GATE Exam Pattern 2026, Explore Branch-Wise Paper Format
Riya Sharma12 Apr, 2025
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GATE Exam Pattern 2026: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a highly prestigious entrance test for engineering graduates. The exam facilitates admission to M.E./M.Tech. in reputed institutions like IITs, NITs, etc. as well as the GATE score is used for offering jobs in Public Sector Undertakings. The GATE exam focuses on assessing the candidate's knowledge in core subjects of respective disciplines and general aptitude.
The exam comprises 65 questions and carries a total of 100 marks. In order to understand the detailed paper structure for the upcoming exam, candidates must have an in-depth understanding of the GATE Exam Pattern 2026. A deeper knowledge of the GATE Exam Pattern will assist the aspirants to prepare effectively. Let's examine the comprehensive GATE Exam Format 2026 for all papers in this article.
GATE Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who are planning to appear for GATE 2026 examination must go through the exam pattern to gain deep insights of marking scheme, types of questions, exam duration and more. IIT Guwahati will administer the Graduate Aptitude Test In Engineering in the forthcoming year for 30 different branches.
To prepare in a systematic manner, candidates are suggested to review the GATE Exam Pattern 2026. We have outlined a detailed exam pattern on this page.
Also, Check: GATE Syllabus 2026
GATE 2026 Question Paper Pattern
The GATE Question Paper consists of three types of questions as follows:
- Multiple choice questions (MCQ)
- Multiple select questions (MSQ)
- Numerical Answer type (NAT)
There will be 65 questions, and the total marks for the examination will be 100. The paper will end in 3 hours. There will be a negative marking for MCQ questions as per the guidelines of the conducting authority. A comprehensive GATE 2026 Exam Pattern is tabulated below:
| GATE Exam Pattern 2026 Overview | |
| Features | Description |
| Exam Name | GATE 2026 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Exam mode | Online |
| Types of questions |
|
| No. of questions | 65 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Number of Sections in GATE Paper | Two/ Three (depending on the paper) |
| Section-wise Number of Questions |
|
| Section-wise Weightage of Marks |
|
| Marking Scheme | Each correct answer carries 1 or 2 marks. |
| Negative Marking |
|
GATE Question Paper - Subject-Wise Weightage
The GATE Exam Pattern differs for each paper, considering the sections and marks distribution. Every GATE paper includes a General Aptitude section, which accounts for 15% of the total marks. This section evaluates verbal, numerical, and quantitative abilities. It consists of 10 questions, with 5 questions worth 1 mark each and 5 questions worth 2 marks each.
| GATE GA Weightage of Marks | |||
| Subject | Number of questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| General Aptitude | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 5 | 2 | 10 | |
| Total | 10 | - | 15 |
For the papers with codes AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF, and XE, The marks will be divided or distributed as follows: 15% will be allocated to General Aptitude, 13% to Engineering Mathematics, and the remaining 72% to the subject paper.
Regarding the papers with codes AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL, the General Aptitude section will account for 15% of the total marks, while the subject paper will be responsible for the remaining 85% of the total marks.
GATE Exam Pattern for AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF, and ST Papers
The question paper for paper codes AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF, and ST consists of three sections, which are as follows:
| Sections | Marks Weightage |
| General Aptitude | 15% |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13% |
| Core Discipline | 72% |
In addition to the 10 questions in the General Aptitude section, there will be 55 questions from the core discipline and engineering mathematics. Of these, 25 questions will be worth 1 mark each, while 30 will be worth 2 marks each.
| Subjects | Number of questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF, and ST | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| 30 | 2 | 60 | |
| Total | 55 | - | 85 |
GATE Exam Pattern for CY, EY, MA, and PH Papers
Each GATE paper with the codes CY, EY, MA, and PH is divided into two sections: General Aptitude and Core Discipline.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Marks Weightage |
| General Aptitude | 15 | 15% |
| Core Discipline | 55 | 85% |
The marking scheme for GATE papers with codes AR, CY, EY, MA, and PH is presented in the table below:
| Subjects | Number of questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| AR, CY, EY, MA, PH | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| 30 | 2 | 60 | |
| Total | 55 | - | 85 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Architecture and Planning (AR)
The GATE Exam Pattern for Architecture and Planning paper has been updated this year. The updated exam pattern consists of three sections: GA (General Aptitude), Part A, and Part B. Everyone must attempt Part A, but Part B is further divided into two sections: B1 (Architecture) and B2 (Planning). Candidates need to choose one of these two sections during the exam.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| GA | 10 | (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) | 15 |
| Part A (mandatory) | 39 | (18 x 1) + (21 x 2) | 60 |
| Part B: Part B1 (Architecture) or Part B2 (Planning) | 16 | (7 x 1) + (9 x 2) | 25 |
| Total | 55 | - | 100 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Geomatics Engineering (GE)
Geomatics Engineering was added as a subject in the GATE 2022 examination. The exam pattern for Geomatics Engineering includes three sections: General Aptitude (GA), Part A, and Part B.
