In some good news for engineering students, the validity of Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score has been increased from two years to three years. The score is used for admissions to postgraduate programmes such as ME, M.Tech and direct Ph.D in IITs and among other institutes of higher learning. It is also preferred by some of the public and private sector undertakings for employment screening purposes. A valid GATE score is essential for obtaining financial assistance during Master’s programmes and direct doctoral programs in institutes supported by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) or other government agencies. A change in the GATE calculation formula and mandatory online submission of application forms are other important reforms that GATE, scheduled next year, has incorporated. Pranav Pathak, an engineering student from PVG College of Engineering, said, “The GATE is one of the most difficult examinations to crack in our country. Several engineering students are often undecided about their careers and often get confused about whether to opt for jobs or pursue further studies. The increased validity for GATE score will help out such students,” he said. Sandip Meshram, training and placement officer with the College of Engineering Pune, said increase in validity of GATE score would help students in coping with the ups and downs in hiring process. “Performance in the GATE has become mandatory criteria for hiring by public sector units (PSUs). Many private sector employers also prefer students with good GATE scores over others. The hiring process by these companies witnesses trends with recruitment sometime sees brisk rise while goes down at times. The increased validity of GATE score would act as buffer for students in getting lucrative job opportunities,” he said. Conducted by IITs, GATE is an all India exam that primarily tests the comprehensive understanding of the candidate in various undergraduate subjects in engineering, technology and architecture.
