GATE 2021 introduces an array of changes in the pattern, application procedure, eligibility and syllabus

IIT Bombay recently declared the GATE 2021 exam dates. This online computer-based exam will be held from February 5-7, 2021, and February 12-14, 2021. The window for the registration process will open from September 14, 2020, to September 30, 2020. However, with late fees, one can register for GATE 2021 till October 7, 2020.

The GATE 2021 exam will be held in two sessions. The morning session will start from 9 am to 12 pm and the afternoon session from 3 pm to 6 pm. The dates as well as timings of the GATE 2021 exam are tentative for the time being and are liable to change, keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation.

Major highlights of the GATE 2021 exam are as follows:

• Students who are still in their third year of college can also apply for GATE 2021
• There are no restrictions on the number of attempts
• There is no age limit
• Students with backlog paper can also appear for the exam
• The aspirants can appear either for one or two papers
• The ones sitting for two papers have to select the combination of subjects from the approved list

To view the list of subjects and combinations, visit https://www.gate.iitb.ac.in/papers.php

The revised pattern and syllabus of GATE 2021 exam

The GATE 2021 syllabus and pattern is revised to include,

• A total of 65 questions will appear in GATE 2021 exam with 55 questions attributed to technical and engineering mathematics and 10 questions for general aptitude.
• A number of topics have been removed to ease the pressure on students. Now the final tally of the total number of subjects under GATE 2021 is 27.
• Two new subject papers, which are ES (Environmental Science and Engineering) and XH (Humanities and Social Sciences) in Economics/English/Linguistics/Philosophy/Psychology/Sociology.
• Objective test papers
• Three types of questions:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): These questions will bear one correct answer among four options. Any wrong answer will deduct a total of 1/3 marks for 1 mark question and 2/3 marks for a 2 marker question.
2. Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): As the name suggests, there will be one or more than one correct choice among four options. There will be no negative marking however, no credits will be awarded for selecting a partially correct answer.
3. Numerical Answer Type (NAT): These questions will not carry any negative marking and have to be answered through virtual numeric keypad by rounding of the final calculation if needed. 

The GATE 2021 exam scorecard will remain valid for the next three years from the date the results are announced. For further details, check the official website (gate.iitb.ac.in) or read the GATE 2021 information brochure.