like Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore IITs and NITs, Jadavpur University, IT-BHU as well as pharmacy institutes. This examination is coordinated by a committee, comprising of IISc and seven Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the National Coordinating Board - GATE, Department of Education, Government of India. The pattern and syllabus are usually based on a candidate's background.

Minimum eligibility for appearing in this exam is usually good progress (typically students in their final semester) towards a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (4 year University Degree, similar to the US system) or a Master's degree in Science (3 (Bachelor's) + 2 (Masters, eg. M.Sc., similar to the British system).

Many students may not be aware that there are several institutions in this country, offering specialized postgraduate programmes in various disciplines. Attractive scholarship / Assistantship for postgraduate courses in engineering / Technology / Architecture /Pharmacy at Engineering colleges / institutes in the country, are available to those who qualify through GATE.

Some Engineering colleges / institutes specify GATE as a mandatory qualification even for admission do students to post graduate programmes. The candidate is required to find the procedure of final selection and award of scholarship / Assistantship from the respective Institution to which the candidate seeks admission. GATE qualified candidates in Engineering subjects) will also be eligible for the award of junior research fellowship in CSIR Laboratories.