GATE Test Pattern

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a platform for judging the quality of the candidates for admission into postgraduate and doctorate programs. The exam is organized by any of the eight institutes i.e. IISc and 7 IITs. Various academicians considered GATE as one of the toughest examination in its category.  Also, many public sector organizations consider GATE score as primary criteria of short listing the candidates for recruitment.

Structure and Test Pattern:

Currently, GATE is conducted in 23 disciplines. A student can choose any one of these. It is conducted once in every year (usually in February).
GATE is an online Computer Based Test (CBT) and the type of questions is divided into two parts:

1. Multiple Choice  Type Questions(MCQ)
2. Numerical Answer Type Questions (NAT)

Sections	No. of Questions
General Aptitude	10
Technical	55
Total	65

• General Aptitude (common section) contains the questions related to the verbal ability and numerical ability.
• Technical section consists of questions related to the specific domains of engineering.
• The total time allotted for the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
• GATE consists of maximum 100 marks with the division of 85 marks in technical section and general aptitude section is for 15 marks.
• There is a negative marking in the exam. In multiple choice type questions, there is the deduction of 1/3 marks for 1 mark question and 2/3 marks for 2 mark question for a wrong answer. Unlike MCQs, numerical answer type questions do not have negative marking.
• Calculators, charts, graphs, and mathematical tables are not allowed in the examination but an online virtual calculator is available in the exam.