Cracking the GATE: a Comprehensive Guide
to CSE Exam Preparation – Part 2
2 Understanding the Exam Pattern
• 2.1 Overview of GATE Exam Pattern
• 2.2 Types of Questions in GATE Exam
• 2.3 Marking Scheme in GATE Exam
• 2.4 Time Management Strategies for GATE Exam
2.1 Overview of GATE Exam Pattern
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination
conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, Department of
Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. GATE is an online
computer-based test that evaluates the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate
subjects in engineering and science. It serves as a gateway for admission to postgraduate programs
in prestigious institutions and also for recruitment in various public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. It helps candidates
familiarize themselves with the structure of the exam, the types of questions asked, the marking
scheme, and the time management strategies required to excel in the GATE exam. In this section,
we will provide an overview of the GATE exam pattern to help you gain a clear understanding of
what to expect on the day of the examination.
The GATE exam consists of a single paper with a duration of three hours. The paper is
divided into two sections: General Aptitude (GA) and the subject-specific section. The GA section
is common for all candidates and tests their language and analytical skills. The subject-specific
section evaluates the candidate's knowledge in their chosen discipline, in this case, Computer
Science and Engineering (CSE).
The subject-specific section of the GATE exam for CSE consists of multiple-choice
questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. MCQs have four options, out of
which only one is correct. For each correct answer, candidates are awarded one or two marks,
depending on the question. However, for every incorrect answer in MCQs, there is a negative
, marking of 1/3 or 2/3 marks, depending on the question. Unanswered questions do not carry any
negative marks.
NAT questions, on the other hand, do not have any options. Candidates have to enter the
answer using a virtual numeric keypad. These questions carry one or two marks each, and there is
no negative marking for incorrect answers. It is important to note that NAT questions do not have
partial marking. Therefore, candidates must be careful while entering their answers.
The GATE exam also includes a virtual calculator, which candidates can use during the
examination. However, physical calculators are not allowed inside the examination hall.
Familiarizing yourself with the virtual calculator and practicing its usage can save valuable time
during the exam.
The total marks for the GATE exam are 100, with a total of 65 questions. The distribution
of marks varies for each section. The GA section consists of 10 questions, with a total of 15 marks.
The subject-specific section consists of 55 questions, with a total of 85 marks. The weightage of
marks for each question may vary, and it is important to refer to the official GATE website for the
latest information.
To effectively manage time during the exam, candidates should allocate a specific amount
of time to each section and question. It is advisable to start with the GA section, as it requires less
time compared to the subject-specific section. This will help candidates build confidence and save
time for the more challenging questions in the subject-specific section.
While attempting the subject-specific section, candidates should carefully read the
questions and analyze them before attempting an answer. It is important to manage time efficiently
and not spend too much time on a single question. If a question seems difficult, it is advisable to
move on to the next question and come back to it later if time permits.
Practicing previous year question papers and mock tests can help candidates get acquainted
with the exam pattern and improve their time management skills. It is also important to analyze
the answers and understand the mistakes made during practice tests to avoid them in the actual
exam.
In conclusion, the GATE exam pattern for CSE consists of a single paper with two sections:
General Aptitude and subject-specific. The subject-specific section includes MCQs and NAT
questions, with varying marks and negative marking for incorrect answers. Effective time
management and practice are key to cracking the GATE exam. Familiarizing yourself with the
exam pattern and practicing with mock tests will help you build confidence and improve your
chances of success.
to CSE Exam Preparation – Part 2
2 Understanding the Exam Pattern
• 2.1 Overview of GATE Exam Pattern
• 2.2 Types of Questions in GATE Exam
• 2.3 Marking Scheme in GATE Exam
• 2.4 Time Management Strategies for GATE Exam
2.1 Overview of GATE Exam Pattern
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination
conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, Department of
Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. GATE is an online
computer-based test that evaluates the comprehensive understanding of various undergraduate
subjects in engineering and science. It serves as a gateway for admission to postgraduate programs
in prestigious institutions and also for recruitment in various public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. It helps candidates
familiarize themselves with the structure of the exam, the types of questions asked, the marking
scheme, and the time management strategies required to excel in the GATE exam. In this section,
we will provide an overview of the GATE exam pattern to help you gain a clear understanding of
what to expect on the day of the examination.
The GATE exam consists of a single paper with a duration of three hours. The paper is
divided into two sections: General Aptitude (GA) and the subject-specific section. The GA section
is common for all candidates and tests their language and analytical skills. The subject-specific
section evaluates the candidate's knowledge in their chosen discipline, in this case, Computer
Science and Engineering (CSE).
The subject-specific section of the GATE exam for CSE consists of multiple-choice
questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. MCQs have four options, out of
which only one is correct. For each correct answer, candidates are awarded one or two marks,
depending on the question. However, for every incorrect answer in MCQs, there is a negative
, marking of 1/3 or 2/3 marks, depending on the question. Unanswered questions do not carry any
negative marks.
NAT questions, on the other hand, do not have any options. Candidates have to enter the
answer using a virtual numeric keypad. These questions carry one or two marks each, and there is
no negative marking for incorrect answers. It is important to note that NAT questions do not have
partial marking. Therefore, candidates must be careful while entering their answers.
The GATE exam also includes a virtual calculator, which candidates can use during the
examination. However, physical calculators are not allowed inside the examination hall.
Familiarizing yourself with the virtual calculator and practicing its usage can save valuable time
during the exam.
The total marks for the GATE exam are 100, with a total of 65 questions. The distribution
of marks varies for each section. The GA section consists of 10 questions, with a total of 15 marks.
The subject-specific section consists of 55 questions, with a total of 85 marks. The weightage of
marks for each question may vary, and it is important to refer to the official GATE website for the
latest information.
To effectively manage time during the exam, candidates should allocate a specific amount
of time to each section and question. It is advisable to start with the GA section, as it requires less
time compared to the subject-specific section. This will help candidates build confidence and save
time for the more challenging questions in the subject-specific section.
While attempting the subject-specific section, candidates should carefully read the
questions and analyze them before attempting an answer. It is important to manage time efficiently
and not spend too much time on a single question. If a question seems difficult, it is advisable to
move on to the next question and come back to it later if time permits.
Practicing previous year question papers and mock tests can help candidates get acquainted
with the exam pattern and improve their time management skills. It is also important to analyze
the answers and understand the mistakes made during practice tests to avoid them in the actual
exam.
In conclusion, the GATE exam pattern for CSE consists of a single paper with two sections:
General Aptitude and subject-specific. The subject-specific section includes MCQs and NAT
questions, with varying marks and negative marking for incorrect answers. Effective time
management and practice are key to cracking the GATE exam. Familiarizing yourself with the
exam pattern and practicing with mock tests will help you build confidence and improve your
chances of success.
