How GATE 2021 Exam Differed from Previous Years for ECE and Other Branches

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is not only a gateway to advanced engineering education but also a crucial benchmark for career opportunities in many engineering fields. Each year, GATE undergoes several changes to adapt to evolving circumstances and provide a better experience for candidates. In the case of GATE 2021, several notable differences were introduced compared to the previous year, particularly in the ECE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) and other engineering branches.

Subjects Offered and Changes in Exam Pattern

For GATE 2021, there were some significant changes:

Introduction of New Subjects: GATE 2021 introduced new subjects, which reflects the dynamic nature of the engineering field. Exam Pattern: The exam maintained a similar pattern to previous years but included changes in the distribution of question types, such as the introduction of MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) and the continuation of MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions.

Adaptations to the Ongoing Pandemic

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, GATE 2021 implemented several additional safety measures, including:

Social Distancing Protocols: Ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for candidates at exam centers. Mandatory Masks and Sanitization: Providing sanitization facilities for all candidates and staff to prevent the spread of the virus.

Changes in Duration and Schedule

The GATE 2021 exam was conducted over multiple days with different sessions for various subjects. This schedule was adjusted compared to 2020 to ensure safety and better logistics. The paper was also changed to accommodate changing circumstances and ensure fairness.

Results Announcement and Application Process

Due to the pandemic, the timeline for result and scorecard availability was adjusted. There might have been some delays in the examination process, and these were accommodated to manage the situation effectively.

Other Notable Changes

The application process for GATE 2021 may have included changes in deadlines or procedures due to the pandemic. There was also a greater emphasis on virtual tools and online resources, reflecting the shift toward digital solutions in education.

Special Considerations for ECE and 3rd Year Students

In GATE 2021, some special conditions were introduced, including:

Giving Chance to 3rd Year Students: This is a significant change where third-year students were allowed to take the GATE exam. This move provides students with additional opportunities to experiment and prepare for the exam in their final year. Change in Syllabus: IIT-Bombay introduced some new topics while removing some from previous years. For instance, the Instrumentation IN branch saw major changes in the syllabus. Introduction of MSQ Questions: Multiple select questions (MSQ) were introduced, where multiple answers are required for a given question, distinguishing them from the traditional MCQ and NAT questions. Impact of Pandemic: Students of the final year and third-year students benefited greatly from the extended preparation time and reduced stress due to the absence of project work and attendance pressure. As a result, many students performed exceptionally well. Toughness of the Paper: The EC paper in 2021 was quite different from previous years. Questions were lengthy and time-consuming, emphasizing the need for accuracy over the number of attempts.

These changes were in response to evolving circumstances and aimed to improve the overall experience for candidates while maintaining the integrity and rigor of the examination. In conclusion, GATE 2021 brought several notable changes that significantly impacted the preparation and performance of candidates.