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Is GATE Exam Online or Offline? Explore Changes in GATE Over Years

Is GATE Exam Online or Offline? Learn about the mode of GATE in this detailed guide, covering year-wise changes in GATE, online exam pattern details, and the subject-wise best GATE test series by PW.
authorImagePratibha Bohra23 Dec, 2023
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Is GATE Exam Online or Offline?

Is GATE Exam Online or Offline?: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), first conducted by IISc, Bengaluru, in 1984, has been administered about 33 times by 7 different IITs and IISc in India till now. Despite its long history, a common doubt among aspirants persists: "Is GATE Exam online or offline?"

Well, the answer to this commonly asked question is that GATE is an online computer-based test conducted only in English language. Aspirants interested in appearing for the GATE exam must do so online, as there's no other way. Continue reading to learn more about GATE and whether it is conducted online or offline.

Is GATE Exam Online or Offline?

GATE is conducted online and is also known as a computer-based Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering examination. GATE has been through many modifications over the years. The GATE examination's move to an online format offers a more efficient and simplified examination process, providing applicants with an easy-to-use interface to navigate through every aspect of the examination with ease. Moreover, aspirants preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering exam must become familiar with the online GATE test series since these practice assessments are designed in a manner identical to the actual examination. Enroll in the best GATE Test Series by Physics Wallah to excel in the upcoming GATE 2024 exam.

Is GATE 2024 Online or Offline?

GATE 2024 is going to be held in an online mode by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc, Bengaluru) on February 3, 4, 10, and 11. There will be a total of 65 questions worth 100 marks in each of the 30 papers under the GATE 2024 examination . Moreover, GATE 2024 is a computer-based test that can be given only in English through the allotted exam centers spread across the nation. Aspirants should be vigilant about their GATE examination center details. For more details about GATE, its examination pattern, and the past and latest updates, keep reading. Excel in the GATE 2024 examination with best-in-class GATE Online Courses by Physics Wallah. Enroll Now at an affordable price.

Is GATE a Written or Online Test? Overview

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, full form of GATE, is an online computer-based multipurpose test that is not only used to admit students to IITs, NITs, and IIITs, among other institutions, but is also often used as selection criteria in public sector undertaking (PSU) recruitments, making it a multipurpose examination. GATE was initially conducted offline as a written examination until 2010. The examination shifted to online mode in 2010 and was held only for two subjects: Textile Engineering and Mining Engineering. GATE 2010 was conducted by IIT, Guwahati, as a computer-based test for the first time since it was introduced in 1894.

GATE Exam Modifications Over the Years Highlights

In 2011, the GATE exam started to be held on computers for a few papers like Aerospace Engineering, Geology and Geophysics, Mining Engineering, and Textile Engineering. IIT Madras conducted the GATE 2011.
  • Every exam-related procedure, including applying and checking answers, began to be done online in GATE 2012. From the paper-based format, two more disciplines, Agricultural Engineering and Architecture and Planning, were added to the online computer-based test format.
  • In 2013, the method for calculating GATE scores was modified. For 2013-14, the old formula was utilized, and the new one was used for 2014-15.
  • GATE went entirely online in 2014 for all 22 subjects. The exam was held on weekends between February 1 and March 2. Some questions required numerical answers to be typed on the screen, while others were multiple-choice questions. GATE score validity has been increased from two to three years.
  • Following GATE 2015, which was conducted by IIT Kanpur, every exam-related procedure shifted online, from applying to receiving the scorecard. There were no printed scorecards; applicants could only download a digital copy.
  • In GATE 2016, physical calculators were prohibited and GATE virtual calculators came into existence.
  • In GATE 2017, conducted by IIT Roorkee, the Engineering Sciences Paper now includes a new section on Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Additionally, aspirants from specific foreign nations can also apply for GATE.
  • In GATE 2018, applicants had to select GATE exam centers from the same zone for their first two choices. GATE was held in 200 cities, and no thumbprint was required in the online application.
  • The late fee submission for the extended apply online period was introduced in GATE 2019. For foreign applicants, it was set to be 20 USD.
  • In GATE 2020, held by IIT Delhi, the inclusion of the new subject "Biomedical Engineering" was done.
  • Because of COVID-19, the GATE eligibility criteria for the 2021 session have been relaxed. Students in their third year of college are encouraged to apply. GATE 2021 was organized by IIT Bombay.
  • The GATE 2022 exam took place in 206 cities. Due to operational challenges, ten cities from the previous year were dropped.
Inclusion of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence paper done in 2023 for the forthcoming GATE 2024 examination by IISc, Bengaluru. The total number of GATE papers is now 30. Furthermore, two paper GATE combination list is also announced by the IISc for GATE 2024.

