Pattern of Question Papers and Marking Scheme

Pattern of Question Papers

In all the papers, there will be a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, out of which 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks are in General Aptitude (GA).

In the papers bearing the codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, MN, MT, PI, TF and XE, the Engineering Mathematics will carry around 13% of the total marks, the General Aptitude section will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining percentage of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper.

In the papers bearing the codes AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH and XL, the General Aptitude section will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining 85% of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper.

GATE 2014 would contain questions of two different types in various papers:

(i) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all papers and sections. These questions are objective in nature, and each will have a choice of four answers, out of which the candidate has to mark the correct answer(s).

(ii) Numerical Answer Questions of 1 or 2 marks each in all papers and sections. For these questions the answer is a real number, to be entered by the candidate using the virtual keypad. No choices will be shown for this type of questions.

Design of Questions
The questions in a paper may be designed to test the following abilities:

(i) Recall: These are based on facts, principles, formulae or laws of the discipline of the paper. The candidate is expected to be able to obtain the answer either from his/her memory of the subject or at most from a one-line computation.

Example

Q. During machining maximum heat is produced

(A) in flank face
(B) in rake face
(C) in shear zone
(D) due to friction between chip and tool

(ii) Comprehension: These questions will test the candidate's understanding of the basics of his/her field, by requiring him/her to draw simple conclusions from fundamental ideas.

Example

Q. A DC motor requires a starter in order to
(A) develop a starting torque
(B) compensate for auxiliary field ampere turns
(C) limit armature current at starting
(D) provide regenerative braking

(iii) Application: In these questions, the candidate is expected to apply his/her knowledge either through computation or by logical reasoning.

Example

Q. The sequent depth ratio of a hydraulic jump in a rectangular channel is 16.48. The Froude number at the beginning of the jump is:

(A) 5.0 (B) 8.0 (C) 10.0 (D) 12.0

Examples of each of this design is given in the types of questions above.

The questions based on the above logics may be a mix of single standalone statement/phrase/data type questions, combination of option codes type questions or match items type questions.

(iv) Analysis and Synthesis: In these questions, the candidate is presented with data, diagrams, images etc. that require analysis before a question can be answered. A Synthesis question might require the candidate to compare two or more pieces of information. Questions in this category could, for example, involve candidates in recognising unstated assumptions, or separating useful information from irrelevant information.

Marking Scheme

For 1-mark multiple-choice questions, 1/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for2-marks multiple-choice questions, 2/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for numerical answer type questions.

General Aptitude (GA) Questions

In all papers, GA questions carry a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 10 marks).

Question Papers other than GG, XE and XL

These papers would contain 25 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 25 marks) and 30 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 60 marks). The question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice and numerical answer type. For numerical answer questions, choices will not be given. Candidates have to enter the answer (which will be a real number, signed or unsigned, e.g. 25.06, -25.06, 25, -25 etc.) using a virtual keypad. An appropriate range will be considered while evaluating the numerical answer type questions so that the candidate is not penalized due to the usual round-off errors.

GG (Geology and Geophysics) Paper

Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the GG question paper consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is common for all candidates. Part B contains two sections: Section 1 (Geology) and Section 2 (Geo-physics). Candidates will have to attempt questions in Part A and either Section 1 or Section 2 in Part B.

Part A consists of 25 multiple-choice questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 25 marks and some of these may be numerical answer type questions). Each section in Part B (Section 1 and Section 2) consists of 30 multiple choice questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 60 marks and some of these may be numerical answer type questions).

XE Paper (Engineering Sciences)

In XE paper, Engineering Mathematics section (Section A) is compulsory. This section contains 11 questions carrying a total of 15 marks: 7 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 7 marks), and 4 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 8 marks). Some questions may be of numerical answer type questions.

Each of the other sections of the XE paper (Sections B through G) contains 22 questions carrying a total of 35 marks: 9 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 9 marks) and 13 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 26 marks). Some questions may be of numerical answer type.

XL Paper (Life Sciences)

In XL paper, Chemistry section (Section H) is compulsory. This section contains 15 questions carrying a total of 25 marks: 5 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks). Some questions may be of numerical answer type.

