" can also be answered.
The best field is Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). However, the best branch of engineering in GATE is the one that you believe is the best for you.
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Questions related to GATE
Hello Vinod,
Here is your complete time management strategy and roadmap:
Stage 1: Foundation Phase (June 2025 – Dec 2025)
- Target: Comprehensive conceptual clarity of core EEE subjects.
- Study Time: 2 - 3 hours daily (other than college work)
- Subjects: Network Theory, Signals & Systems, Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Machines
- Weekly Plan: 5 days theory + 2 days review / practice
- Solve topic-wise PYQ from GATE after every chapter.
Stage 2: Strengthening Phase (Jan 2026 – Oct 2026)
- Target: Full syllabus + practice + revise
- Study Time: 3 - 4 hours everyday on weekdays, 6 - 8 hours on saturdays/sundays
- Complete remaining subjects: Power Systems, Control Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, EMT, Measurements
- Join in a test series and make summary notes and error logs
Stage 3: Revision & Test Phase (Nov 2026 – Jan 2027)
- Target: Maximize test performance and accuracy.
- Study Duration: 6-8 hours every day (focus only on GATE)
- Plan: Take full length tests 2-3 times a week.
- Analyze and revise weak areas.
- Practice numerical types & MSQ.
GATE CSE Syllabus:
Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Networks, DBMS, OS, COA, TOC, Compiler Design, Digital Logic, Software Engineering, Discrete Math, Engineering Math, Aptitude.
Job Roles After GATE:
Software Engineer, System Analyst, Scientist (ISRO, DRDO, BARC), PSU roles, M.Tech/MS admissions, Researcher, Assistant Professor.
As of now, CEAP counselling registration for GATE-qualified candidates has not yet opened. The official portal has not released the registration link, which indicates that the process is delayed this year. Usually, the registration begins in May or early June, but since it's already July, it's expected to go live anytime soon. You should keep checking the Anna University CEAP portal regularly for updates. Make sure your GATE scorecard and other documents are ready, so you can register immediately once the link is active.
Hello aspirant,
Yes, the registration for CEAP (Common Engineering Admission Procedure) for GATE-qualified candidates is now open on Anna University’s counselling portal. You can log in using your GATE credentials and complete the online registration, including payment and choice filling. After that, seat allotments will start once all registrations are processed. Keep an eye on the official portal for any updates regarding choice submission deadlines and seat allotment dates.
Yes, it is possible to get admitted to some government postgraduate (PG) programs, including M.Tech, without a GATE score. While GATE is a common and often preferred route for admission to many government institutions, especially IITs and NITs, several alternatives exist.
Here's how you can pursue PG programs without GATE:
Sponsored Seats:
Many IITs and NITs offer sponsored seats in their M.Tech programs. These seats are often available to candidates with relevant work experience (usually at least two years) in a related field.
Quality Improvement Programme (QIP):
This program allows individuals already working in academic institutions to pursue M.Tech degrees at IITs and other institutions without a GATE score.
Entrance Exams Conducted by Specific Institutions:
Some institutions, including IITs and NITs, may conduct their own entrance exams or interviews for specific M.Tech programs, especially for those not seeking GATE-based admission.
State-Level Entrance Exams:
Some state governments conduct their own entrance exams for postgraduate programs in state-funded universities and colleges.
Merit-Based Admission:
Some institutions may offer admission based on academic merit, considering your undergraduate performance and other relevant factors.
Private Institutions:
Private universities and colleges often offer M.Tech programs without mandatory GATE scores, relying on their own entrance exams, interviews, or merit-based admissions.
Study Abroad:
Consider pursuing an MS degree abroad, as many international universities have their own admission criteria, which may not include GATE.
Important Considerations:
Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria of the institution and program you are interested in, as these may vary.
Application Deadlines: Be aware of the application deadlines for each institution and program.
Alternative Exams: If you are considering an institution that conducts its own entrance exam, familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus.