GATE 2021 exam changes in syllabus, eligibility; a detailed look

NEW DELHI: The new GATE 2021 exam notification announced by Indian Institute of Bombay (IITB), indicates massive changes in the eligibility criteria, syllabus, new papers and the opportunities for other than engineering students. Prof. Upendra Bhandarkar and Modh Aslam leading the GATE 2021 team of IIT Bombay made this announcement through a press release announcing the GATE exam dates as well as the changes. A detailed look at what’s new in GATE 2021.

Increase in GATE 2021 exam days

The exam dates of GATE 2021 show that the exam will now be held on 6 days unlike past years when it was held on 4 days (alternate weekends). Keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in view, GATE exam will now be held on February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14, 2021.

GATE 2021 Test Papers now 27 from the earlier 25

Two new subjects namely Environmental Science and Engineering (ES) and Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) have been announced. The syllabi for these will be shortly available on the official gate website gate.iitb.ac.in.

Option to appear for two papers now

Till last year, all candidates could appear for only one GATE paper. This is set to change now. All candidates can now opt to appear for any two papers of their choice. This means that candidates will be able to indicate two papers of their choice while filling their GATE application form. This also may translate into higher GATE application fees for those candidates opting for two papers

However, there is a catch in this clause that has been announced. The move is to boost inter-disciplinary studies and therefore candidates can only choose two papers from a given set of combinations provided the exam calendar permits. So, candidates can opt for exams that won’t have clashing dates and time in addition to the combinations permitted by IIT Bombay.

Three year degrees holders now eligible

Earlier only students whose graduation was of 4 years and above in duration could appear for GATE. This has been set aside to permit 10+2+3 students to apply and appear for GATE 2021. This means a graduate from any stream including arts, science or commerce can now apply for GATE 2021.

Third year students now eligible

This clause is much beneficial for students pursuing graduation or integrated courses of 4 plus years. Such students can now appear in their 3rd year and final year as well. While there is no age limit for GATE, this does allow such students to appear twice for the exam before they complete their graduation.

Benefits in PSU recruitment through GATE

While there has been an increase in PSU recruitment through GATE over the years, this benefit was mostly restricted to engineering students or post graduates in science or technology. The new eligibility criterion opens up new PSU recruitment opportunities for all graduates appearing for GATE 2021.

Pursuing masters and doctoral programmes at IITs and other universities

GATE 2021 may be the one criterion for admissions to the various masters and doctoral programmes at not just IITs but the NITs as well as leading universities which accept GATE scores.

IITB is the organizing institute of GATE 2021 which is the national level entrance test for admissions to post graduate programmes offered by the IITs, NITs, IIITs as well as many leading universities. In addition GATE scores are used for PSU recruitment too.

A look at the GATE 2021 exam notification released by IIT Bombay

Also read

• GATE 2021 dates announced: Eligibility criteria relaxed, new subjects added
• Latest Engineering Entrance Exams 2020 Live Updates

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