Each of the other sections of the XL paper (Sections I through M) contains 20 questions carrying a total of 30 marks: 10 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 10 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 20 marks). Some questions may be of numerical answer type.

Note on Negative Marking for Wrong Answers

For a wrong answer chosen for the multiple choice questions, there would be negative marking. For1-mark multiple choice questions, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2-mark multiple choice questions, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. However, there is no negative marking for a wrong answer in numerical answer type questions

New in GATE 2014 

 

1. A new paper "Ecology and Evolution" is introduced in GATE 2014.
    
2. Examinations for all the 22 papers will be conducted by an ONLINE Computer Based Test (CBT). The online examination paper will contain some questions for which numerical answers must be keyed in by the candidate using the virtual keypad. Rest of the questions shall be of Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) type.
    
3. GATE 2014 examinations will be held during forenoon and afternoon sessions on alternate weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between 1st February 2014 and 2nd March 2014. Examination for some of the papers in GATE 2014 will be held in multiple sessions. Exact details on complete examination schedule will be notified at a later date. 

Changes in GATE 2013 that will continue to remain in force for GATE 2014

 

1. Application Process: For GATE 2014, as in GATE 2013, all information related to the candidates’ will be available in a single GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS). Candidates have to register/enroll and fill the application via ONLINE mode ONLY by accessing the zonal GATE websites of IISc and any of the seven IITs. The photograph and signature of the applicant must be uploaded during the online application. The application process becomes complete only when a printout of the filled ONLINE application with the candidate’s signature and a good quality photograph affixed in the appropriate place is received by the respective Zonal GATE offices along with necessary documents, if any, on or before 10th October 2013. Please note that application forms are not available for sale anywhere else.
2. Downloadable Admit Card: Admit cards will NOT be sent by e-mail/post, they can ONLY be downloaded from the zonal GATE websites from 1st January 2014. The candidate has to bring the printed admit card to the test center along with at least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification. It may be noted that one of the following photo identifications is ONLY permitted: 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. The details of this ID proof have to be given while filling the online application.
3. Numerical Answer Type Questions: The question paper for GATE 2014 will consist of questions of both multiple-choice type and numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, candidates have to choose the answer from the given choices. Numerical answer type questions are not multiple-choice type; the candidates have to enter a number as the answer using a virtual keypad. 

Important Dates

Important Dates

GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) Website Opens: Enrolment, Application Filling, Application Submission	Monday	2nd September 2013
Last Date for Enrolment (after this only enrolled candidates can fill the application)	Tuesday	1st October 2013
Last date for Submission of Online Application through Website	Thursday	3rd October 2013
Last Date for the receipt of Print-out of the ONLINE Application along with all the supporting documents at the respective Zonal GATE Offices	Thursday	10th October 2013
Last Date for Request for Change in the Choice of City	Wednesday	20th November 2013
Availability of Admit Card on the GOAPS website for printing	Wednesday	18th December, 2013
GATE 2014 Online Examination Forenoon: 9.00 AM to 12.00 Noon Afternoon: 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM	Saturdays and Sundays	Between 1st February and 2nd March 2014
Announcement of Results on the Online Application Website	Friday	28th March 2014 (10:00 Hrs)

 

Examination Schedule

Examination Schedule: GATE 2014

GATE 2014 examination will be held during forenoon (09:00 AM to 12:00 noon) and afternoon (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) sessions on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between 1st February 2014 and 2nd March 2014.

Examination for most of the papers will be held in a single session, either in the forenoon or afternoon during a weekend (Saturday or Sunday).

However, Examination for the remaining papers will be held in multiple, but continuous forenoon and afternoon sessions. For example, assume that for a paper with code XY, examination will be conducted in 4 sessions. Then the examination for this paper will be scheduled in 4 continuous sessions during the weekend of the same week as shown in the following table:

Paper Code : XY	Saturday	Session-1 09:00 AM to 12:00 noon	Session-2 2:00 PM to 5:00PM
	Sunday	Session-3 09:00 AM to 12:00 noon	Session-4 2:00 PM to 5:00PM

Depending upon the number of candidates registered for a particular paper and other logistics, the number of sessions will be decided.

