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The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into M.Tech, M.E., Ph.D. programs in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other top institutions. Additionally, GATE scores are widely used for recruitment in PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) like IOCL, ONGC, NTPC, and BHEL.
If you’re preparing for GATE 2025, this guide covers exam dates, syllabus, preparation strategies, cutoff trends, and career opportunities after GATE.
Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Conducting Body | IISc Bangalore (GATE 2025) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree Holders (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc./B.Arch.) |
| Subjects Covered | 29 Papers |
| Marking Scheme | +1/+2 for Correct Answers, Negative Marking for MCQs |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Official Website | gate.iisc.ac.in |
Pro Tip: GATE scores are valid for 3 years for M.Tech admissions and for PSU recruitment depending on the company’s criteria.
GATE 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Registration Starts | August 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2025 |
| Exam Dates | February 2025 |
| Results Declaration | March 2025 |
| COAP & CCMT Counselling Begins | April 2025 |
Pro Tip: PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, and NTPC accept only GATE scores from the current year for recruitment!
Fee Details
The GATE exam fee for 2025 varies depending on the candidate’s category and whether they register during the regular or extended period.
Regular period
· Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates: ₹900 per test paper
· All other candidates, including foreign nationals: ₹1800 per test paper
Extended period
· Female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates: ₹1400 per test paper
· All other candidates, including foreign nationals: ₹2300 per test paper
Late fee
Candidates who register for the GATE exam after the closing date of registration will have to pay a late fee. The late fee is ₹1400 for female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, and ₹2300 for all other candidates.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025
GATE consists of 29 subjects (papers). Candidates can appear for one or two papers as per the combination allowed.
Exam Format
| Feature | Description |
| GATE Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| GATE Exam Language | English |
| GATE Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| GATE Sectional Time Limit | None |
| GATE Total Marks | 100 |
| GATE Total Number of questions | 65 |
| GATE Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ); Multiple Select Questions (MSQ); Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| GATE Number of Sections | Two/ Three (depending on the paper) |
| GATE Section-wise Number of Questions | General Aptitude- 10 questions, Core Discipline- 55 questions |
| GATE Section-wise Weightage | General Aptitude- 15 marks, Core Discipline- 85 marks |
| GATE Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer |
| GATE Negative Marking | For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer; For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer; No negative marking for MSQs and NATs |
Key Points:
- Question Types: MCQs, MSQs (Multiple Select Questions), NAT (Numerical Answer Type).
- Negative Marking: -1/3 for 1-mark MCQs, -2/3 for 2-mark MCQs. No negative marking for NAT & MSQs.
- Exam Duration: 3 hours, single session.
Pro Tip: Focus more on Core Subject and Engineering Mathematics as they carry the most weightage!
Eligibility Criteria
To appear for GATE 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Educational Qualification
Final-year students and graduates of B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc./B.Arch./M.Sc./MCA are eligible.
Candidates from Arts & Commerce backgrounds can also apply for select GATE papers.
2. Age Limit
No age limit for appearing in GATE!
3. Number of Attempts
No limit! Candidates can appear for GATE multiple times.
GATE 2025 Syllabus
GATE covers 29 papers, including Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Core Engineering Subjects (Most Popular)
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Civil Engineering (CE)
Electrical Engineering (EE)
Computer Science (CS)
Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC)
Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
Chemical Engineering (CH)
Science & Interdisciplinary Papers
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences
Geology & Geophysics, Environmental Science, Data Science
Pro Tip: Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude contribute nearly 30% of the total marks!
