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The GATE exam is an online computer-based test that is conducted to assess the knowledge and understanding of undergraduate engineering and science students. This exam is the gateway for admission to postgraduate courses (Master’s and Ph.D.) in engineering and technology, architecture, and science. It is also a crucial exam for engineering graduates who want to secure a job in the public sector.
GATE Exam Pattern
GATE would contain questions of Three different types in all the papers:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections.
- MSQs (Multiple Select Questions ) Simple mean That a question having 4 options might have multiple correct choices & You will need to tick (select) all Correct options. Each Question Carries 1 or 2 Marks in all Sections. (There is NO negative marking for a wrong answer in NAT questions.)
GATE Pattern of Examination
GATE 2024 will be conducted for 30 papers. The table shows the list of papers with codes. Please click the link in Paper/Code to download the syllabus.
A candidate is allowed to appear either in ONE or UP TO TWO papers of the GATE 2024 examination. For candidates interested in appearing for two papers, please see the page Two Paper Combination for more details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Mode | The test papers will be in English. Computer Based Test (CBT) [will be conducted at select centers in select cities]. |
| Duration | 3 Hours* |
| Number of Subjects (Papers) | 30 |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subjects |
| Type of Questions | Candidate’s Selected Subject(s) (a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) (b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and/or (c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| Questions for testing these abilities | (a) Recall (b) Comprehension (c) Application (d) Analysis & Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL | General Aptitude: 15 Marks + Engineering Mathematics**: 13 Marks + Subject Questions: 72 Marks = Total: 100 Marks (**XE includes Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 Marks) |
| Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL | General Aptitude: 15 Marks + Subject Questions: 85 Marks = Total: 100 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry 1 mark and 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For a wrong answer chosen in a MCQ, there will be negative marking. For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. No negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ. |
GATE Examination Pattern Mark Distribution
| Paper Code | General Aptitude (GA) Marks | Compulsory Section | Subject Marks | Total Marks | Total Time* (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF; Subject marks in these papers include questions on Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), which are paper-specific. | 15 | — | 85 | 100 | 180 |
| AR [Part A is Common and Compulsory for all; Part B1 or Part B2 can be selected during Exam. B1: Architecture or B2: Planning] | 15 | 60 | 25 | 100 | 180 |
| GE [Part A is Common and Compulsory for all; Part B1 or B2 can be selected during the Exam. B1 – Surveying and Mapping or B2 -Image Processing and Analysis.] | 15 | 55 | 30 | 100 | 180 |
| GG [Part A is Common and Compulsory for all; Part B can either be Geology (B1) or Geophysics (B2) — which must be chosen at the time of Application.] | 15 | 25 | 60 | 100 | 180 |
| XE [Section A (Engineering Mathematics) is Common and Compulsory for all; Applicants must select any TWO additional Sections during the Exam] | 15 | 15 | 2 x 35 | 100 | 180 |
| XH [Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) is Common and Compulsory for all; Applicants must select any ONE additional Section at the time of Application] | 15 | 25 | 60 | 100 | 180 |
| XL [Section P (Chemistry) is Common and Compulsory for all; Applicants must select any TWO additional Sections during the Exam] | 15 | 25 | 2 x 30 | 100 | 180 |
| CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | — | 85 | 100 | 180 |
GATE
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted in India that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and technology. The exam is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India.
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- Best Books for GATE Preparation
- Sample Papers
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- GATE Exam Pattern
- Application Form
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- Answer Key
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- GATE Syllabus
- Response Sheet
- Counseling – CCMT, and COAP
- GATE News
GATE An Overview
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | GATE |
| Full Name of Exam | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Exam Conducting Body | IISc Bengaluru |
| Full Name of Body | Indian Institute of Science |
| Scale of Exam | National Level |
| Event Here | Login For gate.iisc.ac.in |
| Official Website for Login | gate.iisc.ac.in |
| Exam Is For Admission to Courses | Master’s programs and direct Doctoral programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts; and Doctoral programs in relevant branches of Arts and Science |
| Exam Is For Admission to Colleges | IITs and Other Colleges that Accept GATE Score |
| Similar Exams | Engineering Entrance Exams |