Written Test and Interview After GATE
Across the departments in this guide at IISc and the five IITs, M.Tech selection varies: some admit on the GATE score alone, others add an interview, a written or programming test, or both — and at IISc seven of the ten departments in this guide weigh a 30% interview, written test or both against 70% of the GATE score. The research programmes usually add a written test and/or interview set by the department. Published written-test syllabi are mostly the discipline's core subjects, often with a mathematics section, and several tie themselves to the GATE syllabus; IIT Delhi's Electrical Engineering written test stands apart: the department says it is completely devoid of scholastic content and tests logical thinking, basic quantitative tasks and understanding of complex text, though its interview may still ask about scholastic preparation.
Updated 24 September 2026 · Valid until 31 May 2027
| Department | How it selects | Written test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute-wide rules | “Some disciplines decide the admissions based solely on standard qualifying exam and Career Analysis Marks (CAM) in prior schooling and/or degrees. Other disciplines also require an interview and/or a written aptitude test” | “Artificial Intelligence, Chemical Engineering, Computational & Data Sciences. | Based on 70% GATE score + 30% performance in written test” | “Candidates are shortlisted for an in-person interview based on their performance in the National Entrance Test and/or the qualifying degree.” |
| Electrical Communication Engineering (ECE) | “B.E. / B. Tech. or equivalent degree (with a GATE Paper in EC, EE). Selection Process: Selection is based on 70% of GATE score + 30% interview” | All candidates, across all research areas, will be examined on analytical ability in two of these basic-mathematics areas: Calculus and Differential Equations; Matrix Analysis and Linear Algebra; Fourier, Laplace, and z-Transforms; Probability Theory and Random Processes; Discrete Mathematics (combinatorics, graphs). | “The technical in-person interview will be about 10-15 minutes long. The aim of this interview is to assess your aptitude and suitability for the program. You may be asked a few basic GATE-level technical questions to assess your technical knowledge and clarity of thought” |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | “The admission is based on the GATE score, Written test and Interview for MTech (EE) and MTech (AI) Programmes and GATE score and Interview for MTech (SP) Programme.” | Admission is based on the GATE score, Written test and Interview for MTech (EE) and MTech (AI) Programmes, and on GATE score and Interview for MTech (SP) Programme. | “The interview is intended to test understanding of relevant subjects that you would have studied in BE/B-Tech and/or ME/M-Tech degree, with emphasis on the chosen area of research.” |
| Electronic Systems Engineering (DESE) | “Selection is based on 70% of GATE score + 30% interview” | “The candidate will have to undertake an e-Viva for 30 minutes. The questions will test candidates' aptitude to apply and synthesize. This will be an online test conducted within the department and it will be proctored.” | “The e-Viva will be followed by an in-person interview by a team of faculty to evaluate the candidate on technical and interpersonal skills. This may last from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.” |
| Computer Science and Automation (CSA) | “Candidates will be selected based only on their GATE score.” | “The 120-minute Programming Test will test the applicant's skills in Algorithms, Data Structures, and Programming, based on the GATE (Computer Science) syllabus. The applicants will be allowed to use any language of their choice among C, C++, and Java.” | “Programming is mandatory. In addition, two subjects from Computer Organization, Data Structures and Algorithms, Engineering Math (including Automata Theory, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, and Probability), Operating Systems.” |
| Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) | “Selection Process: Selection is based on 70% of GATE Score + 30% (written and Interview)” | “Part A (Mathematics): Combinatorics, Linear Algebra/Matrices, Probability and Statistics, Differential Equations, Interpretting Plots Part B (Programming): Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, C, C++ or Java” | The department says the Oral Interview evaluates the student's ability to think and solve problems interactively on the chalk-board and tests core subjects and projects from their undergraduate; it also states there is no oral interview this year. |
| Artificial Intelligence | “Selection Process: Selection is based on 70% of GATE score + 30% written test” | “The syllabus for the Stage 1 written test includes linear algebra, probability and statistics, calculus, data structures and algorithms.” | “The syllabus for the Stage 2 oral interview includes linear algebra, probability and statistics, calculus, and basics of machine learning.” |
| Instrumentation and Applied Physics (IAP) | “Selection is based on 70% GATE score and 30% from interviews.” | Not stated on the source pages | Not stated on the source pages |
| Civil Engineering | “Students shall be admitted to the M.Tech. in Civil Engineering program based on GATE score and applicable reservation norms.” | Not stated on the source pages | Ph.D. and M.Tech.(Research): the option of stream, (a) Geotechnical Engineering, (b) Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, (c) Structural Engineering or (d) Transportation Systems Engineering, is to be specified at the time of interview. |
| Bioengineering | “Selection Process: Selection is based on 70% of GATE score + 30% interview” | “During the interview days, there is no written exam, candidates will be selected from one round of interviews.” | “candidates may expect questions from basic mathematics, statistics, basic biology, and topics of their prior training” |
| Mobility Engineering (M.Tech) | “Selection is based on 70% of GATE score + 30% interview” | Not stated on the source pages | Not stated on the source pages |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule.