GATE 2024 Branch-Wise cutoff marks
| Paper | GEN | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
| Aerospace Engineering | 33.3 | 29.9 | 22.1 |
| Agricultural Engineering | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| Architecture and Planning | 41.5 | 37.3 | 27.6 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| Biotechnology | 38.9 | 35 | 25.9 |
| Civil Engineering | 28.3 | 25.4 | 18.8 |
| Chemical Engineering | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| Computer Science and Information Technology | 27.6 | 24.8 | 18.4 |
| Chemistry | 25.2 | 22.6 | 16.7 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 37.1 | 33.3 | 24.7 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| Electrical Engineering | 25.7 | 23.1 | 17.1 |
| Environmental Science and Engineering | 37.9 | 34.1 | 25.2 |
| Ecology and Evolution | 35.8 | 32.2 | 23.8 |
| Geomatics Engineering | 41.1 | 36.9 | 27.4 |
| Geology and Geophysics (Geology) | 42 | 37.8 | 28 |
| Geology and Geophysics (Geophysics) | 49 | 44.1 | 32.6 |
| Instrumentation Engineering | 32.7 | 29.4 | 21.8 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 28.6 | 25.7 | 19 |
| Mining Engineering | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
| Metallurgical Engineering | 41 | 36.9 | 27.3 |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 25.1 | 22.5 | 16.7 |
| Petroleum Engineering | 42.6 | 38.3 | 28.4 |
| Physics | 32 | 28.8 | 21.3 |
| Production and Industrial Engineering | 30.5 | 27.4 | 20.3 |
| Statistics | 26.6 | 23.9 | 17.7 |
| Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | 28.1 | 25.2 | 18.7 |
| Engineering Sciences | 36.2 | 32.5 | 24.1 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (Economics) | 37 | 33.3 | 24.6 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (English) | 48 | 43.2 | 32 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (Linguistics) | 49.7 | 44.7 | 33.1 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (Philosophy) | 39.3 | 35.3 | 26.1 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (Psychology) | 52.7 | 47.4 | 35.1 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (Sociology) | 36 | 32.4 | 24 |
| Life Sciences | 29.3 | 26.3 | 19.5 |
Pro Tip: The cutoff varies every year based on the difficulty level of the exam!
Preparation Strategy for GATE 2025
Understand Exam Pattern & Syllabus – Analyze previous years’ papers.
Solve Mock Tests & PYQs – Attempt at least 10-15 years of previous papers.
Concept-Based Learning – Build a strong foundation in key subjects.
Use Standard Books – Follow top-recommended study materials.
Time Management – Solve 100+ mock tests before the exam.
Recommended Books for GATE:
- Mechanical Engineering: RK Bansal, P. K. Nag
- Electrical Engineering: JB Gupta, Nagrath & Kothari
- Computer Science: NPTEL, Data Structures by Narasimha Karumanchi
- Civil Engineering: R. Agor, B.C. Punmia
- General Aptitude: RS Aggarwal
Colleges & PSUs Accepting GATE Scores
Top IITs & NITs for M.Tech Admissions
🏛 IIT Bombay
🏛 IIT Delhi
🏛 IIT Madras
🏛 IIT Kanpur
🏛 NIT Trichy
🏛 NIT Surathkal
Top PSUs Recruiting Through GATE
🏢 IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Limited)
🏢 ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation)
🏢 NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation)
🏢 BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited)
🏢 DRDO (Defense Research & Development Organization)
Pro Tip: A high GATE score (750+ out of 1000) is required for PSU recruitment!
GATE vs. Other Exams
| Feature | GATE | ESE (IES) | CAT (For MBA) |
| Purpose | M.Tech, PSU Jobs | Govt. Engineering Jobs | MBA Admissions |
| Conducted By | IIT/IISc | UPSC | IIMs |
| Exam Mode | CBT | Offline | CBT |
| Difficulty Level | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Opportunities | M.Tech, PSU, PhD | Govt. Jobs | MBA Colleges |
Pro Tip: If you’re interested in technical research or PSU jobs, GATE is the best choice!
Final Tips for GATE Aspirants
Revise Regularly & Take Notes
Solve Full-Length Mock Tests
Use Online Resources (Unacademy, NPTEL, GateForum)
Stay Consistent & Avoid Distractions
Conclusion
GATE is a highly competitive but rewarding exam that opens doors to M.Tech at IITs, PSU jobs, and global research opportunities. With the right strategy and dedication, you can crack GATE and secure your dream career!