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Is GATE Tougher Than JEE? Explore GATE vs JEE Detailed Comparison

Is GATE Tougher than JEE? Uncover the detailed analysis of GATE vs JEE outlined in this comprehensive article, covering their key highlights, syllabuses, exam patterns, and other related details.
authorImageRiya Sharma30 Nov, 2023
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Is GATE Tougher Than JEE

Is GATE tougher than JEE? : One of the most common questions among students who wish to build their career in engineering and technology-related fields is, "Is GATE tougher than JEE?" To understand the answer to this question, it is necessary to first understand what these examinations are and what they are utilized for.

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, commonly known as GATE , is an entrance exam aspirants take in order to get admission into IITs, NITs, etc, to pursue higher studies such as M.Tech or PhD. JEE/ IIT JEE, also known as the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination, students can take right after passing their 10+2 in order to pursue a bachelor's degree program from a highly esteemed institution in India.

Is GATE Tougher than JEE?

When we compare the GATE vs JEE difficulty level, yes GATE can be considered the tougher one as it includes the questions from undergraduate level. On the other hand, JEE, both advanced and mains examinations, consists of questions and concepts related to the 11th and 12th classes. Additionally, in GATE, along with core engineering or undergrad subjects, students' knowledge of engineering mathematics and general aptitude concepts are also tested. To further understand the answer to the question "Is GATE tougher than JEE?" Let's learn about both examinations individually.

GATE- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, or GATE 2024 , is designed to evaluate applicants' comprehension and knowledge across multiple engineering, science, architecture, commerce, arts, etc subjects. Not only do GATE scores help in securing a seat within IITs, NITs, and IIITs for pursuing M.Tech, M.E., or PhD courses, but various prestigious PSUs also recruit through GATE scores. Read: PSU Jobs Through GATE 2024

What is JEE? - Understanding Joint Entrance Examination

The Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination, popularly known as the JEE or IIT JEE, is a specialized test for undergraduate engineering admissions. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult competitive exams, attracting students from all around the nation. JEE consists of two exams, JEE Main and JEE Advanced, which serve as a doorway to admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. JEE Main is the first stage, with JEE Advanced being the second and final examination in securing admission to IITs, NITs, and other popular institutions in India.

Is GATE Tougher Than JEE? GATE vs JEE Overview

The GATE examination allows students to gain admission to IITs and secure high-paying PSU, government, and other private sector jobs, whereas the JEE examination allows students to advance their careers in engineering and technology by providing admission to undergraduate B.Tech, B.E., and other relevant degree programs. Examine the table presented below to view the GATE vs JEE overview to gain valuable insights to determine if GATE is tougher than JEE.
GATE vs JEE Overview
Particulars GATE Exam JEE Exam
Examination Conducting Body Jointly Conducted by 7 IITs and IISc On Rotational Basis National Testing Agency (NTA)
Frequency of Examination Once a Year Twice a Year
Exam Level Postgraduate Undergraduate
Purpose of Examination PSU Jobs, Admission to Research or M. Tech programmes in IITs, NITs, etc Admission to Bachelor's, Integrated Masters and Dual Degree programs in the Sixteen IITs.
Exam Syllabus Core Engineering, Science, Commerce, and Other Undergrad Subjects CBSE Class 11th and 12th Syllabus
Marking Scheme All MCQs, MSQs, and NATs will carry 1 or 2 marks. All MCQs and Numerical Value Questions carries  4 marks each
Negative Marking Scheme Negative Marking of 1/3 mark for every 1 mark incorrect answer. Negative Marking of 2/3 mark for every 2 mark incorrect answer. No Negative Marking for MSQs and NATs. Negative Marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or equivalent subjects. Completion of 10+2 or equivalent exam with minimum 75 percent for UR and 65 percent  for SC/ST students.
Read: GATE 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

GATE vs JEE Advanced and Mains- Exam Pattern Comparison

To understand the answer to "Is GATE tougher than JEE?" aspirants should thoroughly analyze their syllabus and exam pattern. Because these both provide ample amounts of information on the difficulty level of both examinations.
  • The GATE examination aims to evaluate applicants' comprehension of different engineering, science, arts, or commerce subjects along with their applications.
  • Applicants appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) are required to complete the paper within 3 hours.
  • The types of questions that are included in the GATE exam are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type Questions (NATs) based on the applicant's selected engineering branches.
  • IISc, Bengaluru, is conducting the GATE 2024 for the upcoming year for a total of 30 subjects.
Read: GATE Exam Pattern 2024 On the contrary, JEE is curated for students who wish to gain admission to esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology for their undergraduate engineering studies after passing 12th classes.
  • The JEE examination is divided into two parts: JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. JEE Mains assesses students' understanding of subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
  • Whereas JEE Advanced, the final exam of the JEE, evaluated students' abilities in detailed problem-solving and the development of critical thinking skills.
  • JEE examination encompasses Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type Questions.
Read: JEE Advanced Exam Pattern 2024 When compared to the JEE syllabus, the GATE syllabus is noticeably more broad and in-depth. In addition, the GATE exam includes a higher degree of General Aptitude concepts. The mathematics syllabus in GATE is also more advanced than JEE.

