GATE 2025 Exam: Your Complete Guide to Exam Dates and Preparation Tips

Vaishali Pandey
November 8, 2024

Apply Education Loan

Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years.
10X Faster.

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

Apply Education Loan

Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years.
10X Faster.

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

GATE 2025 Exam: Your Complete Guide to Exam Dates and Preparation Tips

Preparing for the GATE 2025 exam and seeking some direction? The GATE 2025 exam is an important milestone for those pursuing a career in engineering and technology. Recognised for its competitive edge, it grants access to top academic programs and valuable roles in the public sector. This guide offers all the essentials—exam dates, eligibility, and preparation tips that can help you excel. 

This guide will cover all you need to know—from crucial exam dates and eligibility requirements to expert preparation tips. 

GATE 2025 Exam Highlights

GATE 2025, conducted by IIT Roorkee, is one of the most esteemed examinations for engineering graduates who aspire to pursue postgraduate studies at premier Indian institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. 

For a quick overview of what to expect in the GATE 2025 process, the following table presents essential highlights for prospective candidates.

Aspect

Details for GATE 2025

Exam Name

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)

Conducting Institute

Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

Official Link

Visit Official Website

Application Fee

₹1800 (General Category), ₹900 (SC/ST/Others)

Exam Scope

Nationwide

Application Process

Online-only

Mode of Exam

Computer-based (CBT)

Frequency

Annual

Duration

3 hours

Total Papers

30 subject options (1 new addition)

Question Breakdown

10 General Aptitude + 55 Subject-specific

Question Formats

Multiple Choice (MCQ), Multiple Select (MSQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

Annual Applicants

Over 8,00,000 candidates

Exam Centers

Nationwide (200+ locations; final list TBA)

Unlock Fast, Collateral-Free Education Loans with Propelld Today!

GATE Notification 2025 & Important Deadlines

IIT Roorkee is the exam conducting authority for the GATE 2025 exam. It has released the exam date, online date, etc., on its website. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key dates and deadlines for the GATE 2025 exam. Remember this schedule to ensure you don’t miss any critical steps in your preparation and application process.

Date

Event

November 2024

Application Correction Window Opens

06 November 2024

Last Date for Application Corrections

02 January 2025

GATE 2025 Admit Card Release

01 February 2025 - 02 February 2025

GATE 2025 Exam (First Set of Dates)

15 February 2025 - 16 February 2025

GATE 2025 Exam (Second Set of Dates)

February 2025

Candidates’ Response Sheet Available on Portal

February 2025

GATE 2025 Answer Key Release

February 2025

Challenge Submission Window for Answer Keys

19 March 2025

GATE 2025 Results Announced

28 March 2025 - 31 May 2025

Scorecards Available for Download (without fee)

01 June 2025 - 31 December 2025

Scorecards Available for Download (with fee of INR 500 per test paper)

Looking to expand your career options after B.Tech? Dive into our exploration of paths beyond engineering.

‍‍Get your Loan Disbursed 10 times Faster than Banks. Apply Now.

GATE 2025 Exam Eligibility

Before applying, candidates need to confirm they meet the criteria for GATE 2025. The eligibility encompasses academic qualifications, valid degree programs, and recognised professional certifications.

General Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Standing

Candidates currently in the third year or beyond of any approved undergraduate program in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities, or those who have completed such a program, are eligible to apply.

2. Professional Certifications

Certifications from recognised professional institutions in engineering fields may also qualify if certified by the Ministry of Education (MoE), AICTE, UGC, or UPSC as equivalent to a Bachelor's in Engineering, Technology, or Architecture.

3. International Candidates

Applicants with degrees from outside India must also be in their third or higher year of a Bachelor’s program or must have completed a degree of at least three years in Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, or related fields.

Eligibility by Degree Type:

Degree/Program

Qualifying Degree/ Examination

Eligibility Criteria

B.E./B.Tech./B.Pharm.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years post-B.Sc.)

Must be in 3rd year or higher, or already completed

B.Arch.

Bachelor’s in Architecture (5-year course), Naval Architecture (4-year), Planning (4-year)

3rd year or beyond, or already completed

B.Sc. (Research)/B.S.

