GATE
The GATE exam for Architecture and Planning is primarily intended for:
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Admission to M.Arch, M.Plan, and Ph.D. programs.
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Recruitment in PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings).
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Other opportunities in research and government organizations.
It is conducted jointly by the IITs and IISc, typically once a year in February.
Key Details about GATE:
1. Eligibility Criteria:
-Age Limit: No Age Criteria.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have graduated or appearing in final year of Architecture, or Planning with a degree program of minimum 4 years.
- Number of Attempts: No attempt limit.
2. Exam Pattern:
- The exam is conducted in English.
- The duration of the exam is 3 hours.
- It is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.
- Part A: Common for all (60%). This section includes Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). It focuses on topics like
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Architecture and Design
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Building Materials
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Construction and Management
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Environmental Planning
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Urban Design
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- Part B: Part B1 (Architecture) or B2 (Planning) – You choose one (40%)
3. Application Process:
- The application process typically begins in September or October.
- Candidates need to fill out the online application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
4. Admit Card and Result:
- Admit cards are usually released in January, with the exam conducted in the same month.
- Results are typically announced in March.
5. Participating Institutes:
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Roorkee
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Bombay
- IIT BHU
- NIT Calicut
- NIT Hamirpur
- SPA Delhi
- SPA Bhopal
-SPA Vijayawada
- CEPT
6. Syllabus
General Aptitude (GA) – 15 Marks
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Verbal Ability: English grammar, sentence completion, verbal reasoning.
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Numerical Ability: Numerical computations, percentages, ratios, and basic algebra.
Part A: Common to All Candidates – 60 Marks
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Architecture, Planning, and Design
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Architectural graphics, space organization, circulation, anthropometrics.
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Building byelaws, universal design, computer applications in architecture and planning.
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Construction and Management
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Project management techniques (PERT, CPM), estimation, specification.
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Professional practice, disaster-resistant structures, temporary structures.
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Environmental Planning and Design
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Ecosystem principles, environmental pollution, sustainable development.
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Climate-responsive design, environmental considerations in planning.
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Urban Design, Landscape, and Conservation
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Urban form, space structure, urban design theories.
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Development controls, heritage conservation, landscape design.
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Planning Process
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Urban sociology, cost-benefit analysis, spatial data analysis.
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Development guidelines like URDPFI, housing typologies, real estate valuation.
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Housing
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Neighborhood concepts, residential densities, affordable housing.
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Services and Infrastructure
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Firefighting systems, water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste management.
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Transportation planning, road design, pedestrian and slow-moving traffic planning.
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Part B1: Architecture (Optional) – 40 Marks
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History and Contemporary Architecture
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World history of architecture, modern art influence, vernacular architecture.
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Building Construction and Structural Systems
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Construction techniques, modular coordination, structural systems.
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Building Services and Sustainability
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Solar architecture, thermal comfort, sustainable building strategies.
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Part B2: Planning (Optional) – 40 Marks
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Regional and Settlement Planning
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Settlement hierarchy, housing policies, slums, and informal housing.
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Planning Techniques and Management
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GIS and remote sensing, urban economics, planning legislation.
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Infrastructure Planning
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Transportation planning, traffic analysis, mass transportation planning.
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Participating Institutes
How to Prepare for GATE?
Preparing for the GATE Architecture and Planning (AR) exam requires a methodical and disciplined approach that balances conceptual understanding, practical application, and strategic time management. Start by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, which is divided into three components: General Aptitude (15 marks), Part A (60 marks) common to all candidates, and Part B (25 marks), where you must choose between Architecture (B1) or Planning (B2). Once the syllabus is clear, collect standard study materials such as textbooks, GATE AR guides, and previous year question papers.
Begin your preparation by building a strong foundation in Part A topics, such as architectural design, construction techniques, environmental planning, and building materials. Parallelly, dedicate regular time—ideally 30 to 60 minutes a day—to General Aptitude, as it is relatively easier to score and can significantly boost your overall rank. As you progress, choose your specialization—Architecture or Planning—based on your academic background or postgraduate goals, and focus on mastering the selected Part B section. It's important to create a realistic study schedule that spans 5–6 months, starting with topic-wise coverage, then moving to solving previous year papers and taking mock tests under timed conditions. This helps with time management, exposes your weaknesses, and builds the stamina required for a 3-hour online exam.
Equally important is regular revision. Make concise notes and flashcards for quick review and keep revisiting them weekly. As the exam approaches, shift focus to full-length mock tests and fine-tuning your strategy—how to approach the paper, whether to attempt aptitude first or technical sections, and managing negative marking. Stay updated with current urban and planning policies, especially if you're choosing the Planning stream. Finally, maintain consistency, stay motivated, and take short breaks to avoid burnout. GATE AR is highly competitive but with structured preparation, quality practice, and revision, it’s absolutely possible to score well and gain admission into top institutions like IITs, NITs, and SPAs or qualify for PSU recruitment.
At D'Finite, we offer a comprehensive program that covers all of these areas to help you succeed in the exam. Our program is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in GATE and achieve your goals.
Schedule a detailed counselling session with our expert faculties to understand in detail.