Exam Pattern
GATE Exam Pattern- Highlights, Marking Scheme, and Exam Dates
Many candidates undertake the GATE exam aspiringto higher education in an eminent institute or to avail of many career opportunities. Once the GATE exams are over, the eligible candidates are shortlisted based on the written exam/personal interview for admission to the top organization/ career options.
Knowing the exam pattern is essential to prepare for the GATE exam. Read the complete article to learn about the GATE exam pattern, exam dates, and more.
From this article, you will know
- What is GATE Exam Pattern?
- Highlights of the GATE Question Pattern
- Syllabus for GATE Exam
- GATE Exam Dates
- GATE Eligibility Criteria
Check the GATE Exam Pattern
1. GATE 2023 Exam Pattern
GATE 2023 exam pattern involves three sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Technical Topics. Let's see each section's coverage in detail below:
The General Aptitude section covers two sub-topics: Verbal Aptitude and Numerical aptitude. Verbal aptitude covers basic English grammar, sentence completion, vocabulary,and word groups. The numerical aptitude section covers mathematical problems which should be solved through the basic formulas and standard rules.
Under this section, you will be asked to solve complex real-world problems based on mathematical methods and strategies. These questions are given to the candidates to test theirproblem-solvingcapacity.
The technical topic section covers questions based on the subject-specific concepts depending on the selection of discipline. For instance, if your discipline is Electrical Engineering, you will be answering the questions like the Electromagnetic field, Signals and Systems, and more.
- General Aptitude
- Engineering Mathematics
- Technical Topics
2. GATE 2023 Question Paper Pattern Overview
The GATE 2023 exam will be held for 3 hours, and the candidates must answer all the 65 questions provided. Check the below table to know the particulars of question types, marking schemes, and more.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Total Number of questions | 65 |
| Number of Sections | General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Discipline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking Scheme | For every MCQ 1-mark, 1/3 mark will be reduced for a wrong answer chosen. For every MCQ 2-mark, 2/3 mark will be reduced for a wrong answer chosen. No negative marking for MSQ & NAT. |
3. Nature of GATE Exam Questions
The GATE 2023 Exam comprises questions of different nature. Listed below are the different types of GATE questions.
Recall: These questions are based on facts, principles, laws, formulas, etc. These are straightforward questions that candidates can answer from their memory or a simple calculation.
Comprehension: These questions test a candidate's knowledge of core concepts. Candidates are expected to derive solutions from their field of study.
Application: Logical reasoning and computational skills are essential to answer the questions in this section.
Analysis: In this type, you will be asked to analyze your given data and conclude based on synthesis.
Common Data Problems: Multiple questions are presented with a data passage or graph. Candidates are required to refer to the data and solve problems.
Linked Answer Question: This section comprises a problem statement using which candidates have to solve 2 questions. The questions are linked to each other, meaning the second question relies on the first question's answer.
4. GATE Exam Syllabus
GATE 2023 syllabus is divided into three sections. Read more to know all the topics that come under each section.
The General Aptitude section includes the following topics. Let's have a look at them:
Verbal Ability
- Grammar
- Sentence Completion
- Word Groups
- Instructions
- Critical Reasoning
- Verbal Analogies
- Verbal Deduction
Numerical Ability
- Data Interpretation
- Numerical computation
- Numerical Reasoning
- Numerical Estimation.
The Engineering Mathematics section includes the following topics. Some topics are common for all the branches, whereas some topics are allotted for only particular branches. Let's have a look at them:
- Linear Algebra (For all branches)
- Calculus (For all branches)
- Differential Equations (For all branches)
- Probability and Statistics (For all branches)
- Complex Analysis (Mathematical Engineering)
- Transform Theory (For GATE EE and ME)
- Discrete Mathematics (GATE CS)
Check the subject-specific syllabus first to prepare for the GATE technical topics. It is an important section as many questions will come from the technical part.Candidates are advised not to leave this section behind because it is the highest-scoring point.
You can check all the GATE syllabi for 29 disciplines from here.
5. GATE 2023 Exam Dates
The GATE 2023 exam is heldin the 1st or 2nd week of February. Some GATE exams will be conducted in two sessions,forenoon and afternoon. More candidates attempt GATE exams right after their engineering graduation, and this helps in providing employment opportunities in PSUs.
6. GATE 2023 Eligibility Criteria
The candidate should know the eligibility criteria to apply for the GATE exam. However, candidates can check them in detail. If you meet their standard requirement, you can apply for the program.
- For the GATE exam, the minimum education qualification is that the candidatesshould have completed the 10th, 12th, & an under-degree program.Candidates in the third year of their undergraduate program are eligible to apply.
- The candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or Post Graduation in a relevant discipline.
- No upper age limits
- The nationality of the candidate can be Indian, Foreign, or NRI
GATE Requirement for Foreign or NRI Students
Students whostay abroadand want to attemptthe GATE 2023 exam should follow the requirement.
- Students holdinga bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology are eligible to apply.
- An undergraduate currently in the third or final year of the relevant course can apply for the program.
7. GATE Selection Process
Candidatesmust apply to the relevant institutes according to the admission notification. For getting admission to NIT, a candidate must undergo counseling conducted by CCMT (Centralized Counselling for MTech) process.
According to the MHRD guidelines, for the test/interview-based selection process, 70% of marks will be given to the GATE performance, and the remaining will be issued based on the candidate's performance in the test/interview. However, the institute which provides admission to the candidates will announce their minimum passing mark in the test/interview.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questionsraised by the candidates are listed below. Let's have a look at them.
The GATE exam is held for 3hours, and there is no sectional time limit. Candidates can spend enough time attempting questions from any section. The GATE paper contains a total of 65 questions for 100 marks.
The GATE exam is conducted by IIT Kanpur every year. Students can check the GATE exam pattern on the official GOAPS website.
A scribbling pad will be provided to the candidates for rough calculation. However, the candidates are supposed to return the scribble pad after the exam.
The GATE exam is an online computer-based exam.
There are three types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Multiple Select Questions
- Numerical Answer Type Questions
Over to You
Now that you know the information about the GATE exam center, it will be much easier for you to follow the process when needed. So, you can now start preparing for the GATE exam and complete the syllabus by scheduling a perfect timetable. You can attempt mock tests and practice tests to analyze your performance.
Do you wish to get a high score on the GATE exam? Join VISHWA online courses, select your discipline, andacquire study materials from our professionals to crack the exam.
All the Best!!
