GATE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 2024

GATE FAQs 2024- Curiosity is what keeps your mind alive and active. This curiosity could be about anything and everything, regarding your career, regarding your future, success and failure, or regarding GATE entrance exam. While appearing for the biggest engineering entrance exam at post-graduation level, it is but natural to have a bunch of questions. You will come across many how's, what's, why's, where's, when's, who's while preparing for GATE 2024. But GATE candidates, you don't need to fear and look for ways to clarify them. Careers360 comes to your rescue with all the answers to the GATE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 2024. All doubts and queries regarding eligibility, application form, admit card, result, counselling and cutoffs are answered in the GATE 2024 frequently asked questions in the article below.

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To be able to appear in the GATE exam, candidates are required to check the GATE 2024 eligibility criteria first and register only if they are eligible. We, at, Careers360 have compiled a list of frequently asked questions of GATE that we have received over the years. This list contains both pre and post exam GATE FAQs along with their answers resolving all the queries of the candidates. Refer to the GATE FAQs 2024 given below and find out the answers to your queries.

GATE FAQs on Eligibility Criteria:

Q: I had passed my B.Tech successfully. I am pursuing M.Tech, can I apply for GATE 2024?

Ans: Yes, you surely can but you have to upload your degree certificate while filling the application form.

Q: Can a student with backlogs in qualifying exam appear in GATE 2024?

Ans: Candidate with backlogs can apply for GATE 2024 using the marks sheet for the final semesters (any one) of your B.Tech/ graduation. However, you will have to clear your backlog by the time admissions in M.Tech commence.

Q: I am pursuing B.Sc. Am I eligible to appear in GATE 2024?

Ans: From 2021 session onwards, the authorities have introduced various changes in GATE. According to which, 3 year graduation is also valid.

Q: Can I appear for GATE 2024 if I have completed my B.Tech in Fire Engineering?

Ans: Yes, you can appear for GATE 2024 but you have to choose your GATE paper carefully.

Q: I have passed my degree in 2023. I don’t have my Degree Certificate but I have Provisional Certificate. Will that be enough?

Ans: Yes, that would be enough. As per the eligibility criteria of GATE 2024, you need any one of the following documents while applying for GATE 2024 - degree certificate/ provisional certificate/ course completion certificate/ professional certificate/ membership certificate issued by the society or institute, you have completed your last education.

Q: I have completed my B.Tech with 50%. Am I eligible for GATE 2024?

Ans: To appear for GATE 2024 exam, there is no specific pass percentage criteria. The pass percentage matter during M.Tech admissions as some IIT's ask for 60% and above, while some don't. IISc Bangalore, for instance, allows candidates with a second class in their graduation to apply for M.Tech provided they have valid GATE scores. Most PSUs ask for 60% and above.

Q: Please tell me how many times can I appear for GATE? Is there any age limit?

Ans: You can appear for GATE as many times as you want and yes, there is no age limit too.

Q: I have completed my graduation through distance learning. Do you think I can apply for GATE 2024?

Ans: Yes, you can very much apply for GATE 2024 exam. Please make sure that your course on the basis of which you are applying must be recognised by AICTE.

Q: I am a Postgraduate. Can I appear for GATE 2024? What are the documents I need to upload while applying?

Ans: In your case, you will have to upload the documents related to the relevant qualifying degree while filling the application form.

Q: I belong to OBC category and therefore want to upload my category certificate but I can't find any option to upload the certificate. What to do?

Ans: It is because category certificate for the OBC candidates is not needed while applying for GATE 2024. The category certificate is used for the purpose of ascertaining the concession offered in the application fee. The OBC certificate would be needed while taking admission using GATE scores.

Q: I graduated in 2024 but I do not have my degree certificate or provisional certificate. What document should I upload to prove that I am eligible for GATE 2024?

Ans: You can upload a copy of your final year mark sheet OR a declaration from your college Principal (or other competent authority) along with the signature and seal.

GATE 2024 FAQs on Application Form:

Q: How to apply online for the GATE application form?

Ans: You have to register first at GOAPS and then you can apply for GATE application form 2024.

Q: For how many GATE papers can I apply?

Ans: You can apply for only 1 papers out of the 29 for GATE 2024. However, it is expected that you appear in a paper appropriate to the discipline of your qualifying degree. You are free to choose any paper according to your admission plans, keeping in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions in which you wish to take admission.

Q: Can I use one e-mail address to fill multiple application forms?

Ans: No, you certainly cannot. One email address can be used to submit only one application form.

Q: I am not able to upload my signature, despite many trials. I followed all the instructions and criteria specified. How do I do?

