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)
|
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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)
|
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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
|
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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
|
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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
|
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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.
|
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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!
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