GATE

What is GATE?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is designed for those who want to pursue higher studies in Engineering. It is an all-India examination administered and conducted in eight zones across the country by the GATE Committee comprising faculty from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and all the Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the National Coordinating Board-GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India.

Why GATE?

Admission to postgraduate programmes with MHRD and some other Government scholarships/assistantships in engineering colleges/institutes is open to those who qualify in GATE examination.

GATE qualified candidates with Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or Master's degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications are eligible for admission to Master's degree programmes in Engineering/Technology/Architecture as well as for Doctoral programmes in relevant branches of Science with MHRD or other government scholarships/assistantships.

GATE qualification is also a minimum requirement to apply for various fellowships awarded by many Government organizations.

Test Structure

The test format varies year to year but it would commonly consist of these sections

1. Multiple Choice Questions.

2. Common Data Questions.

3. Linked Answer Questions.

The students can appear in GATE under different disciplines according to their M.Tech interests. The discipline specification is done while filling the forms. Apart from the basic engineering disciplines there are XE and XL papers which are general in nature.

The examination consists of a single paper of 3 hours duration. The question paper consists of only objective type questions. Each question will have four choices for the answer. Only one choice is correct. Candidates have to mark the correct choice on an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question. There will be negative marking for wrong answers, as given in question paper pattern.

A candidate can apply for only ONE of the 21 papers listed in the GATE syllabus.

The choice of the appropriate paper 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.

The candidate is, however, 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.

Eligibility

The following categories of candidates are eligible to appear in GATE:

• Bachelor's degree holders in Engineering/Technology/ Architecture (4 years after 10+2) and those who are in the final year of such programmes.
• Bachelor's degree holders in Engineering/Technology/Architecture (Post-B.Sc./Post-Diploma) and those who are in the final year of such programmes.
• Master's degree holders in any branch of Science/Mathematics/ Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent and those who are in the final year of such programmes.
• Candidates in the second or higher year of the Four-year Integrated Master's degree programme (Post-B.Sc.) in Engineering/Technology.
• Candidates in the fourth or higher year of Five-year Integrated Master's degree programme or Dual Degree programme in Engineering/Technology.
• Candidates with qualifications obtained through examinations conducted by professional societies recognized by UPSC/AICTE (e.g. AMIE by Institute of Engineers (India); AMICE by Institute of Civil Engineers (India)) as equivalent to B.E./B.Tech. Those who have completed section A or equivalent of such professional courses are also eligible.

How to apply?

Before applying, candidates are advised to download the GATE  Information Brochure and read it carefully.

Candidates have to apply only Online.

Application Process

Step 1: Decide Payment Option

Gateway Payment: Payment can be made using netbanking. Bank service charge is extra (maximum of Rs.30/-)

Challan Payment: Payment by cash at ICICI, Indian Bank or State Bank of India branches. Bank service charge is extra (maximum of Rs.25/-)

Step 2: Obtain SC / ST / PD Certificate (if applicable)

Authorities empowered to issue Certificates

Step 3: Apply Online

Candidates must follow the instructions provided while applying online.

At the end of this process, a PDF file will be generated with the following pages:

(a) Page-1: Instructions, (b) Page-2: GATE 2012 Application - GATE Copy, (c) Page-3: GATE 2012 Application - Candidate's Copy, (d) Page-4: Address Slip of respective zonal GATE office, (e) Page-5: Bank Challan (for Challan Payment option only)

Take a print out of the entire file on A4 size white sheets using a laser/inkjet printer.

Step 4: Cash Payment: (only for Challan Payment option)

The bank challan (Page-5) will be printed in triplicate. Take it to any one of the branches of ICICI, Indian Bank or State Bank of India (as opted by the candidate) and pay the fees. Bank will retain a copy and will return two copies to you. In those two copies, retain the Candidate's copy with you and attach the GATE Copy with the application.

Step 5:

(a) Paste your recent photograph (3.5 cm X 3.5 cm) in the designated place of Page-2. Before pasting, please write your name and application number on the backside of the photo with black ball point pen.

(b)Sign at the designated place of Page-2.

(c) Paste Page-4 on top of a 10 inch x 12 inch size laminated envelope.

