Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, the organizing institute for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025, has announced a significant change in exam centre locations for candidates scheduled to appear on February 15th and 16th. Due to anticipated logistical challenges and potential disruptions stemming from the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, exam centres originally designated in the city have been temporarily relocated to Lucknow. This decision aims to ensure a smooth and hassle-free examination experience for all candidates.
The Mahakumbh, a massive Hindu pilgrimage and festival held every 12 years, draws millions of devotees to Prayagraj over several weeks. The sheer scale of the event leads to significant congestion, traffic restrictions, and accommodation shortages, potentially impacting the ability of candidates to reach their designated exam centres on time and without undue stress. Recognizing these potential challenges, IIT Roorkee has proactively taken this step to mitigate any adverse effects on the GATE 2025 aspirants.
“The decision to shift the exam centres from Prayagraj to Lucknow for the specified dates was made after careful consideration of the logistical challenges posed by the Mahakumbh,” stated a senior official from IIT Roorkee involved in the GATE 2025 organization. “Our primary concern is the well-being and convenience of our candidates. We want to ensure that everyone can appear for the exam without facing unnecessary hurdles. The Mahakumbh is a significant event, and while we respect its cultural importance, we also need to prioritize the smooth conduct of the GATE examination.”
The relocation affects all candidates who had previously selected Prayagraj as their exam city for the February 15th and 16th sessions. IIT Roorkee has assured candidates that they will be accommodated in designated exam centres in Lucknow. The institute has also announced that it is working closely with local authorities in Lucknow to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place to facilitate the smooth conduct of the examination.
Candidates affected by this change are being individually notified via email and SMS. The updated admit cards, reflecting the new exam centre locations in Lucknow, are being made available for download on the official GATE 2025 website. The institute has urged all candidates to download their revised admit cards as soon as possible and familiarize themselves with the new exam centre address and reporting time.
“We understand that this change might cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely regret any disruption it may cause,” the official added. “However, we believe that this decision is in the best interests of the candidates. We are committed to providing all necessary support to ensure a seamless transition and a comfortable exam experience in Lucknow.”
IIT Roorkee has also established a dedicated helpline to address any queries or concerns that candidates may have regarding the change in exam centre locations. Candidates can contact the helpline through phone or email for any assistance related to the relocation process, downloading revised admit cards, or navigating travel arrangements to Lucknow. The helpline numbers and email address are prominently displayed on the official GATE 2025 website.
The institute has further clarified that candidates who are scheduled to appear for the GATE on dates other than February 15th and 16th and have chosen Prayagraj as their exam city will continue to appear at their originally designated centres in Prayagraj. This relocation is specifically applicable only to the candidates appearing on the two aforementioned dates.
This proactive measure by IIT Roorkee has been largely welcomed by the GATE aspirants. Many students expressed their relief at the decision, acknowledging the potential difficulties they would have faced in reaching Prayagraj exam centres amidst the Mahakumbh rush. “Traveling to Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh would have been incredibly challenging,” said one candidate who was initially allotted a centre in Prayagraj. “The traffic congestion and the sheer number of people would have made it nearly impossible to reach the exam centre on time. I appreciate IIT Roorkee’s decision to relocate the centres to Lucknow. This will definitely reduce our stress and allow us to focus on the exam.”
The decision also highlights the challenges of conducting large-scale examinations in cities hosting major events like the Mahakumbh. It underscores the need for careful planning and coordination between organizing bodies and local authorities to ensure that such events do not disrupt essential processes like competitive examinations. The proactive approach taken by IIT Roorkee in this instance serves as a good example of how to mitigate potential disruptions and prioritize the convenience of candidates.
While the change in exam centre location is undoubtedly a significant adjustment for the affected candidates, IIT Roorkee’s efforts to communicate the changes effectively and provide necessary support have been appreciated. The institute has emphasized its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process for all candidates, regardless of the challenges posed by external factors. As the GATE 2025 draws closer, candidates are now focused on making the necessary travel arrangements to Lucknow and preparing for the exam with renewed focus and determination. The smooth execution of the examination in Lucknow will be a crucial test of the institute’s organizational capabilities and its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.
