The GATE exam is unquestionably more challenging than the JEE (Advanced or Mains) exams for most of the candidates who have appeared in the GATE exam. The complexity of concepts and questions assessed in the JEE papers pertains to 11th and 12th-grade levels, whereas GATE evaluates a student’s undergraduate expertise alongside their General Aptitude. To address the query – Is GATE more difficult than JEE – aspirants must possess comprehensive insights into both assessments. JEE examinations serve as the gateway to undergraduate programs across India, whereas the GATE exam’s scope extends beyond undergraduate admissions.
In this article, we offer a comprehensive comparison of GATE vs. JEE, two widely discussed exams among engineering enthusiasts, and know why GATE surpasses JEE in terms of difficulty.
Comparing the structures and content of GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) and JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) reveals notable distinctions. GATE predominantly emphasizes evaluating a candidate’s grasp of engineering principles and their practical application in their chosen field. The GATE exam comprises a single paper with a three-hour duration, featuring multiple-choice questions (MCQs), numerical answer-type questions, and a selection of comprehension-based queries. GATE’s syllabus delves deeply into engineering disciplines, ensuring a more specialized and thorough evaluation.
In contrast, JEE, designed for undergraduate engineering admissions, comprises two primary assessments: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main evaluates candidates on their proficiency in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, consisting of MCQs and numerical answer-type questions. JEE Advanced, reserved for the top performers in JEE Main, delves further into intricate problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. The JEE syllabus encompasses a broader spectrum of topics, including those found in GATE, with a heightened emphasis on problem-solving aptitude.
The GATE examination is widely acknowledged as more demanding than the JEE examination. GATE examinees have the opportunity for Master’s programs, job placements, fellowships, and more, while JEE participants secure admissions to prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, or private colleges for undergraduate programs. This highlights the difference in the complexity of questions between the two examinations, with GATE typically featuring more challenging content.
Competition for achieving a high GATE score and its associated benefits surpasses that of the JEE exams. Despite over 11 lakh students taking the JEE exams annually, GATE attracts intense competition, with around 8 lakh applicants vying for success.
The GATE syllabus boasts extensive and in-depth coverage compared to the JEE curriculum. Moreover, GATE incorporates a higher level of General Aptitude assessment, and its mathematical syllabus surpasses the rigor of the JEE.
Why GATE Is Deemed More Challenging than JEE?
The perception of GATE’s difficulty is rooted in several factors. Let’s delve into why this examination is deemed challenging for graduates:
The GATE syllabus is expansive and demanding, encompassing numerous subtopics from a candidate’s undergraduate studies, including General Aptitude.
Beyond multiple-choice questions, GATE features Numerical Answer Type questions, known for their precision-dependent nature, often requiring calculations to several decimal places.
While a virtual calculator is provided for the GATE exam, solving the intricate numerical questions remains a formidable task.
A total of 65 questions must be tackled within a strict three-hour time frame, adding time pressure to the challenge.
Covering the entirety of the GATE syllabus is arduous. In addition to completion, frequent revisions demand 3-4 hours of daily commitment, imposing a significant burden on aspirants.
Mastery of the virtual calculator, distinct from conventional scientific calculators, adds another layer of complexity and necessitates additional practice and familiarity for candidates.
This elaboration underscores the multifaceted nature of the GATE examination’s difficulty, requiring candidates to possess comprehensive subject knowledge and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
Cracking the GATE: From Tough to Triumph with Smart Study and Mock Tests
The GATE exam, renowned for its challenging nature, can indeed become manageable for dedicated aspirants. The key lies in adopting a strategic approach. Smart study techniques, like focusing on high-weightage topics, breaking down the syllabus, and consistent practice, can boost comprehension. However, the real game-changer is mock test practice. Regularly taking mock tests not only familiarizes aspirants with the exam pattern but also hones time-management skills and identifies weak areas. It’s a crucible where toughness transforms into readiness. With diligence and mock test precision, even the toughest GATE hurdles can be conquered by determined candidates.
