GATE 2008 - Test Structure

Structure of GATE Examination
The GATE 2008 examination consists of a single paper of 3 hours duration.

The question paper will consist of only objective type questions. Each question will have four choices for the answer. Only one choice is correct. Wrong answers carry negative marks.
Each paper is for a maximum of 150 marks.
A candidate will have to choose any one of the papers listed below:

PAPER CODE
Aerospace Engineering AE
Agricultural Engineering AG
Architecture and Planning AR
Civil Engineering CE
Chemical Engineering CH
Computer Science and Engineering CS
Chemistry CY
Electronics and Communication Engineering EC
Electrical Engineering EE
Geology and Geophysics GG
Instrumentation Engineering IN
Information Technology IT
Mathematics MA
Mechanical Engineering ME
Mining Engineering MN
Metallurgical Engineering MT
Physics PH
Production and Industrial Engineering PI
Pharmaceutical Sciences PY
Textile Engineering and Fibre Science TF
Engineering Sciences XE*
Life Sciences XL*

*Papers XE and XL are of general nature and will comprise the following sections:

XE paper sections (Engineering Sciences) XL paper sections (Life Sciences)
SECTIONS CODE SECTIONS CODE
Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) A Chemistry (Compulsory) J
Computational Science B Biochemistry K
Electrical Sciences C Biotechnology L
Fluid Mechanics D Botany M
Materials Science E Microbiology N
Solid Mechanics F Zoology O
Thermodynamics G
Polymer Science and Engineering H
Food Technology I

Candidates appearing in XE or XL papers are required to answer three sections. Sections (A) and (J) are compulsory in XE and XL papers respectively. Candidates can choose any two out of the remaining sections mentioned against the respective papers.

The choice of the appropriate paper is the responsibility of the candidate. However, some guidelines are suggested below:
(a) Candidates are expected to appear in a paper (one of the listed papers) appropriate to the discipline of their qualifying degree.
(b) However, the candidates are free to choose any paper according to their admission plan, keeping in mind the eligibility criteria of the institutions in which they wish to seek admission.
The question paper of GATE 2008 will be fully of objective type.
(a) Candidates have to mark the correct choice by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question on an Objective Response Sheet (ORS).
(b)There will be negative marking for wrong answers. The deduction for each wrong answer will be 25% of the allotted marks.
Question Paper Pattern

The question paper will consist of only objective type questions. Candidates have to mark the correct choice by darkening the appropriate bubble against each question on an Objective Response Sheet (ORS). There will be negative marking for wrong answers. The deduction for each wrong answer will be 25% of the allotted marks.

MAIN PAPERS
XE SECTION PAPERS EXCEPT FOR SECTION A
XE - SECTION A PAPER (Engineering Mathematics)
XL SECTION PAPERS