Bachelor’s in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2)

In 3rd year or higher, or completed

Pharm.D. (Post 10+2)

6-year program, including internships or residency training

3rd-6th year, or completed

M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc.

Degree in M.B.B.S., B.D.S., B.V.Sc.

5th semester or above, or completed

M.Sc./M.A./M.C.A.

Master’s in Arts/Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent

1st year or higher, or already completed

Integrated M.E./M.Tech (Post-B.Sc.)

Integrated Master’s post-B.Sc. (4-year program)

Any year (1st to 4th) or completed

Integrated M.E./M.Tech/M.Pharm

5-year Integrated or Dual Degree program (after 10+2/Diploma)

3rd to 5th year, or completed

Integrated M.Sc./B.S.-M.S.

Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year B.S.-M.S. program

3rd year or higher, or completed

Professional Society Examinations

B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch.-equivalent exams recognised by MoE/UPSC/AICTE (e.g., AMIE, AMICE)

Completed Section A or equivalent of such courses

B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry)

4-year degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry

In 3rd/4th year, or completed

Choosing your engineering branch post-JEE can be tricky; check out our guide to find the best fit for you.

No Collateral Required. Approval Based on Student Potential. Check Your Eligibility

GATE 2025 Exam Application Form Status

Once candidates have submitted their GATE 2025 application, they can track its status through the official GATE website or the GOAPS portal. This allows applicants to verify if their form submission and payment were successful or if any additional action is required. To access this information, candidates need to log in using their unique enrollment ID and password.

If the application has been properly submitted and the payment received, the system will display a confirmation message saying:
"Your application has been submitted, and payment has been received successfully."

However, if the application is under review or if any corrections are required, the GATE authorities will send an email outlining the necessary changes. Candidates must make the corrections within a specified time frame to ensure their application is processed.

GATE 2025 Exam Application Form Correction

Mistakes in the GATE 2025 exam application form can be rectified during the correction window, which will remain open until November 6, 2024. Candidates can log into the GOAPS portal to edit their form details, though certain fields such as mobile number and registered email ID cannot be changed.

Modifications will incur a fee for each change, and the cost varies depending on the type of correction being made. Below is a breakdown of the applicable fees:

Type of Modification

Applicable Fee (INR)

Name correction

500

Date of Birth (DOB) change

500

Change of exam centre

500

Switching to a different paper

500

Adding an additional paper

500 + Application fee for the second paper

Gender change to Female

500

Category change to SC/ST

500

Non-PwD to PwD or Dyslexic status change

500

Gender change from Female to any other

500 + 900 (Total: 1400 for other candidates)

Changing the category from SC/ST to any other

500 for female/PwD; 500 + 900 (Total: 1400 for others)

Changing from PwD/Dyslexic to Non-PwD/Dyslexic

500 for female/PwD; 500 + 900 (Total: 1400 for others)

Updates to address, parent/guardian details, etc.

No fee

Other category changes

500

‍Minimal Documentation. Higher Chances of Approval. Easy Online Processes. Check Your Eligibility.

GATE 2025 Exam Pattern Overview

The GATE 2025 exam will include three types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Here's a brief breakdown of the key details regarding the exam structure:

Aspect

Details

Mode of Exam

The exam will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in English at specific centres and cities.

Duration

3 hours total

Number of Papers

30 subjects are available for selection

Sections

General Aptitude (GA) and subject-specific sections chosen by the candidate

Question Types

MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions to evaluate recall, comprehension, application, analysis, and synthesis

Mark Distribution (For most papers)

  • General Aptitude: 15 marks 
  • Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks 
  • Subject-specific questions: 72 marks 
  • Total: 100 marks

Mark Distribution (For papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL)

  • General Aptitude 15 marks  
  • Subject-specific questions: 85 marks 
  • Total: 100 marks

Marking Scheme

Questions can carry either 1 or 2 marks each

Negative Marking

  • MCQs: 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect 1-mark questions
  • 2/3 mark deducted for incorrect 2-mark questions 
  • No negative marking for MSQs and NATs

The GATE 2025 exam will test candidates' knowledge and abilities across various levels, from recalling basic concepts to applying them in complex scenarios. Keep in mind that while MCQs involve negative marking, MSQs and NATs are exempt from any penalty for incorrect answers.

