The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, commonly known as GATE, is one of India’s most prestigious and competitive examinations. It is an examination that tests the comprehensive understanding of various engineering and science subjects. GATE is jointly conducted 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.
GATE has a rich history that dates back to 1984 when it was first conducted. The purpose behind its inception was to assess the knowledge and understanding of engineering and science graduates and to serve as a benchmark for admission to postgraduate programs in various prestigious institutions, including the IITs and IISc. The initial years saw Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) being conducted in just four disciplines: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Instrumentation.
Over the years, GATE evolved in terms of scope, coverage, and the number of participating institutions. In 1987, GATE was conducted in five additional disciplines, and by 1992, it had grown to include 8 more subjects, making it a comprehensive examination. This expansion continued, and today, GATE covers 27 disciplines, including not only engineering but also pure sciences.
GATE serves a multifaceted purpose, making it an integral part of the Indian higher education system. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) scores are used by numerous institutions in India for admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech, M.E., Ph.D.) in engineering, technology, and science. It acts as a common admission test, streamlining the process for students. Several government agencies and public sector undertakings (PSUs) use GATE scores to award scholarships and fellowships to deserving students. These organizations include the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Public sector undertakings (PSUs) in India, such as BHEL, ONGC, and NTPC, also utilize GATE scores as a criterion for recruiting engineers. GATE-qualified candidates often receive preferential treatment in these organizations.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) opens up research opportunities at esteemed institutions like IITs and IISc. Students can pursue cutting-edge research in various disciplines with financial support and access to world-class facilities. GATE scores are increasingly recognized globally, allowing Indian students to apply for postgraduate programs in universities abroad. It serves as a testament to the quality of education in India. GATE is a computer-based examination that consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type questions (NATs). The examination is typically held over two days in February, and the subjects covered span a wide range, including engineering disciplines, mathematics, and various branches of science.
Each candidate can appear for only one paper, and the duration of the exam is three hours. The maximum score in Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) is 100, and the paper is divided into three sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics (for some papers), and the core subject. The general aptitude section assesses a candidate’s verbal and numerical ability, while the engineering mathematics section (for some papers) tests their mathematical knowledge. The core subject section is the most critical part of the exam, focusing on in-depth understanding and application of the chosen discipline.
GATE is renowned for its high level of competition. Lakhs of aspirants from all corners of India prepare extensively for this examination, often dedicating several months to rigorous study. Coaching institutes, self-study, and online resources are widely used to prepare for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ). Candidates often choose their subjects based on their undergraduate specialization and career goals. While the syllabus can be daunting, those who perform well in GATE open doors to a world of opportunities in higher education, research, and lucrative job prospects.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 Highlights
The largest exam for applicants seeking admission to postgraduate programs offered by IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious institutions nationwide is GATE 2024. The table below contains highlights relevant to the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) exam for candidates to review:
| Particulars | Details |
| Full Form of GATE | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Organizing Body | IISc Bangalore |
| Exam Level | All India Level |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of exam | Computer-based Test (Online) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Number of Subject Papers | 30 (1 new paper added) |
| Number of Questions | 10 (GA) + 55 (subject)= 65 |
| Question Type | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Applications Per Year | More than 9 Lakhs |
| Number of Exam Centers | 218 |
| Official Website | gate2024.iisc.ac.in |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 Application Form
The GATE 2024 application procedure is currently available. To apply, interested candidates may go to the GOAPS portal on the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 registration official website. The steps listed below can be used by students to sign up for the test:
Step 1: Register for GATE
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Step 4: Pay the GATE Application Fee
Step 5: Accept the Declaration and Submit your Application form
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 Exam Dates
| Events | Date |
| Notification Release | August 5, 2023 |
| Application Form (Out) | August 31, 2023 |
| Application Form Last Date | September 29, 2023 |
| Application Form Last Date (with late fee) | October 13, 2023 |
| Application Form Correction | November 7, 2023 to November 11, 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | January 3, 2024 |
| Exam Date | February 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2024 |
| Response Sheet Release | February 16, 2024 |
| Answer Key Release Date | February 21, 2024 |
| Answer Key Challenge Window | February 22, 2024 to February 25, 2024 |
| Result Release Date | March 16, 2024 |
| Scorecard Release Date | March 23, 2024 |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 Eligibility Criteria
- There are no prerequisites for taking the test, including minimum pass rates.
- There is no set minimum age limit for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) exam.
- Candidates applying for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 must be of Indian heritage. If you live in Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, or the United Arab Emirates, you can also apply for the exam. Candidates from these countries must have completed their undergraduate degree.
| Degree | Qualifying Degree or Examination | Description of eligible candidates | Expected Year of Completion |
| B.E./B.Tech/B.Pharm. Students | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc. / Technology / Diploma in Engineering) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher grade or already completed. | 2025 |
| B.Arch Students | Bachelor’s degree of Architecture (5-year course) / Planning (4- year course) / Naval Architecture (4-year course) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher grade or already completed. | 2026 (for the 5-year program) 2025 (for the 4-year program) |
| B.Sc. (Research) Students | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher grade or already completed. | 2025 |
| Pharm. D. (after 10+2) | 6 years of degree program, which includes of internship or residency training, during third year onwards | Currently in the 3rd /4th / 5th / 6th year or already completed | 2027 |
| M.B.B.S. | Degree holders of M.B.B.S. and those who are in the 5th / 6th / 7th semester or higher semester of such program | 5th, 6th, 7th, or higher semester or already completed. | 2025 |
| M.Sc., MA, MCA or Equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Mathematics/Statistics/ Arts/Science/Computer Applications or equivalent | Currently in the first year or higher or already Completed | 2025 |
| Integrated M.E./M.Tech (Post B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering or Technology (4-year program) | Currently in the 1st / 2nd /3rd /4th year or already completed | 2027 |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech. or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) | Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering/Technology (5-year program) | Currently in the 3rd /4th / 5th year or already completed | 2026 |
| B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Com. | Bachelor degree in any branch of Science / Arts / Commerce (3 years program) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed | 2023 |
| Integrated M.Sc, Integrated B.S./M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S.-M.S. program | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed | 2026 |
| Degree from Professional Society Examination (equivalent to B.E/B.Tech/B.Arch) | B.Tech./ B.E./B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE | Completed Section A or equivalent of such professional courses | NA |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) Eligibility Criteria for International Students
- Students from abroad who reside in nations like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may also apply to take the GATE 2024 exam.
