It is a computer based standardized test, conducted to test the skills and knowledge of chosen discipline of Engineering and Science at undergraduate level. It is conducted by Indian Institute of Science and Few Indian Institutes of Technology, collectively for National Coordination Board – GATE since 1984. It is conducted once in a year over 660 centers chosen over India. With 15% of average pass percentage, the examination is one of the prestigious qualifications for many of the students.
Why to Take the Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE) Exam?
The score in the GATE is considered as one of the requisites by many of prominent Post Graduate Engineering Colleges. The Score is also considered by many public sector companies of India during the recruitment process. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) also allows engineering graduates those who qualified GATE to pursue Ph.D. with the research work at CSIR laboratories. The score in GATE is valid for 3 years.
Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE) Eligibility
The students of final year or the students who are qualified of Bachelor’s Degree of 4 years or any equivalent in Engineering or Architecture are eligible to attempt the exam. Even those who qualified or those in final year of Master’s Degree in Science or Mathematics or Computer disciplines are also eligible.
Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE) Exam Structure
The exam is conducted in 23 disciplines out of which the candidate can choose one of his suitability. Once the city and the discipline are chosen, they can’t be changed except with the mentioned payment before mentioned date.
The Computer based test includes multiple choice questions and numerical answering questions. With total 65 questions, the exam is for 100 marks. 10 questions of General Aptitude which carries 15% of total marks are compulsory for all disciplines. With 3 hours time duration, the exam would be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays in shift basis at the mentioned centers.
A scribble pad, which had to be returned after the exam, would be provided at test center. There is negative marking for multiple choice questions.
How to Apply Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE)
It is the Online Application Processing System. The candidate has to enroll through official website. The application must be filled with valid information and submit before the last date given. The fee can be paid through e-challan or through net banking. The print out of Admit Card has to be taken through the Online Application interface.
How to Prepare Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE)
The exam is designed on the basis of checking Recalling, Comprehension skills, Application skills, Analytical skills. As the syllabus is covered in Bachelor degree, long term preparation is suggestion.
As the exam aims to check the concepts of the candidates along with his speed and accuracy, being clear with the concepts and time management are equally important. As the system of examination is computer based, the knowledge of computer plays a key role.
Divide the curriculum and practice all of the topics regularly. Spare equal time for concept understanding and practicing. Improving the speed can be attained only through thorough practice and continuous testing. Testing oneself with time limit is very useful.
Start as early as possible. It gives enough time to practice step by step which enables clear concept understanding.
Mock tests, previous question papers help a lot in understanding the questioning pattern and in checking the answering time etc. Practice with as many mock tests and previous test papers as possible.