GATE 2025 Exam: Number of Questions & Marks Distribution

Each paper in GATE 2025 includes a combination of General Aptitude (GA) and subject-specific questions. Below is a breakdown of how the marks are distributed for different papers:

Paper Code

General Aptitude (GA) Marks

Subject Marks

Total Marks

Total Time (Minutes)

AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, CY, EC, EE, ES, EY, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PH, PI, ST, TF

15 marks

85 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

AR (Part A + Part B1/B2: Architecture/Planning)

15 marks

60 + 25 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

GE (Part A + Part B1/B2: Surveying/Mapping or Image Processing)

15 marks

55 + 30 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

GG (Part A + Part B: Geology or Geophysics)

15 marks

25 + 60 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

XE (Section A + Any Two Sections)

15 marks

35 + 35 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

XH (Section B1 + One Additional Section)

15 marks

60 + 25 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

XL (Section P + Any Two Sections)

15 marks

30 + 30 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST

15 marks

85 marks

100 marks

180 minutes

GATE 2025 Exam: Paper Combinations and Codes

GATE 2025 offers various paper combinations, allowing candidates to select their primary and secondary papers. Here's a summary of available papers and their codes:

GATE Paper Name

First Paper Code

Second Paper Code(s)

Aerospace Engineering

AE

XE

Agricultural Engineering

AG

ES, XE

Architecture and Planning

AR

CE, GE

Biomedical Engineering

BM

BT, CH, CS, ES, XE

Biotechnology

BT

BM, XL

Civil Engineering

CE

ES, GE, XE

Chemical Engineering

CH

XE

Computer Science & IT

CS

EC, GE, MA, ST

Chemistry

CY

CH, XE

Data Science & AI

DA

CS, EC, IN, MA

Electrical Engineering

EE

EC, IN, PH

Electronics & Communication Engineering

EC

IN, PH, EE, GG, MA

Environmental Science & Engineering

ES

CE, CH, AG

Geology and Geophysics

GG

AR, IN, XE

Instrumentation Engineering

IN

PH, EE, EC

Mathematics

MA

CS, PH

Mechanical Engineering

ME

XE

Mining Engineering

MN

GE, GG

Metallurgical Engineering

MT

XE

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

NA

XE

Petroleum Engineering

PE

GG, MN

Physics

PH

EE, EC, IN

Production and Industrial Engineering

PI

ME

Statistics

ST

MA

Textile Engineering & Fibre Science

TF

XE

Engineering Sciences

XE

AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, GG, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, PE, PH, PI, ST, TF

Humanities and Social Sciences

XH

CE, EE, PH

Life Sciences

XL

BM, BT, CY

GATE 2025 Exam Syllabus Overview

IIT Roorkee has officially released the detailed syllabus for GATE 2025. The syllabus covers all 30 subjects that will be tested during the examination. It’s important for candidates to review the subject-specific syllabi carefully and ensure thorough preparation. Below, you'll find the core subjects organised by their respective disciplines.

Core Engineering Subjects

GATE Paper

Subject Focus

Aerospace Engineering

Key topics include aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and space dynamics.

Agricultural Engineering

Focuses on soil and water conservation, agricultural processing, and machinery.

Instrumentation Engineering

Includes measurements, process control, and sensors.

Mathematics

Emphasises calculus, algebra, probability, and numerical methods.

Mechanical Engineering

Covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, and industrial engineering.

Mining Engineering

Topics include mining methods, ventilation, and geomechanics.

Biomedical Engineering

Concentrates on medical imaging, biomechanics, and biomaterials.

Biotechnology Engineering

Encompasses genetic engineering, microbiology, and biochemical engineering.

Metallurgical Engineering

Includes material science, physical metallurgy, and extractive metallurgy.

Civil Engineering

Topics range from structural engineering to transportation and hydrology.

Chemical Engineering

Covers chemical reactions, process design, and fluid mechanics.

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Focuses on ship structures, marine hydrodynamics, and offshore engineering.

Architecture and Planning

Includes architectural design, urban planning, and building materials.

