GATE

GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Paper Analysis 2024

30 January, 2024
Radhika Joshi

IIT Kanpur conducted the GATE 2024 exam for the Mechanical Engineering (ME) stream on 3rd February. This exam is a gateway for aspiring engineers to get admission to top-ranked colleges and universities across India. According to candidates’ responses and our GATE mechanical paper analysis 2024, the paper was of moderate difficulty level. The candidates will need to have a broad understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of mechanical engineering. In this article, you will get a detailed analysis.

 

 Detailed GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis 2024

Marks Weightage

SubjectsMarks WeightageDifficulty Level
General Aptitude15Moderate
Engineering Mathematics13Moderate
Thermodynamics and Application8Moderate
Mechanics of Materials7Moderate
Manufacturing Engineering17Moderate
Theory of Machines and Vibrations8Moderate
Fluid Mechanics7Moderate
Heat Transfer7Moderate
Industrial Engineering8Moderate
Engineering Mechanics6Moderate
Machine Design4Moderate

Variety of Questions

Type of QuestionsNumber of Questions
Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)39
Multiple Select Question (MSQ)24
Numerical Answer Type Question (NAT)2

 

Difficulty level

The paper on Mechanical Engineering was moderately difficult. The questions asked in this paper were lengthy, requiring a lot of calculations. Due to this reason, the chances of making calculation mistakes were observed more in this paper. Getting into more details, here is the subject-wise GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis.

1. Aptitude :

The questions are framed from the chapters on Number system, Probability, Geometry and Verbal Ability. The questions were a good mix of direct formula- and application-based questions with moderate to hard difficulty levels.

2. Engineering Mathematics :

The questions are framed from the chapters on Linear algebra, Eigen-values, limits, probability, Double integration, Differential equations, and Complex variables. The questions were a good mix of direct formula- and application-based questions with moderate to hard difficulty levels.

3. Thermodynamics and Application :

The questions are framed from the chapters on Work and Heat Transfer, Entropy, Brayton Cycle with regeneration, RAC, Rankine Cycle, and Gas Power Cycle. The questions were fact-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

4. Strength of Materials

Questions about the strength of materials were slightly tricky this time. The difficulty level of the questions was moderate, and most were formula-based. Repeatedly, over the years, it was observed that principal stresses were the key area of question framing. This year, the same trend was observed for this subject, along with the questions from Thin pressure vessels and Support reaction calculations.

5. Manufacturing Engineering

The questions are framed from the chapters on Metal cutting, Metrology, and Metal forming. The questions were formula-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

6. Theory of Machines and Vibrations

The questions are framed from the chapters on Gear train, simple mechanism, vibrations, Flywheel.  The questions were formula-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

7. Fluid Mechanics

The questions are framed from the Fluid Kinematics, Flow through Pipe, Boundary Layer, and Compressible Fluid Flow chapters.  The questions were formula-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

8. Heat Transfer

The questions are framed from the Heat exchangers, Internal forced convection, and Conduction chapters.  The questions were fact-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

9. Industrial Engineering

The questions are framed from the LPP, Sequencing & Scheduling, and Inventory control chapters.  The questions were formula-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

10. Engineering Mechanics 

The questions are framed from the chapters on Equilibrium and Dynamics.  The questions were formula-based questions having moderate difficulty levels.

IMS GATE ACADEMY conducted a detailed analysis and solution discussion of the memory-based questions after the session. Mechanical Engineering Department Mentors have provided valuable insights and experience in this session. 

GATE 2024 Mechanical Engineering Session Detailed Analysis Link – 

https://www.youtube.com/live/9zFHdBjHcbw?si=9Ghqb5rLDe4znPCq

GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis 2023

 

The GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper was successfully conducted in shift 2 on the 4th February exam. The exam included a total of 65 questions, with 25 NAT questions from one category, 8 MSQ questions from another, and 32 MCQ questions from a third category. 

 

As per the feedback from students who took the exam, the overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate. The questions covered a range of topics, including thermodynamics, with one question; material science, with four questions; heat transfer and strength of materials, with four questions; welding, theory of machine, EOQ, with one question each; and LPP, with one question.

 

Type of questionsNumber of questions
NAT25
MSQ8
MCQ32

 

GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis 2022

 

  1. The GATE 2022 shift 2 ME paper had a range of difficulty levels, from moderate to difficult. However, the General Aptitude questions were relatively easy to answer, providing some relaxation to the candidates. 
  2. In terms of the question paper’s content, it had a high weightage of Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials (SOM), Industrial, Manufacturing, and Heat Transfer (HMT), showing the importance of these subjects in the field of Mechanical Engineering. 
  3. Moreover, the GATE ME paper included some specific questions related to Power Plants, with three questions dedicated to this topic. Finally, to provide some context, the GATE 2022 shift 2 ME paper had 6 MSQ, 35 MCQ, and 24 NAT.

GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis 2021

The GATE Mechanical Engineering (GATE ME) exam was held in two slots on February 14, 2021. The exam consisted of approximately 60 questions, which included both numerical answer types and multiple-choice questions. Out of these, there were 25 numerical questions. The total marks for the paper were 100, and the candidates were given 3 hours to complete the exam.

 

  1. The paper’s difficulty level was described as moderate to tough, with some students claiming it was the toughest GATE paper in the last five years.
  2. The paper had approximately 30 numerical answer types, which were more focused on applications than theory.
  3. The subjects of manufacturing and thermodynamics held significance in the exam and maximum weightage.
  4. The general aptitude and Mathematics sections were easier than the subject questions.
  5. Candidates also mentioned that this year’s paper was lengthier.

How is GATE paper analysis 2024 helpful?

 

One effective way to prepare for the GATE 2024 exam is to analyse the previous year’s question paper. For instance, by thoroughly understanding GATE mechanical paper analysis, candidates can gain valuable insights into the exam pattern. This includes knowing the distribution of topics in the syllabus and the weightage allocation for each section. Such comprehensive analysis can help candidates prepare more effectively and increase their chances of success in the upcoming GATE 2024 exam.

 

The GATE mechanical paper analysis also helps the candidate to have a complete understanding of their performance in the exam. By knowing the complexity level of the questions and the percentage of correct answers, you can distinguish between your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, this analysis can provide valuable insights into the exam format and curriculum, which can be used to enhance future knowledge of the GATE exam.

 

A significant way to determine the necessary marks or scores for admission into a specific college or institute is by analysing the results of the GATE exam in 2024. By reviewing the GATE exam analysis for that year, one can better understand the expected minimum score requirements for admission.

 

 

GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis: FAQs 

 

What defines a successful attempt in GATE?

A valid GATE score is necessary for admission to M.E./M. tech programs or recruitment into PSUs. If a candidate secures a score that meets the admission and recruitment criteria, it can be considered a good attempt. The cutoff list varies every year, and those aspirants who meet the cutoff requirement are considered to have made a good attempt in the exam.

 

What sections were covered in the GATE Mechanical Paper Analysis 2023?

GATE Mechanical Paper analysis 2023 included section-wise analysis, good attempts, difficulty level, memory-based questions, PDF, and exam answer key. The detailed analysis will be uploaded on February 4th, 2023, for candidates to evaluate their performance.

 

Which branch is most suitable for PSU jobs?

Mechanical Engineering is usually considered the most suitable branch for PSUs. However, in recent years, we have seen a change in the trend where PSUs release notifications for vacancies in other branches as well.

 

Do questions repeat in the GATE exam?

The GATE exam has different questions every year. The concept and pattern of the questions remain the same, but there will be a change in date and difficulty level.