5 Unrevealed Hidden Facts Regarding The GATE Exam and Preparation

The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam is a well-known and highly competitive exam in India for admission to postgraduate engineering programs and for recruiting engineers in various public sector companies.

Here you will know 5 unrevealed hidden facts regarding the GATE exam and preparation that are not widely known.

This exam is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board - GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India.

5 Unrevealed Facts About GATE Exam

1. The GATE Exam is not just for Engineers

The GATE exam is not only for engineering graduates but those from other streams can also appear for it. Students having government-approved degree programs in Engineering / Technology / Architecture / Science / Commerce / Arts are eligible for appearing in the GATE 2024.

For Example, B.Sc, B.Arch, M.Sc. etc are eligible for GATE Exam 2024.

Additionally, Candidates can join any good institute to prepare for this exam. Physics Wallah is one of the most trusted institutes in India, where GATE exam preparation is available at a very affordable cost.

2. The Exam is not limited to India

Apart from students living in India, students from abroad can also attempt the GATE exam. However, there are only selected countries where this exam is conducted. At the time of covid 19, organising this exam in foreign countries was stopped.

International students had the option to change the centre for GATE 2024. Also, no exams were held at these 7 international centres.

• Dhaka (Bangladesh)
• Kathmandu (Nepal)
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
• Male (Maldives)
• Port Louis (Mauritius)
• Singapore (Singapore)
• Thimphu (Bhutan)

But, students can take the exam at centres in India.

3. The GATE Score Validity

The validity of GATE scores varies depending on the institute or organisation to which you are applying to. Usually, the validity period of GATE scores is for a maximum of three years from the date of the examination.

It means once you crack the GATE exam you can apply for admission in post-graduate programs or for jobs in relevant fields as per the time period given below:

• GATE Score is valid for 3 Years to take admission to PG program in IITs & NITs.
• For most PSUs, the GATE scorecard is valid for only 1 Year.

So, candidates who have qualified in GATE 2024 exam can take admission to M.Tech for the next three years after the GATE result. The scores will be valid only for one year for the candidate seeking a job at PSU.

4. This Exam has a Low Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for GATE varies depending on the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the examination, and the number of seats available in the institutions accepting GATE scores.

As GATE is a highly competitive examination, the acceptance rate can be quite low, particularly for top engineering institutes and companies.

On average, 8 to 9 Lac students appear in the GATE Exam annually. Only 15-20% of students qualify for GATE. However, this percentage can vary greatly from year to year and from one branch of engineering to another.

It is important to note that the acceptance rate for GATE is not officially published by the organising body. The information available is only an estimate, based on the number of applicants and the number of seats available.

5. The GATE Exam is Constantly Evolving

The GATE exam is reviewed and updated every year to keep pace with the changing needs of the industry and academia. The changes made to the GATE exam pattern over the years have been aimed at improving the quality and fairness of the test.

Some of the ways in which the GATE examination has evolved over time are

• Expansion of disciplines - Over the years, the number of disciplines covered by the GATE examination has increased. This reflects the growing diversity of the engineering profession. The examination now covers 29 different branches.
• Computer-based format - The GATE examination was previously a pen-and-paper test. But, it is a computer-based test now.
• Changes to the question paper - The question paper for the GATE examination has been regularly reviewed and updated. In fact, the examination now includes a mix of MCQs, NATs, and MSQs questions.
• Increased focus on practical applications - The GATE examination has placed a greater emphasis on practical applications. This reflects the increasing importance of hands-on experience in the field.

These changes have helped to keep the GATE examination relevant and up-to-date. It remains a benchmark for measuring the aptitude of engineering graduates for higher studies and for professional careers.

Conclusion

In short, these are some of the lesser-known facts about the GATE exam preparation that is worth knowing. However, it's important to note that these details may change over time, and it's always a good idea to check the official GATE website for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the success rate of GATE?

Ans. It is difficult to provide a definitive success rate for GATE, as this information is not officially published by the organizing body. However, based on past years' data, it is estimated that only 18-19% of applicants are able to secure admission to postgraduate programs or jobs through GATE Exam.

Q2. How many GATE papers can I apply?

Ans. A candidate can appear for ONE or TWO papers of the 29 papers listed on the GATE Notification or GATE website. Some guidelines are

• The candidates can appear in the paper(s) (up to two as per the given set of combinations) appropriate to the discipline of their qualifying degree.
• The candidates can choose any other paper according to their admission plan. They should keep in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions to which they wish to seek admission.

Q3. I am currently in 3rd year B.A./B.Com./B.Sc. Can i appear for GATE-2024?

Ans. YES, any UG student currently in 3rd year or higher years of any government-approved program in Engineering/Commerce/Science/Technology/Architecture/Arts is eligible to appear for GATE 2024.