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GATE CE Exam Analysis 2026 Shift 1: Paper Review & Difficulty

GATE CE Exam Analysis 2026 Shift 1 provides an overview of the paper. Details regarding the overall difficulty level, distribution of question types, and key topics is updated post-exam. This analysis aims to help aspirants understand the exam pattern and performance expectations.
authorImageNazish Fatima14 Feb, 2026
GATE CE Exam Analysis 2026  Shift 1

GATE CE Exam Analysis 2026 Shift 1 exam analysis, detailing the paper's difficulty, question distribution, and important topics, is provided here. Understanding this analysis is vital for candidates to evaluate their performance and prepare effectively for future attempts. The GATE Civil Engineering 2026 Shift 1 exam has been conducted on Day 3, 14th February, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

GATE Civil Engineering Shift 1 Overall Difficulty Level

GATE CE 2026 Shift 1 paper difficulty level is moderate after analysing students’ feedback and performance metrics post-shift. Students who prepared well and practised enough are able to grasp the crunch of the questions and can handle it better.  The exam paper proved surprisingly straightforward, turning the test into a breeze for most students. All questions aligned closely with the standard syllabus, featuring simple numerical problems and clear conceptual demands in every section. Candidates faced no surprise twists or time-consuming calculations, ensuring ample time to attempt everything confidently.MCQs are 31 in number and the least asked are MSQs that is 5-6. 

Check: GATE CE question paper 2026

GATE CE 2026 Section-wise Questions Analysis

A detailed breakdown of the question types asked in the GATE CE 2026 Shift 1 paper  is  available after the exam. This analysis include the number of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple-Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

GATE CE 2026 Section-wise Questions Analysis
Types of Questions Asked Total Number of Questions
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) 31
Multiple-Select Questions (MSQs) 06
Numerical Answer Type Questions (NAT) 28

Check: GATE CE Answer Key 2026

GATE CE 2026 Exam Analysis: Topic-wise Marks Distribution

The high-weightage topics for the examination are identified following the exam. The Civil Engineering syllabus covers subjects like Structural, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Environmental, and Transportation Engineering, along with Engineering Mathematics, with ~40% weightage in measurements. A detailed list of specific topics is provided upon analysis of the actual paper.

GATE CE 2026 Exam Analysis: Topic-wise Marks Distribution

Topics Marks Distribution
General Aptitude 15
Engineering Mathematics 13
Engineering Mechanics  2
Strength of Materials 4
Structural Analysis 4
RCC 3
Design of Steel Structures 3
BMC 1
Construction Management  -
Geotechnical Engineering 13
Hydrology 4
Irrigation 3
Surveying 7

Student Feedback About the GATE Civil Engineering Paper

The GATE CE Exam has been conducted on Day 3, february 14th, 2026. Student feedback for the exam is compiled and released post-examination. This section offers insights into the paper's overall experience, challenging sections, and consensus on difficulty. It also include question patterns and potential trends. The GATE CE 2026 question paper and GATE CE 2026 Answer Key will also be updated post the exam. The question paper turned out to be quite easy, making the overall exam a smooth ride for most candidates. Questions stayed within expected syllabus boundaries, with straightforward numericals and conceptual clarity across sections. No unexpected twists or lengthy calculations tripped up aspirants, allowing comfortable time management.

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GATE CE Exam Analysis 2026 Shift 1 FAQs

Q1. What does the GATE CE Exam Analysis 2026 Shift 1 cover?

The analysis cover the overall difficulty level, question pattern, distribution of MCQs, MSQs, and NATs, section-wise weightage, and key topics asked in the Civil Engineering paper.

Q2. When will the full analysis be available?

The complete analysis, including detailed insights and data, is available shortly after the GATE CE 2026 Shift 1 exam has been conducted.

Q3. Where can I find official updates for GATE CE 2026?

Official updates and notifications regarding GATE CE 2026, including important dates and schedules, can be found on the official GATE conducting institute's website.
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