GATE Exam Benefits: Why you should give GATE Exam PDF Download

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, individuals strive to build careers that can provide them with a sense of fulfillment and add value to their lives. The GATE exam is one such path that can lead to a successful and rewarding career. Considered as one of the most competitive exams in India, the GATE exam offers numerous benefits to individuals who aspire to pursue post-graduation from a reputed educational institution or secure a job with a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
This EdurRev article comprehensively explores the numerous opportunities that individuals can secure after cracking the GATE exam, while also highlighting a few disadvantages of the exam.

What are the Benefits of GATE Exam?

Postgraduate (MTech) Entrance

• The GATE score is a mandatory requirement for admission to post-graduate programs in prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs).
  
  Various IITs accepting GATE Score
• The recruitment process for M.Tech programs typically involves qualifying for the GATE exam, clearing the cut-off for the desired college, and undergoing an interview stage for final admission. 
• Pursuing an M.Tech degree can have numerous benefits, including better job opportunities, higher pay packages, subject specialization, and a handsome stipend. 
• It is worth noting that the GATE scorecard remains valid for M.Tech admission for three years, allowing candidates to explore this option even if they cannot immediately pursue a master's degree.

You may also like : Validity of GATE Scores

PhD Entrance

• Pursuing a PhD after a B.Tech degree is now a viable option for students who are interested in research and academia.
• PhD programs offer students research opportunities both nationally and internationally, allowing them to work with and learn from experts in their field.
• Students who enroll in a PhD program are typically awarded a stipend during the course of their studies, which can help cover living expenses and reduce financial burden.
• Graduating with a PhD degree is a requirement for many faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as IITs and IIITs.
• To apply for a PhD program, students need to have a valid GATE score and pass an interview panel in their respective interest area. This process ensures that only the most qualified and passionate individuals are selected for the program.

Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Entrance

• Clearing GATE can lead to direct job opportunities in government sector PSUs with high pay packages (above Rs 50,000 per month), work-life balance, and extra benefits such as subsidized rates for oil or electricity.
• PSU jobs also provide support for higher education, such as an MBA, which can further enhance a candidate's career prospects.
• The recruitment procedure for PSUs involves a valid GATE score of the current year, followed by a round of Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).
• Various PSUs recruit through GATE, including PGCIL, NTPC, NHPC, IOCL, and BHEL.
  
  PSU Jobs through GATE Exam
• Many students appear for GATE in hopes of getting shortlisted for PSU recruitment, as it provides a good salary, job stability, benefits, and a good social stature.
• In addition to PSUs, candidates also focus on various exams conducted by other organizations, such as ISRO, DRDO, and BARC, along with GATE, to enhance their job prospects.

You should also read : GATE Cutoff for PSUs

Study Abroad through GATE

• Clearing the GATE exam can open up opportunities for higher education at international institutes, as some of them accept GATE scores as a qualifying exam.
• Examples of international institutes that accept GATE scores include the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, the Technical University of Germany, and RWTH Aachen University.
• Students who aspire to study abroad can benefit from clearing the GATE exam, as it can increase their chances of being accepted into prestigious international institutes.
• Pursuing higher education at international institutes can provide students with unique and enriching experiences, exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives, and opportunities to network with professionals and academics from around the world.
• To explore these opportunities, students must research and apply to their desired international institutes, providing their GATE scores as evidence of their academic proficiency.

You may also like : Foreign Universities accepting GATE Score

Fellowship Program in Management (FPM)

• The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) offer a unique and highly desirable five-year program that provides a range of benefits to students.
• The program offers a monthly stipend of Rs 29,000-30,000 to enrolled students, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial support for their education.
• In addition to the stipend, the program also offers the benefit of no tuition fees for four years and nine months, thereby reducing the financial burden on students.
• For students who live off-campus, the program also offers a house-rent allowance (HRA) of Rs 8,000 for single students and Rs 13,000 for married students, further helping to support students' living expenses.
• The five-year program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in management, as well as opportunities for practical experience and research in the field.
• Successful completion of the program can open up a range of career opportunities, with graduates highly sought-after by employers across industries.

Post Graduate Diploma in Management

• National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) offers a range of highly specialized courses in Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM).
• Some of the courses offered by NITIE include
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering (PGDIE), 
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Management (PGDMM)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management (PGDPM).
• These programs are highly competitive and are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the specialized fields of Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, and Project Management.
• The programs are designed to provide students with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these fields.
• Upon completion of the programs, students are highly sought-after by employers across industries, with a range of career opportunities available to them.

