GATE, ISRO and PSU exams
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Engineering exam guide
Engineering graduates can join premier research organisations and public-sector undertakings, or pursue M.Tech at IITs and NITs. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is the gateway to most of these, while ISRO, BARC and DRDO also run their own recruitment.
These exams test core engineering fundamentals in depth. A strong grip on your branch's core subjects, plus engineering mathematics and general aptitude, is what separates top scores from average ones.
How it works
A 3-hour computer-based test in one of 30 subject papers. The score is valid for three years.
Apply to IITs/NITs for M.Tech through COAP/CCMT, or to PSUs that recruit through GATE scores.
Shortlisted candidates face group discussion and/or interview. Final selection weighs GATE score and interview.
ISRO, BARC (OCES/DGFS) and DRDO CEPTAM run their own written tests or use GATE scores to shortlist, followed by interviews.
Exam pattern
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering — used for M.Tech admissions, PhD, and recruitment by PSUs.
Exam structure
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics + core subject | 55 | 85 |
| Total · 3 hr | 65 | 100 |
Question types: MCQ, MSQ (multiple correct) and NAT (numerical answer). Negative marking only for MCQs — 1/3 for 1-mark and 2/3 for 2-mark questions.
Scientist/Engineer 'SC' posts at ISRO centres in Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science and other branches.
A written test on core branch subjects followed by an interview. The interview carries significant weight in final selection, so depth of understanding matters as much as the written score.
Orientation Course for Engineering graduates and Science postgraduates at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
Candidates are shortlisted through BARC's online exam or a valid GATE score, then interviewed. Selected trainees receive a stipend during a one-year course and then join DAE units as Scientific Officers.
Senior Technical Assistant-B and Technician-A posts in DRDO laboratories.
Tier I computer-based screening (quantitative ability, reasoning, general awareness, English and technical questions) followed by a Tier II technical test or trade test depending on the post.
Syllabus
Strategy
GATE rewards conceptual clarity. Understand why a formula works and you can solve unfamiliar questions.
Solve the last 15–20 years of GATE papers for your branch. Patterns and favourite topics repeat.
Together they carry about 28 marks and are the easiest to score. Many toppers get these nearly perfect.
GATE allows only the on-screen calculator. Use it in every mock so it doesn't slow you down on exam day.
For ISRO, BARC and PSUs, the interview tests depth in your core subjects and final-year project. Revise both.
FAQs
Three years from the date of result announcement.
Only for MCQs: one-third of a mark for 1-mark questions and two-thirds for 2-mark questions. MSQ and NAT questions have no negative marking.
Yes. Students in the third or higher year of their undergraduate degree are eligible.
Many do (such as NTPC, IOCL, PGCIL and BHEL), but not all, and each PSU decides its own cut-offs and branches every year.
Exam patterns, marks and eligibility are based on the latest notifications available and can change from one cycle to the next. Always confirm the details in the official notification on the GATE website of that year's organising IIT before you apply.
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