GATE

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national exam for admission to M.Tech, ME, MS, PhD programs and for PSU recruitment.

Key Facts

• Conducted jointly by IISc and 7 IITs on rotation
• Computer-based online test
• Open to final-year B.E./B.Tech/BSc students and graduates
• GATE score valid for 3 years
• Used by PSUs: IOCL, BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, GAIL, etc. for direct recruitment
• ~9 lakh candidates register annually across 30 subjects

Question Types

• MCQ (Multiple Choice): +1 or +2 marks, 1/3 negative marking
• MSQ (Multiple Select): +1 or +2in marks, no negative
• NAT (Numerical Answer): +1 or +2 marks, no negative

Sections

• General Aptitude (GA): 10 questions, 15 marks
• Subject-specific: 55 questions, 85 marks

• GATE Official Website
• GOAPS — GATE Online Application

• GATE score is generally valid for multi-year higher-study use (check current policy).
• PSU recruitment uses exam-cycle specific notifications and cutoffs.
• IIT/NIT admissions run through COAP/CCMT style centralized pathways plus institute applications.