A Comprehensive Guide to the GATE Exam: Understanding the How’s and Why’s!

GATE is now one of the most recognized examinations in India which provides a lot of scopes to the candidates for enhancing their career.

Currently, it consists of 29 disciplines/subjects as of 2024 and in it, the candidates can go for any of the subjects depending on the niche and desire

The majority of the students are targeting the GATE exam because that will enhance the career and the future will be gripping and secured. If the candidates are also aspiring to sit for the GATE exam, then it is compulsory to review those highlighting points.

What is GATE Exam?

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is an All India level test recognized and conducted in eight zones across the country. GATE is conducted by GATE Committee of Faculty members from IISc and seven other IITs on behalf of MHRD, National Coordinating Board and Department of Education. The principle on which the GATE exam is conducted is to evaluate the students in areas of Engineering and Science among others.

The GATE scorecard is similarly applied by several PSUs for the selection of applicants for prestigious positions at Indian Oil, GAIL, Hindustan Petroleum, etc.

The highlights of the GATE are detailed in the table below:

What is the Purpose of the GATE Examination?

The purpose of the GATE examination is to facilitate the attainment of a master's degree, which fosters specialization and nurtures one's enthusiasm for a particular field, potentially culminating in research or a doctoral degree. Engineers in their third year are now permitted to sit for the GATE. Acquainting the advantages of the GATE examination will enable them to surpass expectations and facilitate their acing of the test the year before.

In addition to the aforementioned career prospects, GATE serves as a gateway to numerous other opportunities that would propel candidates' professional trajectories.

General GATE Eligibility Criteria

When it comes to age, there are no particular criteria for GATE. There is also one good news for the students who are in their 3rd-year of graduation. Now, they are also eligible to apply for the exam along with the graduates.

The one thing that every candidate should keep in mind is that the eligibility criteria might vary depending on different papers.

Qualifying Disciplines for GATE Exam

GATE comprises, in accordance with the revised mechanism, 29 disciplines or papers from 2024. In the previous academic year, two new subjects were introduced: Humanities and Social Science (XS) and Environmental Science and Engineering (ES).

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and Geomatics Engineering are two additional courses that were introduced this year. Consequently, the overall quantity of papers escalated to 29.

GATE Exam – Two Combination Paper

GATE exam has come up with two paper combinations. So, those applicants who want to appear in two disciplines can choose their primary paper by default, and for the second choice of paper, they have to refer to the allowed combination decided by the authorities.

Remember, for the GATE exam, students have to go with these combinations only. Combinations other than these are not preferable.

NOTE: In the event that some of the combinations are unexpectedly eliminated, the applicants will receive a refund of the fee paid for the second paper. Additionally, consider that a student's examination location for the second paper may vary even within the same city.
 

GATE Exam Registration Fees

To access GATE Application Form, candidates are required to pay a registration fee as mentioned below:

Advantages of GATE Exam

For individuals who are still uncertain about their readiness for the GATE examination, the following seven arguments will inspire them and motivate them to strive for excellence and help them overcome their reservations.

Detailed below are the point-by-point advantages of the GATE examination. Aspirations for the GATE examination may inspire you to consider the points listed below.

Job Placement Guarantees

• Placements increase the likelihood that employers will seek to hire M.Tech. (M.E.) candidates. In general, BE/B.Tech students receive fewer job offers from R&D departments than GATE-qualified candidates.
• It affords students the chance to obtain technical profile positions with their ideal employers. Reputable universities also provide GATE-qualified students with highly compensated packages.

Expertise in subject/ Domain specialization

It is an opportunity for students to earn a Master in Technology degree in their area of interest subjects. Students who have missed their train of IITs, IIIT and NIT in their JEE Advance or JEE or AIEEE exam.

Stipend and scholarship

Reputed Institutes like BARC also consider or specify GATE Score Card mandatory for their various courses offered by the institute. It is also a stipend-based course with an average stipend of INR 15000/- to INR 20,000/- for GATE-qualified students. In addition, some courses named self-supporting courses also asked for a valid GATE Score Card in BARC.

Junior Research Fellowship

GATE-qualified candidates in the Engineering discipline are also eligible for the Junior Research Fellowship(JRF) & Senior Research Fellowship(SRF) in CSIR Laboratories. JRF & SRF are stipend bases fellowships. The stipend amount generally lies between INR 15,000/- to INR 20,000/- for CSIR laboratories.

PSU Recruitment

Even if you are not interested in a master’s degree, public sector companies recruit through the GATE score.

Post-Graduation from abroad

Several foreign universities in Singapore and Germany consider the GATE score for their entrance process. This could open up international opportunities for you – both academically and professionally.

Teaching Jobs

M.Tech (M.E.): A degree also provides opportunities for those who wish to apply for faculty in top educational universities. These top educational universities offer Asst. Professor designation to their candidates with highly paid 5-7 lacs per annum packages.

These are a few points of the benefits of GATE exam, which boosts your confidence during the preparation for the GATE exam.

Other Reasons for Appearing for GATE Exam

To pursue M.E./MTech./M.Sc. programs in any of the leading institutes in the country. All Master’s degree leads to specialization and cultivates and brings out the best of your interest in a certain area, leading to research / Ph.D.

There are many other benefits of the GATE exam, which include the following:

• More domain-specific companies recruit through campus recruitment in leading Institutes.
• Higher salaries are offered for postgraduate students when compared to a graduate.
• A Master’s degree is a must for those wishing to apply for Faculty/Research positions in educational institutes and most R&D centers.
• A scholarship of INR 8000/- is paid during the master’s course, so there is no dependency on parents for financial needs.
• GATE-qualified candidates are also eligible for a Junior Research Fellowship award in CSIR Laboratories and CSIR-sponsored projects.
• More than 37 PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings-government organizations), like BARC, IOCL, etc., prescribe GATE qualification as a requirement.
• Based on the GATE score, some foreign universities (Like NTU and Singapore) offers Ph.D. position without any GRE score.
• Most importantly, one can be a part of any nationally reputed Educational Institute and enjoy learning and research in a conducive ambiance.
• One gets intellectual satisfaction from working in the area of interest.
• Last but not least, a Master’s course changes the individual’s thought process; it teaches us how to approach and solve a problem in a new & unknown environment.

Concluding Thoughts:

Please bear in mind that the GATE is a highly regarded examination. It is crucial to maintain a steadfast commitment to the GATE examination while going about your preparations. You may be able to pass the examination through vigorous effort.

Skoodos Bridge can help students throughout their journey. With all of the best coaching institutes offering GATE courses in one place on their website, selecting the best fit for you becomes a lot easier.

All the Best to All the GATE Aspirants from us!

Keep Shining!