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GATE Engineering Sciences, Explore In-Depth GATE XE Details

GATE Engineering Sciences exam complete details are given here. Check GATE XE syllabus, exam pattern, cut-off, previous year's question paper with answer keys, and scope in India now.
authorImagePratibha Bohra6 Aug, 2025
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GATE Engineering Sciences

GATE Engineering Sciences: From a list of 30 subjects as of now, GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) is one of the subjects that is included in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering examination. Lakhs of aspirants appear for this examination every year in the hope of getting admission to IITs, NITs, or other prestigious institutions to pursue higher studies.

The GATE committee, which includes seven IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc, Bengaluru), conducts this highly popular examination across different exam centers in the nation. To check out the complete GATE Engineering Sciences exam details, continue reading.

GATE Engineering Sciences Overview

The GATE Engineering Sciences examination is designed to evaluate aspirants fundamental knowledge in subjects such as engineering mathematics, general aptitude, and core engineering sciences (XE) topics. Passing the GATE XE Exam with good scores not only allows one to pursue higher education but also makes aspirants eligible to apply for PSU jobs through GATE Engineering Sciences. Moreover, the GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Exam 2025 is scheduled to be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee for the upcoming academic year. Aspirants interested in appearing for the GATE 2025 XE exam must delve into its syllabus, exam pattern, and other essential details.

GATE Engineering Sciences Scope in India

The GATE Engineering Sciences Scope in India is noteworthy, especially for those aiming for admission into prestigious IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology). It is important to note, however, that the job market in this field might have limitations. While GATE provides opportunities for advanced studies, research endeavors, and academic pursuits, the number of job openings for GATE XE may be restricted compared to other engineering disciplines. However, students who secure admission to IITs, NITs, NITIE Bombay, and similar institutions have the option to explore various high-paying branches after the completion of their coursework.

GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Subjects

The GATE Engineering Science Subjects introduce students to disciplines beyond essential engineering. It includes a variety of courses such as mathematics, mechanical engineering, macroeconomics, and more. GATE XE subjects aim to bridge the gap between practical engineering and theoretical science, focusing particularly on research and development. The Engineering Sciences M.Tech program after GATE lasts two years, divided into four semesters. Here are some of the subjects covered in it:
  • Physics
  • Quantum Physics
  • Solid-State Physics
  • Liberal Arts
  • Industrial Organisation
  • Macroeconomics and International Finance
  • Risk Management
  • Business Plan
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Human Resources and Leadership
  • Electromagnetic Energy Conservation, among others.

Also read: GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering

GATE Engineering Sciences Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the specified eligibility criteria is essential in order to sit for the GATE Engineering Sciences examination. The exam-conducting authority decides the GATE Eligibility Criteria for the XE and other papers, which generally include educational qualifications, an age limit, and the number of attempts, among other pertinent details, as explained below.
GATE Engineering Sciences Eligibility Criteria
Particulars Requirements
Educational Qualification Applicants are required to hold a graduate or postgraduate degree in their relevant fields. Moreover, students in their final year of degree coursework are also eligible to apply for the GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) exam.
Nationality Indians and foreigners are eligible to participate in the exam, provided they meet the necessary educational qualifications.
Age Limit Applicants of all age groups are allowed to take the GATE Engineering Sciences, as there is no specific age limit imposed.
Number of Attempts The GATE XE examination can be taken multiple times by aspirants who fulfill the aforementioned eligibility criteria.

Suggested read: GATE Instrumentation Engineering

GATE Engineering Sciences Syllabus

The GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Syllabus comprises nine sections with subject codes XE-A to XE-I. Among these, engineering mathematics (XE-A), worth 15 marks, is going to be mandatory. However, aspirants will have the flexibility to choose any two sections from the remaining sections. Each of the selected two sections in the GATE XE syllabus carries 35 marks, totaling 70 marks (2×35 = 70 marks). The complete GATE Engineering Sciences syllabus has topics like:
  • XE-A: Engineering Mathematics
  • XE-B: Fluid Mechanics
  • XE-C: Material Science
  • XE-D: Solid Mechanics
  • XE-E: Thermodynamics
  • XE-F: Polymer Science & Engineering
  • XE-G: Food Technology
  • XE-H: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
  • XE-I: Energy Science (Newly Introduced)

Suggested read: GATE Mechanical Engineering

GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern

The GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern provides insight into the exam's structure. The GATE XE 2025 exam will be conducted online in a computer-based format. The duration of the exam is going to be a maximum of 3 hours. The paper will comprise three major sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Engineering Science subjects. Here is the complete GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern:

GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern

Particulars Details
Exam Name GATE Engineering Sciences
Paper Code GATE XE
Examination Mode Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Sections in GATE XE Paper General Aptitude
Core Engineering Sciences Topics
Types of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Total Marks 100 Marks
Total Questions 65
Marking Scheme Either 1 or 2 Marks Questions
Negative Marking GATE XE Paper -Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with 1 mark awarded for each correct response. -A penalty of 1/3 mark deduction for each incorrect answer. -MCQs with 2 marks for each correct answer. -A penalty of 2/3 marks the deduction for each incorrect answer. -There is no negative marking for Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
Sectional Weightage General Aptitude: 15; Core Engineering Sciences: 55
Unattempted Answers Marks Unattempted questions will be marked 0.

