About GATE
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), is an online exam conducted by the IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) for admissions to PG (Post Graduate) courses in IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs, and many state-run universities as well as private universities. This exam is being conducted every year since 1983.
Also, there are more than 37 PSUs (Public Sector Undertaking) that use the GATE score for recruitment.
A large number of corporations are also using the GATE score as a tool to screen students for placement. With the high standard and high quality of the GATE examination, in 27 disciplines of engineering and science, Humanities, and Social Science subjects, it identifies the candidate’s understanding of a subject and aptitude and eligibility for higher studies (Post Graduation/Ph.D.).
During the last few years, the GATE score is also being used as one of the criteria for recruitment in Government Organizations such as the Cabinet Secretariat and National/State Public Sector Undertakings in India. Due to its importance, the candidature for GATE exams has increased tremendously.
GATE is conducted in an online mode only with Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Select Questions, and Numerical Based Questions. The questions are mostly fundamental, concept-based, and thought-provoking. From 2017 onwards, the GATE exam is being held in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates.
Many GATE-qualified candidates are paid scholarships/assistantships, especially funded by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, the Government of India, and by other Ministries. IIT Kanpur is the organizing Institute for GATE 2023. GATE 2023 score will remain valid for THREE YEARS from the date of announcement of results.
GATE Psychology
Earlier, the GATE examination was held only for Engineering and Pure Science subjects, but since 2021, it is also being offered for certain subjects from Humanities (code XH) which include, Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Sociology, and Psychology.
The pattern of GATE Psychology Question Paper:
GATE 2023 may contain questions of THREE different types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): carrying 1 or 2 marks each, in all papers and sections. These questions will be objective in nature and each will have a choice of four answers, out of which ONLY ONE is correct. Negative Marking for Wrong Answers: For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be a negative marking. For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for a 2-mark MCQ, a 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections. These questions are objective in nature, and each will have a choice of four answers, out of which ONE or MORE THAN ONE choice(s) is/correct. Note: There is NO negative marking for a wrong answer in MSQ questions. However, there is NO partial credit for choosing a partially correct combination of choices or any single wrong choice.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Questions carrying 1 or 2 marks each are generally present in the Section of Quantitative Aptitude, which has questions related to data interpretation and numerical computation and estimation, and Analytical Aptitude which will fall under the broad category of General Aptitude, for candidates who are appearing for Psychology as a subject in GATE examination. For these questions, the answer is a signed real number, which needs to be entered by the candidate using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor (the keyboard of the computer will be disabled). No choices will be shown for these types of questions. The answer can be a number such as 10 or -10 (an integer only). The answer may be in decimals as well, for example, 10.1 (one decimal) or 10.01 (two decimal places) or -10.001 (three decimals).
These questions will be mentioned with, up to which decimal places, the candidates need to present the answer. Also, for some NAT-type problems, an appropriate range will be considered while evaluating these questions so that the candidate is not unduly penalized due to the round-off errors. Candidates are advised to do the rounding off at the end of the calculation (not in between the steps). Wherever required and possible, it is better to give NAT answers up to a maximum of three decimal places. Note: There is NO negative marking for a wrong answer in NAT questions. Also, there is NO partial credit in NAT questions.
The GATE Advantage: Benefits of taking the GATE Exam
The advantages of taking this exam (for psychology & other humanities students) are:
- GATE For PhD:GATE score will be used for getting admission in PhD at all IITs/NITs/IISc and other National Institutions. Since Psychology is present at almost all the IITs, qualifying for the GATE exam can help you get admission at Category A Institutions. And soon, other universities will accept GATE scores for securing admissions for PhD.
- GATE for Fellowship:GATE can be used to receive an Institutional fellowship/stipend. This is good news for those students who have crossed the JRF age limit of 30 (33 for other categories). Since with plain NET, they wouldn’t be able to get any fellowship during their PhD. But GATE has no upper age limit, so students of any age can qualify for the exam and receive an institutional fellowship at IITs & other Institutions (25K + HRA/Month).
- GATE For Recruitment:GATE scores will be used by PSU and other government agencies like DRDO/ISRO to select students for different jobs. As of now, only UGC NET scores were used, but now GATE scores will be used too for the recruitment process.
- GATE is Valid Abroad:GATE scores can be used to secure admission abroad too. The National University of Singapore (Ranked 25th in the world & #1 in Asia, as per The Times World University Rankings) accepts GATE scores. Even some German universities accept GATE Scores. On the other hand, UGC NET/JRF is valid in India only.
- Boost Your Confidence: Qualifying GATE exam will boost your confidence. Since the exam is a national level exam and you can proudly say that you have qualified GATE exam. Qualifying GATE exam will tremendously increase your chances of getting a job in the private sector.
GATE Psychology Exam Paper Scheme
For humanities students, including students of psychology, the paper scheme will be as mentioned below
For Psychology (XH-C5) candidates: GA Section + Part B1: Reasoning and Comprehension (Common section) + Part C5: Psychology
GA section carries a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying 1-mark each (= 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each (= 10 marks). The questions will be for testing the General aptitude of the students. The complete syllabus for the same is mentioned at the end of this page.