Ans: You need to check the format in which you are trying to upload. Also, check the size. Please do not resize the file.

Q: How to know if my photograph is acceptable or not?

Ans: In case, the photo you have uploaded is not accepted, you will get an email or SMS. Following that, you can correct the photograph and other details. Please do not resize the file.

Q: Can I appear in any of the GATE 2024 papers?

Ans: You can choose to appear in any GATE 2024 paper but it is suggested to choose a paper in the line of the eligibility criteria of the institution or organisation in which you are seeking admission or job. It is also important to appear in a paper appropriate to your qualifying exam.

Q: How to make application fee payment for GATE 2024?

Ans: You are required to make the payment of GATE in online mode through net banking, debit card or credit card. You will get a payment gateway link from the application portal.

Q: I paid the GATE application fee twice through net banking. What should I do to get reimbursement for the extra payment?

Ans: In such a case, any unaccounted or excess money that was received on behalf of GATE 2024 from your account will be automatically credited back to it. This may take a week or more, after the closure of the application process.

Q: I have made a payment. Money has been deducted from my account, but still, GOAPS still asks me to make a payment. What should I do?

Ans: Don't worry. Please log in through GOAPS again and check the payment status. Even then if GOAPS does not reflect your payment, then money will be credited back to your account. This may take a week or more, after the closure of the application process. In this case, you may initiate a fresh payment on GOAPS without waiting for money to be credited to your bank account. This will ensure timely payment of fees and submission of application form. You will be charged only once, in case of extra payment, you will be refunded the amount.

Q: Do I have to send the print-out of the application form?

Ans: No, it is not required. You don't have to send the print-out of the application form to any of the GATE zonal offices.

Q: When and how can I check the status of my GATE application form?

Ans: You can log in using GOAPS website anytime and check your application status.

Q: After completing the application form and generating a PDF File, will I be able to make changes in my application data?

Ans: No. After completing all the steps up to PDF application form generation in the online application process, you can only download the application form and cannot modify the data. Therefore, it is important to feed-in the correct information while filling the application form.

Q: How can I access my online application form, in case I forgot to take a print out of it after filling?

Ans: You can log in using GOAPS enrolment ID and password and take a print-out for your own reference. The print-out is not to be sent to the organising institute.

Q: If I haven't uploaded my photograph as per the specifications mentioned, will my application for GATE be rejected?

Ans: There are higher chances of the application form being rejected. Candidate should wait for an intimation from the officials.

Q: Which identity documents are needed for application form submission?

Ans: For Indian candidates, it is Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, Aadhaar UID, College ID, Enrolment ID and Driving License. For International candidates, it is valid Passport/ Government issued ID/ College ID/ Employee ID.

Q: What certificates do I have to upload, if I am in my final year of qualifying degree?

Ans: You need to provide a Certificate from the head of the department/ institute you are studying into.

Q: I have paid the application fees but bank charges have not been deducted. Should I contact the authorities and find out?

Ans: You do not have to worry if you have made the payment successfully, it will be reflected shortly.

Q: I completed my profile and proceeded to make payment, it’s showing secured connection failed.

Ans: Please wait and try again later to complete your transaction.

Q: What do I do, if the power/ internet connection failed during the submission of application fee online?

Ans: You need to login to the GOAPS website again and check the status of the application fees. If it is made, you can continue with the process of printing the application form. In case, it is not you can check the status of the payment from your bank account. In case of payment being deducted from your account and not recognised by GOAPS, then money will be credited to your account in a week or more after the closure of the application process. In such a case, you may initiate fresh payment on GOAPS without waiting for the money to be credited in your account. This will ensure that your application submission will be on time.

Q: Why only SC/ ST candidates have been asked to upload the category certificate, why not candidates from OBC-NCL category?

Ans: This is because category certificate is required for only Indian candidates (appearing from exam centres in India) to avail application fee concession. In GATE 2024, candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ PwD categories and women from all categories can avail this concession on their GATE application fees.

GATE 2024 FAQs on Exam Centres and Zonal Centres:

Q: What are GATE zonal centres and how will I know about mine?

Ans: The zonal centres of GATE 2024 are the IITs which are given the responsibility of co-ordinating with IIT Kharagpur for each region as specified. The GATE 2024 zonal centre will be the IIT under which your exam centre will be listed. You can reach your zonal IIT for any of your queries and concerns related to admit card or application form.

Q: Why should I choose three examination cities while filling GATE application form?

Ans: It is because a candidate will most likely be allotted a GATE exam centre in the city of his or her first choice. In cases, where there would be too many candidates opting for a certain city as their first choice, the other two choices will be relevant.

