The GATE Virtual Calculator is provided to all candidates appearing for the Mathematics-related papers of GATE. This includes all the engineering papers (XE), as Engineering Mathematics is a compulsory subject as per the GATE Exam Pattern. Candidates will not be permitted to use a normal calculator or bring it inside the GATE Exam Center as per the GATE Exam Guidelines.

The GATE Question Paper will be set within the consideration of the requirement of a virtual calculator by the authorities, which will not be an issue for the candidates if practiced well beforehand. The GATE Virtual Calculator has several features like trigonometric, hyperbolic functions, etc.

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GATE Virtual Calculator: How to Use and Why?

The fact that physical calculators can’t be used during the exams makes it evident that you need to learn to use an online virtual calculator. While there is not much difference between the online virtual calculator and the physical calculator, getting familiar with the online virtual calculator can make things easier during the exams. Being used to it before the exam really makes it important for the candidates to get used to online virtual calculators.

• Aspirants can simply use the GATE Virtual Calculator provided at the side of the screen on their computers.

• The online scientific calculator helps candidates solve problems quickly. They don’t need to write down the numerical values on the paper every time to calculate; they just have to solve them on the screen.

• This Online scientific calculator will be available for all candidates attending GATE (i.e., the same calculator for all).

• In the case of physical calculators, some candidates have more functioning calculators than others. The virtual calculator ensures no candidate has an unfair advantage.

• This method also helps candidates whose physical calculator stops working during exam time and those who forget to carry their scientific calculator to the exam center.

Features of GATE Virtual Calculator

• The right side of the virtual calculator contains all the keys for simple operations, while scientific calculation keys are on the left-hand side.

• There is no need for a shift key and inverse key as inverse functions have separate keys.

• All function keys are grouped together.

• Candidates need not press SHIFT or INV keys since the inverse functions have separate keys.

• Trigonometric functions and Hyperbolic functions are grouped together.

• The inverse functions are placed below the respective functions.

• At the top of the virtual calculator, two display boxes are provided. The top box indicates the sequence of the keys pressed during calculation for reference.

• The second box indicates the actual values entered or obtained after calculations.

Instructions for Using GATE Virtual Calculator

GATE Virtual Calculator: Do’s

• Be sure to press [C] before starting a new calculation.

• Use the predefined operations such as p (Pi), log, Exp to save time during calculation.

• Use the memory function for calculating cumulative totals, as listed below:

  • [M+]: Will add displayed value to memory

  • [MR]: Will recall the value stored in memory

  • [M-]: Subtracts the displayed value from memory

• Be sure to select the angle unit before beginning any calculation. (Note: By default, the angle unit is set as degree).

GATE Virtual Calculator: Don'ts

• Do not perform multiple operations together.

• Do not leave parentheses unbalanced.

• Do not change the angle unit while performing a calculation.

What are the Limitations of GATE Virtual Calculator?

• The output for a factorial calculation is limited up to 14 digits.

• The keyboard operation will be disabled.

• The output for Logarithmic and Hyperbolic calculations is limited up to 5 digits.

• Modulus operation performed on decimal numbers with 15 digits would not be precise. Use mod operation only if the number comprises less than 15 digits.

• The range of values supported by the calculator is $10^{-323}$ to $10^{308}$.

Practice GATE Virtual Calculator

Candidates must practice the calculation on a virtual calculator before the exam so that they will be familiar with the use of the same.

• This online virtual calculator will be a part of the online test system for GATE.

• Candidates must start the use of the online Virtual Calculator as soon as possible.

• Candidates must know that they will not be allowed to carry a calculator with them to the examination hall for the GATE examination.

• Candidates are advised to get sufficient practice on this virtual calculator so that the GATE examination proceeds without a hitch.

• Make sure that you familiarize yourself with all its aspects and functions.

• Pick up speed and learn where all the keys are placed so that they are not new for you on the day of the exam.

Examples of Calculations Using GATE Virtual Calculator

• Arithmetic Calculations: To calculate $70 + 55 \times 85$, candidates must enter: 70, +, 55, *, 85, =

• Function value: To calculate $2 + \log(60) \times 10$, candidates must enter: 60, log, *, 10, +, 2, =

• Sin, cos, tan Calculations: To calculate $\sin(25)$ or $\cos(25)$ or $\tan(25)$, candidates must enter: 25, sin or cos or tan

Download GATE Virtual Calculator App

Candidates can easily download the GATE Virtual Calculator Application on their mobile phones by visiting the Play Store on Android Phones, whereas it can be found on the App Store in devices running iOS.

• After downloading the application, you can use it not only for practicing calculations but for various other helpful features.

• You can check the detailed syllabus of all the subjects from this application.

• You can also attend tutorials on Arithmetic functions, Logarithmic functions, Trigonometric functions, and much more.

How to download GATE Virtual Calculator?

• Windows: Google “GATE Virtual Calculator” and click on the first link that pops up in the results. Install the resultant download and use.

• Android/ChromeOS: Download the GATE Virtual Calculator app from the Play Store.

• iOS/Mac: Download the GATE Virtual Calculator app from the App Store.

• Note: Please do not install any suspicious-looking apps and regularly test your device for viruses.

Know your GATE Exam Pattern before Using Virtual Calculator

GATE will be a 3-hour computer-based test where candidates will have to attempt 65 questions carrying 100 marks. 10 questions will be asked from General Aptitude which are common to all papers, while the remaining questions are from the paper opted by the applicant. The exam pattern for all 25 papers consists of both multiple-choice questions and numerical-type questions.

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): These questions are objective in nature, and each will have four answers, out of which the candidate has to mark the correct one.

• Numerical Answer Questions (NAQ): For these questions, the answer is a real number, to be entered by the candidate using the virtual keypad. No choices will be shown for these questions.

• Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): These questions are objective in nature. Each question will have a choice of four answers. Out of which, one or more than one choice(s) are correct. However, there are no partial marks awarded for choosing partially correct combinations of choices or any single wrong choice.

• There will be no negative marking in NAT and MSQ questions.

• For questions carrying 1 mark each, 1/3 marks will be deducted as a penalty for marking the wrong answer.

• For questions carrying 2 marks, 2/3 marks will be deducted for marking an incorrect answer.

• As per the exam paper pattern, 15% weight of marks will be given to Engineering Mathematics for the paper codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, MN, MT, PI, TF, XE whereas 15% to General Aptitude and the remaining 70% to the subject paper.

• For paper codes AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, and XL the General Aptitude section will carry 15% of the total marks and the remaining 85% of the total marks are for the subject paper.