About GATE
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). GATE evaluates a candidate's technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in various engineering and science disciplines.
Purpose and Benefits
Evaluation of Technical Knowledge:
GATE assesses a candidate's understanding of engineering and science concepts, providing a benchmark for their technical skills.
Higher Education and Job Opportunities:
GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate programs (M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D.) and recruitment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), offering candidates a wide range of opportunities.
Eligible Candidates
Educational Qualification:
Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or a master's degree in any relevant science subject.
Age Limit:
There is no age limit for appearing in the GATE exam, making it accessible to candidates of all ages.
Exam Pattern
Mode of Examination:
The exam is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), ensuring a smooth and efficient testing experience.
Duration:
The exam lasts for 3 hours, during which candidates must answer a set of questions.
Types of Questions:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions are used to assess candidates' knowledge and problem-solving skills.
GATE Score and Rank Calculation
Score Calculation:
GATE scores are calculated based on the candidate's performance and the performance of all candidates in the exam, providing a relative measure of their abilities.
Rank Calculation:
GATE ranks are calculated based on the scores, allowing candidates to gauge their standing among their peers.
PSUs and Institutions Recruiting Through GATE
PSUs:
Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as GAIL, NTPC, BHEL, IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, etc. recruit engineers based on GATE scores.
Institutions:
Top institutions like IITs, NITs, IISc, etc. use GATE scores for admission to postgraduate programs.
Preparation Tips
Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
Familiarize yourself with the exam format and content to focus your preparation.
Study Materials:
Utilize various study materials, coaching institutes, and online resources to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Practice Previous Year Papers:
Solve previous year's question papers to improve your problem-solving skills and get accustomed to the exam pattern.
GATE Syllabus
General Aptitude:
Verbal ability, numerical ability, and quantitative aptitude.
Engineering Mathematics:
Core mathematical foundations.
Discipline-Specific Core:
Branch-specific topics tailored to the candidate's stream.
Exam Pattern Details
Total Marks:
100 marks.
Number of Questions:
65 questions.
Sections:
General Aptitude (GA) and candidate's selected subject.
Strategy to Crack GATE
Cracking the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) requires a well-planned strategy and a deep understanding of the exam pattern. Here are some key points to consider:
Focus on Key Concepts:
Avoid reading multiple books and focus on a single standard book for each topic.
Class Notes:
Make the most of your class notes and spend your time at home practicing questions.
Practice and Problem-Solving:
Solve previous years' questions thoroughly and practice diverse problem-solving.
Time Management:
Allocate your time wisely between different topics and ensure you cover all the important areas.
GATE Score Calculation Formula
The GATE score is calculated using the following formula:
GATE Score = ((Candidate's Actual Marks - Qualifying Marks) / (Average Marks of Top 0.1% Candidates - Qualifying Marks)) * 900 + 350
Understanding the Formula
Candidate's Actual Marks:
The marks obtained by the candidate in the GATE exam.
Qualifying Marks:
The minimum marks required to qualify the exam, which varies by category.
Average Marks of Top 0.1% Candidates: The average marks obtained by the top 0.1% of candidates who appeared in the exam.
Example Calculation
Let's consider an example with hypothetical marks for a few students:
Qualifying Marks:
Average Marks of Top 0.1% Candidates: 80
Calculating GATE Score for Student A
Actual Marks:60
=>GATE Score = ((60 - 25) / (80 - 25)) * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = (35 / 55) * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = 0.6364 * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = 572.76 + 350
=>GATE Score = 572.76 + 350
=>GATE Score = 922.76
Calculating GATE Score for Student B
Actual Marks:70
=>GATE Score = ((70 - 25) / (80 - 25)) * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = (45 / 55) * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = 0.8182 * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = 736.38 + 350
=>GATE Score = 1086.38
Calculating GATE Score for Student C
Actual Marks: 50
=>GATE Score = ((50 - 25) / (80 - 25)) * 900 + 350
=>- GATE Score = (25 / 55) * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = 0.4545 * 900 + 350
=>GATE Score = 409.05 + 350
=>GATE Score = 759.05
Key Points to Note
=>The GATE score is a relative measure of a candidate's performance, taking into account the performance of all candidates in the exam.
=>The score is calculated based on the candidate's actual marks, qualifying marks, and the average marks of top 0.1% candidates.
=>The GATE score range is typically between 350 and 900.
Important dates for GATE 2026:
Registration Start Date:August 28, 2025 (GOAPS portal opens)
Regular Application Deadline (No Late Fee): September 28, 2025
Extended Application Deadline (With Late Fee):
September 29 - October 9, 2025 (as per some sources)
October 6, 2025 (as per another source)
Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026
Admit Card Release: First week of January 2026
Response and Answer Key Release:
=>Responses: Fourth week of February 2026
=>nswer Key: Fifth week of February 2026 (tentative)
Submission of Objections/Challenges: Till first week of March 2026
Result Announcement: : March 19, 2026
COAP Counselling: - Third week of March 2026 (for COAP) and May 2026 (for CCMT special rounds)
