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.
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 |
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.
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 |
|
1 Marks Questions OR 2 Marks Questions |
The Engineering Mathematics section of the GATE Distribution of Marks will adhere to the following criteria:
The GATE distribution of marks for the General Aptitude section will be based on the following criteria:
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 |
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):
MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) and NATs (Numerical Answer Types):
Partial Marking:
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 |
|
Distribution of marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL |
|
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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Elevate your GATE Online Courses . PW GATE Online Coaching offers comprehensive live sessions tailored to the syllabus, invaluable study materials, practice tests, and much more. Explore Now!