GATE Engineering Sciences- M.Tech Branches

After successfully passing the GATE Engineering Sciences examination, aspirants can pursue a M.Tech. or M.E. degree in an array of streams. Some of the popular GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) streams offered by the top IITs include:
  • Cryogenic Engineering
  • Energy Studies
  • Climate Engineering
  • Rubber Technology
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Nanoscience and Engineering
  • Quantum Technology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Metallurgical Engineering, among many others.

GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Year’s Question Papers

Going through the GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Year's Question Papers can assist applicants in assessing the degree of difficulty of the questions and in developing effective solving strategies. The past five years of GATE Engineering Sciences Question Papers with Answer Keys are available for download in the table below.
GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Years Papers with Answers: Last 5 years
Year of GATE Exam Download Link
GATE 2025 Engineering Sciences Exam  GATE Engieering Sciences Prvious Year Papers with Anskwer Key PDF 
GATE 2024 Engineering Sciences Exam GATE Engieering Sciences Prvious Year Papers with Anskwer Key PDF
GATE 2023 Engineering Sciences Exam GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Years Papers with Answer Key PDF
GATE 2022 Engineering Sciences Exam GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Years Papers with Answer Key PDF
GATE 2021 Engineering Sciences Exam GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Years Papers with Answer Key PDF
GATE 2020 Engineering Sciences Exam GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Years Papers with Answer Key PDF
GATE 2019 Engineering Sciences Exam GATE Engineering Sciences Previous Years Papers with Answer Key PDF

GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Cut Off

Analyzing the previous year's GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Cut Off marks aids aspirants in comprehending the exam's trends and competitiveness. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating their performance and chances of passing the final examination. Aspirants can check out the last five years' GATE XE Cut Off in the table below.
Previous Year’s GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Cut Off
Paper Code and Name Unreserved For OBC- (NCL)/ EWS For SC/ ST/ PwD
 GATE XE Cut Off 2025
 GATE XE: Engineering Sciences 35.4 31.8 23.5
GATE XE Cut Off 2024 
GATE XE: Engineering Sciences 36.2 32.5 24.1
GATE XE Cut Off 2023
GATE XE: Engineering Sciences 37.9 34.1 25.2
GATE XE Cut Off 2022
GATE XE: Engineering Sciences 40.3 36.2 26.8
GATE XE Cut Off 2021
GATE XE: Engineering Sciences 37.00 33.3 24.6
GATE XE Cut Off 2020
GATE XE: Engineering Sciences 26.0 23.4 17.3
GATE XE Cut Off 2019
XE: Engineering Sciences (XE- A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) 26.7 24 17.8

Best GATE Engineering Sciences Online Courses

For aspirants aiming to excel in the highly competitive GATE Engineering Sciences Exam 2025, Physics Wallah offers top-notch online courses. PW GATE XE Online Coaching is not only the most budget-friendly option but also provides interactive live sessions with India's leading faculty members, comprehensive notes covering the syllabus, numerous practice tests, and much more. Discover the Best GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) Online Coaching today by clicking on the direct link provided below.

Boost your GATE 2025 exam preparation journey with Physics Wallah’s best-in-class and most cost-effective GATE Online Courses . Physics Wallah GATE Online Coaching provides in-depth syllabus-focused live sessions, valuable study resources, practice tests, and a lot more. Explore today!

GATE Engineering Sciences FAQs

How many sections are there in the GATE Engineering Sciences paper?

The questions are divided into three sections, namely engineering mathematics, general aptitude, and core engineering sciences topics.

When will the GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 examination be held?

The GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) 2026 examination is expected to be conducted next year, around the month of February.

Where can I find the GATE Engineering Sciences Question Papers with Answer Keys?

The GATE Engineering Sciences question papers with answer keys from the last 5 years are provided in the article above in PDF format to download.

What is the GATE Engineering Sciences scope?

The GATE Engineering Sciences exam provides a multitude of opportunities to enroll in various popular courses offered at IITs, NITs, IIITs, etc., for pursuing master's degrees or PhDs post-GATE.
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