UGC NET vs GATE: What is the Difference?

UGC NET vs GATE: UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) is an exam conducted by the National Testing Agency for assessing the eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in various subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and commerce.

In contrast, GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and all the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for candidates' aptitude and respective subject knowledge in engineering and science fields. It is used for admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech and Ph.D.).

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Table of Contents

• Overview of UGC NET and GATE
• Difference Between UGC NET vs GATE
• Subjects of UGC NET Vs GATE
• Eligibility Criteria of UGC NET vs GATE
• Exam Pattern & Syllabus of UGC NET Vs GATE
• Which is a Tougher Exam, UGC NET Vs GATE?
• Validity of Scores of UGC NET Vs GATE
• Opportunities after UGC NET Vs GATE JRF
• Advantages of UGC NET vs GATE
• Career Opportunities after UGC NET and GATE

Overview of UGC NET and GATE

Numerous science students frequently become confused among GATE and UGC NET exams. While both are national-level exams conducted for different science subjects, their objectives are distinguishable. The best way to understand the two exams are:

UGC NET: The UGC NET is a national standard examination held for post-graduate candidates conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), twice a year.

• The main aim of this exam is to select eligible candidates for providing admissions for posts of Lectureship and/or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)/ Assistant Professors within the top-notch Indian institutes/colleges.
• UGC holds the authority to inspect, validate, and finalize the seat vacancies for the different positions in various colleges/universities.
  The UGC NET Exam is conducted twice a year in June & December.

GATE: The GATE Exam is another national level entrance test held for graduate engineers which are conducted together by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven IITs on alternating turns.

• The main point behind the GATE test is to provide seats into post-graduate engineering courses/ technical courses (M.tech/M.E./Ph.D) into the popular academic institutions/colleges or IITs and NITs.
• For engineering enthusiasts, GATE performance is widely accepted in most institutions, the score marks are also used for PSU recruitment.

Also Read: GATE Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit, Qualification Details

Difference Between UGC NET vs GATE

Both UGC NET vs GATE are national-level examination and popular. Each year thousands of candidates appear for both exams. Given below is the sorted explanation between the differences of UGC NET vs GATE.

Read More: GATE Exam Pattern 2024: Marking Scheme, Negative Marking

Subjects of UGC NET Vs GATE

The main difference is in the number of subjects. CSIR NET has five subjects whereas GATE has 27 subjects.

GATE Subjects

There are a total 27 subjects of GATE, includes all the branches of engineering and they are carefully listed below:

1. Aerospace Engineering
2. Architecture and Planning
3. Biotechnology
4. Chemical Engineering
5. Chemistry
6. Ecology and Evolution
7. Electrical Engineering
8. Engineering Sciences
9. Instrumentation Engineering
10. Life Sciences
11. Mechanical Engineering
12. Metallurgical Engineering
13. Physics
14. Statistics
15. Agricultural Engineering
16. Bio-medical Engineering
17. Civil Engineering
18. Computer Science and Information Technology
19. Electronics and Communication Engineering
20. Geology and Geophysics
21. Environmental Science & Engineering
22. Humanities & Social Sciences
23. Mathematics
24. Mining Engineering
25. Petroleum Engineering
26. Production and Industrial Engineering
27. Textile Engineering and Fibre Science

Also Read: How to Crack UGC NET 2023 in First Attempt? Strategies, Tips 

UGC NET Subjects

The subjects of UGC NET include Humanities, Social Sciences, and Commerce streams and are listed below:

1. Physical Sciences
2. Life Sciences
3. Chemical Sciences
4. Mathematical Sciences
5. Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

Eligibility Criteria of UGC NET vs GATE

The following requirements are to be made by the candidates appearing for either the upcoming exams.

For UGC NET

General: Students should obtain at least 55% marks in Masters degree/equivalent in subjects like Electronic Science, Social Science, Computer Science and Application.

ST/SC/OBC: Equivalent domains for general category

PhD: about 5% marks relaxation is provided for candidates who have completed the PG program before September 19, 1991

For GATE

A candidate must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or a Master's degree in any relevant science subject, students in the final year of their qualifying degree are also eligible to appear in the examination.

• There is no specific age limit to appear in the examination.

