Registration - 28 Aug '25 - 6 Oct '25
By J K Sinha
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination for admissions to post-graduate programs (e.g.,ME, MTech, direct PhD) conducted by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengalore (IISc, Bangalore) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with financial assistance provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and other government agencies.
Even before applying for any exam, most of the people already have myths about it that can have an impact on their decision of whether or not to appear for that exam.
Same is true of GATE. Let’s discuss some of the very common myths about the GATE Examination.
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1. Myth: The exam is tough as it is an all-India level test
Fact: The questions of GATE exam are fully conceptual. Once you have understood the concepts of each topic, you will definitely be able to solve these questions. Doesn’t sound tough right?
2. Myth: Maximum questions must be attempted to attain a high score
Fact: This is a wrong notion because GATE questions have negative marking for wrong answers. Attempt only those questions about which you are confident. The qualifying cut off for each stream is usually from 22-30 marks.
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3. Myth: Study all the subjects and topics of graduation, and then only you can attend the paper as there is topic-wise marks distribution
Fact: No need to study all the subjects and topics of graduation. Refer to the syllabus given for each department, particularly for the examination. All the topics of the graduation syllabus are not included. So it is better to follow the GATE syllabus. To be more precise about the syllabus refer to the previous ten years question papers and note down the subjects and the topics from which no or limited questions are asked and those from which highest number of questions are asked. Study accordingly.
4. Myth: Solve as many papers as you can
Fact: This is one of the notions which are very true. Solve as many questions and practice papers as you can but within stipulated time. This will increase your speed and accuracy.
5. Myth: Lot of hard work is required
Fact: Hard work is one key ingredient in the recipe of success. But for some, it is more like just sitting in front of the books throughout the day. You just need to utilise your time intelligently. But one thing is that keep it regular and with full concentration, i.e., it is enough to spend one hour for GATE if you start at least one year before the exam but the most important thing is that it should be on daily basis with full regularity.
6. Myth: Don’t play or waste time
Fact: All work and no play make jack a dull boy! It is somewhat the same when it comes to studies. As mentioned in the above points do all the works which you generally do in addition to the studying for GATE.
7. Myth: Study the whole night before exam, then only you will remember everything
Fact: Another most important thing is that don’t study till late night, at-least the night before the exam. For that day go to bed as early as possible and stay cool. Just revise some topics. And for the other days before the exam, if you want you can get up early to study instead.
Read more: MTech Entrance Examinations in India
Check the important dates for GATE 2020 here.
About the author:
J K Sinha is the director of Gateforum. He has earned his MTech degree from IIT Kharagpur.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Well,
As such, the GATE authorities have not mentioned anything regarding the black and white or colour printout of the GATE admit card to be carried or not. But it is better to carry a colour printout of the hall ticket to the exam centre Also, the admit card of GATE must be in A4 size format.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
If there are any details missing in the GATE admit card, then he/she must contact the GATE zone helpline centre. The candidate must raise their concern, mentioning the issue they are facing with the hall ticket. They will have to provide complete details regarding the information that are missing in
S
Contributor-Level 7