| Department | How it selects | Written test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute-wide rules | “The final selection process to Ph.D. programme to any Departments / Centres / Schools / Interdisciplinary Groups at IIT Bombay will be through written test and/or interview as specified by individual Department / Centre / Schools / Interdisciplinary Groups.” | Not stated on the source pages | “Candidates, if called for written test/interview should show/bring with them (i) Photo ID Card (ii) Hard copy of the application submitted online (iii)/Final year thesis / dissertation / report / publication / copy of certificates / Marksheets.” |
| Electrical Engineering | “For EE3 specialisation only The Written Test and/or Interviews will be held on May 8–9, 2026 . ... For all other specialisations (EE1, EE2, EE5, EE6, EE7) Candidates will be offered admission on the basis of GATE score only” | “Written test duration will be 1.5 to 2 hours and syllabus will be based on design and debugging of analog and digital circuits and embedded systems, analytical and logical reasoning.” | “Interview and/or Skill Test: Questions will test candidate basic knowledge of Electrical machines, Power electronics, Power systems, equipment/instruments in Electrical Engineering laboratories, handling of digital storage oscilloscope and signal generator and previously completed projects by the candidates.” |
| Computer Science and Engineering | “The admissions to the TA category are by direct admission based on the GATE cutoff. ... Admission to the other categories is based on the GATE cutoff, a programming test, and an interview for shortlisted candidates.” | “Among other things, the applicants will be tested on programming skills and GATE-level knowledge of computer science and engineering.” | “CS1: Software engineering, compilers, programming languages | CS2: Systems software, networks, databases, Hardware, and security | IS1/IS2: AI/ML (NLP, Speech, Text, Representation, Learning, Agents) | IS3: Visual Computing | TS1: Algorithms, Complexity, Cryptography | TS2: Formal methods” |
| Civil Engineering | “The selection will be based on the performance in the interview and GATE score.” | The department says an in-person written test/interview is mandatory for all candidates, and advises interacting with prospective research supervisor(s) at the department and preparing research proposal(s) before the written test/interviews for admission. | The department lists an in-person (physical) interview as a mode of selection, advises interacting with prospective research supervisor(s) and preparing research proposal(s) before the written test/interviews, and bases selection on interview performance and GATE score. |
| Biosciences and Bioengineering | “Admission will be conducted through a two-stage process consisting of a written test followed by an in-person interview. Only candidates shortlisted based on their performance in the written test will be invited to attend the interview.” | “Section A: Mathematics; Section B: One of the following (choose exactly one): B1: Physiology, or B2: Biology” | “assessed through basic questions for their interest in complementary subjects i.e., in mathematics for applicants with background in Bio / Physiology / Health Sciences, etc., and in Biology / Physiology for applicants with background in Engineering / Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics, etc.” |
| Systems and Control Engineering | “Eligible candidates will be called for a preliminary interview and then some of them will be shortlisted for a detailed interview based on their performance in the preliminary interview.” | Not stated on the source pages | Eligible candidates are called for a preliminary interview, and some are then shortlisted for a detailed interview; candidates should be prepared to be examined on several of the listed topics, which include classical control, state-space methods and elementary linear algebra. |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule.
