The Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category in GATE is specifically designed to provide equal opportunities to candidates with disabilities. The category ensures that all eligible candidates, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, have access to the same educational and career opportunities as others. The PwD reservation in GATE is crucial for promoting inclusivity and diversity in higher education and professional sectors.

GATE 2025 follows a certain set of guidelines to be followed by PwD category candidates for a seamless exam experience. A detailed account of those guidelines is given below:

GATE PwD Category Eligibility Criteria

According to the GATE 2025 guidelines, a person with a disability (PwD) is someone with 40% or more disability, as certified by a medical authority. This includes various types of disabilities such as blindness, low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, intellectual disabilities, and others.

Also Read: GATE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Applying for PwD Category in GATE 2025

Aspirants eligible for the PwD category in GATE can fill out the form and avail the relaxations as per the guidelines set by the authorities. The step-by-step application process is given below:

• Step 1: Visit the GATE 2025 official website.
• Step 2: Click on Apply Online and proceed with the registration.
• Step 3: Fill out the personal details and select “Yes” under PwD candidate.
• Step 4: Submit the PwD category certificate.
• Step 5: Pay the application fee and submit the form

Documents Required for GATE PwD Category Candidates

Candidates applying under the PwD category must keep the following documents handy while filling out the online application:

• A valid PwD certificate (minimum 40% disability)
• Scribe Form (if applicable)
• Valid Photo ID
• Passport size Photo
• Graduation/Post Graduation Marksheets

Also Check: GATE Syllabus 2025

Facilities for GATE PwD Category Candidates

According to the GATE PwD category guidelines the eligible candidates are provided with certain relaxations and facilities for a seamless exam experience. These include:

Seating Arrangements

It is mandated that seating arrangements for PwD category candidates be made on the ground floor. Additionally, the exam center must make seating arrangements near the entrance, ramps or elevators for easy access, and other necessary modifications based on the candidate’s specific needs.

Scribe Facility

The PwD candidates with difficulty in reading and writing are eligible for a scribe. They can arrange their own scribe or request one from the examination authority. In case of arranging scribe at the personal level, a candidate must keep the following pointers in mind:

• Fill out the form given in Appendix-2 as given in the official GATE 2025 information brochure.
• The qualifications of the scribe must be above matriculation and not more than the minimum eligibility criteria of GATE.
• The qualification of the Scribe must be less than that of the candidate.
• A candidate is allowed to opt for two scribes for different papers. However, only one scribe per subject is allowed during the examination.
• A time compensation of 20 minutes is available for students opting for a scribe.

PwD Candidates opting for a scribe must get an approval from the medical authority at a Government hospital. The medical authority refers to a council of the following:

• Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer
• Orthopaedic/PMR specialist
• Neurologist, if available*
• Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist/ Psychiatrist/Special Educator
• Occupational therapist, if available*
• Any other expert based on the condition of the candidate may be nominated by the Chairperson.

Must Read: GATE 2025 Applicants to Witness Hike

GATE 2025 preparation as a PwD candidate involves understanding the specific guidelines, utilizing available resources, and making the most of the relaxations/reservations provided. Proper planning, awareness of rights, and effective use of facilities can significantly better the exam experience for PwD candidates.