The Evolution of GATE Over the Years: Then Vs Now
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) has come a long way since its establishment on February 26, 1983. Earlier, it was introduced to offer admissions to postgraduate courses. But over years, GATE exam became one of reputable entrance tests changing career prospects. Read below for more.
GATE in the Early Years
When GATE was introduced, it was solely evaluated core knowledge of undergraduate engineering students. It's focus was just on building fundamental concepts, and syllabus was limited. Here's how-
Explore colleges based on GATE
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
- Earlier, GATE was not as widely recognised as other entrance tests with less career opportunities. Many engineering students were not aware of its importance. It was limited with few government opportunities.
- GATE was conducted offline, using pen and paper, which led to many challenges, like delay in result declaration.
- GATE scores were used for admission to MTech programmes at IITs, NITs, and other reputed institutions. Thus, there was limited scope for employment opportunities based on the GATE scores. Also, validity of GATE scorecard was one year.
- Earlier, GATE had limited branches to conduct. But over the years, new paper and sectional disciplines were introduced.
The GATE zones are the authorities that perform any operations related to the GATE examination. These are managed by the GATE offices of IISc and IITs. The list of GATE zones is as follows-
- IISc Bengaluru
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Madras
- and IIT Roorkee
Introduced in 2021, the two paper combination in GATE is a new approach by the conducting authorities that allows candidates to atleast two papers in the examination. The main objective of the GATE 2026 two paper combination facility is to broaden the skill set and techniques of the aspirants in the relevant field they are applying for.
IIT Guwahati has released the GATE two paper combination list for 2026 exam. Aspirants can choose two papers from the given combination while filling the application form. The first paper is termed the primary paper, and the second paper is termed as the secondary paper. However, it must be noted it is not mandatory to opt for two papers.
GATE Latest Changes
Now, GATE examination has transformed and paved way to multiple career opportunties, such as -
| Increased Popularity | With more than 10 lakh applicants participating for exam, GATE has become widely popular and competitive. |
| Expansion in Disciplines and Syllabus | GATE covers 30 disciplines, including emerging fields like Environmental Science, Data Science, and Humanities. GATE syllabus smartly links with recent technology advances. |
| Careers Beyond India | GATE scores are now accepted by international universities in countries like Germany and Singapore, offering students to pursue higher studies and research. |
| Introduction to General Aptitude and Numerical Ability | GATE includes sections on General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics to test overall analytical skills. Read more about GATE exam pattern. |
Key Changes of the GATE Exam Over the Years
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
15 Feb '26 - 19 Feb '26
7 Mar '26
31 Mar '26
15 Feb '26
7 Jun '26 - 23 Jun '26
| Year |
Changes made in the GATE Examination |
|---|---|
| 1983 |
Introduction of GATE exam |
| 2002 |
CSIR introduced JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) scheme to pursue research programmes at CSIR labs |
| 2010 |
GATE was conducted online for two papers - Textile Engineering and Fibre Science Engineering |
| 2012 |
Four GATE papers (AE, GG, MN, and TF) were conducted online Mode of application form became online. Candidates were able to check their responses and authorities introduced official solutions for GATE question papers |
| 2013 |
The online examination mode was expanded. GATE was then conducted for 15 papers out of 21 papers |
| 2014 |
Normalisation process for multi-session paper was introduced Virtual calculator was introduced. In addition, validity of scorecard was increased from two to three years. |
| 2015 |
Entire admission process was done online. Scorecard was made available online. Scholarships were increased from INR 8000 to INR 12400 |
| 2017 |
A new section named, Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences was introduced under Engineering Sciences (XE paper) International applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and the UAE were eligible to attempt GATE |
| 2018 |
While choosing the GATE exam centre, the first two choices had to be from the same zone. On the other hand, the third zone can be from any other GATE zone. Removal of uploading scanned thumb impression while filling the GATE application form |
| 2020 |
A new GATE paper, called Biomedical Engineering (BM) was introduced |
| 2021 |
Third-year candidates were allowed to appear GATE Two-paper combination was introduced to expand candidate's knowledge and skill set |
| 2022-23 |
The total number of GATE papers increased to 29. Introduction of two GATE papers - Geomatics Engineering (GE) and NM (Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering) |
| 2024 |
Introduction to GATE Data Science Paper, with which GATE papers increased from 29 to 30. |
| 2025 |
BSBE Dept, NPCIL, GRID-India, GAIL, EIL, OPTCL, NHAI, and AAI accepted GATE scores for recruitment. New paper combinations were introduced for the GATE 2025 exam |
| 2026 |
New sectional paper - Energy Science was introduced Hike in the GATE application form fees for all categories |
Why GATE Matters More Today?
