Engineering graduates, who have qualified the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), can now avail of a vital scholarship from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to pursue their postgraduate (PG) studies.The UGC executive body has approved a proposal to re-implement the PG scholarship in all universities and colleges for master of engineering (ME) and master of technology (MTech) courses for the GATE-qualified candidates."A decision regarding a similar PG scholarship for other courses will be taken soon," the commission resolved at the meeting, details of which have been posted on the UGC website.According to Kharate, GATE-qualified postgraduate engineering students were receiving a scholarship of Rs 8,000 per month from the AICTE. "However, with the change of regulatory powers, the UGC may have now decided to re-implement the scholarship scheme for ME/MTech students." Even otherwise, a student is barred from claiming scholarships from two different sources, he added.The GATE, which is jointly conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science, is the qualifying exam for admission to postgraduate engineering studies at these premier institutions and some central government-funded institutions. "Over 80 per cent of the GATE-qualified students go to these premier institutions while the remaining goes to the leading private engineering colleges," Kharate said.A valid GATE score is essential for obtaining financial aid for master's programs and direct doctoral programs in engineering, technology, architecture and doctoral programs in relevant branches of science in institutes supported by the HRD ministry and other government agencies.Last year, a total of 9, 84,855 candidates appeared for 'GATE 2013' and 1, 36,699 of them qualified the exam. The success rate was 13.88%. Of the qualified candidates, 39.75% were women and 60.25% were men. The online 'GATE 2014' was held between February 2 and March The results are to be declared on March 28.