The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an All-India Examination conducted by the seven Indian Institutes of Technologies, on behalf of the National Coordinating Board - GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India.

Admission to postgraduate programmes, with MHRD and other government scholarship/assistantship, in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Pharmacy/Science at engineering colleges/institutes in the country will be open only to those who qualify through GATE. 

Some engineering colleges/institutes specify GATE as mandatory qualification even for admission of self-financing students to postgraduate programmes. However, GATE qualification in itself does not guarantee either admission or scholarship/assistantship. GATE qualified candidates in Engineering disciplines are also eligible for the award of the Junior Research Fellowship in CSIR Laboratories. Some Government Organizations prescribe GATE qualification as a requirement for applying to the post of a Scientist.