Step 6: Post/Submission

Before posting your application form, make sure that, in addition to the other relevant attachments, you have attached either a copy of the degree certificate or a certificate from your college principal as indicated in the Prospectus

Click Here for GATE FREE Sample placement papers for Practice and Preparation

Softskills / Communication & Personality Development

What is softskills?

Soft skill is the ability required and expected from persons for finding a suitable job, its maintenance and promotion.

Softskills is an important facet of life. It is essential in all spheres of life. Be it an interview or dealing with the project leader or working out a solution with a team or writing a report, getting across the point effectively is what matters.

The success of an endeavour hinges on the ability to communicate effectively in today's fast paced life, everyone is asked to do more with less. In such a scenario effective communication holds the key. Effectively communication centers round the usage of words, speed of delivery of words, pitch modulation and body language. Using the right tools to communicate the right messages at the right time can salvage a crises and motivate people to work towards success. Truly said, communication works but for those who work at it. In the existing globalization scenario, most of the Information Technology, I.T Enabled Services, management institutes, public and private sector, multi-national Companies, Union Public Service Commission, and State Public Service Commission are search for a right and suitable fresher for executive posts. Whatever be the recruiting criteria that I.T, ITES, industry giants had in their agenda, once this was clear a first class degree would not serve the purpose, the candidate have to satisfy the skill sets that the companies were looking for. And unanimously, the skills set that they were looking for Softskills.

The immediate results of developing good communication skills are:

1. Ability to Listen effectively

2. Ability to send Clear Messages

3. To win confidence and respect of peers, employers

4. Impressive non-verbal behaviour

Scope of softskills development

It is very important to develop softskills because it enables you to:

• To handle interpersonal relations
• To take appropriate decisions
• To communicate effectively
• To have good impression and impact to gain professional development

Types of Softskills

1.Verbal Communication skills

• Softskills form the corner stone of soft skills
• Every human being has to essentially & effectively communicate with others
• Effective communication is the hallmark of one's education
• The ability to speak fluently using the right word in the right order is an good communication
• Message using appropriate vocabulary and syntax form effective communication

2.Body language

Non verbal language

• Face is the index of the mind and it clearly displays the persons  interest
• Body language presents to the audience what we feel & think about the particular matter
• Body language (e.g, arms crossed, standing, sitting, relaxed)
• Emotion of the sender & receiver (e.g, speaking clearly, enthusiastic)

3.Written communication Skills

• Writing evaluates a person's proficiency indications, spelling grammar etc...
• Errors committed while writing circulars, reports & agenda considerably spoil the image of the writer
• Good visual presentation using graphics, color, balanced design layout- adds so much to written communication.
• Keep handouts and other written materials for your presentation

4. Presentation Skills

Presentation skills include planning, preparation & delivery of the message. Making a formal speech is also one form of presentation. Presentation skills can be broadly categorized into physical oral, & electronics.

• Success in life depends on presenting ideas in an appropriate manners
• Look at the eyes of audience & speak in a natural, conversational voice
• Appropriate voice will make the presentation effective and interesting
• Ask for feed back from your audience about your presentation & change accordingly
• In presentation especially, stop occasionally to ask the audience understand what you have said

5. Team Work

• People of either gender, different age groups, qualification, status & skills work as a team with a common objective of accomplishing the task
• The success of any organization largely depends on in the coordinated efforts of its employees
• It mainly refers to the agreeableness & co-operation among the team members

6. Professional ethics

• Professional ethics is the need of the hour in India
• When a person is at the work spot, he must think of his work only
• He must put his heart & soul into the work
• Each employee is a organic part of the organization & must strive to contribute his mite to the successful functioning of the organization

7. Interpersonal Skills

Man is a social animal & his success in life largely depends on his relationship & interaction with others

We must respect the views & sentiments of others.

When we want to differ their views, we must very politely give hints to them without wondering their feelings

8. Time & Stress Management

• Prioritize the work & schedule your time accordingly
• Impotent work should be allotted more time & taken up first
• Listening to classical music & practicing Yoga will considerably reduce the physical,emotional & mental stress of an individual

9.Leadership Softskills

Leaders, executives & managers need to be very clear about what they expect from others

• Trust your self
• Keep smiling
• Share & stay together
• Always learn new things
• Accept responsibility for your self & your actions
• Look at problems & challenges
• Be grateful always
• Love your self

So if you want to improve upon your softskills, this is the best time to go ahead.

Start now, Start well