Is GATE Tougher than JEE? Comparing Syllabuses

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, or GATE syllabus includes a total of 30 subjects based on engineering, technology, commerce, and arts disciplines. Whereas JEE syllabus for Mains and Advanced  is mostly based on higher secondary level physics, chemistry, and mathematics subjects. Only aspirants with a genuine interest in research, pursuing M.Tech programs, or securing PSU jobs through GATE scores opt to take the GATE exam. Despite having fewer applicants than JEE, anyone with a rank lower than 1000 is unlikely to be eligible for PSU jobs or IIT M.Tech programs. Let's take a look at the GATE vs JEE syllabuses to delve deeper into the Is GATE tougher than JEE question.

Is GATE Tougher than JEE? Syllabus Comparison

Exam Syllabus Competition Level Eligible Students
JEE (Mains and Advanced) CBSE Class 11th and 12th Subjects High Due to Larger Number of Participating Students Science Branch Students
GATE Undergraduation subjects in engineering, technology, science and arts or relevant fields Moderate to High Graduates with Relevant Subject Combinations
Read: GATE Eligibility Criteria 2024- Age Limit and Educational Qualifications

Is GATE Tougher than JEE? Key Points to Remember

Since it is based on the CBSE Class 11 and 12 curriculum, the JEE exam is recognized for its high level of competition, attracting students from the science stream. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), on the other hand, assesses the knowledge of applicants who have graduated in engineering or related subjects and are interested in research, M. Tech programs, or PSU careers.
  • While JEE attracts a large number of applications, GATE attracts fewer applicants, primarily those having determined career goals.
  • In comparison to JEE, where high scores are essential because of intense competition, GATE applicants scoring less than 1000 may not be considered for PSU jobs or IIT M. Tech courses, regardless of the lower number of test takers.
  • While GATE 2024 follows a single-paper format with multiple-choice questions, multiple select questions, and numerical answer-type questions, JEE is conducted in two parts: JEE Advanced and Mains.
  • Both examinations are conducted at the national level. While GATE is conducted once a year, the frequency of JEE is twice a year.
  • GATE is considered more tough to crack than JEE due to its extensive syllabus and high-level numerical questions.
  • While GATE not only offers the opportunity for higher education and research opportunities, it also serves as a pathway to jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). On the contract, JEE focuses mainly on admitting students to undergraduate programs that lay the foundation for their academic and professional journeys.
Enroll in the PW GATE Online Coaching Courses, curated to provide a comprehensive and effective strategy for upcoming GATE examinations. Do check out the GATE 2024 exam-related important links outlined below for more information and valuable resources.
GATE 2024 Important Links
GATE 2024 Registration GATE Exam Date 2024
GATE Exam Pattern GATE Syllabus 2024
GATE Application Form 2024 GATE 2024 FAQs
GATE Admit Card 2024 GATE Cut Off
GATE 2024 Exam GATE 2024 Test Series
GATE Notification 2024 GATE Previous Year Question Paper
GATE 2024 Login GATE Eligibility Criteria 2024

Is GATE Tougher Than JEE FAQs

Is GATE Tougher than the JEE exam?

Yes. In GATE, questions arise from undergrad coursework subjects of students whereas in JEE, questions are based on science concepts from the 11th and 12th classes. Read a more detailed GATE vs JEE comparison in the article above.

Which exam has high selection chances; GATE vs JEE?

While the GATE is tougher than JEE, the selection chances in JEE are less as a high number of students take the test every year. On the other hand, in GATE, aspirants with specific goals in mind appear for the examination, which increases the overall competition.

How is JEE different from the GATE exam?

The key difference between JEE and GATE is the eligibility to appear for the exam. Students after passing 10+2 with science are eligible to take JEE while students with bachelor's degrees can only appear for GATE in their respective subjects.

Can I prepare for GATE while studying for JEE?

No. The syllabus of GATE and JEE is totally different from each other. GATE has more advanced and complex subjects while JEE consists of concepts generally based on the PCM stream of classes 11th and 12th.
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