Section B1 – Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory): This section contains 15 questions carrying a total of 25 marks: 5 questions carrying 1-mark each (= 5 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (= 20 marks). Some questions will be of MSQ and/or numerical answer type while the remaining questions will be MCQ type.
Sections C1 through C6 (C5 in case of Psychology) contain 40 questions carrying a total of 60 marks: 20 questions carrying 1-mark each (= 20 marks) and 20 questions carrying 2-marks each (= 40 marks). Some questions will be of MSQ (Multiple Select Questions, where more than one option is right) and/or numerical answer type while the remaining questions will be MCQ type.
Thus, total marks will be out of 100 (15+25+60) and the total time will be 180 minutes (3 hours).
GATE Scores will be valid for 3 years, from the date of declaration of the results.
GATE Syllabus for Psychology Candidates
General Aptitude Paper A (15 Marks)
Verbal Aptitude
Basic English grammar: tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement, and other parts of speech
Quantitative Aptitude
Data interpretation: data graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, and other graphs representing data), 2- and 3-dimensional plots, maps, and tables.
Numerical computation and estimation: ratios, percentages, powers, exponents and logarithms, permutations and combinations, and series Mensuration and geometry Elementary statistics and probability
Analytical Aptitude
Logic: deduction and induction, Analogy, Numerical relations and reasoning, Spatial Aptitude, Transformation of shapes: translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling, and grouping, Paper folding, cutting, and patterns in 2 and 3 dimensions
Section B1 – Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory):
This section contains 15 questions carrying a total of 25 marks: 5 questions carrying 1-mark each (subtotal 5 marks) and 10 questions carrying 2-marks each (subtotal 20 marks). Some questions will be of MSQ and/or Numerical Answer Type, while the remaining questions will be MCQ type.
Section C (C5 – Psychology):
C5.1 Research Methods and Statistics
C5.1.1 Approaches to research: Philosophical worldviews criteria involved in approach. Research design: quantitative & qualitative, mixed methods.
C5.1.2 Designing research: Research problems, purpose statement, Variables and Operational Definitions, Hypothesis, Sampling.
C5.1.3 Nature of quantitative & qualitative research: Structured, semi-structured interviewing, self-completion questionnaires (Survey), observation, Experimental, Quasi-experimental, Field studies, Focus groups discussions, Narratives, Case studies, Ethnography.
C5.1.4 Ethics in conducting and reporting research
C5.1.5 Statistics in Psychology: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion. Normal Probability Curve. Parametric and Non-parametric tests Effect size and Power analysis.
C5.1.6 Correlational Analysis: Correlation [Product Moment, Rank Order], Partial correlation, multiple correlations. Special Correlation Methods: Biserial, Point biserial, tetrachoric, phi coefficient. Regression: Simple linear regression, Multiple regression. Factor analysis: Assumptions, Methods, Rotation and Interpretation.
C5.1.7 Experimental Designs: ANOVA [One-way, Factorial], Randomized Block Designs, Repeated Measures Design, Latin Square, Cohort studies, Time series, MANOVA, ANCOVA. Single-subject designs.
C5.2 Psychometrics: Foundations of Psychological measurement;
Basic components: scales and items’ Construction and analysis of items: Intelligence test items, performance tests, Ability and Aptitude test, Personality questionnaires. Method of test construction, Standardization of measures: Reliability, Validity, Norms, Application of assessment and measurements in Tests— Applications of psychological testing in various settings- educations, counselling and guidance, clinical, organizational and developmental.
C5.3 Biological and evolutionary basis of behaviour: Heredity and behaviour
Evolution and natural selection, Nervous system, structures of the brain and their functions, Neurons: Structure, functions, types, neural impulse, synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters, Hemispheric lateralization, The endocrine system types and functions, biological basis of Motivation: Hunger, Thirst, Sleep and Sex. Biological basis of emotion: The Limbic system
Hormonal regulation of behaviour. Methods of Physiological Psychology: Invasive methods Anatomical methods, degeneration techniques, lesion techniques, chemical methods, microelectrode studies, Non-invasive methods – EEG, Scanning methods, Muscular and Glandular system: Genetics and behaviour: Chromosomal anomalies; Nature-Nurture controversy [Twin studies and adoption studies]
C5.4 Perception, Learning, Memory and Forgetting
What is sensation, sensory thresholds and sensory adaptations, Vision, hearing, touch and pain, smell and taste, kinesthesia and vestibular sense, Perception: role of attention; organizing principles of perception, gestalt perception, depth perception and illusions,
Theories of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning theory, cognitive learning,
Memory: encoding, storage, retrieval, Information processing theories of memory, Retrieval in Long term memory, reconstructive nature of long-term memory, Forgetting: encoding failure, interference theory, memory trace, decay theory, the physical aspects of memory.