- These students must have finished their bachelor’s degree in engineering and technology or a similar program, be enrolled in their last year of study, or be in their pre-final year.
- All overseas students must be aware that the GATE exam cities have been changed. To take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 exam, candidates must choose an Indian city.
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 Exam Pattern
The GATE 2024 Exam Pattern lays out the basic structure of the question bank. It makes information on the quantity of questions, the marks, the allotted time, etc. clear. Multiple-choice (MCQ), multiple-selection (MSQ), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions make up the majority of the GATE question paper. There is no negative marking for questions with numerical answers, but there is one for multiple-choice questions. The following crucial GATE 2024 exam pattern information should be reviewed:
| Feature | Description |
| GATE Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| GATE Exam Language | English |
| GATE Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| GATE Sectional Time Limit | None |
| GATE Total Marks | 100 |
| GATE Total Number of questions | 65 |
| GATE Type of Questions | Multiple Select Questions (MSQ); Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ); Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| GATE Number of Sections | Two/ Three (depending on the paper) |
| GATE Section-wise Number of Questions | General Aptitude (GA)- 10 questions, Core Discipline- 55 questions |
| GATE Section-wise Weightage | General Aptitude (GA)- 15 marks, Core Discipline- 85 marks |
| GATE Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer |
| GATE Negative Marking | For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer; For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer; along with this No negative marking for MSQs and NATs |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 Syllabus for General Aptitude
There is a General Aptitude element on each of the 29 Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) exam papers. Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, and Spatial Aptitude are the four main areas covered in the course. The following picture displays the GATE General Aptitude Syllabus per topic.
| Sections | Sub-Topics |
| Verbal Aptitude | Basic English grammar: prepositions, conjunctions, tenses, articles, adjectives, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech Basic vocabulary: idioms, words, and phrases in context Reading and comprehension Narrative sequencing |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data interpretation: data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, and other graphs representing the data), maps, 2- and 3-dimensional plots,and tables Numerical computation and estimation: powers, ratios, percentages, permutations and combinations, exponents and logarithms, and series Mensuration and geometry Elementary statistics and probability |
| Analytical Aptitude | Logic: Analogy, deduction and induction, Numerical relations and reasoning |
| Spatial Aptitude | Transformation of shapes: scaling, mirroring, assembling, translation, rotation, and grouping Paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions |
GATE 2024 Preparation Books
‘Candidates need to have the right literature to help them cover the themes in their paper and guide them. The following books are suggested for those preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) exam:
| GATE Paper | Book Name & Author |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Vibration by GK Grover Strength of Materials by SS Rattan Design of Machine Elements by VB Bhandari Theory of Machines by RS Khurmi Fluid Mechanics by RK Bansal |
| Computer Science Engineering | Algorithms by Cormen Theory of Computation by Ullman Database system Korth Operating System by Galvin Software Engineering by Pressman |
| Electrical Engineering | Network Analysis by Val Valken Burg Control Systems by Nagrath Gopal Circuit Theory by Chakravarthy Power Electronics by UA Bakshi |
| Electronics & Communications | Integrated Electronics by Millman and Halkias Microelectronics by Millman and Grabel Electronic Devices Circuit by Millman and Halkias (Black Pad) Electronic Circuits by Schilling and Belove |
| Chemical Engineering | Heat Transfer – By Binay.K.Dutta Mass Transport Phenomena – a book By Christie J. Geankoplis Introduction To Fluid Mechanics (English) 7th Edition Process Systems Analysis and Control – a book By Donald R. Coughanowr & Steven E. LeBlanc |
| Biotechnology Engineering | Biotechnology GATE –Akanksha Singhal, By B.M. Agarwal, Vidhika Goel; Publisher-Arihant Publications GATE Guide Biotechnology – By G.K.P; Publisher- Biotechnology for CSIR- NET, SET, GATE, JNU, AIIMS, JAM – By Vinita Thakur; Publisher- Himalaya Publication House |
GATE 2024 Counselling
For admission to IIT MTech courses, COAP conducts the GATE counseling. For admission to NIT, IIIT, GFTI, and CFTI MTech programs, CCMT conducts the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) counseling. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ) 2024 counseling session must be attended by eligible candidates according to the timetable. The counseling process includes a number of steps, including registration, choice selection, choice locking, seat assignment, document verification, etc. Candidates who successfully complete these steps will be admitted to an institute.
Candidates may apply for admission to or financial aid for admission to Master’s and doctorate programs in engineering, architecture, and related scientific fields through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ( GATE ). Admission to the programs provided at MHRD-supported institutions and other government organizations requires GATE qualification. IITs, IISc, NITs, IIITs, Government-Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs), and other Indian universities are among these institutions. Public Sector Units (PSUs) also use GATE scores while hiring employees.
