The Evolution of GATE Over the Years: Then Vs Now
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 7 Feb '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-
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- 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
Candidates can check GATE 2026 exam pattern below -
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Language of question paper | English |
| Time duration | 3 hours |
| Total number of branches | 30 |
| Sections | General Aptitude and Selected Subject |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Negative marking | Applicable only for MCQs |
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
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| 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.
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For the General AI quota, the IIT Madras CSE cutoff 2025 stood at 171 in the first round. Till the last round, the cutoff remained the same, indicating all seats got filled after the first round of the JEE Advanced cutoff. For IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay, the CSE cutoff ranks were closed at 126 and 66, respectively, for the same category. So, considering the cutoff ranks, the IIT Madras cutoff for CSE was comparatively less competitive for admission among the Engineering aspirants as compared to that of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.
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.
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.
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,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
NHCE Bangalore accepts GATE score for admission to M.Tech programme. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants can also get into M.Tech course based on their Karnataka PGCET scores. Selected candidates have to confirm their seat by paying the course fees.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 days ago
Chandigarh University does not announce branch-wise GATE Exam 2026 cut-offs for M.E. admissions. Since GATE is not mandatory for admission, there are no fixed cut-offs for different specialisations. However, for GATE fellowship allocation, competition may vary by branch depending on the number of ap
A
Guide-Level 11
Answered a week ago
Candidates need to graduate from BTech at IIT Dhanbad with a minimum GPA of 8.0 or above to qualify for M.Tech admissions without GATE. Only the candidates who clear BTech from IIT Dhanbad are allowed admissions without GATE into M.Tech at II Dhanbad with the aforementioned score.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the GATE 2026 has already been concluded for IIT Dhanbad M.Tech admissions. The GATE 2026 registrations are closed in the month of October. Candidates who have appeared for GATE will need to wait for all merit-lists to be revealed.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD admissions to the Institute Assistantship courses at IIT Guwahati require candidates to appear for the GATE or CEED.
However, PhD admissions to the other categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are not decided on the basis of the aforementioned entrance exams scores.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, GATE is not a mandatory entrance exam for Plaksha University MS in AI admissions. Candidates also have the option to appear for other entrance exams to qualify for MS in AI admissions such as GRE, CAT and GMAT.
However, candidates who have cleared their UG level course from top institutes such as
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The GATE paper will be divided into sections like engineering mathematics, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, etc.
Here's the GATE 2026 Syllabus for Civil Engineering
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Bachelor's degree holder from IITs with a CGPA of 8.0 or above can get direct admission in M.Tech programme of IIT Dhanbad without GATE. The respective department reviews such applications and seats for such aspirants are supernumerary.
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Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can get M.Tech admission without a GATE in Bangalore colleges through institute specific entrance exams. The seats are sponsored in IITs and NITS. Private and state universities also offer direct admissions via their own tests or merit.
Source: External site and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, Chandigarh University conducts an interview process for students who wish to avail the GATE Exam 2026 fellowship. Clearing the interview is a compulsory step, even for candidates with strong GATE scores. The interview is designed to assess the student's subject knowledge, communication skill,
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Beginner-Level 4
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.