The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance exam that is conducted for postgraduate courses in engineering and technology. It is a national-level exam that tests the aptitude and engineering skills of candidates in various fields. GATE is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee.
GATE scores are used by various institutions in India to select candidates for postgraduate programs such as M.E., M.Tech, and Ph.D. GATE scores are also used by some Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for recruitment purposes. The exam is conducted once a year in February, and the application process usually begins in September.
Eligibility Criteria:
To appear for the GATE exam, a candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or a Master’s in Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications.
2. Final-year students can also apply for the exam, provided they submit a certificate from their college stating that they are in their final year and will be able to complete their degree by the time of admission.
3. There is no age limit for the exam.
Exam Pattern:
The GATE exam is a computer-based test that is conducted for a duration of 3 hours. The exam consists of two types of questions: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type questions (NATs). The exam paper consists of 65 questions and is worth 100 marks. The exam consists of two sections: General Aptitude and Subject-Specific Section.
The General Aptitude section consists of 10 questions worth 15 marks. This section tests the candidates’ language and analytical skills. The Subject-Specific section consists of 55 questions worth 85 marks. This section tests the candidates’ knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject.
Preparation Tips and Tricks:
Preparing for the GATE exam requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Here are some tips that can help candidates prepare for the exam:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Candidates must thoroughly understand the exam pattern and the marking scheme before they begin their preparation.
2. Make a Study Plan: Candidates must create a study plan and follow it strictly. The study plan must include topics that need to be covered, as well as mock tests and practice papers.
3. A study from the Right Books: Candidates must refer to standard books that cover the entire syllabus. Referring to multiple books can be confusing and time-consuming.
4. Practice Regularly: Candidates must practice regularly and solve as many practice papers and mock tests as possible. This will help them understand the exam pattern and improve their speed and accuracy.
5. Analyze Performance: Candidates must analyze their performance regularly and identify their strengths and weaknesses. They must work on their weaknesses and try to improve their performance.
Choose the Right Study Material
Choosing the right study material is crucial for GATE exam preparation. Here are some tips to help you with that:
● Refer to standard textbooks recommended by your professors or GATE toppers.
● Use online resources such as video lectures, blogs, and forums to supplement your preparation.
● Join a GATE coaching institute if you need personalized guidance and mentorship.
● Avoid using too many books or study materials as it may lead to confusion and overwhelm.
Practice Regularly and Strategically
Practice is the key to cracking the GATE exam. However, it is essential to practice regularly and strategically. Here are some tips to help you with that:
● Solve a variety of questions, ranging from easy to difficult, to improve your speed and accuracy.
● Take mock tests and analyze your performance to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
● Focus on the topics that you find difficult and try to solve as many questions as possible.
● Maintain a record of your mistakes and revise them regularly to avoid repetition.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Time management is crucial for the GATE exam as it is a time-bound exam. Here are some tips to help you manage your time effectively:
● Allocate time for each section based on its weightage and difficulty level.
● Prioritize the questions that you find easy and leave the difficult ones for later.
● Don’t spend too much time on a single question as it may affect your performance in other questions.
● Use a stopwatch to time yourself while practicing to improve your speed and accuracy.
Opportunities through the GATE
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is one of the most prestigious exams for engineering students in India. Clearing GATE not only opens up opportunities for higher education but also offers numerous job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Here are some opportunities that you can explore through the GATE exam:
Higher Education
1. Clearing GATE opens up opportunities for higher education in prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and other leading universities in India and abroad. GATE scores are also accepted for admissions to postgraduate programs like M.Tech, MS, and Ph.D.
PSU Jobs
2. Several public sector undertakings (PSUs) like BHEL, IOCL, HPCL, NTPC, and ONGC recruit candidates based on their GATE scores. These jobs offer a stable career, attractive salaries, and other benefits like medical facilities, housing, and travel allowances.
Research and Development
3. GATE-qualified candidates can also pursue a career in research and development (R&D) in various industries like aerospace, defense, and automobile. R&D jobs offer exciting opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and develop innovative solutions.
Private Sector Jobs
4. Many private sector companies also recruit GATE-qualified candidates for various roles like research and development, design, analysis, and consulting. These jobs offer competitive salaries, growth opportunities, and a chance to work with some of the leading companies in India and abroad.
Entrepreneurship
5. Clearing GATE and pursuing higher education can also open up opportunities for entrepreneurship. Many successful startups in India have been founded by GATE-qualified candidates who have used their technical knowledge and expertise to develop innovative solutions and products.
GATE offers numerous opportunities for higher education, PSU jobs, research and development, private sector jobs, and entrepreneurship. Clearing GATE requires hard work, dedication, and focus, but the rewards are worth it. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make the most of the opportunities that GATE offers and build a successful career in engineering.
What Makes You Fail in GATE Exam – Check Reasons for Failure?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various engineering subjects. While many aspirants work hard to crack this exam, there are some who fail to achieve their desired score. Let’s take a look at some common reasons why people fail in the GATE exam.