Takeaway
Ready to conquer the GATE 2024 challenge? After exploring why GATE outshines JEE in terms of difficulty, it’s time for you to gear up and prepare for success! Are you up for the challenge? Discover the depth of the GATE syllabus, conquer numerical answer-type questions, and navigate the time constraints. Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to excel. Your GATE journey begins here!
Remember, every question you answer brings you one step closer to achieving your GATE aspirations. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare effectively.
FAQs-GATE 2024 Exam
Q1. Is GATE tougher than JEE?
This is a subjective question that depends on various factors such as the candidate’s preparation level, aptitude, interest, and background. However, some general points of comparison between GATE and JEE are:
GATE is a postgraduate-level exam that tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specific engineering or science subject, whereas JEE is an undergraduate-level exam that tests the candidate’s basic knowledge and problem-solving skills in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
GATE has a higher syllabus coverage and depth than JEE, as it covers topics from the entire undergraduate curriculum of the chosen subject, whereas JEE covers topics from the 11th and 12th standard syllabus of physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
GATE has a lower competition ratio than JEE, as it has fewer applicants and more seats available in various institutes, whereas JEE has a higher competition ratio, as it has more applicants and fewer seats available in the top engineering colleges.
In the GATE exam, MCQs have +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for wrong answer (1 mark), and +2 for correct answer, -2/3 for wrong (2 marks). There’s no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions and no negative marking for MSQ & NAT. This results in a higher negative marking scheme compared to JEE, which deducts 1/4 marks for each wrong answer in both 1-mark and 4-mark questions.
GATE has a more diverse question pattern than JEE, as it includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs), numerical answer type questions (NATs), and linked answer type questions (LATs), whereas JEE includes only MCQs and NATs.
Based on these points, some people may say that GATE is tougher than JEE, while others may say that JEE is tougher than GATE. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s perspective and preference.
Q2. What makes the GATE exam difficult?
The GATE exam is considered difficult by many candidates because of the following reasons:
The GATE exam requires a thorough understanding of the core concepts and principles of the chosen subject, as well as their application in solving complex problems. The questions are designed to test the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning skills, as well as their ability to interpret data and information.
The GATE exam covers a wide range of topics from the entire undergraduate curriculum of the chosen subject, which may be difficult to revise and recall during the exam. The syllabus also includes some advanced topics that may not be taught in all colleges or universities.
The GATE exam has a high negative marking scheme that penalizes the candidate for incorrect answers. This makes the exam more challenging and risky, as the candidate has to be careful and confident while attempting the questions.
The GATE exam has a limited time duration of three hours, which may not be sufficient to attempt all the questions or review them properly. The candidate has to manage their time efficiently and prioritize the questions according to their difficulty level and weightage.
Q3. How does the difficulty level of GATE compare to UPSC?
This is another subjective question that depends on various factors such as the candidate’s preparation level, aptitude, interest, and background. However, some general points of comparison between GATE and UPSC are:
GATE is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, science, architecture, and humanities in various institutes across India, whereas UPSC is a recruitment exam for civil services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. in various departments of the central government.
GATE is a single-stage exam that consists of one paper of three hours duration with 65 questions carrying 100 marks, whereas UPSC is a three-stage exam that consists of a preliminary exam with two papers of two hours duration each with 200 marks each, a main exam with nine papers of three hours duration each with 250 marks each (except for one paper with 100 marks), and an interview or personality test with 275 marks.
GATE tests the candidate’s technical knowledge and skills in a specific engineering or science subject chosen by them from among 29 options, whereas UPSC tests the candidate’s general knowledge and awareness in various subjects such as history, geography, polity, economy, environment, current affairs, etc., as well as their optional subject chosen by them from among 48 options.
GATE has a lower competition ratio than UPSC, as it has fewer applicants (around 9 lakh) and more seats available (around 15 thousand) in various institutes across India, whereas UPSC has a higher competition ratio, as it has more applicants (around 10 lakh) and fewer seats available (around one thousand) in various departments of the central government.
