GATE 2025 Exam Analysis: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025, conducted by IIT Roorkee, took place on February 16, 2025. The exam was held in two shifts, covering various engineering disciplines, including Civil Engineering (CE), Chemical Engineering (CH), Engineering Sciences (XE), Life Sciences (XL), and more.
Let’s analysis both shifts, including difficulty level, subject-wise weightage, question paper patterns, and available resources for answer keys.
GATE 2025 Shift-1 Analysis (Forenoon Session)
Overall Difficulty:
The Shift-1 paper was rated as moderate to challenging by most candidates. While the General Aptitude section was relatively easier, the technical section required in-depth conceptual understanding.
General Aptitude Section:
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Focus Areas: Numerical reasoning, verbal ability, and logical problem-solving.
Technical Section:
The technical portion tested candidates’ grasp of fundamental concepts, application skills, and problem-solving abilities across various topics. Here’s a breakdown of key subjects:
- Engineering Mathematics (13 marks)
- Topics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, and Differential Equations.
- Question Types: Numerical Answer Type (NAT) and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Focused on soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and slope stability.
- Questions were both theoretical and application-based.
- Environmental Engineering
- Covered water treatment, air pollution control, and solid waste management.
- Transportation Engineering
- Topics like traffic flow theories, pavement design, and highway engineering were emphasized.
- Structural Analysis and Design
- Included shear force and bending moment diagrams, RCC, and steel structures.
Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
Candidate Feedback:
- Engineering Mathematics was manageable but time-intensive.
- Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering sections were more challenging than expected.
Key Takeaway: A solid understanding of core concepts and practical applications was essential to tackle the Shift-1 paper.
GATE 2025 Shift-2 Analysis (Afternoon Session)
Overall Difficulty:
The second shift was perceived as easier than the first, with a moderate level of difficulty overall.
General Aptitude Section:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Focus Areas: Quantitative aptitude, verbal skills, and logical puzzles.
Technical Section:
The subject-wise weightage and complexity were slightly different from the morning shift. Here’s a detailed analysis:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Similar to Shift-1 with 13 marks dedicated to topics like calculus, linear algebra, and probability.
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Focused on soil classification, bearing capacity, and earth pressure theories.
- Environmental Engineering
- Emphasis on solid waste management and environmental impact assessments.
- Structural Engineering
- Questions on load-bearing structures, steel design, and RCC fundamentals.
- Water Resources Engineering
- Covered hydrology principles and irrigation practices.
Question Types:
- MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
Candidate Feedback:
- Many found Shift-2 easier and more balanced compared to Shift-1.
- Water Resources Engineering questions required careful reading and application of formulas.
Subject-Wise Weightage Comparison
| Topic | Shift 1 Weightage | Shift 2 Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics | High | High |
| Geotechnical Engineering | High | High |
| Environmental Engineering | Moderate | Moderate |
| Structural Engineering | Moderate | Moderate |
| Transportation Engineering | Moderate | Moderate |
| Water Resources Engineering | Low | Moderate |
Insights:
- Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering were the most tested subjects.
- Engineering Mathematics had consistent weightage in both shifts.
Analysis of Other Papers (Key Insights)
Chemical Engineering (CH):
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Focus Areas: Inorganic Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Chemical Reaction Engineering.
- Key Challenge: Numerical questions on chemical kinetics and thermodynamics.
Engineering Sciences (XE):
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Key Topics: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Materials Science.
- Aptitude Section: Moderate difficulty.
Life Sciences (XL):
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Key Topics: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Zoology, and Food Technology.
- Key Challenge: Chemistry section was more detailed compared to previous years.
Expected Cut-off for GATE 2025
| Branch | Expected Cut-off |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 27-30 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 28-31 |
| Electrical Engineering | 29-32 |
| Computer Science | 25-28 |
| Chemical Engineering | 28-32 |
Note: Cut-off values may vary depending on the official results announced by IIT Roorkee.
GATE 2025 Answer Key & Result Date
The official question papers and answer keys for GATE 2025 are expected to be released in late February or early March 2025. Candidates can visit the official GATE 2025 website for the latest updates.
Unofficial memory-based question papers and solutions are available on various coaching institute websites. We will update question paper (all sets) with answers key soon.
Follow our page for any official announcements from IIT Roorkee regarding the answer key and results.
