Are IITians Interested in the GATE Exam?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly respected examination in India that evaluates candidates' knowledge in various engineering and science subjects. Many IITians, students, and graduates from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are indeed interested in the GATE exam for a variety of reasons.

Why Do IITians Take the GATE Exam?

There are several motivations for IITians to take the GATE exam:

Higher Studies: Many IIT graduates pursue postgraduate studies or Ph.D.s in IITs or other prestigious institutions. GATE scores are often a crucial criterion for admission to these programs. Job Opportunities: Some public sector companies in India require GATE scores for recruitment. This makes taking the GATE exam an attractive option for enhancing employment prospects. Research Opportunities: GATE can help candidates secure research positions in various academic and research institutions. Personal Interest: Some IITians take the GATE exam out of interest in the subjects and to validate their knowledge.

While not all IITians may choose to take the GATE exam, a significant number do so depending on their career goals and aspirations. The interest in the GATE exam varies by engineering branch and year of study.

Interest in Civil Engineering and GATE

For students specializing in civil engineering, there is a high inclination towards the GATE exam. This is because the exam provides a gateway to major public sector undertakings (PSUs) and central government organizations. Many students in this field take the GATE exam in conjunction with the Engineering Services Examination (ESE), as the syllabi are largely the same.

For example, as a 4th-year student at IIT Roorkee, I have observed that around 40-50 people in my batch are preparing or have prepared for the GATE and ESE exams.

B Tech IITians and the GATE Exam

Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) IIT students often do not write the GATE exam. However, nearly all dual-degree students do prepare for it. The reason is that if they qualify, they are eligible for a stipend during their 5th year. Even if there is no inherent interest, taking the GATE for financial incentives is a common practice.

It is important to note that IITians generally have opportunities to place within their own IITs without the GATE. In their 3rd year, they can opt to convert their 4-year B Tech course into a 5-year integrated dual-degree course. While there are exceptions, these are relatively rare and do not significantly impact the overall picture.

Interest and Exceptions

There are some specific circumstances where interest in the GATE exam increases:

Dual-Degree Students with Low GPA: Dual-degree students with a 4th-year GPA less than 8.0 need to qualify in the GATE to accommodate the shortage of masters scholarships in their final year. Since GATE is relatively easy to crack, mere participation often leads to qualification. Recruitment in PSUs: With the rise in the number of IITs, there are fewer placements. Some students who are interested in working with public sector units like IOCL and BHEL, which select candidates through GATE, do prepare for the exam. However, the number of such students is likely to be less than 100. Singapore Universities: A small number of IITians may be interested in GATE for admission to Singapore universities like NUS and NTU. These students, who do not want to spend $10,000 on the GRE, might opt for the GATE. The number of such applicants would be fewer than 10.

In conclusion, while the GATE exam isn't a popular choice among all IITians, a significant portion of students and graduates are motivated by various factors to take part in this examination.