According to the latest GATE 2024 notification, the GATE exam has the same negative marking scheme as UPSC for MCQs. In both exams, MCQs deduct 1/3 of a mark for each wrong answer in 1-mark questions and 2/3 of a mark for each wrong answer in 2-mark questions. However, GATE also has numerical answer type (NAT) questions, which do not have any negative marking. UPSC does not have NAT questions in its prelims or mains exams. Therefore, the negative marking scheme of GATE is not higher than UPSC, but rather similar for MCQs and lower for NATs.
Based on these points, a bigger percentage of people may say that GATE is easier than UPSC, while others may say that UPSC is easier than GATE. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s perspective and preference.
Q4. What is the GATE difficulty level for different engineering branches?
The GATE difficulty level for different engineering branches may vary depending on the number of applicants, the cut-off marks, the question paper pattern, the syllabus coverage, and the weightage of topics. However, some general trends that have been observed in the past few years are:
The GATE difficulty level for Mechanical Engineering (ME) is considered high, as it has a high number of applicants (around 2 lakh), a high cut-off mark (around 30), a diverse question paper pattern (including MCQs, MSQs, NATs, and LATs), a wide syllabus coverage (including topics such as engineering mechanics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, manufacturing, industrial engineering, etc.), and a varied weightage of topics (with more emphasis on applied subjects than core subjects).
The GATE difficulty level for Civil Engineering (CE) is considered moderate to high, as it has a high number of applicants (around 1.5 lakh), a moderate cut-off mark (around 25), a diverse question paper pattern (including MCQs, MSQs, NATs, and LATs), a wide syllabus coverage (including topics such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, geomatics engineering, etc.), and a varied weightage of topics (with more emphasis on core subjects than applied subjects).
The GATE difficulty level for Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) is considered moderate to high, as it has a high number of applicants (around 2 lakh), a high cut-off mark (around 25), a diverse question paper pattern (including MCQs, MSQs, NATs, and LATs), a wide syllabus coverage (including topics such as programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, networks, theory of computation, compiler design, etc.), and a balanced weightage of topics (with equal emphasis on core and applied subjects).
The GATE difficulty level for Electrical Engineering (EE) is considered moderate to high, as it has a moderate number of applicants (around 1 lakh), a moderate cut-off mark (around 25), a diverse question paper pattern (including MCQs, MSQs, NATs, and LATs), a wide syllabus coverage (including topics such as electric circuits, electromagnetic fields, signals and systems, electrical machines, power systems, control systems, electrical and electronic measurements, analog and digital electronics, power electronics, etc.), and a balanced weightage of topics (with equal emphasis on core and applied subjects).
The GATE difficulty level for Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) is considered moderate to high, as it has a moderate number of applicants (around 1 lakh), a moderate cut-off mark (around 25), a diverse question paper pattern (including MCQs, MSQs, NATs, and LATs), a wide syllabus coverage (including topics such as networks, electronic devices, analog circuits, digital circuits, signals and systems, communications, electromagnetics, etc.), and a balanced weightage of topics (with equal emphasis on core and applied subjects).
These are some of the most popular engineering branches in GATE. For other branches such as Instrumentation Engineering (IN), Chemical Engineering (CH), Biotechnology (BT), Agricultural Engineering (AG), Architecture and Planning (AR), Chemistry (CY), Ecology and Evolution (EY), Geology and Geophysics (GG), Mathematics (MA), Metallurgical Engineering (MT), Physics (PH), Production and Industrial Engineering (PI), Statistics (ST), Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF), Engineering Sciences (XE), Life Sciences (XL), and Humanities and Social Sciences (XH), the GATE difficulty level may vary from low to moderate depending on the number of applicants, the cut-off marks, the question paper pattern, the syllabus coverage, and the weightage of topics.
Q5. Are numerical answer-type questions in GATE more challenging than MCQs?
Yes, numerical answer-type questions in GATE are typically considered more challenging as they require precise calculations and often offer no answer choices to select from.
Asad Yar Khan
I write and oversee the creation of informative educational blogs centering around study strategies, exam techniques, and more, to guide aspirants in clearing SSC, banking, engineering, and other competitive exams. I ensure a range of subjects are covered with precision and clarity. With over 7 years of diverse writing experience, I share a wealth of wisdom and expertise with thousands of students, through PracticeMock every day, helping them achieve their goals.