| Sections | Number of questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| GA | 10 | (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) | 15 |
| Part A (mandatory) | 36 | (17 x 1) + (19 x 2) | 55 |
| Part B: Section I or Section II | 16 | (8 x 1) + (11 x 2) | 30 |
| Total | 55 | - | 100 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Geology and Geophysics (GG)
The GATE 2026 Geology and Geophysics (GG) paper comprises three sections: General Aptitude, Part A, and Part B. Part B is further divided into Section 1 (Geology) and Section 2 (Geophysics). General Aptitude and Part A are mandatory for all candidates. At the same time, they can choose either Section 1 or Section 2 from Part B.
| Sections | Sub-section | Number of questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| GA | - | 10 | 1 or 2 | 15 |
| Part A | - | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Part B (either one based on candidates selection) | Geology | 30 | 2 | 60 |
| Geophysics | 30 | 2 | 60 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM)
The GATE exam pattern for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) is tabulated below:
| Sections | Number of questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| GA | 10 | (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) | 15 |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 55 | (25 x 1) + (30 x 2) | 85 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Engineering Sciences (XE)
Section-wise Distribution of Marks for GATE XE Paper:
General Aptitude: 10 questions carrying 15 marks in total.
Section A (Engineering Mathematics): 11 questions carrying 15 marks in total.
Section B-H: Candidates must choose any TWO sections from Section B to Section H. Each section consists of 22 questions carrying 35 marks in total. The subjects under each section are as follows:
XE-B: Fluid Mechanics
XE-C: Material Science
XE-D: Solid Mechanics
XE-E: Thermodynamics
XE-F: Polymer Science and Engineering
XE-G: Food Technology
XE-H: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Please refer to the following table for the detailed marking scheme of the XE paper:
| Sections | Number of 1 mark questions | Number of 2 mark questions | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| GA | 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| Section A (Engineering Sciences) | 7 | 4 | 11 | 15 |
| Section B (Any two of these) | 9+9 | 13+13 | 22+22=44 | 35+35= 70 |
| Total | 30 | 70 | 65 | 100 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Humanities and Social Sciences (XH)
Introduction of Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) Paper in GATE Exam 2026:
The GATE XH paper was introduced in 2021, provideing an opportunity for students with a humanities background to apply for GATE. The paper is divided into three sections. General Aptitude and B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) are mandatory sections, while candidates must choose any ONE from C1 to C6. The subjects under C1 to C6 include
XH–C1: Economics
XH–C2: English
XH–C3: Linguistics
XH–C4: Philosophy
XH–C5: Psychology
XH–C6: Sociology
Please refer to the following table for the detailed marks distribution for GATE XH:
| Section Total | Number of 1 mark questions Total | Number of 2 mark questions | Total Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| GA | 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| B1* (Reasoning and Comprehension) | 5 | 10 | 15 | 15 |
| C1-C6(Any one of these) | 20 | 20 | 40 | 60 |
| Total | 30 | 70 | 65 | 100 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Life Sciences (XL)
Section-wise Distribution of Marks for GATE XL Paper:
General Aptitude: This section is compulsory for all candidates and consists of 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks.
Section P (Chemistry): This section is also compulsory for all candidates and comprises 15 questions with 25 marks.
Section Q-U: Candidates must choose any TWO sections from Section Q to Section U. Each section consists of 20 questions carrying 30 marks in total. The subjects under each section are as follows:
XL-Q: Biochemistry
XL-R: Botany
XL-S: Microbiology
XL-T: Zoology
XL-U: Food Technology
Please refer to the following table for the detailed marking scheme of the GATE XL paper:
| Section Total | Number of 1 mark questions Total | Number of 2 mark questions | Total Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| GA | 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| Section P(Chemistry) | 5 | 10 | 15 | 25 |
| Section Q-U(Any two of these) | 10+10 | 10+10 | 20+20=40 | 30+30=60 |
| Total | 30 | 70 | 65 | 100 |
GATE Exam Pattern For Civil Engineering
The Civil Engineering Gate exam pattern gives the number of questions asked in Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Civil Engineering subjects, corresponding marks, and subject-wise description. The details are given in the table below.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | 10 | 13 |
| General aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Civil engineering subject | 45 | 72 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
As per the previous year's exam, the nature of the questions asked as per the GATE CE exam pattern is as follows:
- Application & Formula Based
- Figures Based Questions
- Questions Based on Core Topics
- Questions Based on Analysis or Common Data Questions
- Linked Questions
GATE Exam Pattern For Computer Science And Engineering
The GATE exam pattern for CSE gives the number of questions asked in Engineering Mathematics, General Aptitude, and Civil Engineering subjects, corresponding marks, and subject-wise description. The details are given in the table below.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | 10 | 13 |
| General aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Computer science and engineering subject | 45 | 72 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
As per the official GATE CSE exam pattern, there is a mixed number of questions of 1 and 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 1/3 marks on the questions of 1 mark and 2/3 marks are deducted on the 2 marks MCQs for each wrong answer.
