Introduction The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an all-India examination that tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in Engineering, Architecture, and Science. Conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the GATE entrance exam is one of the most competitive exams in India. Aspirants who want to crack the GATE exam need to have a clear understanding of the GATE entrance exam syllabus. In this blog post, we will discuss the GATE entrance exam syllabus in detail.
What is GATE Entrance Exam?
GATE is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore,, and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) located in Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee. The exam is held once a year, usually in February, and is considered one of the most prestigious exams in the country.
Let’s dive deeper into what GATE is all about and what you need to know to crack this exam.
Who can appear for GATE?
The GATE exam is open to students who have completed or are in their final year of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, architecture, or science. The minimum eligibility criteria is a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline, and there is no age limit for appearing in the exam.
Why should you appear for GATE?
GATE is not just an entrance exam for postgraduate programs; it is also a gateway to a host of other opportunities. Some of the reasons why you should consider appearing for GATE are:
- Admission to postgraduate programs: GATE scores are used by numerous institutes across India to admit students to their postgraduate programs in engineering and technology.
- Job opportunities: Several public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government organizations, such as BHEL, IOCL, NTPC, etc., consider GATE scores for recruitment. Qualifying for GATE can also enhance your chances of getting a job in the private sector.
- Fellowship programs: GATE scores are also used for screening candidates for various fellowship programs, such as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF).
- Higher education abroad: Several universities abroad consider GATE scores for admission to their postgraduate programs in engineering and technology.
Exam pattern and syllabus
The GATE exam consists of a single paper of three hours duration, comprising 65 questions for a total of 100 marks. The paper consists of two types of questions: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions.
The syllabus for GATE differs for each discipline, and you can find the detailed syllabus on the official GATE website. However, some of the common topics covered in the exam are:
- Engineering mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Numerical Methods, etc.
- General Aptitude: Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning, etc.
- Core subject topics: The core subject topics depend on the discipline you choose. For example, if you choose mechanical engineering, the core subject topics would include Thermodynamics, Manufacturing Processes, Mechanics, etc
- The General Aptitude section tests the candidate’s language and analytical skills. The section consists of questions on verbal ability and numerical ability. The section consists of 10 questions and the total marks of the section are 15. The topics covered in the General Aptitude section are:
- Verbal Ability: • English grammar • Sentence completion • Verbal analogies • Word groups • Instructions • Critical reasoning • Verbal deduction
- Numerical Ability: • Numerical computation • Numerical reasoning • Data interpretation • Numerical estimation
- Engineering Mathematics
- The Engineering Mathematics section tests the candidate’s mathematical skills. The section consists of 15 questions and the total marks of the section are 15. The topics covered in the Engineering Mathematics section are:
- • Linear Algebra • Calculus • Differential equations • Complex variables • Probability and Statistics • Numerical Method.
- The Core Subject section tests the candidate’s understanding of the core subject of their choice. The section consists of 70% of the total marks of the exam. The topics covered in the Core Subject section vary from subject to subject.
Preparation strategy
Preparing for GATE requires a well-planned strategy and a lot of hard work. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:
- Understand the syllabus: Before you start preparing, go through the GATE syllabus for your chosen discipline and make a note of all the topics. This will help you understand the scope of the exam and plan your preparation accordingly.
- Practice previous year’s papers: Solve last year’s essays and sample papers to get an idea of the questions asked in the exam. This will also help you identify your weak areas and work on them.
- Join coaching classes: If you need additional guidance, consider joining a coaching class. Coaching classes can help you with doubts, provide study material and offer a competitive environment to boost your performance.
