Changes in the GATE ME Exam Pattern due to COVID-19

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various aspects of society, including the education sector. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) authorities have made certain changes in the exam pattern for the Mechanical Engineering (ME) stream.

Online Mode
One of the significant changes introduced by GATE is the transition from offline mode to online mode for conducting the examination. This shift aims to ensure the safety of the candidates and maintain social distancing protocols. The online mode offers several advantages, including easy access to question papers, flexibility in answering, and faster result processing.

Duration and Number of Questions
The duration of the GATE ME exam remains unchanged, with a total of 3 hours. However, the number of questions has been reduced from 65 to 55, including both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. This reduction in the number of questions allows candidates to focus more on quality rather than quantity and ensures sufficient time for each question.

Pattern of Questions
The revised exam pattern includes two types of questions:

1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): MCQs consist of four options, where candidates need to select the correct answer. These questions assess the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities.

2. Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: NAT questions do not have options. Candidates have to provide the numerical value as an answer. These questions evaluate the candidate's problem-solving skills and accuracy in obtaining the correct answer.

Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for the GATE ME exam remains the same as before. For MCQs, there will be negative marking for incorrect answers, where 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each wrong response. However, there is no negative marking for NAT questions, providing candidates with an opportunity to attempt all questions without fear of penalty.

Conclusion
In summary, the GATE ME exam pattern has undergone certain changes due to COVID-19. The transition to the online mode, reduction in the number of questions, and inclusion of both MCQs and NAT questions are some of the key changes. These changes aim to ensure the safety of candidates, maintain social distancing, and provide a fair assessment of their knowledge and skills. It is essential for candidates to familiarize themselves with the revised exam pattern and prepare accordingly to excel in the GATE ME examination.