Petroleum Engineering

Covers drilling engineering, reservoir engineering, and production operations.

Computer Science and Information Technology

Encompasses algorithms, data structures, operating systems, and databases.

Chemistry

Focuses on organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.

Production and Industrial Engineering

Includes operations research, production planning, and control.

Electronics and Communication Engineering

Encompasses analog circuits, signals, communication systems, and networks.

Electrical Engineering

Focuses on power systems, control systems, and electrical machines.

Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

Encompasses textile production, fibre science, and fabric technology.

Statistics

Emphasises probability, statistical inference, and regression analysis.

Environmental Science and Engineering

Covers environmental chemistry, air pollution, and water treatment.

Specialised Areas

1. Engineering Sciences (XE)

This section is designed for those appearing for specialised papers under Engineering Sciences. The key areas are:

Paper

Focus Areas

Fluid Mechanics

Covers principles of fluid flow, equations, and applications.

Material Science

Focuses on the structure and properties of materials.

Solid Mechanics

Includes stress-strain behaviour, elasticity, and mechanical properties.

Thermodynamics

Encompasses energy systems, heat transfer, and work interactions.

Polymer Science and Engineering

Focuses on polymerization, polymer properties, and manufacturing processes.

Food Technology

Includes food processing, preservation methods, and bioprocessing.

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Covers meteorology, ocean circulation, and climate dynamics.

2. Humanities and Social Sciences (XH)

This section caters to candidates with an academic interest in humanities and social sciences:

Paper

Focus Areas

Economics

Emphasises microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics.

English

Focuses on literature, literary theory, and criticism.

Linguistics

Encompasses language structure, syntax, and phonetics.

Philosophy

Includes topics on ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics.

Psychology

Covers cognitive psychology, social psychology, and learning theories.

Sociology

Focuses on social structure, stratification, and sociology of development.

3. Life Sciences (XL)

For those opting for Life Sciences, the following are the subject areas:

Paper

Focus Areas

Biochemistry

Encompasses enzymology, metabolism, and molecular biology.

Botany

Focuses on plant physiology, taxonomy, and ecology.

Microbiology

Includes microbial genetics, immunology, and virology.

Zoology

Focuses on animal anatomy, physiology, and evolution.

Food Technology

Includes food safety, food microbiology, and processing techniques.

Searching for scholarships to fund your engineering education? We've got all the details on eligibility, key dates, and benefits.

GATE 2025 Exam Cutoff Overview

The GATE 2025 cutoff will be released along with the exam results. The cutoff scores are determined by several factors, including the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, the availability of seats, and previous year trends. Each paper and category will have a different cutoff. Candidates meeting or exceeding these cutoffs will be eligible for admissions into M.Tech, Ph.D., or other postgraduate programs at top institutes.

Below is the GATE 2024 cutoff for different papers and categories, which will give you an idea of the expected trends for GATE 2025.

GATE 2024 Exam Cutoff by Category

GATE Paper

General

OBC-NCL/EWS

SC/ST/PwD

Aerospace Engineering

33.3

29.9

22.1

Agricultural Engineering

25

22.5

16.6

Architecture and Planning

41.5

37.3

27.6

Biomedical Engineering

25

22.5

16.6

Biotechnology

38.9

35

25.9

Civil Engineering

28.3

25.4

18.8

Chemical Engineering

25

22.5

16.6

Computer Science and IT

27.6

24.8

18.4

Chemistry

25.2

22.6

16.7

Data Science and AI

37.1

33.3

24.7

Electrical Engineering

25.7

23.1

17.1

Electronics and Communication

25

22.5

16.6

Engineering Sciences

36.2

32.5

24.1

Environmental Science and Engineering

37.9

34.1

25.2

Geology and Geophysics (Geology)

42

37.8

28

Geology and Geophysics (Geophysics)

49

44.1

32.6

Mechanical Engineering

28.6

25.7

19

Mining Engineering

25

22.5

16.6

Physics

32

28.8

21.3

Textile Engineering

28.1

25.2

18.7

Humanities (English)

48

43.2

32

Life Sciences

29.3

26.3

19.5

GATE 2025 Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for the GATE 2025 Exam requires a smart and focused approach. Here are some effective tips to guide your preparation:

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Familiarise yourself with the complete syllabus for your chosen subject. Identify core topics and areas that carry more weight.

