1. GATE PREPARATION STRATEGY
Explore Opportunity
Dr.K.ARUMUGANAINAR,M.E.,Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
2. INDEX
What is GATE?
GATE exam conducting institutes
Why GATE
Objective of GATE exams
Eligibility criteria for GATE
GATE papers
Application Process
GATE exam pattern
Design of questions
GATE preparation tips
Is Coaching necessary?
Role of test series
Qualifying Marks
3. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
An all-India examination
Administered and conducted in Eight zones across the country
GATE Committee comprising faculty from
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Seven Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the
National Coordinating Board (NCB)- GATE,
Department of Education, MHRD, Government of India.
What is GATE?
4. The zones and the corresponding administrative institutes are :
GATE exam conducting institutes
Organizing
Institute for
GATE
Zone 1 –
IISc
Bangalore
Zone 2 –
IIT
Bombay
Zone 3 –
IIT Delhi
Zone 4 –
IIT
Guwahati
Zone 5 –
IIT
Kanpur
Zone 6 –
IIT
Kharagpur
Zone 7 –
IIT Madras
Zone 8 –
IIT
Roorkee
Organizing Institute for GATE 2025– IIT Roorkee
5. GATE is an entry to M.Tech. / Ph.D.
M.Tech. degree leads to specialization and furthering of
interest in a certain area which may lead to Ph.D.
M.Tech. degree is best for those wishing to apply for Faculty/
Research positions in educational Institutes/R&D centers.
More and better companies recruit from leading institutes.
GATE is entry for PSUs job opportunities like BARC, BEL,
ONGS, IOC etc. List of Maharatna, Navratna and
miniratna CPSEs.pdf
Higher salaries are offered to M.Tech. holders as compared to
B.Tech. / B.E.
Why should we take GATE?
6. Scholarship is paid during M.Tech., so student can easily afford
his needs.
M.Tech. programme is a 4 semester programme; so we get
More time to work out career opportunities.
Some colleges/Institutes specify GATE as mandatory
qualification even for admission of self financing students.
Some industries and foreign universities have indicated their
interest in GATE qualified candidates.
GATE qualified candidates in Engineering discipline are also
eligible for the award of Junior Research Fellowship in CSIR
Laboratories.
Why should we take GATE?.........
7. Objectives of GATE Exam
To identify meritorious and motivated candidates
for admission to Post Graduate Programmes in
Engineering, Technology, Architecture and
Pharmacy at the National level.
To serve as benchmark for normalization of the
Undergraduate Engineering Education in the country.
8. A candidate who is currently studying in the 3rd
or higher years of any undergraduate degree
program OR who has already completed any
government approved degree program in
Engineering / Technology / Architecture/ Science
/ Arts / Humanities is Eligible for appearing in
the GATE 2025 Exam
Eligibility criteria for GATE
9. 1. AE: Aerospace Engineering
2. AG: Agricultural Engineering
3. AR: Architecture and Planning
4. BT: Biotechnology
5. CE: Civil Engineering
6. CH: Chemical Engineering
7. CS: Computer Sc. and Information
Technology ( CS )
8. CY: Chemistry
9. EC: Electronics and Communication
Engg. (EC )
10. EE: Electrical Engineering ( EE )
11. GG: Geology and Geophysics
12. IN: Instrumentation Engineering
13. MA: Mathematics
14. ME: Mechanical Engineering
15. MN: Mining Engineering
16. MT: Metallurgical Engineering
17. PE: Petroleum Engineering
18. PH: Physics
19. PI: Production and Industrial
Engineering
20. TF: Textile Engineering and Fibre
Science
21. EY: Ecology and Evolution
GATE PAPERS
10. Application process
Event Day Date
GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) opens Saturday August 24, 2024
Closing date of regular online registration/applications Thursday September 26, 2024
End of extended period for online registration/application
(with late fee)
Monday October 7, 2024
Last date for change of Category, Paper and Examination City,
adding a new test paper, and change of personal details
(additional fee applicable per change)
Wednesday November 6, 2024
Admit Cards available for download Thursday January 2, 2025
GATE 2025 Examination Dates Forenoon: G:30
AM to 12:30 PM (IST) Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 5:30
PM (IST)
Saturday
Sunday
Saturday
Sunday
February 1, 2025
February 2, 2025
February 15, 2025
February 16, 2025
Announcement of results in the
GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) Wednesday
March 19, 2025
Score Cards available for free download Friday
to Saturday
March 28, 2025
to
May 31, 2025
Score Cards available for download by paying a fee of Rs.
500 per test paper
Sunday to
Wednesday
June 1, 2025 to
December 31, 2025
11. Application Fees (per test paper) in :
₹
Gender/ Category Regular Period Extended period
Female/ SC/ ST/ PwD 900/- 1400/-
Other Candidates 1800/- 2300/-
Application Fee
12. GATE Exam Pattern
Section Question
No.
