GATE 2016 has seen some changes from the previous editions which IISc Bangalore has announced. These will be incorporated henceforth for all exams. Some changes were expected as they were announced last year but were not implemented due to unforeseen circumstances
What’s new
Online Calculator
This was introduced in GATE 2015 but could not be implemented. Therefore it is now being implemented from GATE 2016. Candidates will NOT be allowed to carry physical calculators to the GATE 2016 Exam Centers. The virtual online calculator will be available online to the candidates during the exam on the system.
Changes in syllabus
IISc Bangalore has announced that the GATE syllabus has been revised for some papers. So candidates can expect minor but important changes in the syllabi of some of the GATE 2016 papers. It is expected that GATE 2016 Syllabus may be slightly different from GATE 2015.
New paper
A new Paper- Petroleum Engineering has been introduced from 2016 for GATE aspirants. This brings the total number of GATE papers to 23 unlike GATE 2015 which had 22 papers. This paper too will be online as has been the case with all the GATE Papers
Provisions
The answer key for GATE 2016 papers will be made available to the candidates shortly after the completion of the exam. For the first time, candidates will be given an opportunity to challenge any of the GATE 2016 Answer Key within a specified time. Candidates must note that this facility of challenging the provided GATE 2016 Answer Key will be provided on payment of a nominal fee to be specified by IISc Bangalore.
· features
· The GATE 2016 exam will be completely online and computer based
· The Application Process for GATE 2016 will be online only. All the supporting documents have to be sent online. Hard copies will not be accepted.
· Candidates will have to download the GATE 2016 Admit Card after logging in.
· Biometric verification will be held to ensure that malpractices do not occur
· GATE scores are valid for a period of three years from the date of declaration of the GATE 2016 Result.
· The GATE 2016 Score Card will have to be downloaded by the candidates
Contributed by Gate Academy
Tips & tricks
The GATE score open doors for post graduate studies in the field of science to prestigious universities. The exam is held jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and the seven IITs in the country. It reflects a candidate’s relative performance level. Therefore, once the exam aspirants reach close to the exam, it is important to utilise the remaining time in the best way possible.
Don’t lose these crucial days for a match or a game, if you wouldn't want to waste another year! You must be aware of the pain of preparing for such competitive exams.
By keeping these guidelines in mind, you should get the most out of your revision period and you will be ready to perform at your highest ability:
· This is solely the revision time, avoid taking up a new concept. You must start to revise in order to clear the examination. You are now expected to be clear with all the concepts.
· Strategise you revision by planning each and every day and evaluating your progress.
· Prepare a formulae sheet and keep it handy. Read all the formulae at least once a day.
· Taking mock test will help you evaluate the time you take to finish a paper and level of preparation.
· This year you will be provided with a virtual calculator, therefore getting acquainted with this, is only possible by taking a mock test.
· Based on your experiments in the mock test series, you can tune your own exam strategy.
· You must figure out if you like to start solving the paper from the first question or to start answering questions from their areas of strength.
· Remember to have good time during the breaks. Avoid time killers and television for the rest of the days.
· During the test, you want to make sure that you are not burnt out from studying. Therefore, do something relaxing the day before your test.
By JK Sinha, director, Gateforum