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GATE Distribution Of Marks 2026, Marking Scheme, Weightage

GATE 2026 Distribution Of Marks for all the sections are covered here for the ease of aspirants. Check the GATE 2026 Marks Distribution details in this article.
authorImageRanvijay Singh9 May, 2025
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GATE Distribution Of Marks 2025

GATE Distribution of Marks 2026: In accordance with the information brochure for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, the GATE Distribution of Marks scheme consists of a total of 65 questions. These questions will be worth a total of 100 marks. The GATE 2026 will be held in February, 2026 (tentative) for 30 different subjects. The GATE exam will have a common and mandatory section to attempt, which is General Aptitude. The GA section will carry 15 marks out of the total. The remaining 85 marks will be allocated to the applicants' chosen subjects.

GATE Distribution of Marks 2026 Overview

The GATE 2026 exam paper is generally divided into three main sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and the aspirant's chosen subject.

However, in a few papers, the Engineering Mathematics section is excluded. Each question in GATE papers either carries 1 or 2 marks. Let's take a look at the GATE Distribution of Marks overview.

GATE 2026 Distribution of Marks
Particulars Details
Examination Name GATE 2026
Duration of Exam 3 Hours
Total Number of Papers 30
Total Marks 100
Total Questions in GATE 2026 Papers 65
GATE Distribution of Marks 1 or 2 Marks
Types of Questions MCQs (multiple-choice questions), MSQs (multiple-select questions), and NATs (numerical answer types)
Is There a Negative Marking in GATE 2026? Yes
GATE 2026 Official Website https://www.iitg.ac.in/gate-jam6

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GATE 2026 Distribution Of Marks

The GATE 2026 exam pattern is meticulously designed to assess an applicant's aptitude and proficiency in their preferred engineering or science subject.

As per the GATE 2026 distribution of marks, each paper carries a total of 100 marks, with a thoughtful distribution of these marks to ensure a thorough evaluation. Check out the paper-wise GATE Distribution of Marks in the table below.

GATE Marks Distribution 2026

In the GATE 2026 examination, three types of question types will be asked: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Types (NATs).

The GATE Distribution of Marks clarifies that each question, regardless of whether it is an MCQ, MSQ, or NAT, will be allocated either 1 or 2 marks.

GATE 2026 Distribution of Marks
Types of Questions GATE 2026 Distribution of Marks
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
  • Numerical Answer Types (NATs)
1 Marks Questions OR 2 Marks Questions

GATE Distribution of Marks for Engineering Mathematics

The Engineering Mathematics section of the GATE Distribution of Marks will adhere to the following criteria:

  • There will be a total of 5 questions worth 1 mark and 5 questions worth 2 marks.
  • The remaining 70% of the total marks will be allocated to a specific engineering subject.

GATE Distribution of Marks for General Aptitude

The GATE distribution of marks for the General Aptitude section will be based on the following criteria:

  • There will be 5 questions worth 2 marks and 5 questions worth 1 mark.
  • General aptitude will account for 15% of total marks in GATE papers such as AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL.
  • The remaining 85 percent of total marks will be distributed to the questions arising from the specific engineering subjects of the applicants.

GATE 2026 Distribution of Marks for Technical Papers

The GATE 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted for 30 branches or disciplines of engineering and science. All GATE 2026 test papers consist of 100 marks distributed among 65 questions focusing on topics from the GATE 2026 syllabus.

Check out the table below for the distribution of marks in various test papers of GATE 2025:

GATE 2026 Distribution of Marks for Technical Papers
Paper Code General Aptitude (GA) Marks Subject specific (Compulsory Section) Subject specific (Optional Section) Total Marks
Subject marks in papers like AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, and TF include paper-specific questions on Engineering Mathematics for 13 marks. 15 85 Not Applicable 100
CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST 15 85 Not Applicable 100
AR: Part A is common and mandatory. Part B1 or B2 can be chosen during the exam. B1: Architecture B2: Planning 15 60 25 100
GE: Part A is common and mandatory. Part B1/B2 can be selected during the exam. B1: Surveying and Mapping B2: Image Processing and Analysis 15 55 30 100
GG: Part A is common and compulsory. Part B1/B2 must be selected during registration. B1: Geology B2: Geophysics 15 25 60 100
XE: Section A (Engineering Mathematics) is common and mandatory. Aspirants must select any two of the other sections during the exam. 15 15 2X35 100
XH: Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) is both common and mandatory. Aspirants must choose ONE of the other parts when submitting their application. 15 25 60 100
XL: Section P (Chemistry) is common and obligatory. During the exam, applicants must choose any TWO of the remaining sections. 15 25 2X30 100

GATE 2026 Negative Marking Scheme

In the GATE 2026 examination, the marking scheme plays a vital role in determining an applicant's final score. It's essential to grasp the GATE Distribution of Marks, especially with regard to negative marking, to strategize efficiently.

Here's a breakdown of the GATE Distribution of Marks and the impact of negative marking in it.

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions):

  • For 1-mark MCQs, there is a negative marking for incorrect answers. A deduction of 1/3 of a mark will be applied for each wrong answer.
  • Similarly, for 2-mark MCQs, applicants will lose 2/3 of a mark for each incorrect answer.

MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) and NATs (Numerical Answer Types):

  • Contrary to MCQs, there is NO negative marking for wrong answers to MSQ and NAT questions. Applicants can tackle these questions without worrying about losing marks for incorrect answers.

Partial Marking:

  • It is critical to remember that GATE does not allow for a partial mark for any question.
  • Full marks are only given if the response is completely correct. There is no provision for receiving partial credit for partially accurate answers.

GATE Distribution of Marks 2026 Section-wise

Observe the table below, which shows the section-wise mark distribution for several GATE 2026 papers. These disciplines are divided into two categories: those with 3 sections and those with only 2 sections.