While filling the choices of cities, you must remember that because of operational constraints, the GATE 2024 committee reserves all the right to add a new city or remove an existing one and allot a city that may not be any of the choices you made. For candidates opting international centres, there will be only one choice (by default).

GATE FAQs 2024 on Corrections in Application Form:

Q: Can I change my mobile no. or Email ID after I have submitted my GATE 2024 Application Form?

Ans: No, you can't.

Q: I have made some mistakes while filling the application of GATE 2024. How to correct them?

Ans: You can change the following during the GATE application form correction facility - name, date of birth, name of parent/ guardian, qualifying degree, year of qualifying degree. The correction can be done after logging into your GOAPS account.

Q: Can I change my GATE 2024 Exam City after submission of my GATE Application Form?

Ans: Yes. You can make a request for change of examination city with an additional fee to be paid online using GOAPS.

Q: I have selected a wrong paper, e.g., I have selected PH in my GATE application and actually want to write PE. What should I do?

Ans: You need to fill a new application with a new email address (mobile number can be same) and choose the correct paper for examination. Please note that no refund will be made for the incorrect application. Change of exam paper can also be done during the correction period.

Q: I want to change my category in my GATE Application Form. What should I do?

Ans: To change your category, you will have to login into GOAPS and click on "change personal data". Change your category and verify the details before submitting. After you will submit the necessary changes, you will be directed to pay the additional fee which is Rs 750 in case of category change from SC/ ST to General/ OBC (not applicable to female and PwD candidates). The additional fee will be non-refundable.

Q: My application status of GATE shows "Under Scrutiny". What does it mean?

Ans: IIT Guwahati will check the GATE applications for any discrepancies, defects in photograph or signature. If the status shows "Under Scrutiny" it is fine. Once they will check all the details, the status will be changed to "Successful Submission".

Q: How will I know that there are some defects in my GATE application form?

Ans: Candidates will receive a mail regarding defects in their application forms and their status will reflect the same. Once rectified, the application status will reflect"Under Scrutiny" till it gets cleared by IIT Madras.

GATE FAQs on GOAPS issues:

Q: In the GATE application form, guardian name is appearing as parent’s name. How to resolve it?

Ans: Don't worry. The name will be recorded correctly in the database. It is always mentioned as Parent’s/ Guardian’s name.

GATE FAQs on Admit Card:

Q: When will I receive my GATE Admit Card?

Ans: You can download the admit card of GATE 2024 from the GOAPS website after the application process is over according to the date specified by IIT Kharagpur. Admit Cards will NOT be sent by post or as an e-mail attachment to any candidate.

Q: In my GATE 2024 Admit Card, my college address is blank.

Ans: You need to mail your concern to your zonal IIT with a copy of the admit card.

Q: My photograph is blurred in GATE Admit Card 2024. What should I do?

Ans: You immediately mail your concern to your zonal IIT with a copy of the admit card.

Q: My signature is not visible in signature box in admit card. What should I do?

Ans: You should call your IIT zonal centre. You will have to submit your admit card along with the confirmation page.

Q: Carrying GATE 2024 Admit Card to the examination hall would be enough?

Ans: No. It would not be. You will have to carry original and valid photo identification proof, whose details you have entered while filling the GATE 2024 application form along with a print-out of the downloaded Admit Card to the Examination hall. You will not be permitted to take the exam if original and valid photo identification proof is not presented. Indian candidates need to carry admit card along with any one of the following as photo ID proof - Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, Aadhaar-UID, College ID, Employee ID and Driving License. International Candidates need to carry admit card along with any one of the following - a valid Passport/ Government issued ID/ College ID/ Employee ID to the examination hall. The Admit Card is valid if and ONLY if the candidate's photograph and signature images are clear and legible. The photograph on the Admit Card and that in the valid photo identity document should match with the appearance of the candidate on the day of examination.

Q: Can I bring soft copy of the Admit Card (in mobile phone/ tablet/ laptop) to enter the examination hall?

Ans: NO. You cannot. You must bring the hard copy (printed in colour) of the Admit Card to the examination centre along with at least one original (not photocopied/ scanned copy) and valid (not expired) Identity Document (ID), which was specified during the filling up of the online application.

Q: How long should I keep my GATE admit card 2024 with me?

Ans: You should keep your GATE 2024 admit card carefully till the admission process is over. It is advisable to keep a soft copy of GATE scores also as they are valid for three years. It may be required for counselling or during PSU recruitment.

GATE FAQs on Virtual Calculator:

Q: Will I be allowed to carry a physical calculator to the GATE examination hall?

Ans: No. You won't be allowed to carry it. You will be provided with a virtual scientific calculator which has to be used to answer the questions.

