Relaxation in Eligibility Criteria for Candidates from Remote Areas in GATE CE

Introduction:
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted for various engineering disciplines, including Civil Engineering (CE). It serves as a gateway for candidates to pursue higher education (M.Tech/Ph.D.) in reputed institutions and also opens up opportunities for recruitment in public sector undertakings (PSUs). In order to provide equal opportunities to candidates from remote areas, certain relaxations in the eligibility criteria have been implemented.

Eligibility Criteria for GATE CE:
Before diving into the relaxation provided to candidates from remote areas, let's first understand the general eligibility criteria for GATE CE:

1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields from a recognized university.
2. Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for GATE CE.
3. Nationality: Indian as well as international candidates can apply for GATE CE.

Relaxations for Candidates from Remote Areas:
To ensure equal opportunities for candidates from remote areas, the following relaxations have been provided in the eligibility criteria:

1. Extended Period of Completion: Candidates from remote areas often face challenges in completing their degree within the stipulated time frame due to limited resources and infrastructure. To address this, GATE allows candidates from remote areas to have an extended period of completion for their Bachelor's degree. They can provide a certificate issued by the Principal/Head of the Department/Registrar/Dean of their college or university, stating the reason for the delay. This certificate is subject to verification and should be submitted during the application process.

2. Relaxation in Minimum Percentage: GATE CE requires candidates to have a minimum percentage of marks in their qualifying degree. However, candidates from remote areas are provided relaxation in the minimum percentage requirement. The exact percentage relaxation varies from year to year and is announced by the organizing institute.

3. Additional Scholarships and Support: Various scholarships and financial support schemes are available to candidates from remote areas to assist them in their GATE preparation. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden and provide resources for remote candidates to access study materials, coaching, and internet facilities.

Conclusion:
GATE CE recognizes the challenges faced by candidates from remote areas and strives to provide them with equal opportunities. The relaxations in the eligibility criteria, such as the extended period of completion and relaxation in minimum percentage, ensure that candidates from remote areas can participate in the examination and showcase their potential. Additionally, scholarships and support schemes further aid their preparation. These initiatives contribute to a more inclusive and diverse pool of candidates appearing for GATE CE, fostering a fair and competitive selection process.