UPES M.Tech Admissions 2026
Ranked #45 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed 91% Placement, 800+ Recruiters
GATE Exam Date:07 Feb' 26 - 08 Feb' 26
GATE 2026 Question Paper - The GATE is the entrance examination taken by engineering graduates who wish to pursue further studies or secure a job at Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). To crack GATE 2026, the best method is to solve previous year papers. This helps us understand the exam pattern, identify the types of questions asked, recognize trends, and see which topics are frequently covered. In this article, we have provided GATE previous year question papers along with their solutions, details about the exam pattern, the marking scheme, and some preparation tips. To learn more about GATE exam 2026, just scroll down the article.
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The GATE 2026 question paper will consist of 65 questions, including multiple choice questions (MCQs), multiple select questions (MSQs), and numerical answer types (NATs). The distribution of marks as per the GATE exam pattern is as follows:
Particulars |
Weightage of Marks |
General Aptitude |
15% |
Engineering Mathematics |
13% (if present) |
Core Subject Papers |
72% |
Also Read: How to Prepare for GATE
Solving previous year questions (PYQs) is one of the smartest ways to prepare for GATE 2026. It helps you understand the exam pattern, focus on important topics, and practice real exam-level questions effectively. You can download question paper from the link given below:
The following table helps you under the marking scheme of each paper code of GATE 2026 exam:
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, ST, TF |
15 |
85 |
100 |
180 |
AR [Part A + Part B1 or B2 (B1: Architecture or B2: Planning)] B1 or B2 can be selected during the Exam. |
15 |
60 + 25 |
100 |
180 |
GE [Part A + Part B1 or B2 (B1 - Surveying and Mapping or B2 -Image Processing and Analysis)] B1 or B2 can be selected during the Exam. |
15 |
55 + 30 |
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) Sections can be selected during the Exam. |
15 |
15 + (2 x 35) |
100 |
180 |
XH (Section B1 + Any ONE Section) |
15 |
25 + 60 |
100 |
180 |
XL (Section P + Any TWO Sections) Sections can be selected during the Exam. |
15 |
25 + (2 x 30) |
100 |
180 |
Understand the Exam Pattern – To crack GATE 2026, the first step is to understand the exam pattern. The best way to do this is by solving previous year papers, as they help us identify the types of questions asked and the level of difficulty
Focus on Repeated Topics – By solving previous year papers, we get to know which topics are frequently repeated and which are not. This helps us decide which topics deserve more focus and which require less time, ensuring better time management during preparation.
Improve Speed and Accuracy – When we regularly practice previous year papers, it helps us improve our problem-solving skills. Our speed increases, allowing us to manage time effectively, and we also avoid making silly mistakes.
Build Exam Strategy – When we regularly solve previous year papers, we build a clear exam strategy. We understand which section to attempt first, which to attempt later, which sections are time-consuming, and how much time to spend on each question. All this strategy develops naturally when we make solving previous year papers a regular habit.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, negative marking applies only to MCQ questions: -0.33 for 1-mark MCQs and -0.66 for 2-mark MCQs. There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs, so candidates should attempt these without fear of losing marks.
Yes, solving previous year papers helps in understanding question patterns, difficulty levels, and time management. It also highlights important topics frequently asked in the exam and boosts problem-solving confidence.
The GATE question paper consists of 65 questions divided into MCQs, MSQs, and NATs. The total marks are 100, and the paper duration is 3 hours. General Aptitude carries 15 marks, while the rest is from core subjects.
Yes, the GATE 2026 question paper will follow the same syllabus. Any change in it will be announced on the website beforehand.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
If you're in 2nd year right now, you can’t register for GATE 2026 just yet.
The exam is only open to students in the 3rd year or beyond in their degree.
It’s mainly because the GATE tests subjects that are usually taught later in your course.
But don’t worry, you are in a great position to start preparing early!
Focus on your basics, practice problem-solving, and build strong concepts now.
By the time you reach 3rd year, you’ll be well ahead of the game.
Hello,
If your GATE 2026 application shows "under scrutiny," continue to monitor your applicant portal and registered email for updates, as this is a routine process where officials verify your details. An "under scrutiny" status does not mean your application is rejected; you may be notified of discrepancies and given a chance to correct them during the application correction window, which opens later. Keep your application details accurate and prepare for the exam while waiting for the correction window to open.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
In the GATE application form , you should enter your name exactly as it appears in your official ID proof , even if the order is different.
For example:
If your ID proof shows Surname + First Name , enter it in the same way in the form.
Do not change the order to First Name + Surname.
This is important because your GATE admit card and scorecard will match your ID proof.
Keep it exactly the same to avoid any issues later.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
Yes, you as a Bachelor of Science graduate in home science can appear for the GATE 2026 exam, as the eligibility criteria include graduates from "Science" and other fields, as well as those in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate program.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hey! The GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is very important for long-term career growth. It opens opportunities for postgraduate studies (M.Tech, MS, PhD) in top institutes like IITs and NITs and is also used by many public sector companies (PSUs) for recruitment, often with higher salary packages. In the long run, qualifying GATE can enhance your technical knowledge, career prospects, and credibility in the engineering field.
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