Q: When will the online or virtual calculator be available to practice? How to use GATE 2024 virtual calculator?

Ans: The virtual calculator will be available for candidates to practice. It will be made available with GATE 2024 mock test paper. With practice, you will learn how to use the virtual calculator for GATE.

Q: What happens if a physical calculator (even on an electronic watch) or a mobile phone (even in switched off mode) is found in my possession in the examination hall?

Ans: You will be sent outside the examination hall as disqualified because such cases will naturally constitute the violation of GATE 2024 code of conduct that leads to the disqualification of the candidature.

Q. Will the score card be required anywhere else?

Ans: Yes, the score card will be required for admissions and interviews. The PSUs involved in GATE 2024 will advertise for GATE 2024 qualified candidates along with this year qualified candidates. Therefore, it is advised to download and keep a soft copy of GATE 2024 score card as soon as you can access it.

GATE FAQs on PwD and Dyslexic Candidates:

Q: What are the details of the guidelines that will be followed about PwD candidates writing GATE 2024 examination?

Ans: GATE 2024 will follow the guidelines as mentioned in the government regulations for PwD and Dyslexic Candidates. Refer to the links given below:

1) https://www.ccdisabilities.nic.in/content/en/docs/omguide.pdf

2) https://www.ccdisabilities.nic.in/content/en/docs/CCDLetters.pdf

Q: Will the facility of scribe and/ or compensatory (extra) time be given to all PwD candidates?

Ans: “The facility of scribe is meant for only those PwD candidates who have physical limitation to write including that of speed. The scribe will be provided by the GATE authorities. The compensatory (extra) time would be applicable only to such candidates.” Please refer to https://www.ccdisabilities.nic.in/content/en/docs/CCDLetters.pdf (in particular to the fifth page of the document) for the clarification issued by CCPD on 18.03.2013.

Q: Will there be a “magnified question paper” for visually challenged PwD candidates?

Ans: YES. After reaching the examination hall, please contact the GATE Institute Representative through the invigilator in your examination hall and he/she will do the needful.

Q: Will the facility of scribe and/ or compensatory (extra) time be given to dyslexic candidates?

Ans: Yes, dyslexic candidates can avail the services of scribe, provided such candidates submit a proper dyslexic certificate issued by the competent authorities. The scribe will be provided by the GATE authorities. The compensatory (extra) time would be applicable only to such dyslexic candidates availing the scribe facility.

GATE FAQs on Accessories/ Clothes in examination hall:

Q: Will there be any provision to keep my bag or other accessories like the mobile phone at the exam centre?

Ans: No, the authorities of GATE will not be making any such arrangements. You can carry things at your own risk.

Q: What items are not permitted inside the GATE examination venue?

Ans: You just have to carry your GATE admit card, identification proof and a pen inside the examination hall. Blank papers, clipboards, log-tables, mobile phones, physical calculators, wristwatches, or any other electronic items are NOT permitted inside the examination hall. You can carry a simple wrist watch if you wish to. In case you carry any of the above-mentioned things in the examination hall, you will be debarred from the examination hall and your result will be withheld. Please note that your items will also be confiscated by the officials and will be returned after some months.

Q: Will I be allowed to leave the examination hall during the test?

Ans: No, you won't be. You will be allowed to move out of the examination hall only after the completion of the examination hours.

Q: Will I be provided with any white paper for rough work and calculations during GATE exam?

Ans: You will be provided with a scribble pad which you can use to do calculations. Remember to return it to the invigilator after the exam.

Q: What if a candidate is found with the mobile phone, calculator or any other possession inside the examination hall?

Ans: In such a case, the candidate will be disqualified from the examination.

GATE FAQs on Result:

Q: How will I be able to check my GATE result 2024?

Ans: You will be able to check your GATE result by using your registration ID or enrolment number of GATE and date of birth.

Q: How to obtain the score card of GATE?

Ans: You will be able to download the score card of GATE through GOAPS during a certain period. You will have to use your enrollment ID or email address, GOAPS password and captcha provided to view the score card. You are advised to download it and take a print out of the same.

Q: What if I am not able to access my GATE 2024 scorecard?

Ans: Candidates who do not qualify the GATE exam 2024 will not be able to download their score cards

Q: What if I didn't qualify in GATE 2024, will I be able to check the result?

Ans: Yes, you will be able to check your GATE result 2024, even if you don't qualify in the exam.

Q: Please suggest, should I download my GATE 2024 result or not?

Ans: If you qualify in GATE 2024, then you should download your scorecard through GOAPS. If you don't qualify in GATE, then there is no need to download the result.