The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is among the most coveted exams for engineering, science, and technology graduates in India. Taken once a year, it leads to higher education prospects in elite institutes such as IITs, NITs, and IISc, in addition to functioning as the qualifying factor for hiring at the top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). With lakhs of candidates appearing annually, one of the most common questions is: "What is the number of attempts in GATE?"
The best part is that GATE does not place any limit on the number of attempts. The candidate can take the exam as many times as they want, but they must be eligible. This freedom empowers the aspirants to correct their approach, learn from their previous failures, and increase their scores over numerous attempts. This knowledge will enable students to better prepare and attempt the exam with more confidence.
How Many Times Can You Attempt GATE?
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Number of Attempts |
No limit – no limit on attempts |
|
Age Limit |
No maximum age limit |
|
Eligibility |
The candidates should have or should be in the final year of the Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Commerce/Arts |
|
Frequency of Exam |
Once a year |
So, you can try for GATE every year until you get the score you need. Most candidates attempt 2–3 times to improve their chances of admission or PSU recruitment.
Read More: How Many Attempts to Clear the GATE exam?
Who Is Eligible for GATE?
To sit for GATE, candidates should fulfil the following conditions:
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Completed their Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or in the last year of such a degree.
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Graduates of Science, Commerce, and Arts streams are also eligible (for specific papers).
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No maximum age.
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Indian as well as foreign students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and the UAE can sit.
Why Do Students Attempt GATE Multiple Times?
These are the top reasons why aspirants take GATE repeatedly:
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Higher Studies: To get admitted to M.Tech, M.E., or PhD courses of IITs, NITs, or IISc.
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PSU Recruitment: Some PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, NTPC, and BHEL recruit candidates based on GATE scores.
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Foreign Studies: Some overseas colleges accept GATE scores as well.
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Academic Improvement: To improve academic and problem-solving skills
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Career Flexibility: Reappearing for GATE provides an opportunity for students to aim for improved prospects in alternate years.
Resources to Employ for Multiple Attempts at GATE
Preparation, and not eligibility, is the key to success in GATE. For repeated attempts to be successful, you need to employ appropriate study material.
|
Resource |
Why It's Helpful |
|
GATE General Aptitude Book |
Comprehensive coverage of reasoning, logical ability, and simple maths – mandatory section accounting for 15% of marks |
|
Books for GATE Preparation |
Subject-specific books assist in developing firm conceptual clarity |
|
GATE Previous Paper |
Aids in realising exam trends, repeated topics, and question toughness |
|
GATE Books (Comprehensive Guides) |
Blends theory, practice sets, and solved examples |
Employing appropriate GATE preparation books and solving GATE previous papers regularly is essential to enhance your score in repeated attempts.
Advantages of No Limit on Attempts in GATE
Having no limit on attempts provides aspirants with the convenience to:
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Prepare as much as possible till they reach their goal score.
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Enhance ranks over several years.
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Try different subject papers in different years.
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Give the GATE exam along with a job or higher studies.
How to Make the Best Use of Multiple Attempts
Showing up for GATE again and again can be a major plus if you prepare in the right way. Every attempt provides a chance to learn from errors, optimise the method of study, and improve weak areas. In order to maximise your success chances, follow these important steps:
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Analyse Mistakes from Past Attempts: Go through your past performance thoroughly to discover weak spots and prevent repeating the same mistakes.
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Focus on Aptitude: Dedicate time to a GATE General Aptitude Book, since this section carries 15% of the total marks and can significantly boost your score.
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Practice with Previous Papers: Solve GATE previous paper sets regularly to understand the question format, difficulty level, and recurring topics.
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Choose Quality Books: Use only standard GATE preparation books recommended by toppers and experts for reliable practice and conceptual clarity.
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Time Management: Plan a realistic study schedule that combines concept-building, revision, and mock tests to maintain regular preparation.
General Myths Regarding GATE Attempts
|
Myth |
Reality |
|
You can attempt GATE only 3 times. |
False – no attempt limitation.. |
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There is an age limit for GATE. |
False – no age limit. |
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You can't attempt GATE after graduation. |
False – you may attempt at any time after graduation. |
|
Attempts become tougher every year. |
False – level of difficulty may differ, but it is relative to preparation. |
Final Answer: How Many Attempts GATE Permits?
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Number of Attempts: Unlimited
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Age Limit: None
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Frequency: Once a year
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Eligibility: Should be holding or in the final year of a bachelor's degree relevant to their stream
Therefore, if you're determined to crack the exam, you may appear as often as necessary. With a proper strategy, adequate study timetable, and utilisation of the best GATE preparation books, GATE general aptitude book, and GATE previous papers, your chances of success are boosted every time you make an attempt.
FAQs About GATE Attempts
1. Can I try GATE after graduation?
Yes, you can. Most of the aspirants sit for GATE after gaining a few years of experience in the field.
2. Can I give GATE two times in a year?
Once. GATE is organised once a year, commonly in February. Nevertheless, from the year 2022 onwards, students have the option to appear in two papers (from authorised combinations of subjects) in a single attempt.
3. Is there any age restriction for GATE?
No. There is no maximum age to apply for GATE. Be 22, be 32, as long as you are eligible academically, you are welcome.
4. Is it possible to clear the GATE in more than one attempt?
Yes. Many candidates, in fact, score better in subsequent attempts by concentrating on weak areas and rehearsing with collections of GATE previous papers.
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Conclusion
The GATE examination is a great chance for students and working professionals to improve their educational and professional careers. As there are no attempts capped, you can appear multiple times without any concern for age or eligibility. It is your preparation strategy that actually makes a difference.
By repeatedly practising with GATE books and attempting GATE previous paper sets, and also improving your aptitude with a GATE general aptitude book, you can boost your score with every attempt and ultimately achieve your goal.
Therefore, if you are targeting IITs, NITs, IISc, or PSU employment, don't worry about previous performance. Utilise unlimited attempts judiciously, and success in GATE will surely follow you.