| Department | How it selects | Written test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute-wide rules | Ph.D.: normally DRC/CRC/SRC interview; a written test may be added. M. Tech./M. S.(R): normally, in the past, qualifying-degree and GATE cut-off shortlisting, then written test/interview at IIT Delhi. Admission may be on GATE score only if an Academic Unit decides. | Not stated on the source pages | Ph.D. admission is normally based on an interview by the DRC/CRC/SRC, which may also hold a written test or multiple interviews; shortlisted GATE-exempt IIT graduates for M.Tech. may be called for written test or/and interview in-person or through videoconferencing. |
| Electrical Engineering | “Ph.D, M.S.(R) & M.Tech Written test /Technical Interview Dates PhD & MS(R) programmes: 13-May-2026 to 15-May-2026 M.Tech programmes: 18-May-2026 to 20-May-2026” | “Since our aim is to test the ability of applicants to think logically, carry out basic quantitative tasks (requiring no more than 10-12th grade mathematics knowledge), and to understand complex text, the exam will be completely devoid of any scholastic content.” | “Depending on the position you are interested in, questions examining your scholastic, project, etc. preparation may be posed by committee members.” |
| Computer Science and Engineering | Set out on the department's page; see the source | “The questions in the objective section will be on basic computer science topics, including: Data structures and algorithms Hardware and software systems Probability and linear algebra Discrete mathematics and logic” | Test/interview topics include (but are not limited to) programming, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages, computer networks and the theory of computation; interview questions are conceptual, sometimes creative, needing only first-principles reasoning. |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | Direct admission through COAP 2026 is for GATE-qualified applicants, with merit lists based solely on valid GATE scores; CFTI and IIT graduates with a minimum 8.0/10 B.Tech./B.E. CGPA have interview-based admission; shortlisted Ph.D/M.S (Research) candidates face in-person interviews. | Not stated on the source pages | “Candidate should have a few blank papers and a pen (preferably black sketch pen) during the interview session.” |
| Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology | “First round of selection of shortlisted Ph.D. candidates via written test 9th December, 2025, 9 am block-VI LT 1 and 2 ... Final round of interview” | “Fundamentals of growth: Monod growth kinetics; growth cycle phases for batch cultivation. Fundamentals of sterilization: Thermal death kinetics of cells and spores. ... Enzyme kinetics: ... Michaelis-Menten equation; Lineweaver-Burk plots; Eadie-Hofstee plots; substrate inhibition kinetics” | “Each applicant will be asked 8 questions from the question bank based on his/her preference between Biochemical Engineering or Bioscience subjects. Students can choose to answer from either Bioscience or Biochemical Engineering section. The questions will carry equal weight.” |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule.
| Department | How it selects | Written test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | “6th May (8 AM Reporting) : MS Written Test 6th-8th May: MS interviews 11th May (8 AM Reporting) : PhD Written Test 11th-13th May: PhD interviews” | “The written test will cover core areas of Computer Science and Engineering, including C programming, digital logic, discrete mathematics, data structures, algorithms, computer organization / architecture, theory of computation, operating systems, database management systems, compiler design, computer networks” | “The candidate will be required to answer questions related to topics in one subject chosen by the candidate from the list of the subjects specific to the Panel” |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | M.Tech: admission through GATE score and counseling. Ph.D. and M.S.: written test and interview, with final offers based on both. MS, Direct PhD and PhD applicants are shortlisted for a written test and/or interview. | “Written Test: You may need to write a 1-hour test that will probe your fundamentals in different themes as per your application.” | The VLSI page says the interview is preceded by a screening test, with questions related to analog circuits; a PhD candidate is expected to have a firm grasp of the basics in analog/digital circuit design. |
| Civil Engineering | “The admission to the Ph.D. research programme is through interviews and tests conducted in the department.” | UOP programme: online written test (subject & aptitude), followed by a personal interview by a panel from IIT and L&T. Ph.D. research programme: admission through interviews and tests conducted in the department. | “The interview will consist of questions based on fundamentals in your specific area of choice, followed by more advanced concepts. Additionally, you will need to have a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, language, and logical reasoning.” |
| Biotechnology | “Selection to the MS programs are based on performance in an interview and/or a screening test that will be held in the Online/Offline mode.” | “Stage I: Computer based test (CBT): May 6, 2026, at IIT Madras.” | “Applicants can choose to appear for the interview/exam and selection in only One Stream.” |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule.
