There are numerous students who are not even aware that there are various institutions in our country that are offering specialized post-graduation programmes in varied disciplines. Student’s who qualify GATE get opportunities such as attractive scholarships, assistantship for postgraduate courses in engineering, technology, architecture, pharmacy at some of the best engineering colleges, institutes in the country. There are several engineering colleges and institutes that specify GATE as an obligatory qualification even for admission of students into post-graduation programmes.

After qualifying GATE, candidates get to explore number of education avenues for bright future. In addition to options waiting such as M.Tech and M.E, GATE qualified candidates also become eligible for the award of junior research fellowship in CSIR Laboratories. Consecutively the candidate needs to enquire about the final selection and award of scholarship/Assistantship from the respective Institution to which the candidate seeks admission.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an all-India examination administered and conducted by the GATE committee comprising faculty from IIS Bangalore and seven IITs on behalf of National Coordinating Board- GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), and Government of India. With the objective to identify meritorious candidates for admission to the post graduation programmes in engineering, technology, architecture and pharmacy at National Level.

But the question still arises, as to why one should take up GATE examination? As if now, we are aware of the fact that science post graduate and engineering graduates take up GATE to study M.Tech, M.E and M.Sc. M.Tech degree leads a candidate to specialization and further enhancing their interest in a certain area that may lead to PhD. Also M.Tech is the best path for those who are aspiring to apply for Faculty or Research position in educational institutes and R&D centers.

After appearing and qualifying the GATE examination, there are a few steps the candidates can take:

•    After the GATE results are out, students must apply to various institutes and get their individual forms filled up.

•    There are number of institutes and colleges that advertise the notification in leading daily newspapers from 1st April till end of July. Still there are numerous institutes that do not advertise and therefore the students need to get the forms themselves.

•    While filling the application forms, one needs to mention their GATE score along with other details.

•    The concerned institute may also conduct written test or interview for the purpose of admission.