GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) 2026 is the national-level exam for candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies (M.E., M. Tech., Ph.D.) or secure jobs in the public sector. Understanding the GATE 2026 exam pattern is a crucial first step in preparation, as it aids in strategic planning and focused study.

GATE 2026 retains the established pattern with a focus on objective questions and strong emphasis on analytical skills, apt for engineers and science graduates planning higher education or seeking PSU jobs. Understanding the paper structure, negative marking, and section-wise weightage enhances focused and strategic preparation for participating candidates.

Quick Glance on GATE 2026 Exam Pattern:

• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Total Number of Questions: 65
• Maximum Marks: 100
• Frequency: Annual (Once a Year)
• Number of Papers: 30 subjects including engineering, technology, science, and interdisciplinary subjects.

Sections in Each Paper:

• General Aptitude (common for all papers)
• Engineering Mathematics (for most papers)
• Subject-Specific Section

Detailed Structure:

1. Types of Questions:

The exam includes three types of objective questions:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Candidates select the correct answer from four options. There is negative marking for incorrect answers:

• 1-mark MCQs: –?
• 2-mark MCQs: –?

Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): More than one answer may be correct. No negative marking.

Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Candidates must enter the value using a virtual keypad. No negative marking.

2. Section-Wise Weightage:

3. Paper-Specific Patterns:

Certain papers will follow a unique structure as listed below.

• Architecture and Planning (AR):Compulsory Part A (60 marks) and choice of Part B1 (Architecture) or Part B2 (Planning).
• Geomatics Engineering (GE):Compulsory Part A (Engineering Mathematics and Basic Geomatics, 55 marks), and choice between Part B1 and B2.
• Geology and Geophysics (GG):Compulsory Part A, and choice between B1-Geology and B2-Geophysics.
• Humanities & Social Sciences (XH):Section A (Reasoning and Comprehension), Section B1, and one of C1–C6 as optional section.
• Engineering Sciences (XE) and Life Sciences (XL):Compulsory section plus two optional sections as per candidate’s selection.

4. Marking Scheme:

5. Assessment Criteria:

Questions are designed to evaluate:

• Recall:Facts, principles, formulae.
• Comprehension:Understanding concepts.
• Application:Usage of concepts in logical reasoning or computation.
• Analysis & Synthesis:Data-based or scenario-based questions.

6. Paper Codes: GATE papers are identified by codes — e.g., CE (Civil), CS (Computer Science), ME (Mechanical), EE (Electrical), XE (Engineering Sciences), etc.

FAQs:

Q1. How many questions are there in the GATE 2026 exam?

Ans. There are 65 questions in total: 10 from General Aptitude and 55 from the subject and mathematics sections.

Q2. What is the marking and negative marking scheme?

Ans. Questions carry either 1 or 2 marks. MCQs have negative marking (–? for 1-mark MCQs, –? for 2-mark MCQs), but there is no negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions.

Q3. Is the General Aptitude section compulsory in every paper?

Ans. Yes, General Aptitude is mandatory for all subjects and has a weightage of 15 marks.

Q4. Does every paper have Engineering Mathematics?

Ans. No, Engineering Mathematics is not a section in all papers. It is absent in papers like XL (Life Sciences) and XH (Humanities and Social Sciences), but present in most engineering streams.

Q5. How is the GATE 2026 exam structured for interdisciplinary papers (like XE, XL, XH)?

Ans. These papers include a compulsory section and one/two optional sections. For example, XE (Engineering Sciences) has compulsory Engineering Mathematics and two sections chosen by the candidate; XH (Humanities) has a compulsory Reasoning section and one specialization out of six.

 Click here for GATE 2026 Syllabus