GATE Papers and corresponding codes

For the GATE 2014 examination, a candidate can apply for only one of the 22 papers listed in Table given below. The syllabus for each of the papers is different. Making a choice of the appropriate paper during GATE application is the responsibility of the candidate. Some guidelines in this respect are suggested below.

The candidate is expected to appear in a paper appropriate to the discipline of his/her qualifying degree. However, the candidate is, 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. For more details regarding the admission criteria in any particular institute, the candidate is advised to refer to the websites of that institute.

Table: List of GATE papers and corresponding codes

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*XE (Engineering Sciences) and **XL (Life Sciences) papers are of general nature and will comprise of Sections listed in the above table. More detailed explanation is given below. 

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

1.     Section A – Engineering Mathematics (compulsory)

2.     GA – General Aptitude (compulsory)

3.     Any two of XE sections B to G

The choice of two sections from B to G can be made during the examination after viewing the questions. Only two optional sections can be answered at a time. A candidate wishing to change midway of the examination to another optional section 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

1.     Section H – Chemistry (compulsory)

2.     GA – General Aptitude (compulsory)

3.     Any two of XL sections I to M

The choice of two sections from I to M can be made during the examination after viewing the questions. Only two optional sections can be answered by the candidate. A candidate wishing to change midway of the examination to another optional section must first choose to deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections (I to M).

Duration and Examination Type  

The GATE examination consists of a single paper of 3-hour duration that contains 65 questions carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The question paper will consist of both multiple choice questions (MCQ) and numerical answer type questions.

The examination for all the papers will be carried out in an ONLINE Computer Based Test (CBT) mode where the candidates will be shown the questions in a random sequence on a computer screen. The candidates are required to either select the answer (for MCQ type) or enter the answer for numerical answer type question using a mouse on a virtual keyboard (keyboard of the computer will be disabled). Candidates will be provided with blank paper sheets for rough work and these have to be returned back after the examination. At the end of the 3-hour window, the computer will automatically close the screen from further actions.

GATE Admit Card and Registration Number Format

GATE 2014 will be held from February 2 to March 2. Here are 5 things to know about to know about the entrance exam.

GATE 2014 Examination will be held in 2 sessions. The first session will be held from 9 am to 12pm while the afternoon session will be held from 2pm to 5pm. 

The session allotment will be done on a random basis by GATE 2014 administration.

The Admit Card can only be downloaded from the zonal GATE websites from 18th December 2013. Admit Cards will NOT be sent by post/email. Bring a print-out of the downloaded Admit Card to the Test Center along with the original and valid photo identification (NO photocopy / scanned copy/NOT expired). Candidates will NOT be permitted to take the test, if this original and valid photo identification is not presented. It may be noted that you would have specified one of the following IDs during the online application process: Driving License, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhaar UID, College ID, Employee Identification Card, or a Notarized Affidavit with Photo, Signature, Date of Birth and Residential Address.

Precautions during downloading Admit Card:

Candidates facing problem while downloading Admit Card are advised to do the following:

1. Empty cache memory of the browser

2. Close the browser

3. Re-open the browser and login at GOAPS to download your admit card.

Registration Number Format:

Registration number format for GATE 2014 is two alphabet paper code followed by nine digits e.g., AG600101001.

Out of the nine digits, fifth and sixth digits put together indicate the Session Number in which a candidate's examination is scheduled. For example, if the Registration Number is ME601005112, then the fifth and sixth digits put together, i.e., 05 indicates that the candidate's examination is scheduled in Session 05. From the Session number and with the help of the table given below, a candidate can find the date and time at which her/his examination is scheduled.

Thus from the table given below, examination scheduled in Session 05 takes place in the forenoon of 16th February 2014.

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How to prepare for GATE entrance exam?

The Graduate Admission Test in Engineering (GATE) is an All-India entrance examination for applicants who are interested in pursuing Masters/Direct PhD in India or Abroad. If your aim is to gain admission in best institutes like IIT, NIT, IISC etc. or a job in Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) you need to strive hard.

 
1. The First Step: 

• First of all know total information i.e. its pattern, eligibility, syllabus etc.
• Set your mind for the preparation. By reading the preparation strategies you would get a clear idea on the exam modalities. You need to implement the guidelines given in this article with whole hearten efforts.
• If you are currently doing your degree/recently completed it, you are already in touch with the study environment and concepts & topics. Use it to your advantage.

