GATE Exam Pattern 2026 (Out) - Subject Wise Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

The following GATE exam pattern highlights table contains the mode of exam, duration, GATE marking scheme, test codes and more that help aspirants make a well-planned preparation strategy. Here are the highlights of GATE question paper pattern.

GATE Paper Pattern Highlights

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 - Paper Code Wise Subject Weightage

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme

Check the table for the GATE exam marking scheme for Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, and other courses.

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GATE Marking Scheme 2026

Here is the information about the weightage of General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics in the GATE 2026 exam:

• In GATE 2026, General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics will be compulsory sections which include 15% weightage each in total marks in GATE papers with codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF, and XE. The remaining 70% weightage will be given to the subject selected by the student.

• In the case of GATE 2026 question papers AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, and XL there will be a compulsory section of General Aptitude (15% of the total marks). The remaining 85% weightage will be given to the selected subject.

Also Read- GATE Normalisation process: How Scores are calculated?

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-wise Question Paper Pattern

Below are a few important points that candidates need to know about GATE Papers 2026:

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern for CSE

The GATE pattern for CSE includes the mode of the exam, the number of questions asked, the GATE negative marking scheme, and more. Here, we have provided the GATE exam pattern for CSE in the table.

GATE CSE pattern

GATE Exam Pattern for ECE

Students preparing for the GATE ECE 2026 must know the GATE exam test pattern, marking scheme, weightage, sections, and the number of questions. Moreover, candidates can know the GATE exam total marks for ECE. Check the details of the GATE exam paper pattern 2026 for ECE below

• The total question marks of the ECE question paper will be 100 marks on electronics and communication question papers.

• The exam will be conducted in online mode CBT (computer-based test).

• The GATE question pattern of CE will contain 3 types of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT.

• There will be 1 mark and 2 mark questions in the exam.

• GATE 2026 ECE question paper will contain a total of 65 questions with 10 questions on general aptitude and 55 questions on electronics and communication engineering.

• The total GATE exam duration will be 3 hours (180 minutes) in the exam.

• The GATE negative marking is in objective-type questions only of 1/3 and 2/3 marks.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern for Geomagnetic Engineering (GE) Paper

• The GE Paper contains the General Aptitude (GA) section (15 Marks) as applicable for all papers of GATE 2026.

• The rest of the GATE GE Paper consists of two parts covering the syllabus: Part A (55 marks) and Part B (30 marks).

• Part A is compulsory for all the candidates.

• Part B contains two optional sections: Section I and Section II. Candidates have to choose any one of these during the examination.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) Paper

• The NM Paper contains the General Aptitude (GA) section (15 Marks) as applicable for all papers of GATE 2026.
• The rest of the GATE NM Paper will have 85 marks covering the syllabus.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 Architecture and Planning (AR) New Pattern

• The Paper contains the General Aptitude (GA) section (15 Marks) as applicable for all papers of GATE 2026.
• The GATE paper pattern consists of two parts covering the GATE 2026 syllabus: Part A (60 marks) and Part B (25 marks).
• Part A is compulsory for all the candidates.
• Part B contains two optional sections: Part B1 (Architecture) and Part B2 (Planning).
• Candidates have to choose any one of these during the examination.

GATE 2026 Paper Pattern (Except GG, XE, XL)

• GATE 2026 papers will have 45 questions, out of which 15 questions will carry 1 mark each and 30 will carry 2 marks each.

• There will be multiple-choice questions and numerical answer-type questions present in the GATE paper.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Geology and Geophysics Paper (GG)

• The Geology and Geophysics Paper of GATE will be divided into two parts - A and B.

• Part A is mandatory, while Part B comprises two sections – Geology (Section I) and Geophysics (Section II). It will be up to the candidates which section they want to opt for.

• Part A contains 25 questions carrying 1 mark each. Numerical answer-type questions will also be present in this section.

• Part B (Sections I and II) contains 30 questions carrying 2 marks each.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 Engineering Sciences (XE)

• This GATE paper will have one mandatory section that all candidates have to attempt i.e., Engineering Mathematics

• Another compulsory section is General Aptitude consists of 15 marks.

• Section A consists of 11 questions with a total of 15 marks. The paper may also contain Some numerical answer-type questions.

• Candidates will have the option to choose any of the sections from Section B to I.

• The sections (B to I) comprise 22 questions each carrying 35 marks in total.

