What is New in GATE 2012?

Application Process: In GATE 2012, candidates need to register and fill the application ONLINE only by accessing the zonal GATE websites of IISc and seven IITs. The application process is complete only when a print out of the filled ONLINE application with the candidate's signature and a good quality photo affixed in the appropriate place is received by the respective GATE office along with necessary documents, if any, on or before 24 October 2011. Please note that sale of application forms through banks and GATE office counters has been discontinued. Downloadable Admit Card: Sending Admit cards by post has been discontinued from this year. Admit cards can only be downloaded from the zonal GATE websites from 2nd January 2012. Bring the admit card to the test center along with at least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification. ONLINE examination in two additional papers: In GATE 2011, the papers with codes GG, TF, AE and MN had ONLINE examination. In GATE 2012, two additional papers, AR and AG, will also have ONLINE examination. The ONLINE examination will be conducted in two sessions on Sunday, January 29, 2012. Forenoon session (09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs): AR, GG and TF. Afternoon session (14:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs): AE, AG and MN. Numerical answer type questions in ONLINE papers: In the ONLINE papers (AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF), the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and questions of numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer. The number of numerical answer type questions may vary between 5 and 10 in each question paper. Pre-final year students: Pre-final year students are not eligible to write GATE 2012. For details, refer to eligibility for GATE examination. GATE Examination Papers Code Paper Title Code Paper Title

AE Aerospace Engineering AG Agricultural Engineering AR Architecture and Planning

IN Instrumentation Engineering MA Mathematics ME Mechanical Engineering

BT Biotechnology CE Civil Engineering CH Chemical Engineering CS Computer Science and Information Technology Electronics and Communication Engineering

MN Mining Engineering MT Metallurgical Engineering PH Physics PI TF Production and Industrial Engineering Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

CY Chemistry EC

XE Engineering Sciences XL Life Sciences

EE Electrical Engineering GG Geology and Geophysics

XE (Engineering Sciences) and XL (Life Sciences) papers are of general nature and will comprise of the sections listed below. A candidate appearing in XE or XL paper will be required to answer three sections apart from the General Aptitude (GA) questions. Section A is compulsory in XE paper and Section H is compulsory in XL paper. The candidate can choose any two out of the remaining sections listed against the respective papers, at the time of examination. Go to Top XE: Engineering Sciences Paper Section XE XE XE XE XE XE XE A B C D E F G Title of the Section Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) Fluid Mechanics Materials Science Solid Mechanics Thermodynamics Polymer Science and Engineering Food Technology

XL: Life Sciences Paper Section XL XL XL XL XL XL Go to Top GATE Examination Type H I J K L M Title of the Section Chemistry (Compulsory) Biochemistry Botany Microbiology Zoology Food Technology

The GATE examination consists of a single paper of 3 hours duration which contains 65 questions carrying a maximum of 100 marks. The question paper will consist of only objective questions. In all papers other than AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF, all the questions are of multiple choice type. In AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF papers, the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and also some questions of numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer. Click here to view the pattern of question papers. The examination for the papers with codes AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF will be carried out ONLINE using computers where the candidates will be required to enter the answer for each question using mouse. For all other papers, the candidates will have to mark the correct choice on an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question. There will be negative marking for each wrong answer, except for the numerical answer type questions. Each GATE paper shall have a General Aptitude (GA) component carrying 15 marks. Syllabus for Electrical Engineering (EE) Engineering Mathematics Linear Algebra: Matrix Algebra, Systems of linear equations, Eigen values and eigen vectors. Calculus: Mean value theorems, Theorems of integral calculus, Evaluation of definite and improper integrals, Partial Derivatives, Maxima and minima, Multiple integrals, Fourier series. Vector identities, Directional derivatives, Line, Surface and Volume integrals, Stokes, Gauss and Green's theorems. Differential equations: First order equation (linear and nonlinear), Higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients, Method of variation of parameters, Cauchy's and Euler's equations, Initial and boundary value problems, Partial Differential Equations and variable separable method. Complex variables: Analytic functions, Cauchy's integral theorem and integral formula, Taylor's and Laurent' series, Residue theorem, solution integrals. Probability and Statistics: Sampling theorems, Conditional probability, Mean, median, mode and standard deviation, Random variables, Discrete and continuous distributions, Poisson, Normal and Binomial distribution, Correlation and regression analysis. Numerical Methods:

