GATE 2025 vs Previous Years Trends: How Has the Competition Changed?

GATE 2025 vs. Previous Years Trends: The GATE exam is the gateway for engineering students to secure admission into NITs, IITs, IIITs and postgraduate programs or jobs in Public Sector Undertakings. Previously in the year 1983, when GATE exam was first introduced, it was conducted only for two streams, science and engineering but now it is conducted across 30 disciplines. The eligibility criteria is the same as before, but the exam pattern has changed. Over the years, the competition for GATE has evolved significantly. GATE 2025 exam brings new dynamics to the competition, shaped by changing trends, and exam policies. In this article, we will compare GATE 2025 with previous years to understand how the competition has changed and what factors contribute to these shifts.

Also read: GATE 2025 Virtual Calculator: Steps to Download and Use

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GATE 2025 vs. Previous Years Trends 

Increasing Number of Applicants

The number of GATE applicants has been steadily rising. In this year, the registration process for GATE 2025 was conducted from February 28 to Oct 3, and the number of registered students has crossed 10 lakh, compared to around 8.5 lakh in 2020. This increase shows the growing interest among students, driven by the demand for better career opportunities, both in academic field and industry. Some reasons for the increasing number of students are GATE scores are now used by more PSUs, making it an important exam for job seekers. Also international universities in countries like Singapore and Germany accept GATE scores for admissions.

Wider Scope of GATE Subjects

GATE has expanded its subject list over the years, with 30 subjects offered in 2025, compared to 23 in 2015. New additions, such as Environmental Science, Humanities, and Psychology, have attracted students from diverse academic backgrounds. The introduction of interdisciplinary subjects has diversified the applicant pool. Students from non-engineering backgrounds are now participating in GATE, adding more variety to the competition. 

Tougher Exam Patterns

The difficulty level of GATE has been steadily increasing. For GATE 2025 the paper is expected to include higher-order questions, requiring more clarity and advanced problem-solving skills. The number of Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) since 2021 has increased. The percentage of MCQs has decreased over the years as the exam has shifted towards MSQs. Introduced in 2021, MSQs have steadily gained prominence, accounting for a significant portion of the exam in 2025. NATs or Numerical Answer Type Questions have maintained a stable proportion, although their relative weight slightly decreased in 2025 due to the rise in MSQs. Here is a graph showing the changes in the GATE exam pattern from 2018 to 2025. It highlights the following trends:

Increased Competition for PSUs

GATE scores have become a standard for PSU recruitment, making it a highly competitive exam for students seeking jobs. Many PSUs now have stricter cutoffs compared to earlier years. Students often aim for a rank below 1,000 to secure interviews with top PSUs like IOCL, ONGC, and NTPC. In 2020, PSUs offered jobs to around 20,000 students, but the number of applicants was far greater. The demand-to-supply ratio has increased the pressure on students.

Growth in Online Learning Resources

The availability of online courses, test series, and study materials has grown immensely in the last decade. Platforms like Unacademy, BYJU'S, and others have made GATE preparation more accessible, leveling the playing field. Students from rural areas can now access the same resources as those in metropolitan cities. However, this has also raised the overall quality of competition, as more students are better prepared.

GATE 2025 Vs Previous Years Success Rates

While the number of applicants has increased, the success rate (students qualifying GATE) remains between 15-18%. In 2020, 8.58 lakh students registered, and 1.26 lakh qualified. While in 2025, even with an increase in students, the success rate is expected to remain the same, meaning more intense competition. This stability in the success rate indicates that only the best-prepared students qualify, raising the bar each year.

The Role of Technology in GATE Exam Administration

The GATE exam authority has also introduced new technology to ensure fairness and efficiency. Recently, the authority is conducting a fully online exam with improved proctoring methods and also AI tools are being used to detect cheating. These measures reduce malpractices, ensuring that only genuine students compete.

Day by day, the GATE exam is undoubtedly getting more competitive than its previous exam types. The rising number of students, tougher exam patterns, and diverse opportunities have reshaped the competition of GATE 2025 vs. Previous Years. To succeed, students must adopt an intellectual preparation plan, focusing on time management, and consistent practice. By understanding these changes students can confidently tackle GATE 2025 and achieve their goals.

GATE Related Articles

We hope that the above article on competitive analysis of GATE 2025 vs. Previous Year Trends shall help you with information about the changes in the recent GATE exam. For the latest updates on GATE, stay tuned to CollegeDekho!