GATE is an exam known as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. Along with various Subjects GATE through Biotechnology is one of the streams that is attempted by Life Science & Biotechnology Students every Year. Many students may not be aware that there are several institutions in this country, offering specialized postgraduate programs in various disciplines. Attractive scholarships / Assistantship for postgraduate courses in engineering / Technology / Architecture /Pharmacy at Engineering colleges/institutes in the country are available to those who qualify through GATE. Some Engineering colleges/institutes specify GATE as a mandatory qualification even for admission do students to postgraduate programs. The candidate is required to find the procedure of final selection and award of scholarship / Assistantship from the respective Institution to which the candidate seeks admission. GATE qualified candidates in Engineering subjects) will also be eligible for the award of a junior research fellowship in CSIR Laboratories.
WHAT IS GATE?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an all-India examination administered and conducted across the country by the GATE Committee comprising faculty from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and seven Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the National Coordinating Board - GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India.
What is the Objective of GATE?
To identify meritorious and motivated candidates for admission to Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and Pharmacy at the National level. To serve as a benchmark for the normalization of Undergraduate Engineering Education in the country.
Why should we take GATE?
- M.Tech degree leads to specialization and furthering of interest in a certain area which may lead to Ph.D
- M.Tech degree is best for those wishing to apply for Faculty/Research positions in educational Institutes/R&D centers.
Important Dates
- Availability of GATE forms: October, 1st week
- Last Date for filling up forms: November, 1st week
- Exam Date: 2nd Sunday of February
- Results: March 15st
Examination Details
- The examination is a single paper of 3 hours duration and generally consists of Section A (Objective Type) which is 75 marks and Section B (Problem Type) which is 75 marks. Total: 150 marks.
- You have to opt for your subject and study as per the syllabus mentioned in the GATE brochure.
- The subjects of our interest are Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering., Electrical Engineering and Instrumentation Engineering. Other subjects are also available such as Mathematics, Physics, etc.
- Results of qualified candidates in GATE will give All India Rank and indicate percentile score. For example, a percentile score of 99 means you are in the top 1% category of the candidates who appeared for GATE.
- Candidates who get less than the 70 percentile get no scorecard.
- GATE scores are valid for 2 years. You may reappear in the GATE exam if you are not satisfied with the earlier score and the new score (if better than the old one) will be used for admission purposes.
After the Exam, what next?
- After the publication of GATE results, students must apply to individual Institutes to get their application forms.
- Institutes advertise M.Tech admissions in leading newspapers from 1st April till the end of July. However, some Institutes do not advertise and therefore students have to get the forms themselves.
- In the application forms, you have to mention your GATE score along with other details.
- The concerned Institute may conduct a written test and/or interview for the purpose of admission.
- General thumb rules: If your Gate score in Computer Science is 96 percentile or more then you can try for IITs, if between 85 - 96 percentile, then apply for top RECs, JADAVPUR, SHIBPUR, ROORKEE, etc. If less than 85, you have to look for appropriate institutes.
Scholarship
During the pursuit of M.Tech, you are paid a scholarship of Rs. 5000.00 per month by the Government of India. This amount is enough for living expenses including the purchase of books, etc. The scholarship is paid for the entire 18 month M.Tech period.
SPECIAL
- We encourage 3rd-year students to also appear in GATE along with Final Year students since the GATE score is valid for 2 years.
- The syllabus as required by GATE is generally over by the 5th semester.
- Anyway, it will be a good try ! If it is a bad score you can always try again.