Solutions of non-linear algebraic equations, single and multi-step methods for differential equations. Transform Theory: Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z-transform. Electrical Engineering Electric Circuits and Fields: Network graph, KCL, KVL, node and mesh analysis, transient response of dc and ac networks; sinusoidal steady-state analysis, resonance, basic filter concepts; ideal current and voltage sources, Thevenin's, Norton's and Superposition and Maximum Power Transfer theorems, two-port networks, three phase circuits; Gauss Theorem, electric field and potential due to point, line, plane and spherical charge distributions; Ampere's and Biot-Savart's laws; inductance; dielectrics; capacitance. Signals and Systems: Representation of continuous and discrete-time signals; shifting and scaling operations; linear, time-invariant and causal systems; Fourier series representation of continuous periodic signals; sampling theorem; Fourier, Laplace and Z transforms. Electrical Machines: Single phase transformer - equivalent circuit, phasor diagram, tests, regulation and efficiency; three phase transformers - connections, parallel operation; auto-transformer; energy conversion principles; DC machines - types, windings, generator characteristics, armature reaction and commutation, starting and speed control of motors; three phase induction motors - principles, types, performance characteristics, starting and speed control; single phase induction motors; synchronous machines - performance, regulation and parallel operation of generators, motor starting, characteristics and applications; servo and stepper motors. Power Systems: Basic power generation concepts; transmission line models and performance; cable performance, insulation; corona and radio interference; distribution systems; per-unit quantities; bus impedance and admittance matrices; load flow; voltage control; power factor correction; economic operation; symmetrical components; fault analysis; principles of overcurrent, differential and distance protection; solid state relays and digital protection; circuit breakers; system stability concepts, swing curves and equal area criterion; HVDC transmission and FACTS concepts. Control Systems: Principles of feedback; transfer function; block diagrams; steady-state errors; Routh and Niquist techniques; Bode plots; root loci; lag, lead and lead-lag compensation; state space model; state transition matrix, controllability and observability.

Electrical and Electronic Measurements: Bridges and potentiometers; PMMC, moving iron, dynamometer and induction type instruments; measurement of voltage, current, power, energy and power factor; instrument transformers; digital voltmeters and multimeters; phase, time and frequency measurement; Qmeters; oscilloscopes; potentiometric recorders; error analysis. Analog and Digital Electronics: Characteristics of diodes, BJT, FET; amplifiers - biasing, equivalent circuit and frequency response; oscillators and feedback amplifiers; operational amplifiers - characteristics and applications; simple active filters; VCOs and timers; combinational and sequential logic circuits; multiplexer; Schmitt trigger; multi-vibrators; sample and hold circuits; A/D and D/A converters; 8-bit microprocessor basics, architecture, programming and interfacing. Power Electronics and Drives: Semiconductor power diodes, transistors, thyristors, triacs, GTOs, MOSFETs and IGBTs static characteristics and principles of operation; triggering circuits; phase control rectifiers; bridge converters - fully controlled and half controlled; principles of choppers and inverters; basis concepts of adjustable speed dc and ac drives. Pattern of Question Papers and Marking Pattern of Question Papers Marking

The examination for the papers with codes AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF will be carried out ONLINE using computers where the candidates will be required to enter the answer for each question using mouse. For all other papers, the candidates will have to mark the correct choice on an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question. In the ONLINE papers, the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer and choices will not be given. GATE 2012 would contain questions of four different types in various papers:
y y y y

Multiple choice questions carrying 1 or 2 marks each. Common data questions, where two successive questions use the same set of input data. Linked answer questions, where the answer to the first question of the pair is required in order to answer its successor. Numerical answer questions, where the answer is a number, to be entered by the candidate.

Examples of such questions can be found in Question Types.

