According to GATE Civil Engineering Exam Pattern 2023, the paper is divided into three different sections namely, General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Civil Engineering. The civil engineering section/ core syllabus carries the maximum weightage of 70% of the total marks. The rest of the weightage is given to general aptitude and engineering mathematics each carrying about 15% weightage of the total exam. Check GATE Civil Engineering Syllabus
Read the article to know more about GATE Civil Engineering Exam Pattern 2023, Marking Scheme, Weightage, Sample Questions, and much more.
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Civil Engineering Paper Code | CE |
Exam Mode | Online |
Language | English |
Total Marks | 100 |
Number of Questions | 65 |
Types of Questions | MCQs, MSQs, and NAT |
Number of Sections | 3 (General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Civil Engineering Subject Questions) |
Weightage by Section | General Aptitude – 15% of total marks Engineering Mathematics – 13% of total marks Civil Engineering Subjects – 72% of total marks |
Total Time Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Sectional Time-Limit | None |
Marks Awarded | 1 or 2 marks per correct answer. |
Negative Marking |
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The subject wise weightage in GATE CE paper is:
Discipline | Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Civil Engineering (CE) | Engineering Mathematics | 10 | 13 |
General Aptitude | 10 | 15 | |
Civil Engineering Subjects | 45 | 72 | |
Total | 65 | 100 |
Check detailed GATE Exam Pattern 2023
Type of question | Negative marking for wrong answer | Marking for correct answer |
---|---|---|
MCQs |
| 1 or 2 marks |
MSQs | No negative marking | 1 or 2 marks |
NATs | No negative marking | 1 or 2 marks |
Also Check GATE Result
Given below is the weightage of the important topics. The students need to check out the same and hence commence their GATE Preparation accordingly.
Topic | Weightage (Marks) |
---|---|
Numerical Ability | 8 |
Verbal Ability | 7 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
Engineering Mechanics | 1 |
Construction Materials & Management | 6 |
Steel Structure | 5 |
Soil Mechanics | 15 |
Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics | 8 |
Hydrology & Irrigation | 5 |
Water & Wastewater | 10 |
Transportation Engineering | 11 |
Geomatics Engineering | 5 |
Based on the data of previous years the sectional weightage of important topics is provided below:
Section | Topics | Weightage | |
---|---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | ||
Numerical Ability | Numerical computation | 8 | 8 |
Numerical estimation | |||
Numerical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | |||
Verbal Ability | English Grammar | 7 | 7 |
Verbal Analogies | |||
Vocabulary | |||
Total | 15 | 15 |
Section | Topics | Weightage | |
---|---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | ||
Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra | 10 | 12 |
Calculus | |||
Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) | |||
Partial Differential Equation (PDE) | |||
Probability and Statistics | |||
Numerical Methods | |||
Total | 10 | 12 |
Section | Topics | Weightage | |
---|---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | ||
Structural Engineering | Engineering Mechanics | 1 | 0 |
Solid Mechanics | |||
Structural Analysis | 6 | 3 | |
Construction Materials and Management | |||
Concrete Structures | |||
Steel Structures | 5 | 4 | |
Total | 12 | 7 |
Section | Topics | Weightage | |
---|---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | ||
Geotechnical Engineering | Soil Mechanics | 15 | 14 |
Foundation Engineering | |||
Total | 15 | 14 |
Section | Topics | Weightage | |
---|---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | ||
Water Resources Engineering | Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics | 8 | 7 |
Hydrology | 3 | 4 | |
Irrigation | 2 | 1 | |
Total | 13 | 12 |
Section | Topics | Weightage | |
---|---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | ||
Environmental Engineering | Water and Wastewater | 10 | 12 |
Air Pollution and Noise Pollution | |||
Solid Waste Management | |||
Total | 10 | 12 |
Subject | Weightage | |
---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | |
Transportation Engineering | 11 | 11 |
Subject | Weightage | |
---|---|---|
Set 1 | Set 2 | |
Geomatics/Surveying | 5 | 5 |
Based on Facts & Laws
Based on Core Topics
Application Based Questions
Analysis and Synthesis
Common Data Questions
Linked Answer Questions
Given below are the question papers of GATE CE for the last past five years along with their answer keys. The students are advised to attempt each one of them at least twice for securing good scores in the exam.
Year | Link for GATE CE Question Paper | Link for GATE CE Answer Key |
---|---|---|
2021 |
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2020 | Check Here | Check Here |
2019 |
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2018 |
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2017 | Check Here | Check Here |
Given below are the highlights of the GATE CE exam in the past years. The candidates after going through the same will be able to form a better judgment of the difficulty level of GATE 2023.
Check the GATE cutoff for Civil Engineering for the last six years. This will enable the aspirants to set a reachable target for themselves.
Year | General | OBC | SC/ST/ PwD |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
2020 | 32.9 | 29.6 | 21.9 |
2019 | 28.2 | 25.4 | 18.8 |
2018 | 26.9 | 24.2 | 17.9 |
2017 | 28.7 | 25.8 | 19.1 |
2016 | 25 | 22.5 | 16.6 |
1 Mark Questions:
2 Mark Questions:
1 Mark Questions:
2 Marks Questions:
Read How to Prepare Online for GATE Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering includes the planning, construction, and maintenance of the human and natural environment, including public works. This division is further broken down into a range of sub-disciplines and its history is linked to knowledge of structures, mechanics, geography, hydrology, the science of materials, geology, and other fields.
The civil engineering sub-disciplines include construction engineering, coastal engineering, environmental engineering, earthquake engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc. Civil engineering applies physical and scientific principles to solve societal problems.
