The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination in India, administered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. It is conducted annually for admissions to postgraduate programs in engineering and science and for recruitment in public sector companies.
While many aspirants are familiar with the basic facts about the GATE exam, there are some lesser-known aspects that can be helpful in preparation. Here are five such facts that you might not know:
1: The GATE exam is not just for engineering students.
Although the GATE exam is primarily designed for engineering students, it is also open to candidates with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and related fields. This means that even non-engineering students can take the GATE exam and pursue postgraduate studies in engineering or science.
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2: The GATE exam is conducted in a computer-based format.
The GATE exam was previously conducted as a pen-and-paper test, but it has been a computer-based test (CBT) since 2014. This change has made the exam more efficient and convenient for candidates.
3: The GATE exam question paper includes a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), numerical answer type (NAT) questions, and multiple-select questions (MSQs).
The MCQ format is the most common type of question on the GATE exam, but there are also NAT and MSQ questions. NAT questions require candidates to provide a numerical answer, while MSQ questions allow candidates to select multiple correct answers.
Read More: GATE EXAM 2024: BUILDING A SOLID STUDY PLAN WITH PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS
4: The Exam is not limited to India
Contrary to the perception that GATE is limited to Indian residents, international students can also attempt the exam in specific countries. However, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, exams in foreign countries were temporarily conducted.
The international centers include Dhaka (Bangladesh), Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Male (Maldives), Port Louis (Mauritius), Singapore (Singapore), and Thimphu (Bhutan). Nonetheless, students abroad have the option to change their exam center to India.
5: Validity of GATE Exams:
The validity of GATE scores varies depending on the institution or organization to which candidates apply. Typically, GATE scores are valid for a maximum of three years from the exam date. This allows successful candidates to apply for postgraduate programs or relevant jobs within the specified time frame.
The validity for admission to PG programs in IITs and NITs is three years, while for most PSUs, the scorecard is valid for only one year.
Must Read: 6 Game-Changing Tips for Success in GATE 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is the success rate of GATE?
A1. Determining the exact success rate for GATE is challenging as official data is not published. However, estimates suggest that around 18-19% of applicants secure admission to postgraduate programs or jobs through the GATE Exam based on past years' data.
Q2. How many GATE papers can I apply for?
A2. Candidates can apply for ONE or TWO papers out of the 29 papers listed in the GATE Notification or on the GATE website. Guidelines include choosing papers relevant to the discipline of their qualifying degree and considering eligibility criteria for desired institutions.
Q3. Can a 3rd-year undergraduate student apply for GATE-2024?
A3. Yes, any undergraduate student in their 3rd year or higher, enrolled in a government-approved program in Engineering, Commerce, Science, Technology, Architecture, or Arts, is eligible to appear for GATE 2024.
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