2. Choose Proper Books and Resource:

• Selection of books is very important. Ensure you have chosen the right material and books by consulting your faculty at your coaching institute or college. 
• Buy and solve previous year question papers so that you can get a proper understanding about the paper pattern. Since GATE 2014 comes with the new online pattern for the first time, you need to refer to the old pattern resources at the moment for previous year analysis.

3. Planning your study well:

• GATE covers roughly 3-4 years of engineering syllabus (subjects and concepts of First year come as part of the application) so some subjects have a higher weight-age when compared to others.
• Analyze the level of command you have on the subjects and the focus area subjects depending on your respective branch. Keep the GATE 2014 syllabus handy and plan your timetable as per the syllabus only. Note that even if a subject with lower weight age contributes to the question paper.

4. Management of syllabus and topics:

• Never ignore any specific subjects completely whatever the reason that may be. The moment you build this negative mindset you will be unable to cover those subjects till the end. 
• Allocate some amount of time for each subject so that you can cover every subject. You need to cover each and every topic of the syllabus thoroughly as the syllabus is huge and questions can appear from anywhere.

5. Prepare concise notes and ready to revise material:

• Always while preparing each chapter keep short notes of it which you can revise later on. They will be very helpful in the last 30 days since revising directly from the book would be difficult.
• Making notes is as per your choice it may be done by- underlining the important details, highlighting the key points, having a separate notebook for key information and formulae, making flash cards for formulae and key points, short forms or remembering the details with the initials of a song or any other new way which makes you learn the topics in perfect and easy way!

6. Frequently test yourself:

• Once you are done with a topic/subject, refer to the GATE previous year papers and check your capability in that subject. Don’t refer to solutions after one failed attempt. Give 2-3 attempts before you decide to refer to the solutions.
• If you feel you are still weak in some subjects and can be improved with revision don’t ignore it start preparing yourself in the best way.

7. Analyze where you stand in Mock Tests:

• Enrolling for some Test Series will help you to have a regular check mechanism of where you stand which will be self analysis and will help you to know the areas that demand more efforts.
• If you have not enrolled for any test series with an institute you may apply for the same online or purchase a book/CD/DVD for self practice. Be honest to yourself because if you are doing it at home you are not being monitored by any one. You may ask your parents to ensure you have a peaceful silent environment for the test.
•  You can analyze your performance in mock tests and understand the topics you were not able to attempt or on those that you spent a lot of time in solving.

8. Complete the preparation on time:

• One of the very important things is completing your syllabus on time. Avoid being in a situation where you miss some chapters or a subject completely. Plan your studies accordingly and time it well.
• You need to complete your syllabus 45 days before Exam date. Start solving sample papers and Mock Examination frequently during this period. Revise all the topics in first 30 days of this 45 Day timeline.
• In the last 15 days solve GATE previous year questions and attempt more mock papers.

9. Time Management-The Success Mantra:

• Time Management is the major aspect which is very complex. Did you make timetables in the past? how many times did you strictly follow them?
• If your answer is NO, points given below tell you how to do plan properly for GATE 2014.
• Make a month-wise plan as of what topics you will be covering and when. If you have joined some coaching institute, they will give you a schedule as well.
• If you have not joined any classes, there is nothing to panic. Make your own plan. To ensure you are doing it right or just to make yourself feel better, discuss with your friends who have joined some coaching and compare the same.
• Make a daily timetable and paste it on the wall exactly in front of the table you study.

10. Cut off time from less important activities:

• Find out the less needed activities such as sleeping overtime, TV, internet, parties etc. That’s okay if you skip these activities or reduce the time you spent on them for the goal you are working.
• Stop using the internet beyond the limit i.e. 2 hours are more than sufficient to track any exam updates, surf internet, use Facebook or for other recreational activities. Also, it’s not a rule to watch a movie every weekend! If you have that habit, put a pause on it for that particular year. It will give you proper time to manage your studies.

Keep a Note: It is not tough to crack GATE! All you need is a certain level of commitment and dedication. Give GATE 2014 Preparation in your best way. We wish you All The Best…