What Is the GATE Exam?

The GATE exam, or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is a prestigious examination that assesses students’ engineering, technology, architectural, and scientific knowledge at the undergraduate level and is used for admission to graduate-level courses. 

This national exam is extremely popular; eight lakh candidates applied for the 2024 exam, which is 23 percent higher than the 2023 registration [1, 2]. 

Read on to discover more about the GATE exam, who it is for, GATE eligibility criteria and benefits, and alternative exams to consider.

What is the GATE exam?

The GATE exam is one of India’s most reputable exams for entrance to graduate courses, including Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Technology (MTech), PhD courses at Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other universities and institutes in India. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven other IITs administer the exam every year. It is available in eight zones across India. 

The exam tests candidates’ undergraduate technology, engineering, and architecture knowledge. You’ll find 30 papers to choose from, and you can take one or two of them in an approved combination. 

Who is the GATE exam for?

The GATE exam offers opportunities to students who want to advance academically and professionally in various engineering, tech, science, or architecture areas. It is an entrance criteria for many graduate courses, government scholarships, assistantships, and public-sector jobs. It’s one of the most competitive exams in India, which is why passing it can mean access to some of the most competitive courses in the country. 

Eligibility criteria

Students in at least their third year of an undergraduate degree have the minimum level of education required for entrance to the GATE exam, including those who have completed an approved degree program in engineering, technology, science, commerce, arts, and architecture. No age restrictions are in place. 

What to expect from the GATE exam

The GATE exam consists of 30 papers covering various topics, with questions ranging from multiple-choice to multiple-select to numerical answers. It is computer-based, in English, and available at testing centres across the country. It is three hours long, and tests recall, comprehension, analysis and synthesis, and application.

Why choose the GATE?

Established in 1984, the GATE is a long-standing exam with a strong reputation. There are many reasons why more than six lakh people in India appeared for the GATE exam in 2024 and why it continues to be so popular [1]. 

Access to competitive courses

As the GATE exam is highly reputable, many high-ranking universities and institutions across India use it as a point of access. Each institution decides on the GATE score they stipulate for entry to their courses, and this varies depending on where and what you plan to study. However, a high GATE score can grant you access to some of the most competitive study options in the country.

Eligibility for PSU jobs

Working for a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) is a goal for many candidates, with excellent engineering opportunities and high salaries. PSU jobs often have a set minimum GATE score as part of their requirements, and some organisations under this heading may approach candidates with high GATE scores as part of their recruitment process. 

PSUs that recruit using GATE scores include: 

• The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) 

• National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NMDC) 

• The Powergrid Corporation of India Limited 

• Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) 

• Airports Authority of India 

• Engineers India Limited

Excellent job prospects

Outside of PSUs, job opportunities can increase with good GATE results. High GATE scores may grant you access to top-rated universities, boosting your chances of receiving a good job offer. A high GATE score on your CV often makes you a more attractive prospect to recruiters. 

Admission to international universities

Some universities abroad use GATE scores to enter courses. This opens doors for anyone who wants to study in another country. Examples of universities that accept GATE results as part of admission include the National University of Singapore, the Technical University of Munich, and Nanyang Technological University. 

Research and development opportunities

If you earn a qualifying GATE score, you may find increased opportunities to enter research and development by applying for a research fellowship. This usually carries a stipend, allowing you to earn while you study.

Options besides GATE

Although the GATE exam is one of India’s most popular exams, you’ll find other options to consider, such as sponsorship to a particular university or taking more specific MTech exams from institutions that offer their own testing. Check out some example options below: 

• PGEE: IIIT Hyderabad offers the PGEE, or Postgraduate Entrance Examination, to access Master of Science (MS), PhD, and MTech courses.

• BITS HD: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, developed the BITS Higher Degree (HD), a two-paper exam for admission to its university.

• VITMEE: The Vellore Institute of Technology Master’s Entrance Examination (VITMEE) is the entrance exam for MTech courses at VIT institutions. 

How to register for the GATE exam

Applications for the GATE exam open in late August or early September and are open roughly a month each year, with various dates for exams in February. You’ll typically receive the results in March. Applications are online through the GATE website, where you must register to log in. 

The application includes personal details such as name and address, the courses you’ve studied, the papers you wish to do, and the three top cities where you’d like to access the tests. You’ll also need some documents to upload, including your ID, photos of your academic certificates, and your signature and photograph. When the application is complete, you pay your fee. 

Getting started with Coursera

The GATE is a well-established entrance exam to prestigious universities and engineering, technology, architecture, and science courses. A high score on this exam can open up various academic and job opportunities in these fields. You may want to strengthen your knowledge and skills if you are considering applying for the popular GATE or another MTech exam. 

Depending on the paper you are taking, you’ll find a range of online courses to choose from on Coursera. Consider the Mathematics For Engineers Specialisation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology or the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate.