Further Studies after Graduation
Planning an M.Tech, MS abroad, a PSU job or an MBA? Here’s a clear, no-jargon guide to the four exams that open those doors — GATE, GRE, GMAT and CAT — with eligibility, pattern, and step-by-step preparation strategies for each.
Which exam is right for your goal?
Pick the exam that matches where you want to go — not what your friends are taking.
| Your goal | Exam | Where it takes you |
|---|---|---|
| M.Tech / MS / PhD in India + PSU jobs | GATE | IITs, IISc, NITs, top PSUs (IOCL, ONGC, BHEL, NTPC…) |
| MS (MEng / research) abroad | GRE | US, Germany, Canada, Australia & more universities |
| MBA abroad (and top Indian schools) | GMAT | Global B-schools + ISB, IIMs (exec), great INSEAD/LBS |
| MBA in India | CAT | IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, and 1000+ B-schools |
GATE — Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
India’s gateway to postgraduate engineering at IITs/IISc/NITs and to lucrative PSU jobs. Conducted jointly by the IITs and IISc, usually every February.
What it’s for
M.Tech/MS & direct PhD admissions, plus PSU recruitment shortlisting.
Pattern
3 hours, 65 questions, 100 marks — General Aptitude + your engineering subject (MCQ, MSQ, NAT).
Eligibility
Bachelor’s in engineering/technology/science; final-year students can appear.
Validity
Score valid for 3 years. Held once a year (Feb).
GRE — Graduate Record Examination
The most widely accepted test for Master’s (MS/MEng/research) programmes across the US, Europe, Canada and Australia. Conducted by ETS, available round the year.
What it’s for
MS / research admissions abroad; some universities also accept it for MBA.
Pattern
Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning & Analytical Writing. Scored 260–340 (plus AWA 0–6).
Eligibility
No fixed criteria; typically taken in the final year or after graduation.
Validity
Score valid for 5 years. Book a slot any time of year.
GMAT — Graduate Management Admission Test
The management-focused test accepted by business schools worldwide and by top Indian schools like ISB. Conducted by GMAC (GMAT Focus Edition).
What it’s for
MBA / management master’s admissions globally and at premier Indian B-schools.
Pattern
Quantitative, Verbal & Data Insights. Total score 205–805 (Focus Edition), ~2h 15m.
Eligibility
No fixed criteria; graduates and final-year students commonly take it.
Validity
Score valid for 5 years. Available on demand, year-round.
CAT — Common Admission Test
The doorway to the IIMs and 1000+ top Indian B-schools. Conducted by the IIMs, usually once a year in late November.
What it’s for
MBA/PGP admissions at IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI and most Indian B-schools.
Pattern
VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability — 2 hours, sectional timing, scored by percentile.
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree with min. marks (relaxation for reserved categories); final-year eligible.
Validity
Score valid for that admission cycle (1 year). Held once a year (Nov).