The candidate is expected to appear in a paper appropriate to the discipline of his/her qualifying degree. The candidate is, however, free to choose any paper according to his/her admission plan, keeping in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions in which he/she wishes to seek admission.
Duration and Exam Type
The GATE examination consists of a single paper of 3 hours duration which contains 65 questions carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The question paper will consist of only objective questions. The pattern of question papers is discussed separately in detail.
The examination for the papers with codes AE, AG, AR, BT, CE, CH, CY, GG, PH, MA, MN, MT, TF, XE, and XL will be carried out as ONLINE computer based test where the candidates will be shown the questions in a random sequence on a computer screen. The candidates are required to enter the answer for each question using a mouse (keyboards will be disabled). Candidates will be provided with blank paper sheets for rough work. At the end of the three hour window, the computer will automatically close the screen from further actions.
For all other papers (CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, and PI), the candidates will be given the questions printed on a paper, and they have to mark the correct choice on an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question using a black ink ball point pen.
General Aptitude Questions
All the papers will contain few questions that test the General Aptitude (Language and Analytical Skills), apart from the core subject of the paper.
XE Paper
A candidate appearing in the XE paper has to answer the following
Section A – Engineering Mathematics (compulsory)
GA – General Aptitude (compulsory)
Any two of XE sections B to G
The choice of two out of the sections B to G can be made at the time of appearing for the exam after viewing the questions. Only two optional sections can be answered at a time. A candidate wishing to change from one optional section to another optional section during the exam must first choose to deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections (B to G).
XL Paper
A candidate appearing in the XL paper has to answer the following
Section H – Chemistry (compulsory)
GA – General Aptitude (compulsory)
Any two of XL sections I to M
The choice of two out of the sections I to M can be made at the time of appearing for the exam after viewing the questions. Only two optional sections can be answered at a time. A candidate wishing to change from one optional section to another optional section during the exam must first choose to deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections (I to M).