| Department | How it selects | Written test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | For 2026-2027 Semester 1, MTech shortlisting uses marks/CPI (wherever applicable) and GATE Score via COAP, with part-time, sponsored or external-registration applicants selected on interview instead of GATE score; MS(R) selection uses marks/CPI (wherever applicable), GATE Score and interview. | “Certain specializations may also conduct a written test before the interview.” | “Candidates will be examined on their analytical ability in three (3) of the following areas in addition to basic mathematics (Item 0 below), so total 4 areas.” |
| Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | MTech: merit list currently based only on GATE scores; no written test or interview. MS(R): shortlisting only on GATE scores; merit 70% GATE score + 30% written and programming test. PhD: written and programming tests, then interview if shortlisted. | “Section 1: Engineering Mathematics ... Section 2: Digital Logic ... Section 3: Computer Organization and Architecture ... Section 4: Programming and Data Structures ... Section 5: Algorithms ... Section 6: Theory of Computation ... Section 7: Compiler Design ... Section 8: Operating System” | “The syllabus for the interview is similar to GATE and involves basics in Computer Science and Engineering.” |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | “Passing the written test is necessary for admission in MTech Structural Engineering. The final merit list will be prepared based on GATE and written test scores.” | “Syllabus for written test: Engineering Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, and Structural Analysis, in line with the GATE 2026 Civil Engineering syllabus.” | “Although there is no written exam, the interview will focus towards understanding the basic principles of physics, mathematics (including basic probability and statistics) and engineering learnt at undergraduate level.” |
| Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) | “For both M. Tech and PhD programs, short-listed applicants are called for a written and oral test” | The screening tests are designed to evaluate the candidate's analytical skills and the understanding of the basic concepts of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. The same page calls M. Tech and PhD short-listed applicants for a written and oral test. | “BSBE MTech interview dates (online) : 5-6th May Biomedical Engineering MTech interview dates (online): 7-8th May PhD interview dates (on campus): 9-13th May” |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule.
| Department | How it selects | Written test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute-wide rules | “The admission will be based on either GATE Score only or GATE Score and a personal interview.” | Ph.D.: written test through offline or online mode; academic units shortlist candidates for it based on overall academic performance, and the final shortlisting criteria may vary from academic unit to academic unit. | “Personal interview will be held to test the following: (a) Motivation and aptitude for the Programme (b) Suitability for the department/centre (c) Skills in basic science, engineering, and relevant areas.” |
| Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering | Microelectronics and VLSI Circuits (EC2), RF and Microwave Engineering (EC3), Communications and Signal Processing (EC4) and Vision and Intelligent Systems (EC5) are each listed with 'GATE Score' and marked 'Direct'. | Not stated on the source pages | Not stated on the source pages |
| Electrical Engineering | “The admission test for MS programme in Electrical Engineering Department is "Written test followed by interview"” | “It will consist of questions covering the basics of Electrical/Electronics/Instrumentation Engineering, and mathematics (as per the GATE syllabi for EE, EC and IN papers).” | “There will be five separate boards for the interview (viz. Machine Drives & Power Electronics (MDPE), Control Systems Engineering. (CSE), Power & Energy Systems (PES), Instrumentation & Integrated Electronics (IIE), and Signal Processing & Machine Learning (SPML)).” |
| Computer Science and Engineering | “The admission to the M.Tech. program is primarily based on the rank in the GATE examination. Admission is also granted to some applicants sponsored by reputed industry or government organizations, as well as to some international students.” | “Digital Logic Switching theory: Boolean algebra, logic gates, and switching functions, truth tables and switching expressions, minimization of switching functions, Karnaugh map Combinational logic circuits: Realization of Boolean functions using gates and multiplexers Sequential m/c model: Flip-flops, basic design of counters Weight: 30%” | “The admission to the Ph.D. program usually occurs twice every year, in Autumn and Spring semesters. Selection to the program is made based on a written test and interview for which the candidate has to apppear in person at IIT Kharagpur.” |
| Civil Engineering | Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering (CE1) and Structural Engineering (CE5) select on GATE Score + Interview; Transportation Engineering (CE2), Environmental Engineering and Management (CE3) and Geotechnical Engineering (CE4) admit directly on GATE Score. | Not stated on the source pages | Not stated on the source pages |
| Bioscience and Biotechnology | The Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering row of Table 4.10 reads "GATE Score" and lists BT and Q, R, S, T, which Table 4.3 names as GATE XL sections Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology. | Not stated on the source pages | Not stated on the source pages |
| Artificial Intelligence | “The final selection will be on the basis of background academic score (20%), written test performance (50%) and interview (30%).” | For PhD admissions, applicants first take a written test based on Mathematics, Programming and Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; the department lists Basic Maths 40%, Basics of Programming 30%, Artificial-Intelligence and Machine-Learning (Basics + Applied) 20%, Writing Skills 10%. | PhD applicants selected on written test performance and academic background score are invited to an interview by departmental faculty members; the interview counts 30% in the final selection. Subjects, format and duration are not stated on the source pages. |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule.