2. Create a Study Plan

Break down your preparation time into daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Stick to a structured study schedule to ensure you cover all topics well before the exam.

3. Focus on Conceptual Clarity

GATE questions test your understanding of concepts. Rather than memorising, ensure you grasp the fundamental principles of each topic.

4. Solve Previous Year's Papers

Solve GATE papers from previous years to understand the question patterns and difficulty levels. This helps you get familiar with the exam format.

5. Take Mock Tests Regularly

Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate exam conditions. This helps improve time management and boosts confidence.

6. Revise Strategically

Revise the important topics regularly. Make short notes for quick revision during the final weeks.

GATE 2025 Exam presents an excellent opportunity for candidates aiming to pursue postgraduate programs at top institutions. With a clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and cutoff trends, candidates can tailor their preparation to meet the requirements. Stay focused, follow a well-structured study plan, and utilise all available resources to maximise your chances of success. Best of luck on your GATE 2025 journey!

Propelld: Your partner in education. Enjoy quick, hassle-free student loans with a fully digital process. 

Why Propelld?

The following are the primary benefits of Propelld.

Particulars

Details

Max Loan Amount

50 Lakhs

Collateral 

Not Required

Moratorium

Available

Processing Time

10 Times Faster than Banks

Disbursal Time

7 Days

Approval Rate

Higher than Other Banks

Special USP

Marks Based Approval

% Financed

100% of Fees

Propelld offers student loans with no hidden fees, just fast approvals! Apply now!

Education Loan for Medical Colleges

MBBS | BDS | BAMS | Bsc Nusring |Or Pay Fees for Any Medical Course in India - Up to. Rs. 50 Lacs

Fund your College Fees with Education Loan

Loan up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

No Collateral Low-Interest Education Loan

Available in all top Coaching Institutes
Get Loan

FAQ on the GATE 2025 Exam

What is the status of the GATE 2025 application correction window? 

The application correction window for GATE 2025 is expected to open in the first week of November 2024.

When will the GATE 2025 exam be conducted? 

The exam is scheduled for February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025.

Which institution is organising GATE 2025? 

IIT Roorkee is the organising institute for the GATE 2025 examination.

When are the results of GATE 2025 expected to be announced?

Results are planned to be released on March 19, 2025.

When did registration for GATE 2025 begin?

Registration for GATE 2025 exam began on August 24, 2024, and the regular application period concluded on October 3, 2024. For those who missed these dates, a late registration option was available until October 11, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply for GATE 2025? 

Eligibility includes graduates in Engineering/Technology or Master’s degree holders in any relevant science subject who are currently in the final year or have already completed it.

How can changes be made to an already submitted GATE 2025 application?

Modifications can be made during the designated correction period starting in November 2024.

What is the deadline for making corrections to the GATE 2025 application? 

Corrections must be finalised by November 6, 2024.

Are international testing centres available for GATE 2025? 

No, all candidates must travel to India as international centres are not available for GATE 2025.

What format will GATE 2025 be conducted in? 

The test will be conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) featuring MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.

Is it possible to apply for more than one paper in GATE 2025? 

Candidates are allowed to select a primary paper and a secondary paper, as specified in the official guidelines.

What should candidates bring to the examination centre? 

A printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID are required at the examination centre.

When will the admit cards for GATE 2025 be available? 

Admit cards will be available from January 2, 2025.

What is the exam date for Civil Engineering in GATE 2025?

The GATE 2025 exam Civil Engineering is scheduled for February 1 and 2, 2025. Aspiring candidates should plan their preparation accordingly to cover the syllabus and practice extensively.

How long is a GATE score valid? 

GATE scores are valid for three years from the date the results are declared.

Can GATE scores be used for PSU recruitment? 

Yes, GATE scores are commonly used by PSUs to recruit engineers.

What are the details regarding the counselling process for GATE 2025? 

Counselling details will be provided post-results, typically concerning admissions to various postgraduate programs.

Join Group for JEE & NEET Updates