GATE 2026: Section-wise Marks Distribution
Paper Code Marks Distribution
Distribution of marks in all papers except AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL
  • General Aptitude (GA): 15 Marks
  • Engineering Mathematics: 13 Marks
  • The subject of the Paper: 72 Marks
  • Total: 100 Marks
Distribution of marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL
  • General Aptitude (GA): 15 Marks
  • Subject Specific Paper: 85 Marks
  • Total: 100 Marks

GATE Distribution of Marks 2026 - Topic-Wise

Aspirants preparing for the forthcoming GATE 2026 examination should be fully aware of the topic wise distribution of marks based on GATE previous year papers in order to strategize their studies effectively.

Check out the topic-wise GATE distribution of marks for various engineering branches or disciplines below.

GATE Marks Distribution for Computer Science

To excel in the GATE CSE (Computer Science Engineering) paper, aspirants must stick to the official GATE CSE syllabus for 2026. Additionally, they can enhance their study plan's effectiveness by including important topics. Find out the GATE distribution of marks for Computer Science tabulated below.

GATE 2026 CSE Marks Distribution
GATE CSE Topics Expected Marks Distribution in %
Theory of Computation 7.5
Operating System 9
Compiler Design 2.75
General Aptitude 15
Computer Organization and Architecture 9
Computer Networks 7.5
Programming and Data Structures 10.5
Algorithms 8
Digital Logic 5.25
Software Engineering / Web Technology 1.5
Engineering Mathematics 14.75
Database 7.5

GATE Marks Distribution for Mechanical Engineering

It is vital for applicants preparing for the Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper to analyze the GATE ME syllabus to determine which topics to focus on.

Following that, aspirants can refer to the topic-wise GATE marks distribution table for Mechanical Engineering, which is provided below. This information will aid in the creation of an effective preparation strategy.

GATE 2026 ME Marks Distribution
Topics Expected Marks Distribution in %
Engineering Mechanics 2.5
Strength of Materials 7.75
Heat Transfer 6
Machine Design 3.75
Fluid Mechanics 7.5
Theory of Mechanics 9
Thermodynamics 12.75
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning 1.25
General Aptitude 15
Industrial Engineering 8
Engineering Mathematics 12.25
Manufacturing Engineering 14.25

GATE Marks Distribution for Electrical Engineering

For a thorough understanding of the anticipated topic-wise marks distribution in the GATE Electrical Engineering exam, check the table below:

GATE 2026 EE Marks 6istribution
Topics Expected Marks Distribution in %
Network Theory 11.75
Analog & Digital Electronics 11.25
Signal & System 8.5
Control Systems 9
Power Systems 9.75
Electrical Machines 8.25
Electrical & Electronics Measurements 4.5
EMT (Electromagnetic Theory) 2.75
General Aptitude 15
Engineering Mathematics 11.75
Power Electronics 7.5

GATE Marks Distribution for Civil Engineering

This table provides a thorough breakdown of the expected marks distribution weightage for the various topics covered by the GATE Civil Engineering syllabus . It serves as a useful resource for applicants as they organize their study plans.

GATE 2026 CE Marks Distribution
Topics Expected Marks Distribution in %
SOM (Strength of Materials) 7.75
Structural Analysis 3.5
FM and Hydraulic Machine 6.75
Irrigation & Hydrology 7.75
RCC (Reinforced Concrete) and Prestressed Concrete 6.5
Geo-Technical 15.25
Design of Steel Structures 4.25
Highway & Surveying 12
Engineering Mathematics 12.25
General Aptitude 15
Environment Engineering 9

GATE Marks Distribution for Instrumentation Engineering

To excel in the exam, applicants preparing for the Instrumentation Engineering exam must have a clear understanding of the GATE marks distribution for the important topics selected from the extensive syllabus of Instrumentation Engineering 2025.

GATE 2026 Instrumentation Marks Distribution
Topics Expected Marks Distribution in %
Analog Circuits 11.75
Circuits and Networks 10.25
Measurements 6.25
General Aptitude 15
Communications 1.5
Signals and Systems 7.75
Control System 10.75
Transducers 12.25
Digital Circuits 7
Engineering Mathematics 11.75
Analytical Biomedical & Optical Instrumentation 4.25
Process Controls 1.5

GATE Marks Distribution for Electronics & Communication Engineering

Check out the topic-wise GATE distribution of marks for Electronics and Communication Engineering in the table provided below.

GATE 2026 ECE Marks Distribution
Topics Expected Marks Distribution in %
Network Theory 11.25
Communication Systems 10.75
Electronics Devices & Circuits 7.25
EMT (Electromagnetic Theory) 9.5
Digital Circuits 6
Engineering Mathematics 10.5
Signal & Systems 9
General Aptitude 15
Analog Circuits 11.75
Micro Processors 1.5
Control Systems 9

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GATE Distribution of Marks 2025 FAQs

Q. For how many marks will be there for GATE 2026?

Ans. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted for a total of 100 marks for 30 different disciplines.

Q. What is the sectional GATE 2026 marks distribution?

Ans. There are mainly three sections: general aptitude, carrying 15 marks, and engineering mathematics, worth 13 marks, and aspirants selected subjects account for either 72 or 85 marks, respectively.

Q. What is the GATE Distribution of Marks for computer science?

Ans. The GATE CSE 2026 paper will include 65 questions worth 100 marks.

Q. What marking scheme will the GATE 2026 Data Science and AI paper follow?

Ans. The GATE marks distribution for the DA paper will consist of 15 marks for general aptitude (GA) and 85 marks for subject-specific questions.

Q. Where can I find GATE 2026 Marks Distribution?

Ans. Candidates must refer to this article to check the GATE 2026 Marks Distribution.
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