About GATE – 2026
What is GATE examination & details about GATE-2026
What is GATE?
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is an exam that tests your understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. It is used for admission to postgraduate programs and for recruitment in public sector companies.
Eligibility Criteria
Students from different backgrounds like Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, and Arts can apply. You need to be in the final year of your degree or have already completed it.
Exam Structure
The exam has two main parts:
- General Aptitude (common for all): Focuses on verbal and numerical ability.
- Subject-Specific Section: Based on the branch of study you choose (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science).
1. Important Dates and Deadlines
- Application Start Date: August 30, 2024
- Last Date for Application Submission: September 29, 2024 (without late fee)
- Extended Deadline: October 13, 2024 (with late fee)
- Admit Card Release: January 3, 2025
- Exam Dates: February 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2025
- Result Announcement: March 16, 2025
2. Courses Offered
GATE 2025 offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines. Here’s a summary:
- Engineering: Courses in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, etc.
- Science: Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biotechnology.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Courses in Economics, Sociology, Psychology, etc.
- Interdisciplinary Subjects: Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science & Engineering, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
3. Rules and Guidelines
- Eligibility: Candidates must be in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or have completed it.
- Application: Apply online through the GATE official website. Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded.
- Exam Pattern: The exam consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
- Calculators: Only virtual calculators provided on the exam interface are allowed.
- Admit Card: It’s mandatory to carry the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.
- Exam Day: Follow the reporting time strictly. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
4. Fees and Prices
- Application Fee:
- General/OBC: ₹1700 (without late fee), ₹2200 (with late fee)
- SC/ST/PwD/Female: ₹850 (without late fee), ₹1350 (with late fee)
- Payment: The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
5. Additional Tips for Preparation
- Time Management: Create a study schedule that allows you to cover all subjects and allocate extra time for difficult topics.
- Resources: Use standard textbooks, online lectures, and GATE preparation books. Websites like NPTEL provide free resources.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to gauge your preparation and improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise Regularly: Keep revising topics to ensure you retain the information.
- Health and Well-being: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and take breaks during study sessions to stay refreshed.
6. Why GATE is Important
- Postgraduate Admissions: A good GATE score is crucial for admission to prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and other reputed universities.
- Job Opportunities: Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) use GATE scores for recruitment.
- Fellowships: GATE qualifiers are eligible for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) in CSIR Laboratories.
Here are some important links that students should bookmark for GATE 2025:
1. Official GATE 2025 Website
- Main Website: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/
- This is the official website where you can find all the details regarding the exam, including notifications, application forms, syllabus, and exam guidelines.
2. Application and Registration
- GATE 2025 Online Application Portal: https://appsgate.iitk.ac.in/
- Use this portal to submit your application, upload documents, and pay the examination fee.
3. Admit Card Download
- Admit Card Link: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/admitcard
- Download your admit card from this link once it becomes available.
4. Syllabus and Exam Pattern
- Detailed Syllabus: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/syllabus
- Access the detailed syllabus for all the subjects covered in GATE 2025.
5. Previous Year Question Papers
- Question Papers Archive: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/previouspapers
- Find and download previous year question papers to practice and understand the exam pattern.
6. Mock Test Links
- Official Mock Test: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/mocktest
- Take official mock tests provided by the GATE organizing body to simulate the exam environment.
7. FAQs and Help Desk
- FAQs: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/faqs
- Check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for any common queries.
- Contact Information: https://gate.iitk.ac.in/contactus
- Reach out to the GATE help desk for any specific issues or queries.
These links will be crucial throughout the GATE 2025 process, from registration to results. Students should keep these links handy and check them regularly for updates.
Dos and Don’ts While Filling the GATE 2025 Form
Dos:
- Read the Instructions Carefully:
- Before starting the application, thoroughly read the official instructions provided on the GATE 2025 website.
- Use a Valid Email ID and Phone Number:
- Ensure you use an active and valid email ID and phone number as all communication will be sent to these.
- Upload Correct Documents:
- Upload the required documents (photograph, signature, eligibility certificates) in the prescribed format and size.
- Double-Check Personal Details:
- Enter your name, date of birth, and other personal details exactly as they appear in your official documents like your degree certificate or government ID.
- Select the Right Exam Paper and Center:
- Choose your GATE paper (subject) and exam center carefully, as changes are not allowed after submission.
- Keep a Copy of the Application:
- After submitting, download and print a copy of your application form and fee receipt for future reference.
- Pay the Fee on Time:
- Complete the payment process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
- Verify the Application Status:
- After submission, regularly check the status of your application on the GATE portal to ensure there are no discrepancies.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Rush the Process:
- Avoid filling out the form at the last minute, which could lead to mistakes or technical issues.
- Don’t Use Unverified Information:
- Never use unverified or incorrect information. Any discrepancies can lead to disqualification.
- Don’t Upload Low-Quality Documents:
- Ensure that the scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other documents are clear and meet the specified requirements.
- Don’t Forget to Check for Errors:
- Before final submission, review all the information you’ve entered to correct any mistakes.
- Don’t Use Multiple Accounts:
- Avoid registering multiple accounts; it can cause confusion and errors in processing your application.
Dos and Don’ts While Writing the GATE 2025 Exam
Dos:
- Arrive Early:
- Reach the exam center at least an hour before the reporting time to complete the entry formalities without stress.
- Carry Required Documents:
- Bring your admit card and a valid photo ID (like Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s license) to the exam center.
- Follow the Instructions:
- Listen carefully to the invigilator’s instructions before starting the exam. Follow all the exam rules strictly.
- Use Time Wisely:
- Allocate time to each section of the exam, ensuring you attempt all questions you are confident about first.
- Utilize the Virtual Calculator:
- Familiarize yourself with the virtual calculator provided in the exam software beforehand, as no physical calculators are allowed.
- Review Your Answers:
- If time permits, review your answers, especially the Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions where there is no negative marking.
- Stay Calm and Focused:
- Stay calm and focused throughout the exam. If you find a question difficult, move on and return to it later if time allows.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Bring Prohibited Items:
- Do not bring mobile phones, electronic gadgets, study material, or calculators into the exam hall. Only the admit card and ID are allowed.
- Don’t Talk During the Exam:
- Talking to other candidates during the exam can lead to disqualification.
- Don’t Guess Randomly:
- Avoid random guessing, especially in MCQs, as wrong answers will result in negative marking.
- Don’t Panic if You Get Stuck:
- If you encounter a difficult question, don’t panic. Skip it and move on to the next question.
- Don’t Forget to Submit:
- Ensure you submit your answers before the exam time runs out. In the online test, make sure you hit the final submit button when prompted.
- Don’t Waste Time on One Question:
- Don’t spend too much time on one question. Manage your time effectively to attempt all sections of the paper.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can avoid common pitfalls and have a smoother experience during both the application process and the exam itself.



