GATE vs UGC NET: What Is The Difference?

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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