In all the papers, there will be a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, out of which 10 questions carrying 15 marks in General Aptitude (GA) are compulsory. In the papers bearing the codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, GG, IN, ME, MN, MT, PI, TF and XE, the Engineering Mathematics will carry 15 % of the total marks, the General Aptitude section will carry 15 % of the total marks and the remaining 70 % of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper. In the papers bearing the codes AR, CY, GG, MA, PH and XL, the General Aptitude section will carry 15 % of the total marks and the remaining 85 % of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper. Go to Top Marking For 1 mark multiple choice questions, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2 marks multiple choice questions, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. However, for the linked answer question pair, where each question carries 2 marks, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer to the first question only. There is no negative marking for wrong answer to the second question of the linked answer question pair. If the first question in the linked pair is wrongly answered or is unattempted, then the answer to the second question in the pair will not be evaluated. There is no negative marking for numerical answer type questions. Go to Top Pattern of Question Papers General Aptitude (GA) Section: In all papers, GA questions are of multiple choice type, and carry a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 10 marks) Question papers other than GG, XE and XL: These papers would contain 25 multiple choice questions carrying one mark each (sub-total 25 marks) and 30 multiple choice questions carrying two marks each (sub-total 60 marks). Out of these, two pairs of questions would be common data questions, and two pairs of questions would be linked-answer questions. In the ONLINE papers, the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer and choices will not be given. GG (Geology and Geophysics) Paper: Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the question paper consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is common for all candidates. Part B contains two sections: Section 1

(Geology) and Section 2 (Geo-physics). Candidates will have to attempt questions in Part A and either Section 1 or Section 2 in Part B. Part A consists of 25 multiple choice questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 25 marks). Each section in Part B (Section 1 and Section 2) consists of 30 multiple choice questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 60 marks). Out of these, two pairs of questions would be common data questions, and two pairs of questions would be linked-answer questions. XE Paper (Engineering Sciences): In XE paper, Engineering Mathematics section (Section A) is compulsory. This section contains 11 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 15 marks: 7 questions carrying 1mark each (sub-total 7 marks), and 4 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 8 marks). Each of the other sections of the XE paper (Sections B through G) contains 22 questions carrying a total of 35 marks: 9 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 9 marks) and 13 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 26 marks). Out of the 2-mark questions, 2 pairs are common data questions and 1 pair is linked answer questions. XL Paper (Life Sciences): In XL paper, Chemistry section (Section H) is compulsory. This section contains 15 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 25 marks: 5 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks). Out of the 2-mark questions, 1 pair is common data questions, and 1 pair is linked answer questions. Each of the other sections of the XL paper (Sections I through M) contains 20 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 30 marks: 10 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 10 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks). Pattern of Question Papers and Marking Pattern of Question Papers Marking

The examination for the papers with codes AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF will be carried out ONLINE using computers where the candidates will be required to enter the answer for each question using mouse. For all other papers, the candidates will have to mark the correct choice on an Optical Response Sheet (ORS) by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question. In the ONLINE papers, the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer and choices will not be given. GATE 2012 would contain questions of four different types in various papers:
y y

Multiple choice questions carrying 1 or 2 marks each. Common data questions, where two successive questions use the same set of input data.

y y

Linked answer questions, where the answer to the first question of the pair is required in order to answer its successor. Numerical answer questions, where the answer is a number, to be entered by the candidate.

Examples of such questions can be found in Question Types. In all the papers, there will be a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, out of which 10 questions carrying 15 marks in General Aptitude (GA) are compulsory. In the papers bearing the codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, GG, IN, ME, MN, MT, PI, TF and XE, the Engineering Mathematics will carry 15 % of the total marks, the General Aptitude section will carry 15 % of the total marks and the remaining 70 % of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper. In the papers bearing the codes AR, CY, GG, MA, PH and XL, the General Aptitude section will carry 15 % of the total marks and the remaining 85 % of the total marks is devoted to the subject of the paper. Go to Top Marking For 1 mark multiple choice questions, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2 marks multiple choice questions, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. However, for the linked answer question pair, where each question carries 2 marks, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer to the first question only. There is no negative marking for wrong answer to the second question of the linked answer question pair. If the first question in the linked pair is wrongly answered or is unattempted, then the answer to the second question in the pair will not be evaluated. There is no negative marking for numerical answer type questions. Go to Top Pattern of Question Papers General Aptitude (GA) Section: In all papers, GA questions are of multiple choice type, and carry a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 10 marks) Question papers other than GG, XE and XL: These papers would contain 25 multiple choice questions carrying one mark each (sub-total 25 marks) and 30 multiple choice questions carrying two marks each (sub-total 60 marks). Out of these, two pairs of questions would be common data questions, and two pairs of questions would be linked-answer questions. In the ONLINE papers, the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and numerical answer type. For multiple choice