| Institute | Department | What the page offers |
|---|---|---|
| IISc Bengaluru | Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) | “Sample Questions for CDS Research Interviews May 17, 2019” |
| IISc Bengaluru | Artificial Intelligence | “Question Papers 2025: Paper 1 Paper 2” |
| IIT Bombay | Computer Science and Engineering | “Previous Year Question Papers for Ph.D. ... December 2025 question paper December 2025 question paper and answers Previous Year Question Papers for MS. ... Previous Year Programming Questions ... 2023 programming test question paper 2025 Programming Test Question Paper” |
| IIT Delhi | Electrical Engineering | “Sample Paper PhD Written test in Control Engineering” |
| IIT Delhi | Computer Science and Engineering | “Sample paper (objective section only)” |
| IIT Madras | Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | “Here are some sample questions we have asked students in the past.” |
| IIT Madras | Electrical Engineering (EE) | The department publishes sample questions for MS/PhD entrance exams for GROUP - EE1 (Communications), sample questions on Semiconductor Devices, and a sample paper for the graduate admission test for the EE7 - Control and Optimization stream. |
| IIT Kanpur | Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) | “IITK CSE PG Admissions: Sample Test April 11, 2018” |
Source: From the departments' own admission pages, as on 24 September 2026 (listed in the last table). Text in quotation marks is the page's own wording. "Not stated on the source pages" means those pages do not say; it does not mean the department has no such rule. Departments not listed here publish no sample paper on the source pages.
| Institute | Official pages behind the cells above |
|---|---|
| IISc Bengaluru |
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| IIT Bombay |
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| IIT Delhi |
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| IIT Madras |
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| IIT Kanpur |
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| IIT Kharagpur |
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Source: As on 24 September 2026. Official institute and department pages only, plus, for IIT Bombay's Computer Science and Biosciences syllabi, the documents those departments' official pages link to.
About this resource
After GATE, the score decides a great deal, but not everything. For an M.Tech, some departments admit on the score alone; others add an interview, a written test, or both. For an MS by Research or a PhD, most departments in the tables set their own selection. What those tests and interviews cover is scattered across department pages, PDFs and admission brochures. This guide collects what IISc and five IITs, Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur and Kharagpur, publish about them for the departments in the tables, from the pages listed at the end.
The tables cover selected electrical and electronics, computer science, AI and data science, bioscience, bioengineering and biotechnology, and civil engineering departments, IISc's instrumentation and applied physics department, IIT Bombay's systems and control engineering department, one mobility engineering M.Tech, and, for IISc, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur, a row of what the institute states across departments. A cell in quotation marks is the page's own wording; any other cell that states a rule is a sentence taken from the page. 'Not stated on the source pages' marks what those pages do not say, and one cell points to the department's page instead.
Apart from the past papers and sample questions some departments publish, listed in the second-last table, of which only the IISc Artificial Intelligence, IIT Bombay Computer Science and IIT Madras Computer Science entries are stated to be questions that were set, this page does not report what candidates were asked. Candidates' own accounts of their tests and interviews would need people who sat them, and none are included.
Some of the source pages are written for one admission cycle and print dates for 2026, while others still carry material dated years earlier. Treat the tables as a map to the official pages they were built from, listed by institute under 'Source pages', and read those pages before you prepare.
What's included
- ✓How each department in the tables selects, GATE score alone, interview, written test, or both, at IISc and IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kanpur and Kharagpur
- ✓What each department says its written test covers, where its pages say
- ✓What each department says its interview covers, where its pages say
- ✓The sample and past papers departments publish
- ✓The official pages behind every cell
How to use this resource
Find the departments you will apply to in the institute tables. Note whether the programme you want selects on GATE alone or adds a test or interview.