GATE Exam Pattern for Engineering Sciences

Candidates appearing for the GATE 2026 exam can check the exam pattern of GATE 2026 on this page. Along with the GATE paper pattern, candidates must check the GATE 2026 syllabus to prepare for the exam. The GATE 2026 paper pattern includes information about the mode of the exam, types of questions, marks, exam duration, sections, and marking scheme.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Life Sciences (XL)

• Chemistry (Section P) is a mandatory section, consisting of 15 questions for a total of 25 marks. This section also has a few numerical answer-type questions.

• The paper also has a General Aptitude section of a total of 15 marks.

• Apart from Chemistry, the candidates also have to choose one more section from Q to U. Each of the sections from Q to U consists of 20 questions carrying a total of 30 marks

GATE 2026 Paper Pattern for Life Sciences

GATE 2026 Exam Subjects and Code

GATE exam pattern 2026 is different for each subject. Below are the subject-wise GATE 2026 subject paper codes for all 30 subject papers of GATE.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Paper Codes

GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XH

GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XE and XL

**XE (Engineering Sciences) and **XL (Life Sciences) papers will consist of sections listed in the table above

Quick Links:- When is the Right Time to Start GATE Preparation

How will be the GATE Question Exam Pattern 2026?

The GATE exam tests the abilities of candidates registered for the exam on various grounds. The question papers are designed as per the GATE 2026 question paper pattern.

• Recall – The questions asked in the GATE question paper 2026 will be directly linked to the principles, facts, formulas, or laws of the paper selected by the candidate. Therefore, the memory and computation skills of the candidates were put to the test.

• Comprehension – There will be questions that test the basic understanding of the candidates in their respective fields of study. Therefore, candidates have to stress fundamental ideas to draw out simple conclusions.

• Application – Candidates will be required to apply their computational and logical reasoning skills.

• Analysis and Synthesis – The questions comprise a mix of data, diagrams, and images. Candidates will be able to solve the questions by analyzing the information contained in them.

GATE 2026 Negative Marking

Candidates are advised to understand the negative marking for GATE to gain good marks. There will be negative markings in the GATE 2026 exam. Knowing about the negative marking help in making a proper strategy for exam. To give an idea of how the GATE negative marking scheme is, we have mentioned the GATE 2026 negative marking scheme below.

• There will be no negative markings in MSQ and NAT questions.

• There will be negative markings in Gate MCQ questions. For every incorrect answer marks will be deducted.

Negative Marking in GATE 2026

GATE 2026 Question Paper Pattern

The students preparing for the GATE exam must know the types of questions to understand the exam mode and pattern with ease. There will be different types of questions asked as per the GATE 2026 exam pattern which are mentioned below.

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

In MCQ questions, the student will be provided with four options, out of which they have to select the right option. There will be negative markings in MCQ questions.

2. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

These will be multiple selection questions, and every question contains four options, out of which, the candidates can select one or more than one option. There will be no negative markings for MSQ questions. Also, there are no partial marks allotted for MSQ-type questions.

3. Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

In numerical questions, candidates have to enter their answers in digits. In these types of questions, there will be no negative marking.

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GATE 2026 Exam- Key Guideline

Keep the following instructions in mind while appearing for the GATE exam 2026:

• Physical calculators, wristwatches, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the GATE examination centres.

• For the ease and convenience of candidates, a virtual calculator will be provided on the screen of the candidates.

Guide to Attempt Online GATE Entrance Exam

How to navigate to a question?

• On the right side of the screen, candidates find a serial-wise list of questions.

• Candidates can directly navigate to a question by clicking on the GATE question number.

• The question will be displayed on the screen when the question button is pressed.

Procedure to answer a question?

• In the case of MCQs, candidates have to click on a particular option to select it.

• To deselect the option, click on the option again. Candidates can also select the clear response option to deselect any option.

• In the case of numerical-type questions, enter the answer through the virtual keyboard present on the screen.

Steps to save answers?

• Candidates have to click on the “Save and Next” option given on the screen.

• If candidates are unsure of their answer they can mark the question for review by selecting the “Mark for Review and Next” option.

• Once the time limits all the answers will be automatically submitted.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 - Points to Remember

• The GATE exam will be conducted only in online mode (Computer Based Test mode).
• The GATE exam time duration will be 3 hours.
• The total mark for the GATE exam is 100.
• According to GATE exam pattern, there will be 65 questions in exam paper.
• All of the questions that are asked in GATE will be related to the GATE exam 2026 syllabus.
• According to the GATE question paper pattern, there will be two types of questions - Multiple Choice Questions and Numerical Answer Type Questions.
• In the case of MCQs, candidates have to select one answer from the 4 options given and in NAT questions students have to enter the correct answer through the virtual keyboard.
• Candidates will be provided with a scribble pad for the rough work.