GATE Engineering

About GATE

GATE tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. The score is used for postgraduate admission and for recruitment by many public sector undertakings.

Full Form

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

Conducting Body

IISc Bangalore and the seven older IITs (rotating)

Level

National

Frequency

Once a year

Mode

Online (Computer Based Test)

Application Fee

General ₹1,800 / Female, SC, ST, PwD ₹900 (approx)

GATE Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or Master's in Science/Maths/Statistics/Computer Applications. Final-year students can apply. No age limit.

GATE Important Dates

Dates are indicative — always confirm on the official website.

GATE Exam Pattern

• 3 hours, 65 questions, 100 marks.
• General Aptitude: 15 marks
• Engineering Mathematics + core subject: 85 marks
• MCQ, MSQ and Numerical Answer Type questions.

GATE Syllabus

• General Aptitude — verbal and numerical ability
• Engineering Mathematics
• Core branch subject (CS, ME, EE, CE, EC, etc.) as per the chosen paper

How to Apply for GATE

1. Register on the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS)
2. Choose your paper and exam cities
3. Upload documents and pay the fee
4. Download the admit card in January

GATE Preparation Tips

• Cover the full syllabus once, then focus on high-weightage topics
• Practise previous 15 years' papers subject-wise
• Master Numerical Answer Type questions — no negative marking
• Revise short notes and formulae regularly

Who Accepts GATE

• M.Tech / MS admission at IITs, IISc, NITs and IIITs
• PSU recruitment (IOCL, NTPC, BHEL, PGCIL, etc.)
• PhD programmes and some foreign universities