No. of
questions
Marks per
question
Total
marks
General
aptitude
1 to 5 5 1 5
6 to 10 5 2 10
Technical+
mathematics
1 to 25
25 1 25
26 to 55
30 2 60
13. Total questions:65 Total marks:100
Total
duration:180min
Technical section :
70 marks
General aptitude:
15 marks
Mathematics :15 marks
25 marks to 40 marks will be allotted to Numerical Answer Type
Questions
GATE Exam Pattern……
14. GATE examination consists of Multiple Choice and Numerical
Answer type questions.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
These questions are objective in nature and each question will
have choice of four answers, out of which the candidate has to
mark the correct answer. Each question carries 1 or 2 marks in
all the sections.
Numerical Answer Questions
There will be no choices available for these types of questions. A
Numeric Answer question carries 1 or 2 marks questions in all
sections. The answer for these questions is a real number to be
entered by using mouse and virtual keypad displayed on the
monitor. No negative marking for these questions.
GATE Exam Pattern……
15. Questions Type Marks Negative Marking
Multiple Choice
Questions (MCQs)
1 mark 0.33 [1/3]
2 marks 0.66 [2/3]
Numerical Answer
Questions
1 mark Nil
2 marks Nil
GATE Exam Pattern……
16. Design of Questions
The questions in a paper may be designed to test the following
abilities:
(i) Recall: These are based on facts, principles, formulae or laws
in the discipline of the paper. The candidate is expected to be able
to obtain the answer either from his/her memory of the subject or
at most from a one-line computation.
Example:
Q. During machining, maximum heat is produced
(A) in flank face (B) in rake face
(C) in shear zone (D) due to friction between chip and tool
17. (ii) Comprehension: These questions will test the candidate’s
understanding of the basics of his/her field, by requiring him/her
to draw simple conclusions from fundamental ideas.
Example
Q. A DC motor requires a starter in order to
(A)develop a starting torque
(B) compensate for auxiliary field ampere turns
(C) limit armature current at starting
(D)provide regenerative braking
Design of Questions ……
18. (iii) Application: In these questions, the candidate is expected to
apply his/her knowledge either through computation or by logical
reasoning.
Example
Q. The sequent depth ratio of a hydraulic jump in a rectangular
channel is 16.48. The Froude number at the beginning of the jump
is:
(A)5.0 (B) 8.0 (C) 10.0 (D) 12.0
The questions based on the above logics may be a mix of single
standalone statement/phrase/data type questions, combination
of option codes type questions or match items type questions.
Design of Questions ……
19. (iv) Analysis and Synthesis: In these questions, the candidate is
presented with data, diagrams, images, etc. that require analysis
before a question can be answered.
A Synthesis question might require the candidate to compare
two or more pieces of information.
Questions in this category could, for example, involve
candidates in recognizing unstated assumptions, or separating
useful information from irrelevant information.
Design of Questions ……
20. GATE Exam preparation strategy
If you are fresher and preparing first time then I would suggest
you the following approach to be adopted-
Define your aim and target the desired exam right from the
beginning. You should examine closely the examination
pattern, syllabus and the level of difficulty.
The first step for amateurs should be, to go through
previous years’ question papers of the aimed exam and
identify what type of questions are asked, like whether it is
theoretical (then what subjects/which topics are mostly
asked) or derivations or numerical type.
Keep one best reference book for each subject. You are not
advised to read too many books for each subject;
practically it is not possible in limited time frame.
21. Preparing for GATE needs time and strategic
planning along with implementation but even before
that, first, introspect yourself of what you are weak in
and what you are strong at.
It is always advised to first finish up the part that
interests you or sections you are strong in. This helps
to build confidence and assures you increase in score.
GATE Preparation Tips-1
22. The Second step is to take up the sections you are
weak at. The focus must be on clearing basic to
advance concepts first followed by practicing the
questions until you attain accuracy.
If your fundamentals are strong, your fear for the
topic will get away. Schedule more hours if you do
not feel confident about a particular chapter or
section, because you cannot skip any section if you
want to get good rank.
GATE Preparation Tips-2
23. Keep looking and solving previous year’s question
paper to have a fair idea of what level and type of
questions to expect in your GATE exam.
The questions may be tested in the form of Recall ,
Comprehension, Application, Analysis and Synthesis,
Common Data Based Questions, Linked Answer
Questions Memorize Formulas and short cut on your
tips and make note of every chapter or topic. This
helps a lot in last weeks of exam.
GATE Preparation Tips-3
24. Detailed syllabus and multiple study resources must
be with you to not skip even a single topic. Many
books have previous year’s question paper along with
sample papers. Browse through them and solve when
you feel 80% of your preparation is done. Assess the
mock test results to analyze your weak and strong
area and accordingly work on them.
GATE Preparation Tips-4
25. Maintain study routine and disciplined efforts, along
with having gaps in between for leisure time and
other entertainment. A healthy body and sound mind
will let you stay focused.
GATE Preparation Tips-5
26. Make an overall plan of your career
Define immediate and ultimate goals of your career
Make a roadmap to execute in most effective
manner.
Being an engineer you should understand the
importance of planning and execution of the plan.