Research Opportunities after GATE

• The GATE exam opens up various research opportunities for candidates, including positions in the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).
• While BARC also conducts its own examination for recruitment, having a valid GATE score can enhance one's chances of securing a research position at the center.
• Industries like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) follow a recruitment process similar to GATE and also consider GATE scores for research-related positions.
• Having a good GATE score can help candidates stand out in the highly competitive selection process for research positions in organizations like BARC and ISRO.

Teaching job

• Postgraduate engineering candidates, especially those with an ME or M.Tech degree and a good GATE score, have ample opportunities to build a career in the academic field.
• Many colleges and universities these days hire postgraduate engineering candidates for teaching positions directly from campus interviews.
• With a faculty position in a reputed university, you can pursue a fulfilling career in teaching and research, both of which are highly respected professions.
• Teaching is considered one of the most respectable jobs, and with a GATE qualification, you can enter this field with confidence and competence.
• Pursuing a career in the academic field also opens up opportunities for higher studies and research in your chosen field, which can further enhance your skills and knowledge.

Disadvantages of GATE Exam

Success Ratio is Low

• One of the main disadvantages of the GATE examination is the lower success ratio, with only a few percentage of students getting qualified for the exam and its benefits out of the large number of students who appear for it.
• According to the latest data, only 17.8% of candidates qualified in GATE 2021, with only 126,000 students clearing the exam out of 711,000 students who appeared for it.
• The GATE exam also faces stiff competition, as a large number of students who complete their undergraduate degree in BTech prepare for this examination.
• In India, more than 1,500,000 students get a BTech degree every year, which further increases the competition for the GATE exam.
• Caste reservations also play a role in the exam, with students belonging to certain castes like SC/ST having a higher chance of qualifying the exam.

Syllabus is Huge

• Another disadvantage of the GATE examination is its vast syllabus. As the exam is a gateway to postgraduate degrees such as M.Tech or MS, it covers a wide range of topics. This requires significant time and effort to prepare for the exam thoroughly.
• Many students opt for coaching in addition to their regular BTech studies to better equip themselves for the GATE exam.
• The comprehensive nature of the syllabus and the additional coaching required can lead to stress and burnout for students. Moreover, the high level of preparation required can also make the exam financially burdensome for some students who may need to invest in expensive coaching and study materials.

Check out the GATE syllabus for various domains:

• Syllabus - GATE Mechanical Engineering 
• Syllabus - GATE Civil Engineering
• Syllabus - GATE Computer Science and Information Technology
• Syllabus - GATE Electrical Engineering
• Syllabus - GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)

GATE Exam Benefits FAQs

Is gate exam useful for jobs?

Yes,GATE exam is considered useful for jobs, particularly in the public sector. Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as GAIL, OIL, ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, and others use GATE scores to shortlist candidates for various technical positions. In addition, GATE scores are also considered for admission to various postgraduate programs in engineering and technology, including Master's and Ph.D. programs at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top engineering institutes in India and abroad.

What happens if I pass gate exam?

The GATE is a crucial exam for engineering students in India. GATE-qualified candidates are eligible for employment in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and fellowships, and can also opt for higher education opportunities both in India and abroad. 

Can I get govt job with GATE score?

Yes, you can get a government job in India with a good GATE score. Many Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India, including GAIL, OIL, ONGC, NTPC, IOCL, and others, use GATE scores to shortlist candidates for various technical positions. Candidates who qualify for the GATE exam and meet the eligibility criteria set by the PSUs are invited for further rounds of selection, such as group discussions and personal interviews. Based on their performance in these rounds, candidates are selected for technical positions in the PSUs.

Can I apply for international universities after clearing the GATE?

It is true that GATE scores are also recognized by some international universities. For instance, the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, Technical University of Germany, RWTH Aachen University, and some other universities abroad accept GATE scores for admission to their Master's and Ph.D. programs.
In addition, GATE qualified candidates are also eligible for scholarships and financial assistance offered by various international organizations and universities.

Is the PSU a good job?

Yes, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are some of the most reputed organizations in India, and securing a job in a PSU is considered a significant achievement. Some of the major PSUs in India include BHEL, IOCL, ONGC, SAIL, NTPC, HPCL, PGCIL, BARC, and many others. A career in a PSU offers numerous benefits such as job security, good pay, opportunities for career growth, and exposure to diverse work environments.