When students are getting prepared for competitive exams, one of the often asked questions by students is which one is tougher between GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) or JEE (Joint Entrance Examination). Both exams are recognized and important examinations for engineering students, but their objectives are different and so are their patterns.
The JEE is basically an undergraduate examination which examines the head of the learners in the basic subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Uppermost institutes like IITs and NITs also have JEE as an entrance-level requirement. On the other hand, GATE caters to students who have obtained a degree and aims to evaluate their proficiency in a particular area of engineering for purposes of seeking admission in master programs or employment with government agencies and public enterprises.
Differences Between GATE and JEE
1. Academic Level and Content:
First and foremost, the scope of the syllabus needs to be analyzed. In JEE, checking concepts is done whereas in GATE the understanding is of core subjects. For example, if you are from a mechanical engineering background, the GATE syllabus will include more advanced studies in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, etc. This tendency towards the understanding of the acquired broad understanding of specialized areas makes GATE harder concerning the technical content. In order to secure success at this level, training materials such as the efficient GATE books and GATE previous papers are regularly solved as a matter of inclusions.
2. Type of Questions:
Problems which are time-based or which emphatically point towards a solution within a limited span are frequent in JEE, and therefore, speed combined with accuracy is critical, as well as enormous problem-solving capabilities. Working on the problem-solving aspects, the questions in GATE will mostly be based on the concepts and how you are able to use them to skin the problem at hand. Consideration of various factors of aptitude is also vital in adjusting the score, even if the general and any engineering orientation is well mastered. It is important to mention that to perform well in this part of the exam; it is advisable to look at a good aptitude book for GATE.
Read More: Are Previous Papers Enough for GATE?
3. Objective Component:
As opposed to JEE, GATE comes with a section that assesses general working standards. This deals with the evaluation of your reasoning ability, English language, and quantitative skills. This section is relatively the simplest among the other sections, but it should not be ignored. There are specific Aptitude books that are geared towards helping you learn effectively for GATE.
Practice through the mock tests as well as Books for JEE Mains to sharpen your ability in this aspect.
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for GATE 2025 Exam
Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Previous Year Question Papers for GATE 2025 Exam
4. Level of Competition:
Notably, a common feature of both exams is that they are highly competitive. However, the case is different with JEE, where the number of potential candidates is very high. This exacerbates the stress levels in students owing to the high level of competition. However, GATE is difficult in that it has people who want higher education or jobs in technical careers, hence fewer applicants. However, the level of the exam is such that adequate preparation is required in terms of GATE books and practicing GATE previous papers over and over again.