The Study Regime
27. Make a habit of reading and revising simultaneously.
While studying a particular subject; devote 70-80% of self
study time in developing concepts of new subject and rest 20-
30% time should be religiously devoted for revision of already
completed topics/subjects.
Towards months closer to exam, increase the revision time for
proper retention of concepts till exam day.
While revising, make sure you do the following:
Review of class notes
Revise underlined/ highlighted portion of text book.
Then attempt only the marked questions once more
If time permits, then start with new set of questions.
Make a REVISION plan
28. Make Micro notes:
After finishing every subject make micro notes, which have
only principal formulae/ diagrams/ concepts of at most
importance, especially note down the area which you find
difficult to remember. Then, once this is done, take a snapshot
and store in your mobile gallery. These will be your Digital
Micro Notes, which can be revised anywhere and everywhere,
while travelling, gap between two classes, free time.
Flow like a river:
Be loquacious and discussion oriented with friends and seniors
and keep on clearing your doubts, don't allow to accumulate the
doubts which may result in mental stress. Also interact with
successful seniors and fellow mates to know about their path of
success/strategy, it is synonymous with river water which when
flows gets self purified.
Make a REVISION plan ……
29. Coaching gives you the proper direction towards the
preparation
If you want to join in coaching , join in 3rd
year even semester
since most of the gate syllabus is covered in academic
curriculum
There are so many students who got good results without
coaching by following proper plan.
If you don’t have good basics in subjects you should join a
coaching otherwise no need.
Is Coaching is Necessary?
30. Familiarize yourself with the final exam environment
Helps in time management
Increases self-confidence.
The amount of mistakes can be reduced
Helps you to get instant results and analysis
Role of Test Series
31. S. No Paper Name
Paper
Code
Qualifying Marks
General OBC (NCL) SC/ST/PwD
1
Aerospace
Engineering
AE 33.3 29.9 22.1
2
Agricultural
Engineering
AG 25 22.5 16.6
3
Architecture and
Planning
AR 41.5 37.3 27.6
4 Biotechnology BT 38.9 35 25.9
5 Civil Engineering CE 28.3 25.4 18.8
6
Chemical
Engineering
CH 25 22.5 16.6
7
Computer Science
and Information
Technology
CS 27.6 24.8 18.4
Qualifying Marks? 2024
32. S.
No
Paper Name
Paper
Code
Qualifying Marks
General OBC (NCL) SC/ST/PwD
8 Chemistry CY 25.2 22.6 16.7
9
Electronics and
Communication
Engineering
EC 25 22.5 16.6
10
Electrical
Engineering
EE 25.7 23.1 17.1
11
Ecology and
Evolution
EY 35.8 32.2 23.8
12
Geology and
Geophysics
GG 42 37.8 28
13
Instrumentation
Engineering
IN 32.7 29.4 21.8
14 Mathematics MA 25 22.5 16.6
Qualifying Marks?
33. S. No Paper Name
Paper
Code
Qualifying Marks
General OBC (NCL) SC/ST/PwD
15 Mechanical
Engineering
ME 28.6 25.7 19
16 Mining Engineering MN 25 22.5 16.6
17 Metallurgical
Engineering
MT 41 36.9 27.3
18 Petroleum
Engineering
PE 42.6 38.3 28.4
19 Physics PH 32 28.8 21.3
20 Production and
Industrial
Engineering
PI 30.5 27.4 20.3
21 Textile Engineering
and Fibre Science
TF 28.1 25.2 18.7
Qualifying Marks?........
34. What’s next after GATE?
Higher Education Options after GATE :
M-Tech, ME or MS course from an institution of your choice,
based on your GATE rank, specialization area, and academic
interests.
If you have a good rank, then you may easily go for an ME or
M-Tech programme at an IIT, NIT, or IISc.
IITs and IISC through separate interviews
NITs through CCMT Counseling
option of pursuing a PhD programme in engineering after
completing ME/M-Tech.
35. Job options after GATE:
Through Campus Placement:
In all top engineering institutes, including IITs, NITs, PEC,
IISC, and DCE, ME or M-Tech students can get very good job
placements in renowned companies.
Firms like Google, Samsung, Tata, Maruti, Cisco, and several
other good companies pick engineering candidates holding a
Masters-level qualification.
In Private Sector:
Many private firms are now inclined towards recruiting
talented engineering postgraduates in their R&D and other
departments.
In fact, companies have been giving preference to GATE-
qualified candidates over BE/B-Tech students.
36. In Foreign Firms:
As GATE is considered while admitting you in a postgraduate
course in a foreign university, it can also offer an advantage
while seeking a job in a foreign company.
In Teaching Jobs:
Many private institutes in India prepare students for the GATE
exam. You can also take up a teaching job at such institutes that
pay high salaries to GATE instructors.
In Public Sector:
Many public sector undertakings such as BHEL, IOC, NTPC,
BPCL, BARC, HPCL, etc., are using the GATE score for
selecting candidates for their organizations.
The pay packages in these jobs are no less than the packages
offered by top private firms.
Job options after GATE……….