Offers Multiple Career Opportunities: Candidates qualifying GATE can now be eligible for more than 70 PSUs, higher studies, and research at government organisations. Read PSU recruitment through GATE scores.
Emerging Fields of Study: With new GATE paper introduced like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, it has alligned with recent advancements. Also, considering general aptitude and numerical ability, the exam tests candidate's skills and judgement for real-world challenges.
International Recognition: GATE scorecard also allow students to pursue their education abroad.
Also Read:
The MCQ, MSQ, and NAT are the types of questions asked in the GATE examination.
- MCQs are the multiple-choice questions
- MSQs are the multiple select questions
- and NAT are numerical answer type questions
Each question type has a different marking scheme, which the candidates must go through the information brochure carefully.
The GATE general aptitude (GA) section is common for all branch papers. The section carries 15 marks in the question paper.
The GATE GA syllabus include: verbal aptitude, quantitative aptitude, analytical aptitude, and spatial aptitude.
Bonus tip - If you prepare and attempt the general aptitude section, it can help you fetch good marks in the GATE exam.
The GATE 2026 two-paper combinations for EC, EE, CE, ME, CS, and DA can be checked below -
| GATE Paper Code | Eligible Paper Combinations |
| CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, and XE |
| CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST |
| ME | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, and XE |
| EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, and PH |
| EE | DA, EC, IN, and PH |
| DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, and XE |
Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jan '26 | JEE Main 2026 City Intimation ... |
Jan '26 | JEE Main Admit Card 2026 Sessi... |
Feb '26 | TS EAMCET 2026 notification |
Mar '26 | TS EAMCET 2026 application for... |
Feb '26 | KCET Notification 2026 |
Apr '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 registration... |
Apr '26 | JEE Advanced 2026 practice tes... |
Oct '25 | DTU LEET 2025 Display of Merit... |
Oct '25 | DTU LEET 2025 Exam Date |
Jan '26 | OJEE 2026 registrations |
Mar '26 | OJEE 2026: Last date of fee pa... |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 12 hours ago
GATE CCMT counselling is expected to start in June/July. Students who have qualified in GATE exam 2026 and want to take admission in NITs and other engineering colleges must register and participate in CCMT. The dates will be updated here for each round.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 12 hours ago
GATE 2026 COAP counselling dates will be released in June/July after the announcement of results. Students who want to take admission in IITs must register through COAP for counselling.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 12 hours ago
GATE 2026 Electronics and Communication paper will be conducted on February 15 in the first shift. Students who have regsitered for EC paper must download their admit card on January 2.
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 12 hours ago
IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE CSE exam on February 8, 2026 in two shifts. The CS1 will be held in first shift and CS2 in second shift. The exam timings can be checked below-
- CS1 paper - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- CS2 paper- 2:30 am to 5:30 pm
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 12 hours ago
Students can check GATE exam dates on IIT GATE Guwahati website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The dates have been released for GATE admit card, branch-papers, and results. Dates for answer key and counselling will be made available soon.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 16 hours ago
The Panjab University accepts the GATE cutoff score for admission to the ME/ M.Tech courses. The GATE Cutoff 2023 ranged from 363 to 387 score for admission for the General category under the All India quota. The toughest and the easiest specialisation was M.E. in Electronics and Communication Engin
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering examination takes place once a year. Every year, different IITs and IISc conduct exam on rotational basis. GATE is conducted online for three hours for 30 branch papers.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, applicants who have qualified GATE exam are also eligible for WBUT PGET. Candidates must have a valid GATE scorecard. However, students have to appear for a personal interview round. Students must mention their GATE scorecard in the application form.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
GATE 2027 is expected to be conducted by IIT Madras for all 30 branch papers. Official announcement will be made soon.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
S
Contributor-Level 7
This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026, and two things have been modified -
The details are available on the official website as well as in the information brochure.