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When it comes to pursuing higher education and career advancement after obtaining a BTech degree, two well-known examinations often stand at the crossroads of one's choices: GATE and UGC NET. These two acronyms represent distinct paths, each offering unique opportunities and prospects. Many students often wonder about the differences between UGC NET vs GATE, as these exams open doors to distinct academic and career paths.
In this blog, we will look into the key differentiators and purposes of GATE vs UGC NET to help you guide the path that aligns best with your aspirations and career goals.
GATE Exam: Overview
The GATE full form is "Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering," and it is a competitive examination conducted in India.
Given below is the overview of the GATE exam for better understanding:
Full Exam Name |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
Short Exam Name |
GATE |
Managing By |
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur |
Exam Level |
National |
Languages |
English |
Mode of Application |
Online |
Application Fee (General) |
₹1500 |
Mode of Exam |
Online |
Mode of Question Papers |
MSQ/MCQ/NAT |
Participating Colleges |
1072 |
Exam Duration |
3 Hours |
UGC NET: Overview
The UGC NET, or National Eligibility Test, is a competitive examination conducted in India. The primary purpose of the UGC NET is to determine the eligibility of candidates for the role of Assistant Professor and to award Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
Given below is the overview of the UGC NET exam for better understanding:
Full Exam Name |
University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test |
Short Exam Name |
UGC NET |
Managing By |
National Testing Agency |
Exam Level |
National |
Languages |
English and Hindi |
Mode of Application |
Online |
Application Fee (General) |
₹1150 (General) ₹600 (OBC/EWS) ₹325 (ST/SC/PwD) |
Mode of Exam |
Online |
Mode of Question Papers |
MSQ/MCQ/NAT |
Participating Colleges |
80 |
Exam Duration |
3 Hours |
UGC NET vs GATE: What is the difference?
The UGC NET and GATE are two known examinations in India, but they serve different purposes and target different academic and career paths.
Here's a brief comparison of the two:
Factors |
Differences |
|
Name of the Exam |
UGC NET |
GATE |
Test-level |
National |
National |
Conducting body |
National Testing Agency |
IISc and seven IITs |
Mode |
Computer Based Test (CBT) i.e. Online |
|
Entrances Test for |
Lectureship (LS) and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) |
M.E./ M.Tech/ Ph.D. and PSU Recruitment |
Frequency |
Twice a year |
Once in a year |
Language Medium |
English and Hindi |
|
Exam Duration and paper |
Consists: Paper-I (90 minutes) and Paper-II (90 minutes) Total hours: 3 hours |
3 hours |
Number of subjects |
81 |
27 |
Questions Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)s |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)s |
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)s |
||
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
||
Total number of questions |
81 |
65 |
Age Limit |
JRF: 33-35 Years (category basis) |
No age limit |
Lectureship: No age limit |
||
Paper Subjects |
81 subjects |
25 disciplines |
Exams Score Validity |
2 years/lifetime (depends) |
3 years |
Official website |
ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
gate.iitb.ac.in |
UGC NET vs GATE: Eligibility
Candidates taking the upcoming exams are expected to meet the following criteria:
For UGC NET:
General Category: Candidates should have a minimum of 55% marks in their Master's degree or its equivalent in fields such as Electronic Science, Social Science, Computer Science, and Application.
ST/SC/OBC Categories: Equivalent qualifications apply for these categories as for the general category.
PhD Applicants: Candidates who completed their postgraduate program prior to September 19, 1991, are eligible for a relaxation of about 5% in marks.
For GATE:
Candidates should possess a degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, Agriculture, Arts, or Commerce.
UGC NET vs GATE: Exam Pattern
UGC NET and GATE have different exam patterns, reflecting their different purposes and the subjects they cover. Here's a comparison of the exam patterns for UGC NET and GATE:
Factors |
NET Exam |
GATE Exam |
Mode of Exam Conduction |
Online |
Online |
Time Limit |
180 Minutes |
180 Minutes |
Total Papers |
5 |
27 |
Sections for Each Paper |
3 |
2 |
Pattern of Questions |
MCQs |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) |
||
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions |
||
Total Question for Any Paper |
55-75 (vary for different papers) |
65 |
UGC NET vs GATE: Advantages
UGC NET and GATE each offer unique advantages depending on your academic and career goals. Here's a comparison of the advantages of both exams:
Advantages of UGC NET:
Teaching Career: Qualifying in UGC NET makes you eligible for the role of Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.
Research Opportunities: UGC NET also provides candidates with the opportunity to receive a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
Versatility: UGC NET covers a wide range of subjects, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and more, making it accessible to candidates from diverse academic backgrounds.
Twice-Yearly Exam: UGC NET is conducted twice a year, giving candidates flexibility in choosing the exam session that suits their needs.
Advantages of GATE:
Higher Education Admission: GATE scores are commonly used for admission to prestigious postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, and science disciplines in institutions like IITs, NITs, and other universities.
Research Fellowships: GATE-qualified candidates may also be eligible for financial support in the form of research fellowships, assisting them in pursuing their academic and research aspirations.
Focused on Engineering and Science: GATE specialises in engineering, technology, and science subjects, allowing candidates to excel in their respective fields with a recognised qualification.
Single Exam Format: GATE is a single-paper exam with a clear focus, simplifying the preparation process for candidates.
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