C5.5 Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence and Language:
Basic elements of though: Concepts, Propositions, Imagery. Current paradigms of cognitive psychology –Information processing approach, ecological approach, Problem solving: Methods of problem solving, Strategies and obstacles, Role of Metacognitive processing, decision-making: choosing among alternatives,
Intelligence: Theories of intelligence (Spearman; Thurstone; Jensen; Cattell; Gardner; Stenberg) and Emotional Intelligence; Measuring intelligence, Individual differences in Intelligence; Role of heredity and environment, Difference between Intelligence, Aptitude and Creativity.
C5.6 Personality:
Theories of personality: Psychoanalytic, behaviourist, social cognitive view, humanism and trait and type theories, Biology of personality and Assessment of personality.
C5.7 Motivation, Emotion and Stress and Coping:
Approaches to understanding motivation: instinct, drive-reduction, arousal, incentive, humanistic, Achievement motivation, Intrinsic motivation, aggression, curiosity and exploration,
Emotions: nature of emotions; biological basis of emotions, Theories of emotions: James-Lange, Canon-Bard, Schachter and Singer, Lazarus,
Definition of stress; what are stressors; cognitive factors in stress, Factors in stress reaction: General adaptation syndrome; effect of stress,
Coping with stress: problem-focused coping; emotion-focused coping, REBT and meditation
C5.8 Social psychology:
Social perception: Attribution; impression formation; social categorization, implicit personality theory, Social influence: conformity, compliance and obedience, Attitudes, beliefs and values: Evaluating the social world, attitude formation, attitude change and persuasion, cognitive dissonance, Prejudice, discrimination, Aggression, power and prosocial behaviour, Belief systems and value patterns. Group dynamics, leadership style and effectiveness, Theories of intergroup relations and conflicts.
C5.9 Development across the life span:
Nature versus nurture in human development, Prenatal development: Chromosomes, Genes and DNA. Physical, cognitive and psychosocial development in infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood, Theories of aging, Moral development.
C5.10 Applications of Psychology:
Psychological disorders: Conceptions of mental disorders; Assessment and diagnosis, DSM and Other tools, PTSD and Trauma;
Psychotherapies: Psychodynamic, Phenomenological/Experiential therapy; Behaviour therapy; cognitive therapy; biological therapy, Applications of theories of motivation and learning in School: Factors in educational achievement; counselling & amp; guidance in schools,
Application of theories of motivation, learning, emotions, perceptions, group dynamics leadership to organizational set up, Issues of Personal space, crowding, and territoriality.
Eligibility:
Degree/Program | Qualifying Degree/Examination | Description of Eligible Candidates | Expected year of Completion |
M.Sc. / MA | Master’s degree in any branch of Arts/ Science or equivalent | Currently in the first year or higher or already completed | 2023 |
B.Sc./ BA | Bachelor Degree in any branch of Science/Arts (3 years program) | Currently in the 3rd year or already completed | 2022 |
Int. M.Sc. | Integrated M.Sc. (5-year program) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed | 2023 |
In case a candidate has passed one of the qualifying examinations as mentioned above in 2020 or earlier, the candidate has to submit the degree certificate/ provisional certificate/ course completion certificate/ professional certificate/ membership certificate issued by the society or institute. In case, the candidate is expected to complete one of the qualifying criteria in 2023 or later as mentioned above, he/she has to submit a certificate from Principal. This certificate has to be obtained from the institute beforehand and uploaded during the online submission of the application form.
Candidates with Backlogs: Candidates, who have appeared in the final semester/year exam in 2023, but with a backlog (Re-appears/ failed subjects) in any of the papers in their qualifying degree should upload the copy of any one of the mark sheets of the final year.
OR
Obtain a declaration from their principal along with the signature and seal beforehand and upload the same during the online submission of the application form.
GATE-2023
List of Participating Institutes for 2023 GATE examination:
- IIT Mumbai
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Chennai
- IIT Roorkee
- IISc Bengaluru
- IIT Madras
List of Institutes that provide Psychology:
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Guwahati
- IIT Mumbai
- IIT Madras
Important Dates Related to GATE 2023:
Event | Day | Date |
Online application process opens (https://gate.iitk.ac.in) | Tuesday | August 30, 2022 |
Closing date of REGULAR online registration/ application process | Friday | September 30, 2022 |
End of extended period of online registration/application (with late fee) | Friday | October 07, 2022 |
Last date for change of Category, Paper and Examination City and adding a new paper (an additional fee will be applicable per change) | Friday | November 11, 2022 |
Admit card will be available for download | Tuesday | January 03, 2023 |
GATE 2023 Examination Forenoon- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 Noon IST (tentative) Afternoon- 2:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. IST (tentative) | Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday | February 04, 2023 February 05, 2023 February 11, 2023 February 12, 2023
|
Announcement of the results in the online Application Portal | Thursday | March 16, 2023 |
Application Fee (Per paper)
Gender/category | Regular Period | Extended Period |
Female/SC/ST/PwD | INR 850 | INR 1350 |
Other candidates | INR 1700 | INR 2200 |
Note: Candidates applying for Humanities and Social Sciences can have any ONE optional Section which is only one subject from Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Sociology or Psychology.
Blog By : Jasleen Kaur