Read More: GATE Syllabus 2024: Download Topic-Wise Weightage PDF

Exam Pattern & Syllabus of UGC NET Vs GATE

UGC NET: The exam contains two papers - Paper I and Paper II.  Paper I is common for all candidates and Paper II is based on the respective subject selected by the candidate.
Both papers are objective type, divided into 3 sections each.

GATE: There is only one paper in GATE with multiple-choice questions and numerical answer-type questions. The questions are based on General Aptitude, Mathematics and the specific subject chosen by the candidate.

Also Read: UGC NET Books 2023: Best Books for UGC NET Preparation

Which is a Tougher Exam, UGC NET Vs GATE?

Since both UGC NET vs GATE are highly competitive, each year candidates appearing for the exams is increasing. Therefore, let us see which is tougher. 

Though these two exams serve different reasons, they can not be compared. Still, if we need to make a decision, we have to say GATE is a tougher exam.

Validity of Scores of UGC NET Vs GATE

GATE: The GATE score is theoretically valid for three years but applies to admission in different institutes. Only the latest GATE score is valid if one wants to apply for jobs at PSUs. 

UGC NET: The NET score has a two-year validity. NET scores for eligibility for Assistant Professorship have no expiration date.

Opportunities after UGC NET Vs GATE JRF

GATE: After cracking GATE Exam, students can pursue M.Tech in top universities as well as some integrated PhD programmes. Candidates with a good GATE score are also eligible for the award of JRF in CSIR laboratories.

UGC NET: With a valid UGC NET score, eligible candidates can become JRF directly in different IITs, IISC, and other universities. The qualified students can enrol in a PhD program.

Read More: Opportunities After GATE Exam: Career, Scope, Salaries

Advantages of UGC NET vs GATE

Now we know which exam is more challenging, so let us assess the advantages of both exams. It is beneficial for the candidates to learn the benefits while appearing for the exams.

UGC NET

• Admission into IITs, NITs, M.Tech, PhD, and reputed colleges.
• Recruitment in PSUs.
• Fellowship in Management at IIM A, B, C.
• PGDIE course at NITIE Mumbai.
• Salary income depends on the level of degree.
• For IIT and IISC, the fellowship stipend would be 70,000 per month.
• The NET score is valid for two years for JRF and a lifetime for Lectureship.

GATE

• A career in Lectureship/ admission into PhD degree research.
• Eligible to apply to IITs, NITs, and other organizations.
• Salary income depends on the degree level, ranging from 11,000 while pursuing an M.Tech, and will gradually increase after each year's completion.
• The GATE score is valid for three years.

 Also Read: GATE Cut Off 2024: Check Category-Wise Qualifying Cut Off

Career Opportunities after UGC NET and GATE

Most of the important aspects of clearing such exams can be advantageous for:

1. PhD

UGC NET: The NET Score can be used for PhD admission into the different institutions of IIT and NITs nationwide.

GATE: A student with a GATE score can apply for a PhD in NIT/IIT/state institutions.

2. Masters of Technology/M.E

UGC NET: UGC NET-qualified student is already postgraduate, so they become eligible for the post of Assistant Professor in universities and colleges across India.

GATE: A qualified GATE candidate can take admissions into Master's degree courses like M.Tech/M.E.

3. Research

UGC NET: UGC NET-qualified candidates can also explore various university research and development positions.

GATE: GATE-qualified candidates, especially those with JRF, can explore research and development positions in institutions related to engineering. A GATE score is mandatory for entry into NIT/IIT admissions. The huge advantage of the GATE score is getting the chance to join into research by the government organization for Nuclear Research Program at ISRO, BARC, and TIFR.

4. Scholarship/Stipend/Income

UGC NET: The fellowship program for the NET candidates is available for qualifying students with JRF marks, which will be provided by the University Grant Commission (UGC) or several institutions offering different schemes. About INR 25,000/- stipend is credited to students during their research period. Also, the validity of this score is two years from the date of issue of the JRF letter.

Note: Candidates qualifying for a Lectureship will not be considered for JRF.

GATE: Students pursuing Master's degree courses are presented with a stipend of 13,000-14,0000 during their project/internship period studies. A grant is also given to students cleared for NET JRF or GATE.

Also Read: Best Career Options After Qualifying UGC NET 2023