Where a department publishes a written-test syllabus, prepare from it, and use its sample paper if the last-but-one table lists one.
For the interview, prepare the subjects the department names and one or two you can defend in depth. Read the department's current page before you go: the rules and dates change each cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a written test for M.Tech admission at IISc and the IITs?+
It depends on the department. Where the tables show how the M.Tech is admitted, many departments use the GATE score alone or with an interview: IISc Civil Engineering and IIT Kanpur Computer Science admit on the GATE score, and IIT Bombay Electrical Engineering does for every specialisation except EE3. Others add a written or programming test. IISc's institute-wide rules list Artificial Intelligence, Chemical Engineering and Computational and Data Sciences as selecting on 70% GATE score and 30% written test, and IISc's Electrical Engineering uses a written test and interview for MTech (EE) and MTech (AI). IIT Bombay's Computer Science adds a programming test, and an interview for shortlisted candidates, in every category except TA, which is direct admission on the GATE cutoff; IIT Delhi's Electrical Engineering schedules a written test/technical interview for its M.Tech programmes (18 to 20 May 2026); and IIT Kanpur requires a pass in its written test for the M.Tech in Structural Engineering.
What is asked in the interview?+
Most departments that describe it name the subjects or areas asked, some at an undergraduate or GATE level, and several let you choose. IIT Madras's Computer Science asks questions on one subject you pick from the panel's list; IIT Kanpur's Electrical Engineering, which interviews MS(R) applicants and selects part-time, sponsored or external-registration M.Tech applicants on interview, examines analytical ability in three areas plus basic mathematics; IISc's Electrical Communication Engineering describes an in-person technical interview of about 10 to 15 minutes in which you may be asked a few basic GATE-level questions; and IIT Kharagpur's institute-wide rules say its personal interview, where one is held, tests motivation and aptitude for the programme, suitability for the department or centre, and skills in basic science, engineering and relevant areas.
Do departments publish sample papers for their written tests?+
Some do. On the source pages: IIT Bombay's Computer Science (previous-year PhD and MS papers and programming-test papers); IIT Delhi's Electrical Engineering (a sample PhD paper in control engineering) and Computer Science (the objective section); IIT Kanpur's Computer Science (a sample test for PG admissions, dated 11 April 2018); IIT Madras's Computer Science (sample questions it says it has asked before) and Electrical Engineering (sample questions for the MS/PhD entrance exams of its communications group, sample questions on semiconductor devices, and a sample paper for the graduate admission test of its control and optimisation stream); and IISc's Artificial Intelligence (2025 question papers) and Computational and Data Sciences (sample questions for its research interviews, dated 17 May 2019). The other 25 of the 33 departments in the tables show none on the source pages.
Is the written test at GATE level?+
Where a department links its test to GATE, it mostly does so through the syllabus rather than a level, and most departments say neither. IIT Bombay's Computer Science says that, among other things, applicants will be tested on programming skills and GATE-level knowledge of computer science and engineering (its TA category is admitted directly on the GATE cutoff); IISc's Computer Science and Automation bases its 120-minute programming test, covering algorithms, data structures and programming, on the GATE computer science syllabus (the department also states that candidates will be selected based only on their GATE score); IIT Kanpur's Civil Engineering written test for M.Tech Structural Engineering, which must be passed, covers Engineering Mechanics, Solid Mechanics and Structural Analysis in line with the GATE 2026 civil syllabus; and IIT Kharagpur's Electrical Engineering admission test for its MS programme covers the basics of electrical, electronics and instrumentation engineering and mathematics as per the GATE EE, EC and IN syllabi. IIT Delhi's Electrical Engineering stands apart: it says its exam is completely devoid of scholastic content and tests logical thinking, basic quantitative tasks needing no more than 10th to 12th-grade mathematics, and understanding of complex text, though, depending on the position applied for, its interview committee may pose questions on scholastic, project and other preparation, and the department publishes a sample paper for a PhD written test in control engineering.
Does this guide tell me what past candidates were asked?+
Only where a department has published it: the sample and past papers table points to IISc Artificial Intelligence's 2025 question papers, IIT Bombay Computer Science's previous-year papers and the sample questions IIT Madras Computer Science says it has asked before. The guide contains no candidates' own accounts; it reports only what the institutes and their departments publish.
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