GATE AG
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreAbout this exam
GATE 2025 (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level examination that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate subjects in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities. It is organised by Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) and conducted by IISc Bengaluru and seven IITs - IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee - on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. GATE 2025 is a computer-based test (CBT) held on February 1, 2, 15 and 16, 2025, with a total of 30 test papers comprising full papers and sectional papers. Candidates may appear for one or two test papers from the allowed two-paper combinations. Qualifying opens admission with possible financial assistance to Master's and direct Doctoral programs in MoE-supported and other government institutions, and GATE scores are used by several Public Sector Undertakings for recruitment. The score remains valid for THREE years from the date of announcement of results. Preparation should start from the official test paper syllabus, build undergraduate fundamentals topic by topic, and progress to timed practice with the mock test links and previous master question papers and answer keys published on the official portal. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with IIT Roorkee, the IITs, IISc or the NCB.
What you'll study
About GATE AG preparation
What is the format of GATE 2025?
GATE 2025 is a computer-based test (CBT). It has 30 test papers comprising full papers and sectional papers, and candidates have the option to appear for one or two test papers from the allowed two-paper combinations. The exam is organised by IIT Roorkee on behalf of the National Coordination Board.
On which dates was GATE 2025 held?
The official GATE 2025 site states the exam was conducted on February 1st, 2nd, 15th, and 16th, 2025. Different test papers are assigned to different sessions across these dates, so candidates should check the examination schedule published on the official portal for their paper's slot.
How long is my GATE score valid?
The GATE score obtained by candidates remains valid for a period of THREE years from the date of announcement of results. Plan admissions or PSU applications within that window, because the score is not treated as valid indefinitely after the three-year period ends.
Can I appear for more than one test paper?
Yes, but only within limits. Candidates have the option to appear for one or two test papers from the allowed two-paper combinations. You cannot freely combine any two papers; the permitted pairings are defined officially, so verify your intended combination before applying.
Are there GATE exam centres outside India?
No. There are no international centres for the GATE 2025 examination. Desirous foreign or Indian nationals who are interested in appearing for the GATE 2025 examination will have to travel to India to appear for the test. Factor travel and visa time into your planning.
What can I do with a qualifying GATE score?
Qualifying candidates can seek admission with possible financial assistance to Master's programs and direct Doctoral programs in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Science/Commerce/Arts/Humanities, and to Doctoral programs in relevant branches, in MoE-supported and other government institutions. Several PSUs also use GATE scores for recruitment.
Does qualifying in GATE guarantee admission or a job?
No. The official disclaimer states that qualifying in GATE does not guarantee admission, scholarship, or a job, and that admission to any institute depends fully on that institute's criteria for educational qualification. GATE qualification also does not assure a PSU job.
How should I plan my preparation?
Begin with the official syllabus for your chosen test paper, rebuild undergraduate fundamentals topic by topic, then move to timed practice using the mock test links and the master question papers and answer keys published by the organising institute. Track weak topics and revise them before attempting full-length timed sessions.
What are common reasons candidates lose marks?
Typical failure modes are skipping the official syllabus and over-studying out-of-scope topics, never practising under timed conditions, ignoring the mock test interface, and misjudging which of the allowed two-paper combinations suits their goals. Verify paper-specific details on the official portal rather than relying on second-hand summaries.
Can I challenge GATE questions or answer keys?
Yes, within the published window. Challenges and contests on questions and keys were available on the GOAPS portal from Feb. 27 to Mar. 01, 2025. Provisional candidates were not allowed to contest, but they could see their responses in the candidate login portal. Check notices for any revised dates.