GATE Overview

What is GATE ?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an all-India examination administered and conducted in eight zones across the country by the GATE Committee comprising faculty from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the National Coordinating Board - GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India.

Objective

To identify meritorious and motivated candidates for admission to Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering, Technology, Architecture and Pharmacy at the National level. To serve as benchmark for normalisation of the Undergraduate Engineering Education in the country.  

Why should we take GATE:

• M.Tech degree leads to specialization and furthering of interest in a certain area which may lead to Ph.D
• M.Tech degree is best for those wishing to apply for Faculty/Research positions in educational Institutes/R&D centers.

Important Dates:

1. Availability of GATE forms: October, 1^st week
2. Last Date for filling up forms: November, 1^st week
3. Exam Date: 2^nd Sunday of February
4. Results: March 15^st

Examination Details:

1. The examination is a single paper of 3 hours duration and generally consists of Section A (Objective Type) which is of 75 marks and Section B (Problem Type) which is of 75 marks. Total: 150 marks.
2. You have to opt for your subject and study as per the syllabus mentioned in the GATE brochure.
3. The subjects of our interest are Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering., Electrical Engineering and Instrumentation Engineering. Other subjects are also available such as Mathematics, Physics, etc.
4. Results of qualified candidates in GATE will give All India Rank and indicate percentile score. For example, a percentile score of 99 means you are in the top 1% category of the candidates who appeared for GATE.
5. Candidates who get less than 70 percentile get no score card.
6. GATE scores are valid for 2 years. You may reappear the GATE exam if you are not satisfied with the earlier score and the new score (if better than the old one) will be used for admission purposes.

After the Exam, what next:

1. After publication of GATE results, students must apply to individual Institutes to get their application forms.
2. Institutes advertise M.Tech admissions in leading newspapers from 1^st April till end July. However some Institutes do not advertise and therefore students have to get the forms themselves.
3. In the application forms, you have to mention your GATE score alongwith other details.
4. The concerned Institute may conduct written test and/or interview for the purpose of admission.
5. General thumb rules: If your GATE score in Computer Science is 96 percentile or more then you can try for IITs, if between 85 - 96 percentile, then apply for top RECs, JADAVPUR, SHIBPUR, ROORKEE, etc. If less than 85, you have to look for appropriate institutes.

Scholarship:

During the pursuit of M.Tech, you are paid a scholarship of Rs. 5000.00 per month by the Government of India. This amount is enough for living expenses including purchase of books, etc. The scholarship is paid for the entire 18 months M.Tech period.

SPECIAL:

We encourage 3^rd year students to also appear GATE alongwith Final Year students since:

1. GATE score is valid for 1 years.
2. The syllabus as required by GATE is generally over by 5^th semester.
3. Anyway, it will be a good try ! If it is a bad score you can always try again.