Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is the most sought out by students purely because of two reasons. One is due to the slowing down of recruitment and the other is that Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are recruiting in large numbers. GATE qualification is mandatory for most of those jobs. Hence that explains the reasons for this surging of figures taking up the exams. GATE-2013 to be conducted by the IIT Bombay has almost 400 percent increase in participation. In 2008 the number of applicants were 1.8 lakhs and now in 2012 they are 1.7 lakhs. That sounds great...

With growing patronage for the test the exams are going tougher to filter the competitors further. And this year out of 21 papers in GATE, 15 papers will be conducted in online mode. Another heartening news is that the female candidates are exempted from exam fees which is a great news for the Eves. For the rest the normal fee for general and OBC is Rs 1,200 while it is Rs 600 only for SC ST and PH boys.

Another tougher measures adhered by the authorities is the calculation of marks. However the positive point is that the score would valid for two years. The three hour exam which has 65 questions with 30 (one mark) and 35 (two mark) questions summing up to a total of 100 marks. And they will be from core subjects, engineering maths and general aptitude. Most of them are to test the applicant's expertise on the concept and the ability for trouble shooting. The two aspects sum up for a successful engineers.

Experts say that looking at the previous questions under the guidance of a tutor who will help you schedule strategically would help in the scores. The modus operandi of the questionnaire would be based recall, comprehension, application and Analysis and Synthesis. All the four test the skills of the candidate in the given subjects. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)