Candidates appearing for a multi-session paper have NO CHOICE as far as the SESSION is concerned. The session allotment will be done on a random basis by GATE 2014. No request for change of session shall be entertained at any point of time.

Exact details on complete examination schedule will be notified at a later date. 

 

How to Apply

How to Apply?

All candidates have to apply via ONLINE only. Please read the details given below before you start online application process.

GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS)	About GOAPS Browser Settings Filling in Application Online Uploading Photograph and Signature
Application Fees	Details of Application fee (Mode of Payment, Bank Charges, etc)
Supporting Documents	Principal Certificate Degree Certificate Category Certificate
Mailing Documents

GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS)

 An online interface is provided for most of applicant’s interaction with the GATE office. With this interface an applicant can

1. Do Enrolment using “New User Register here”
2. Fill the online application form
3. Upload photograph and signature.
4. Pay the application fee through net-banking or indicate your option for payment through bank challan (State Bank of India or Syndicate Bank).
5. Check the Status of your application form: Received, Under Scrutiny, Accepted, Defect Status, Status after Rectification, Rejected with Valid Reasons, Admit Card Ready for Download, etc.
6. Contact the Zonal GATE office in case of any queries/problems.
7. Download Admit Card.
8. View your responses, marks and GATE score.

The login to this interface is through your GOAPS Enrolment ID and a GOAPS password. Keep this information safe and do not disclose it to anyone.

Back to Top

Browser Settings

Please set the following browser settings to ensure that the application process is error free

Enable Cookies

1. In Google Chrome: Settings > Advanced Settings > Privacy: Content Settings > Cookies > Allow local data to be set
2. In Firefox:  Tools (or Edit) > Options (or Preferences)> Privacy > Firefox will > Use custom settings for history > Accept Cookies from sites
3. In IE: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Advanced button > Check Override Automatic Cookie Handling > Click on Accept radio buttons > Always allow session cookies.

Enable Javascript

1. In Google Chrome: Settings > Advanced Settings > Privacy: Content Settings > Javascript > Allow all sites to run Javascript
2. In Firefox:  Tools (or Edit) > Options (or Preferences)> Content > Enable Javascript.
3. In IE: Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom Level... > Scroll down to get Scripting > Enable Active Scripting.

Back to Top

Filling in Application Online

1. GOAPS: GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS website) can be accessed from the website of the respective Zonal GATE Offices or from the website of the GATE 2014 Organizing Institute.
2. Enrolment:  You must first enroll yourself, by providing a valid email address, mobile number and a GOAPS password. Choose the email id that you check frequently, as all communications to you from the GATE Offices will be sent to this address (DO NOT USE ANYBODY ELSE’S e-mail ADDRESS. ONLY ONE PERSON CAN REGISTER WITH ONE e-mail ADDRESS). Give your personal mobile number because most of the communications may also be sent via SMS.

• GOAPS Password: This will be the password that you will be providing to the GOAPS during the Enrolment. You must remember this along with the GOAPS Enrolment ID to login to GOAPS. Choose a password that cannot be guessed easily (it should NOT be your name, date of birth, or some string of numbers or letters like 12345, abcd, etc.), so as to ensure that the data you provide is not accessible to any person other than yourself.

