Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance examination conducted in India that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate subjects in engineering and sciences for admission into postgraduate programs. GATE is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technologies at Roorkee, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Chennai (Madras) and Mumbai (Bombay) on behalf of the National Coordination Board – GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
| Acronym | GATE |
|---|---|
| Type | Computer-based standardized test |
| Developer / administrator | Conducted jointly by IISc and 7 IITs on behalf of the National Co-ordination Board – GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. |
| Knowledge / skills tested | Bachelor's degree level knowledge of the chosen engineering or science discipline. |
| Purpose | Post-graduate engineering admissions, screening for entry-level engineering jobs. |
| Year started | 1983 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Score / grade range | Marks (unscaled) out of 100, in 0.33 point increments. Score (scaled) out of 1000, in 1 point increments. |
| Score / grade validity | 3 years (GATE 2014 onward). |
| Offered | One time every year (usually in February 1st or 2nd week). |
| Countries / regions | Over 1000+ centres in India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates. |
| Languages | English |
| Annual number of test takers | 653,292 (2024) |
| Prerequisites / eligibility criteria | Third year student or graduate of Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in engineering/ architecture or Master's degree (or equivalent) in science, computer applications can apply for gate . |
| Fee | INR ₹ 900 for Indian Female, SC, ST and Physically challenged candidates. INR ₹ 1800 for all other Indian candidates. US $ 100 to $200 for international candidates. |
| Scores / grades used by | Various Indian engineering colleges offering post-graduate education, several public sector Indian companies recruiting engineers, etc. |
| Qualification rate | 19.78% (2024) |
| Website | gate2024 |
The GATE score of a candidate reflects the relative performance level of a candidate. The score is used for admissions to various post-graduate education programs (e.g. Master of Engineering, Master of Technology, Master of Architecture, Doctor of Philosophy) in Indian higher education institutes, with financial assistance provided by MoE and other government agencies. GATE scores are also used by several Indian public sector undertakings for recruiting graduate engineers in entry-level positions. It is one of the most competitive examinations in India. GATE is also recognized by various institutes outside India, such as Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.