type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer and choices will not be given. GG (Geology and Geophysics) Paper: Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the question paper consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is common for all candidates. Part B contains two sections: Section 1 (Geology) and Section 2 (Geo-physics). Candidates will have to attempt questions in Part A and either Section 1 or Section 2 in Part B. Part A consists of 25 multiple choice questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 25 marks). Each section in Part B (Section 1 and Section 2) consists of 30 multiple choice questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 60 marks). Out of these, two pairs of questions would be common data questions, and two pairs of questions would be linked-answer questions. XE Paper (Engineering Sciences): In XE paper, Engineering Mathematics section (Section A) is compulsory. This section contains 11 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 15 marks: 7 questions carrying 1mark each (sub-total 7 marks), and 4 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 8 marks). Each of the other sections of the XE paper (Sections B through G) contains 22 questions carrying a total of 35 marks: 9 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 9 marks) and 13 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 26 marks). Out of the 2-mark questions, 2 pairs are common data questions and 1 pair is linked answer questions. XL Paper (Life Sciences): In XL paper, Chemistry section (Section H) is compulsory. This section contains 15 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 25 marks: 5 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks). Out of the 2-mark questions, 1 pair is common data questions, and 1 pair is linked answer questions. Each of the other sections of the XL paper (Sections I through M) contains 20 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 30 marks: 10 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 10 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 20 marks). GATE 2012 Question Types Multiple Choice Questions Multiple Choice Questions Multiple choice questions in all papers and sections will contain four answers, of which only one is correct. The types of questions in a paper may be based on following logic: (i) Recall: These are based on facts, principles, formulae or laws of the discipline. The candidate is expected to be able to obtain the answer either from his/her memory of the subject or at most Common Data Questions Linked Answer Questions

from a one-line computation. Example Q. During machining maximum heat is produced (A) in flank face (C) in shear zone (B) in rake face (D) due to friction between chip and tool.

(ii) Comprehension: These questions will test the candidate's understanding of the basics of his/her field, by requiring him/her to draw simple conclusions from fundamental ideas. Example Q. A DC motor requires a starter in order (A) to develop a starting torque (B) to compensate for auxiliary field ampere turns (C) to limit armature current at starting (D) to provide regenerative braking

(iii) Application: In these questions, the candidate is expected to apply his/her knowledge either through computation or by logical reasoning. Example: Q. The sequent depth ratio of a hydraulic jump in a rectangular channel is 16.48. The Froude number at the beginning of the jump is: (A) 10.0 (B) 5.0 (C) 12.0 (D) 8.0 (iv) Analysis and Synthesis: These can be linked questions, where the answer to the first question of the pair is required in order to answer its successor. Or these can be common data questions, in which two questions share the same data but can be solved independently of one another. Common data questions
Go to TOP Multiple questions may be linked to a common data problem, passage and the like. Two or three questions can be formed from the given common data problem. Each question is independent and its solution obtainable from the above problem data/passage directly. (Answer of the previous question is not required to solve the next

question). Each question under this group will carry two marks.