3. GOAPS Enrolment ID: Upon registration, an email and SMS containing your GOAPS Enrolment ID will be sent to you. You need to remember this along with the GOAPS password for all GATE 2014 related communications/website operations.
4. Data Requirement for Application Filling: Before you login to GOAPS using Enrolment ID and Password, keep the following information ready:
   1. Personal information (name, date of birth, your personal mobile number, parent’s name, parent’s mobile number etc.)
   2. Address for Communication (including PIN code)
   3. Eligibility degree details (College address, PIN code of college)
   4. GATE paper, choice of GATE Examination Cities
   5. Good quality image of your photograph conforming to the requirements specified inPhotograph Requirements
   6. Good quality image of your signature conforming to the requirements specified in Signature Specifications.
   7. Details of a valid ID Proof that you will carry to the examination hall.
   8. Optional: Your Netbanking login and password to make the application fee payment via online net banking mode. Alternately, you may wish to pay via the challan mode.
5. Application Filling: Fill in the necessary data in the online application form by carefully following instructions given there. You may edit the data at this stage if you require. Upload the required soft copy of photo and signature. Check the correctness of the photo and signature that are uploaded. If you are not satisfied, you may upload them again.
6. You will have to select one of the two payment options (details given below) while filling the online form.
7. The GOAPS allows you to enter data, “Save” partially filled form, “Logout”, and resume filling in by logging in again. You may address the error messages that may appear on saving the filled in data.
8. Before you make the payment, you have to carefully check for any errors or missing data.
9. Once you press “Submit & Proceed to Payment” button, no further changes to the application can be made.
10. After processing “Submit & Proceed to Payment” you will be taken to payment option where you may choose offline or via Netbanking option. Candidates who have selected via Netbanking option will follow the instructions given below for online net-banking, in the payment section and complete the payment process. Those who have selected the challan payment option will directly proceed to the next step “Proceed Next for PDF Download”.
11. You will then see two links namely “Download Challan for Payment” and “Download Filled Application”. You have to download the PDF files from these links and print the files. In case if you have opted payment via Netbanking, you will have to download only filled in application form from“Download Filled Application”. The download application form will contain two pages as mentioned below
    1. Page 1: Instructions to the candidate and address slip where you need to send the hard copy
    2. Page 2: The application form. Note that the bottom part may contain the certificate to be signed by the college Principal or may be left blank (depending on your eligibility status).
    3. Those who opted offline payment: Optional page for candidates who select “bank challan” mode of payment (as against the net-banking). This page will contain 3 copies of the challan to be processed with the respective banks (SBI or Syndicate Bank).
12. Problems in Login into GOAPS –This step may be used, if the candidate forgets the password or the Enrolment ID or did not receive the Enrolment ID. Visit the “Problems in Login into GOAPS” link on the GOAPS website.
    1. In case of forgotten Enrolment ID or non-receipt of Enrolment ID via email,candidate must provide Mobile Number and email address. The Enrolment ID will be sent to the candidate via SMS/email.
    2. In case of forgotten password, candidate must provide Mobile Number, Email and Enrolment ID, which will be verified and a “one time password” (OTP) will be sent via Email and SMS using which candidate can reset new GOAPS password.
    3. In case of forgotten both Enrolment ID and password, candidate must provide Mobile Number and email address. The Enrolment ID will be sent to the candidate via SMS/email.

Back to Top

Photograph Requirements

Please pay attention to upload good quality photograph. Poor quality of photographs submitted will lead to rejection of your GATE application, without any refund of the application fees. The GATE Score card will be printed with the photograph you submit.

1. The photograph must be in color and must be taken in a professional studio. Photograph taken using a Mobile phone and other self-composed portraits are NOT acceptable.
2. Photograph must be taken in a White or a very light background.
3. The photograph must have been taken after 1st July 2013.
4. In the photograph, the height of the face (between chin and the top of the forehead) should occupy about 50% of the height of the photograph.
5. The main features of the face must not be covered by hair of the head, any cloth or any shadow. The photograph must show full frontal view with both ears being visible and eyes open.
6. If you normally wear spectacles, glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses for the photo shoot.
7. You must not wear spectacles with dark or tinted glasses, only clear glasses are permitted.
8. Ask your photo studio to provide the image in a JPEG format and also on a standard 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm print (350 x 450 pixels).
9. File size should be between 10KB and 100KB.
10. For your own benefit it may be prudent not to intentionally change your facial features or hair style as in the photograph until the day of the exam.

