Do Foreign Universities Accept GATE Scores?

GATE is a postgraduate-level entrance examination conducted in India by the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc, Bangalore) and seven Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board. Though the primary purpose of the GATE exam is to provide admission to students in top postgraduate programmes in India, it has also gained recognition worldwide. Many universities abroad accept GATE scores to admit students for ME, MTech, PhD and MS. The countries accepting GATE scores as eligibility are Singapore and Germany. 

The rigorous and standardised nature of the GATE exam makes the exam hold weight in front of the admission committee of foreign universities. It is a reliable indicator of the technical prowess and academic potential of a student. A high GATE score reflects the analytical skills, problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of the candidates. Foreign universities regard it as a reliable benchmark to evaluate their competencies. It also assures them that the candidates can handle the pressure and commitment towards academics and research of various engineering specialisations. In this article, let us find out which foreign universities accept GATE scores for admission from international students. 

Why Attempt GATE to Study Abroad?

GATE has long been considered insignificant for students who wish to study post-graduation in engineering abroad. They are often pushed to take the GRE instead of the GATE. Let us find out how writing the GATE exam can open doors not only in India but also abroad.

• Higher Studies Abroad: Contrary to what people might assume, GATE scores are, in fact, accepted by a number of top-ranked universities in Singapore and Germany. You do not necessarily have to attempt the GRE exam to get into a foreign university. These universities offer a wide range of M.S. and Phd programs in the areas of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Surveying, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Applied Geophysics, Automotive Engineering, and many more.
• Job Assurance: Besides higher education in India or abroad, GATE scores will also let you apply for opportunities at public sector undertakings (PSUs) including the Hindustan Petroleum Limited, NTPC, NHPC, Bharat Petroleum, GAIL Limited, etc. In addition, Indian government bodies including the DRDO, BARC, ISRO, the IAF, Indian Navy and the Indian Army also provide sponsorships to qualified applicants. Further, working at a PSU offers benefits such as high pay packages (above Rs 50,000 per month), extra benefits like oil or electricity at a subsidised rate, work-life balance, and even support for higher education such as MBA.
• Fellowship Programmes: GATE candidates may also apply for fellowship programmes offered by institutions supported by government agencies. The fellowships may vary based on the degree.
• Research: GATE-qualified candidates are also eligible for Junior and Senior Research fellowships in laboratories including Scientific and Industrial Research Council, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, and more. While research is a new field, the government has increased its expenditure on research and development and better stipends and technology.
• Scholarship Examinations via GATE: The Indian Ministry of Human Resources and Development offers specific scholarships to students who qualify GATE. In addition, foreign universities may also base their international scholarships on GATE scores.

Our study abroad consultants have helped numerous students secure scholarships and study in the US. Many of our students have successfully completed their studies in the US. Know more!

Foreign Universities Accepting GATE Scores 2023

Given below are the foreign universities that accept GATE scores along with GRE scores. However, for Indian applicants, most of these universities prefer GATE to GRE.

General Requirements for Admission to Foreign Universities through GATE Scores

The foreign universities mentioned above admit you only if you meet the following criteria:

• Must hold a bachelor's degree (preferably B.Tech/B.E) in the relevant discipline with the minimum CGPA/percentage, as mentioned by the university.

• Must have cleared GATE and scored at least the GATE cutoff, as mentioned by the university.

• Must have appeared for IELTS or TOEFL.

Note: The requirements specified here are only for reference. It is recommended to check the eligibility criteria of the particular program offered by the concerned university.

GATE Vs GRE

Not many consider having a look at the significant differences between the GATE and GRE. International students hoping to study engineering abroad are more likely to incline towards GRE because of its global reputation. Having said that, the choice should be made based on personal choices. For you, taking the GATE may turn out to be more of value.

Why is the GATE Exam Ignored?

Not many know that the GATE can serve as a gateway for students who wish to work with companies such as Amazon, Netflix, Google or Facebook. They are often surrounded by a bubble of myths about GATE, which further leads them to believe that the exam might not lead them anywhere. Here are the reasons why the GATE is ignored today:

• Difficulty: Indian institutes often fail to provide the right curriculum for students to score well in exams. The exam focuses on testing your knowledge in a specific subject and since many believe that the GATE is way too tough, you get caught up in the same and give up on studying further.
• Socio-cultural Pressure: The field of engineering has been under a lot of societal pressure and movie-like expectations. You are forced to expect yourself to find your inner passion before moving ahead and going deeper into the field. While that might be true to some extent, students who are actually interested in studying engineering further or at least attempting the exam are left in a quandary.
• Limited Curriculum: The engineering curriculum in India, to be honest, is more focused on getting you placed in a top company. While doing so, they often lose their focus on a curriculum that helps them be smart and proactive to prepare for higher education or attempt GATE.
• Simultaneous Preparations: Almost every other student at an engineering institute is preparing for multiple exams such as GATE, GRE, CAT, GMAT, etc. at the same time. They eventually end up losing focus.
• Myths about GATE: Most of the time, engineering students are surrounded by myths about the GATE exam. One of the many may be about the one type of life after GATE. They are often not aware of how the exam can offer a spectrum of opportunities not just in India but abroad as well.

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GATE scores have emerged as an important admission criterion in foreign universities. The standardised and comprehensive curriculum of this postgraduate level exam has earned credibility among institutes of higher learning abroad. With more of them accepting the scores, Indian students can confidently prepare for the examination to get admission to master's programmes abroad in engineering and science domains. The GATE exam enables them to carve a niche abroad and find suitable job opportunities post-graduation. 

Do you want to study at a prestigious US university? If so, then please send us an email at abroad@collegedekho.com with any questions you have about the US application process. Our study-abroad advisors have helped many Indian students get admission to top US universities in almost every field of study.