| Category | Marking |
| Correct answers | +1 and +2 |
| Incorrect answer | ⅓ and ⅔ |
| Unattempted questions | 0 |
GATE Exam Pattern For Mechanical Engineering
GATE exam pattern for Mechanical Engineering allows candidates to prepare for the exam thoroughly. It is the branch of engineering in which the maximum number of candidates appear in GATE.
The important key points of the GATE Mechanical Engineering exam pattern 2026 are mentioned below.
- The total marks in GATE ME are 100.
- The total number of questions is 65.
- The duration of the exam is 3 hours.
- The General Aptitude section carries 15% of the total marks, Engineering Mathematics carries 13%, and Mechanical Engineering subject questions carry 72% of the total marks.
GATE Exam Pattern For Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Gate exam pattern will benefit candidates who want to attain higher qualifications in electrical engineering. I will facilitate effective preparation strategies for the exam.
- GATE EE exam pattern 2026 describes the latest exam trend to be followed in the upcoming year, along with the different sections and subjects on which the candidates will be assessed extensively.
- The GATE exam paper pattern for Electrical Engineering comprises Multiple Choice, Multiple Select, and Numerical Answer Type questions. The paper includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Subject-specific parts (Electrical Engineering). The Electrical Engineering section carries 72% marks, General Aptitude carries 15%, and Engineering Mathematics carries 13% in the exam.
GATE 2026 Marking Scheme
In the GATE Question Paper, regardless of the subject (there are 29 subjects in total), you will find 65 questions. These questions are worth a total of 100 marks. The paper is divided into subsections, and the marking scheme varies based on these subsections.
Out of the 100 marks, the General Aptitude section, which tests your language and analytical skills, has 10 questions worth 15. Specifically, there are 5 questions worth 2 marks each and 5 questions worth 1 mark each.
For specific papers with codes like AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF, and XE, the subject called Engineering Mathematics carries about 13% of the total marks (out of 100 marks). The remaining 72% of the marks are assigned to the subject-specific portion of the paper.
However, for papers with codes like AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL, the General Aptitude section contributes 15% of the total marks (out of 100). The remaining 85% of the question paper is dedicated to the subject-specific portion.
Please note that the exact details of the marking scheme for each subject within the paper will be specified based on the guidelines as mentioned earlier.
| GATE 2026 Marking Scheme | ||||
| Paper Code | General Aptitude (GA) Marks | Subject Marks | Total Marks | Total Time (Minutes) |
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, CY, EC, EE, ES, EY, IN, MA, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PH, PI, TF, ST | 15 | 85 | 100 | 180 |
| AR [Part A + Part B1 (Architecture) OR Part B2 (Planning)] | 15 | 60 + 25 | 100 | 180 |
| GE [Part A + Part B (Section 1 OR Section 2)] | 15 | 55 + 3- | 100 | 180 |
| GG [Part A + Part B (Section 1 Geology OR Section 2 Geophysics)] | 15 | 25 + 60 | 100 | 180 |
| XE (Section A + Any TWO Sections) | 15 | 15 + (2 x 35) | 100 | 180 |
| XH (Section B1 +Any ONE Section) | 15 | 25 + 60 | 100 | 180 |
| XL (Section P+Any TWO Sections) | 15 | 25 + (2 x 30) | 100 | 180 |
Negative Marking in GATE
According to the GATE Exam Pattern 2026, there will be a negative marking in for a wrong answer in an MCQ. Multiple select questions and Numerical answer type will have no negative marking. The detailed negative marking scheme is mentioned in the table below.
| Type of Questions | Negative Marking Scheme |
| Multiple-choice questions | For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer. |
| Multiple-select questions | No negative marking |
| Numerical-answer type questions | No negative marking |
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GATE Exam Pattern FAQs
Q. Where can I find the official GATE exam pattern 2026?
Q. What is the GATE exam duration?
Q. Will I get any negative marks for solving a question with a wrong answer in the GATE exam 2026?
Q. Can I appear for multiple papers in GATE 2026?
Q. Does the GATE paper have sectional timing?
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