Each year, the number of students who offer GATE in Civil Engineering (CE) is growing rapidly over the years. This is because the Master's courses now need a GATE ranking, but all the PSUs are hiring through GATE as well.
Some students want to pursue M.Tech from IITs / NITs in different streams such as Structures, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Construction Project Management and Transportation; while others are trying to get a job at PSUs such as IOCL, HPCL, RITES, EIL, NHAI, DMRC, etc. Thus, it is important to understand the significance of the GATE exam and the various opportunities through GATE.
Nearly 100 PSUs present in the country (such as IOCL, ONGC, HPCL, RITES, EIL, NHAI, DMRC, BHEL, SAIL, NTPC, PGCIL) consider the GATE examination score as criteria for recruiting civil engineers.
A job in a successful PSU means that you keep in touch with recent developments in engineering and work on exciting country development initiatives, as well as obtain security and government job benefits. Check PSU Recruitment through GATE
One of the most common ways to proceed is by applying for M.Tech at the IITs, IISc, and NITs, having cleared the GATE test. You are also eligible for the MHRD stipend during the two-year Master’s program, with a clear GATE ranking. Check GATE COAP Counselling
This can be a major step for students who dreamed of studying in the country's top institutes such as IITs and NITs.
Also if you apply to other states / regional/private colleges that do not require GATE as their criterion for selection, getting a good GATE score will still give you an advantage over other candidates. You can go for private jobs in the technological domain after completing M.Tech, with good packages.
Research is a field in which the country's civil engineers are not exploring much, as most students either try for M.Tech or government jobs.
However, those of you who are excited about learning more should opt for a research-oriented career and give back to society.
Ques. What will be the weightage of the Structural Engineering section in GATE Civil Engineering 2023?
Ans: Depending on the paper analysis of previous years, candidates can expect 10 to 12 mark questions from this section in GATE CE 2023. Since civil engineering paper is conducted in 2 slots hence the weight of questions in each could vary. Last year the weightage of this section in slot 1 was 12 marks and in slot 2 was 7 marks.
Ques. Which type of questions will be asked in GATE CE 2023?
Ans: GATE CE 2023 will primarily consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. MCQs are objective questions that carry 1 or 2 marks in all sections. Every question will have 4 choices out of which only 1 is the correct answer. NAT questions carry 1 or 2 marks in all sections. The answers to these questions are numerical values that are to be entered using a virtual keypad. No choices are given for these questions.
Ques. How many questions will be there in GATE CE 2023?
Ans: Based on the past trends it is predicted that, there will be a total of 65 questions in GET CE 2023. From general aptitude 10 questions, from engineering mathematics, 10 questions, and the remaining question will be asked from the core subject syllabus.
Ques. How can I distinguish between NAT and MCQs in GATE Civil Engineering 2023?
Ans: In GATE CE 2023, MCQs are multiple-choice questions. In this type of question, you will have 4 options and you have to select the right option. Whereas in NAT, there will be no option, candidates have to calculate the answer and write their answer using the virtual keyword.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
An MS from IIT Kanpur is considered to be a highly respected and prestigious degree. The MS program at IIT Kanpur is reputed for its focus on excellent research and its strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. As an MS student, you get to work with some of the most experienced and respected scholars and researchers in their fields, which gives an insight into the latest industry developments and trends.
Additionally, not being located near metropolitan areas, IIT Kanpur gives a peaceful learning environment and students don’t spend much time partying or clubbing. Although it is a 2-year program, with the right determination one can complete it in 18 months also. If you are true to your passion you can also complete a Ph.D. under an experienced thesis advisor and won’t have to go to a foreign university for a Ph.D.
Overall, an MS from IIT Kanpur is a valuable and highly esteemed program that offers many opportunities in terms of career and professional advancement. Although it is challenging, the learning experience is worth the effort.
It depends on your career goals. GATE offers more options for engineering students. It is an all-around examination. You can go for MTech, PSUs, MS, and FRM. If you want more options, GATE will be better for you.
If you want to do an MBA, after graduation, CAT will be the better option. Almost all top B-Schools accept CAT scores for MBA.
Many GATE toppers leave PSU and join NITIE, instead of IITs because it offers better placements. Usually, students with good scores join ONGC, NTPC, BHEL, IOCL, and others. Despite the good salary, PSU jobs can get monotonous after a few years. So, the top rankers start looking for better career options. If they wish to do an MBA, they need to prepare for CAT. Some do prepare for CAT, but many join NITIE as it is an easier option. NITIE takes admission through GATE and the GATE score is valid for 3 years. So, they can easily get admission based on their GATE score.
Also, the institute has a great placement record. During the NITIE Mumbai placement in 2022, the average CTC offered was INR 25.41 LPA. The video below will convince you further to join NITIE Mumbai
Overall, its the excellent opportunities offered by NITIE that makes mant GATE toppers leave PSU and join NITIE
GATE consists mostly of numerical questions. It tests the aptitude for solving questions in less time. BITS HD papers have 10-15 numerical questions usually. The numerical questions aren’t on the same level as GATE and are just formula-based problems. Usually, around 80-90% of BITS HD questions are theory oriented. You need to have a good grasp of your engineering subjects to score well in BITS HD. The questions can come from anywhere in the syllabus. BITS HD usually consists -
Also, note that BITS take admission based on GATE scores as well.
Here are some strategies that can help you prepare for GATE and ESE simultaneously.
First, go through the syllabus thoroughly. Once you are done with the syllabus, go through your notes and solve previous years' questions. Solve test series, and review hard questions. Analyze the tests you give and work on your mistakes.