Sample Photographs

Not Acceptable Photograph	Reason for Rejection	Acceptable Photograph
	Photo taken with Mobile phone; Distorted face
	Improper background
	Facial Area is less than 50% of total
	Not looking straight
	Covering facial features
	Shadow on face
	Improper flash or Improper Lighting
	Too much glare on spectacles
	Dark/Tinted Spectacles or Sunglasses
	Poor Digital Resolution

Signature Specifications

1. Please draw a rectangular box of size 7 × 2 cm on an A4 white paper. Put your signature with black or dark blue ink pen within this box.
2. Scan the signature using scanner at 200 pixels per inch (dpi), and crop the image to the box.
3. Save the image in JPEG format. Only JPEG image formats will be accepted.
4. Ensure that the file size is between 5KB and 100KB.
5. Photographs of the signatures taken using mobile phone or digital cameras are not acceptable, and can result in disqualification of the application without any refund of the fee.

Sample Signatures

Not Acceptable Signature	Reason for Rejection	Acceptable Signature
	Signature in Capital
	Signature not in full and in Capital
	Signature not in full
	Signature taken via mobile phone / camera
	Poor Digital Resolution

Back to Top

Application Fee

All candidates have to apply only ONLINE. Details of the application fee are shown below. The application fee is non-refundable.

Male Candidates (General/OBC)	Rs 1500
Women Candidates of any category	Rs 750
Other Candidates (General/OBC)	Rs 1500
SC / ST / PwD* Category Candidates	Rs 750

Note that depending on the mode of payment (net-banking/challan) additional charges will be applicable as shown in a table below. All charges given below are in Indian Rupees. 

Category	Mode	Application Fee	Bank Charges	Total
Male Candidates (General/OBC)	Online Net-banking	₹ 1500	₹ 10	₹ 1510
	SBI Challan	₹ 1500	₹ 25	₹ 1525
	Syndicate bank	₹ 1500	₹ 25	₹ 1525
SC / ST / PwD* category candidates	Online Net-banking	₹ 750	₹ 10	₹ 760
	SBI Challan	₹ 750	₹ 25	₹ 775
	Syndicate bank	₹ 750	₹ 25	₹ 775
Women Candidates	Online Net-banking	₹ 750	₹ 10	₹ 760
	SBI Challan	₹ 750	₹ 25	₹ 775
	Syndicate bank	₹ 750	₹ 25	₹ 775
Other Candidates (General/OBC)	Online Net-banking	₹ 1500	₹ 10	₹ 1510
	SBI Challan	₹ 1500	₹ 25	₹ 1525
	Syndicate bank	₹ 1500	₹ 25	₹ 1525

* PwD: Person with Disability 

Online Netbanking Payment Details

1. From the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS), you will be redirected to the website of the bank of your choice.
2. You will have to login with your bank’s Netbanking (or Internet Banking) user ID and password.
3. The fee amount and bank charges will be shown to you, and you have to confirm that the payment is for GATE 2014.
4. Once you confirm and the payment is successful, you will be redirected back to the GATE Online Application Website.
5. If you have some difficulty (due to internet connection or power failure), and you are not sure whether your payment has been processed or not, then please login back to GOAPS and check the status of the payment. You can also check the status from your bank.
6. In case the fee amount has been debited from your bank account , however, GOAPS does not acknowledge any fee payment, then the money will be credited back to your account within three working days.
7. In such a case, you may initiate a fresh payment using GOAPS, even without waiting for the money to be credited back to your account, so that your application is on time. You may wish to switch to the offline challan payment.

Offline Challan Payment Details

1. If you had chosen offline payment option while filling in the form, you will be provided with a copy of the challan in triplicate (PDF file) with your details already filled in. You have to print this file on an A4 size paper, and have to fill in a few more details such as date and signature.
2. Once the PDF of the online application form is generated, you have to wait for at least 48 hours to visit the bank with the filled challan and make the fee payment.
3. You may take the challan to any of the nearest branches of State Bank of India (SBI) or Syndicate Bank and make the application fees payment. Note that for this, you do not need to have an account in that branch.
4. The bank teller will verify the details printed on the challan with the data available on their Management Information System (MIS) and then accept the payment. Note that your payment will NOT be accepted if you go to the bank earlier than 48 hrs as mentioned in Point no. 2 above. This is because it will take some time after generation of PDF online application to reflect the data in the respective bank MIS.
5. The bank will retain one copy of the challan and give you back the remaining two copies: one of which you are required to send along with the printed application form, while the other is for your record.

Back to Top