Example Common Data, for instance, Questions 48 and 49 in main paper: Let X and Y be jointly distributed random variables such that the conditional distribution of Y, given X=x, is uniform on the interval (x-1,x+1). Suppose E(X)=1 and Var(X)= 5/3 First question using common data: Q.48 The mean of the random variable Y is (A) 1/2 (B) 1 (C) 3/2 (D) 2

Second question using common data: Q.49 The variance of the random variable Y is (A) 1/2 (B) 2/3 (C) 1 (D) 2

Linked answer questions: Go to TOP These questions are of problem solving type. A problem statement is followed by two questions based on the problem statement. The two questions are designed such that the solution to the second question depends upon the answer to the first one. In other words, the first answer is an intermediate step in working out the second answer. Each question in such linked answer questions will carry two marks. Example: Statement for Linked Answer Questions, for instance, for Questions 52 and 53 in Main Paper: The open loop transfer function of a unity feedback control system is given by

First question of the pair: Q.52 The value of K which will cause sustained oscillations in the closed loop system is

Second question of the pair: Q.53 The frequency of sustained oscillations is

The questions based on the above four logics may be a mix of single stand alone statement / phrase / data type questions, combination of option codes type questions or match items types questions.

GATE Score Card Details about the contents of GATE Scorecard will be made available in this website at an appropriate time. There is no provision for issue of Additional GATE scorecard. The GATE 2012 Committee has the authority to decide the qualifying score for each GATE paper. In case any claim or dispute arises in respect of GATE 2012, it is hereby made absolutely clear that the Courts and Tribunals in New Delhi and New Delhi alone shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to entertain and settle any such dispute or claim.

Download Syllabus for GATE 2012 Papers General Aptitude (GA) component common in all papers AE: Aerospace Engineering AG: Agricultural Engineering AR: Architecture and Planning BT: Biotechnology CE: Civil Engineering CH: Chemical Engineering CS: Computer Science and Information Technology CY: Chemistry EC: Electronics and Communication Engineering EE: Electrical Engineering GG: Geology and Geophysics XL Section H: Chemistry XL Section I: Biochemistry XL Section J: Botany XE Section A: Engineering Mathematics XE Section B: Fluid Mechanics XE Section C: Materials Science XE Section D: Solid Mechanics XE Section E: Thermodynamics XE Section F: Polymer Science and Engineering XE Section G: Food Technology

IN: Instrumentation Engineering MA: Mathematics ME: Mechanical Engineering MN: Mining Engineering MT: Metallurgical Engineering PH: Physics PI: Production and Industrial Engineering TF: Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

XL Section K: Microbiology XL Section L: Zoology XL Section M: Food Technology

Postgraduate Admissions with MHRD Scholarship As per the directives of the MHRD, the following procedure is to be adopted for admission to postgraduate programmes (Master and Doctoral) with MHRD scholarship/assistantship. The performance of the candidate in GATE will be considered for admission. If the candidate is to be selected through interview for postgraduate programmes, minimum 70% weightage is to be given to the performance in GATE. The remaining weightage (30% maximum) can be given to the candidate's academic record or performance in interview. Candidate opting for a general paper (XE or XL) may be further examined (by interview/written test) by the admitting institution. In such cases also the weightage for performance in GATE should not be less than 70%. The admitting institution will prescribe minimum passing percentage of marks in the interview. Some colleges/institutes specify GATE qualification as the mandatory requirement even for admission without MHRD scholarship/assistantship. Candidates are advised to seek details of admission procedures and availability of MHRD scholarship/assistantship from the concerned admitting institution. The criteria for postgraduate admission with scholarship/assistantship are different for different admitting institutions. GATE offices will not entertain any enquiry about admission and award of scholarship/assistantship. It is the responsibility of the admitting institution to award the MHRD scholarship/assistantship to only those candidates who secured marks equal to or more than the "qualifying mark" in the concerned GATE paper and for the corresponding category of the candidate . The management of the postgraduate scholarship/assistantship is also the responsibility of the admitting institution. The GATE committee also has no role in the award or disbursement of scholarship/assistantship. Similarly, reservation of seats under different

categories is as per the policies and norms prevailing at the admitting institution and Government of India rules. A candidate declared "GATE qualified at the time of admission" is entitled for MHRD fellowship for 24 months unless he/she loses it due to poor performance in the registered programme. The students of Integrated Master Degree and Dual Degree programmes in Engineering/Technology are eligible to appear in GATE 2012 in order to qualify for the postgraduate scholarships in their own institutions only. They are not eligible for admission to a fresh M.E./M.Tech. programme.