About the GATE exam
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is one of the better-known exams in India. It is administered by IISc Bengaluru and the IITs, on a rotating basis and attracts a large number of candidates each cycle. The exam is held once a year, usually in February.
Format of the real exam: Computer-based test (CBT) with a virtual calculator. Practising in the same style is the quickest way to remove surprises on exam day, which is exactly why GATE mock tests matter.
GATE eligibility
Final-year students and graduates of engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce or arts programmes as defined in the brochure.
Eligibility rules, age limits and relaxations can change between cycles, so always confirm the details in the latest official notification from IISc Bengaluru and the IITs, on a rotating basis before you apply.
GATE exam pattern and marking scheme
65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours, combining General Aptitude (15 marks) with the candidate's subject paper. Question types include MCQs, multiple-select questions and numerical answer type, with negative marking for MCQs only.
- Subjects and sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and Core Subject Paper.
- Mode of the real exam: Computer-based test (CBT) with a virtual calculator.
- Frequency: Once a year, usually in February.
GATE syllabus: what to study
The GATE syllabus is organised around 3 main areas. Plan your preparation so that every area gets a revision cycle before your first full-length mock test.
- General Aptitude: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Engineering Mathematics: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Core Subject Paper: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
How to prepare for GATE
A good GATE plan combines concept study, topic-wise practice and regular full-length mock tests. Use the checklist below as a starting point.
- Get comfortable with the on-screen virtual calculator, because physical calculators are not allowed.
- Practise multiple-select and numerical questions, which have no partial credit for guesses.
- Prioritise high-weightage topics of your branch and revisit previous GATE papers for the recurring concepts.
- Analyse every mock test: separate errors into concept gaps, calculation slips and time pressure, and fix one group at a time.
- Keep a short error notebook and revise it weekly, since repeated mistakes cost more marks than new ones.
Why practise GATE mock tests online
Reading and notes build knowledge, but only timed practice builds exam performance. A GATE mock test trains time management, question selection and stress control. Mock Archive gives you instant scoring, subject-wise accuracy, time spent per question and a full answer review the moment you submit.
- Real CBT interface: question palette, section timers and review marking.
- Instant result with accuracy, attempts and a question-by-question review.
- Works on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be installed like an app.
- Free forever: no login, no signup and no payment.