GATE Online Exam Pattern Overview

IISc, Bengaluru, released the GATE 2024 online exam pattern on the official website, gate2024.iisc.ac.in. The duration of the test will remain at 3 hours, and the GATE exam comprises 65 questions, which will be separated into two sections: general aptitude and core engineering subjects for test takers. Find out the key highlights of the GATE Online Exam Pattern in the table presented below.
GATE Online Exam Pattern Overview
Particulars Details
Is GATE Exam Online or Offline? Online (Computer Based Test)
Duration of Exam 3 Hours
Number of Papers in GATE 2024 30 Papers
Section Included in GATE 2024
  • General Aptitude (GA)
  • Candidate Selected Subject
Type of Questions
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Questions are Designed As Per The questions in GATE are designed to test the listed abilities of applicants:
  • Application
  • Analysis
  • Comprehension
  • Recall
  • Synthesis
Total Number of Questions 65 Questions
Distribution of Questions in all Papers except ST, AR, CY, GG, DA, EY, MA, PH, XH and XL
  • Engineering Mathematics: 13 Marks
  • Subject Questions: 72 Marks
  • General Aptitude: 15 Marks
Distribution of Questions in GG, ST, AR, CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, XH and XL
  • Questions from Core Subject: 85 Marks
  • General Aptitude: 15 Marks
Total Marks 100 Marks
GATE Marking Scheme All of the questions will carry 1 or 2 marks
GATE Negative Marking Types of MCQs in GATE:
  • MCQs: 1 mark for each right answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
  • MCQs: 2 marks for each right answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every wrong response.
  • There are no negative marks for MSQs and NAT questions.

GATE Online Test Series by Physics Wallah

After finding out if the GATE exam is online or offline, applicants who want to succeed in it must devote time to practice using the GATE Test Series. This approach helps aspirants improve their overall performance and their time management skills. Given the typically high difficulty level of the GATE exam, applicants must prepare thoroughly in order to meet the challenges efficiently. Applicants can enhance their scores and stay ahead of other applicants by taking these subject-specific PW GATE Test Series for ME, CE, EE, and ECE.

GATE Online Test Series by Physics Wallah

Name of the Test Series Enroll Here
GATE Test Series 2024: Mechanical Engineering Click Here!
GATE Test Series 2024: Civil Engineering Click Here!
GATE Test Series 2024: Electrical Engineering Click Here!
GATE Test Series 2024: Electronics and Communication Engineering Click Here!
GATE Test Series 2024: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Click Here!
The PW GATE Online Test Series, expertly designed by Physics Wallah's expert faculty members, aims to benefit applicants in their journey of GATE preparation. Aspirants who wish to get into PSUs through GATE are advised to attempt these GATE test series on a regular basis.

Is GATE Online or Offline? FAQs

Q. Is GATE Exam Online or Offline?

The GATE exam is a computer-based test. Aspirants can only appear for it in an online mode.

Q. Is GATE 2024 pen-and-paper-based or online?

GATE 2024 is going to be held in an online mode for the duration of 3 hours in the allotted examination centers.

Q. Can I appear for GATE from home?

Though GATE is a computer-based test, it is vital to remember that in order to give it, aspirants are required to be present at the GATE exam centers assigned to them by the exam-conducting authority.

Q. GATE परीक्षा ऑनलाइन है या ऑफलाइन?

GATE परीक्षा एक कंप्यूटर आधारित परीक्षा है। अभ्यर्थी इसके लिए केवल ऑनलाइन मोड में उपस्थित हो सकते हैं।
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