Lack of Proper Planning and Strategy
1. One of the main reasons for failure in the GATE exam is a lack of proper planning and strategy. Candidates need to plan their studies in advance and create a schedule that allows them to cover the entire syllabus before the exam. They should also have a strategy in place for attempting the paper and managing time effectively.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Understanding of Concepts
2. Another reason for failure in the GATE exam is an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of concepts. Candidates need to have a clear understanding of the basic concepts and their applications to solve complex problems. Without a strong foundation in the subject, it becomes difficult to crack the exam.
Poor Time Management
3. Time management is a crucial factor in the GATE exam. Candidates need to solve 65 questions in just 3 hours, which means they have an average of 2.77 minutes to solve each question. Poor time management can lead to incomplete or incorrect answers, resulting in a lower score.
Lack of Practice
4. Practice is key to success in the GATE exam. Candidates should solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to get a feel for the actual exam. Lack of practice can result in nervousness and anxiety during the exam, leading to mistakes and lower scores.
Overconfidence or Underconfidence
5. Overconfidence or underconfidence can be detrimental to a candidate’s performance in the GATE exam. Overconfidence can lead to complacency and lack of preparation, while underconfidence can lead to nervousness and anxiety. Candidates should maintain a balanced approach and have confidence in their abilities while also working hard to prepare for the exam.
lack of proper planning, incomplete understanding of concepts, poor time management, lack of practice, and overconfidence or underconfidence are some common reasons why people fail in the GATE exam. Candidates should address these issues and work towards overcoming them to increase their chances of success.
Things To Do a Day Before The GATE Exam
Preparing for the GATE exam can be a nerve-wracking experience, and the day before the exam is crucial for calming your nerves and ensuring that you are mentally and physically prepared for the big day. Here are some things you should do a day before the GATE exam:
Revise Important Concepts
1. The day before the exam is not the time to learn new concepts. Instead, revise the important concepts that you have already studied. This will help you retain the information and boost your confidence.
Take a Break
2. It is essential to take breaks to avoid burnout and ensure that your mind is fresh for the exam. Take short breaks throughout the day and engage in relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, or listening to music.
Organize Your Documents
3. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents like your admit card, ID proof, and stationery. Keep them in a separate folder or bag to avoid last-minute confusion.
Plan Your Route
4. If you are taking the exam at a different center, plan your route and check the travel time. Make sure that you have enough time to reach the center and account for any unexpected delays.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
5. A good night’s sleep is crucial for ensuring that your mind and body are well-rested for the exam. Avoid studying late into the night and aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
Eat Healthily
6. Eating healthy and nutritious food is essential for maintaining your energy levels and concentration during the exam. Avoid eating heavy or oily food and opt for light and healthy meals.
Avoid Distractions
7. Avoid any distractions like social media, phone calls, or TV shows that may affect your concentration and mental peace. Focus on relaxing and preparing for the exam.
In conclusion, the day before the GATE exam is crucial for ensuring that you are mentally and physically prepared for the big day. Revise important concepts, take breaks, organize your documents, plan your route, get a good night’s sleep, eat healthily, and avoid distractions to boost your confidence and calm your nerves. Good luck with the exam!
Why Join Online GATE-IIT for GATE Preparation?
OnlineGATEIIT is one of the best online coaching institutes for GATE preparation. Here are some reasons why candidates should choose OnlineGATEIIT for their GATE preparation:
1. Experienced Faculty: OnlineGATEIIT has a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. They provide students with the right guidance and support to help them excel in the exam.
2. Comprehensive Study Material: OnlineGATEIIT provides students with comprehensive study material that covers the entire syllabus. The study material is prepared by experts and is easy to understand.
3. Mock Tests and Practice Papers: OnlineGATEIIT provides students with a wide range of mock tests and practice papers that help them understand the exam pattern and improve their performance. The mock tests and practice papers are designed to simulate the actual exam environment and help students assess their preparation level.
4. Personalized Attention: OnlineGATEIIT provides students with personalized attention and support. They conduct doubt-clearing sessions and provide students with one-on-one mentoring to help them improve their performance.
5. Affordable Fees: OnlineGATEIIT offers GATE coaching at affordable fees. They provide students with the best coaching at a reasonable price.
6. Convenient Learning: OnlineGATEIIT offers online coaching, which makes it convenient for students to learn from the comfort of their homes. They can access the study material.
Top 10 GATE Colleges in India
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive exam for engineering students in India. Clearing GATE opens up opportunities for higher education and job prospects in both the public and private sectors. Here is a list of the top 10 GATE colleges in India:
1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
6. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee
7. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati
8. National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy
9. National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal
10. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Is coaching necessary for GATE exam preparation?
A1. It depends on your proficiency level and study habits. If you are confident about your preparation and can manage your time effectively, coaching may not be necessary. However, if you need personalized guidance and mentorship, joining a coaching institute may be helpful.
Q2. How many hours should I study for the GATE exam?
A2. There is no fixed number of hours that you should study for the GATE exam. It depends on your proficiency level and study habits. However, on average, 6-8 hours of daily study is recommended for GATE exam preparation.
Q3. How can I improve my speed and accuracy in the GATE exam?
A3. You can improve your speed and accuracy in the GATE exam by practicing regularly, and solving a variety of questions.