GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE 2026 Question Paper - The GATE is the entrance examination that is taken by graduates of engineering students who would like to proceed with their studies or take a job at Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Developed by the IITs and IISc, the nature of questions in this exam is gradually very difficult to hard. The question paper set during the GATE 2026 will be conducted in accordance to the regular syllabus presented in the given subjects. In this page, we will be updating some of the details of the exam date, tips on preparation, and all other significant changes regarding GATE exam 2026, so make a note to come back and to keep yourself updated! In this article we have also talked about the GATE 2026 question paper with answers and how you can use the resources to strengthen your preparation for the GATE 2026 question paper. Let's dive in.
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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% |
Core Subject Papers | 72% |
The GATE 2026 question paper with answers will be available in this page right after the exam takes place.
You can refer to the following in the format of GATE 2026 question paper with solutions pdf. Some question papers of previous batches that you can refer to for strengthening your preparation:
The following table will give you the mentioned brief about the headings below:
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 |
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
As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).
You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.
Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.
How to clear GATE Exam :
First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.
Make a small study plan and follow it every week.
Read from good books or trusted online notes.
Practice old GATE question papers.
Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.
Revise your notes and formulas again and again.
How to get Job in PSU:
Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.
Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.
Apply on time with your GATE score.
Be ready for interviews or group discussions.
Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.
Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.
Hello,
Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.
GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.
So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.
Hope it helps !
Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers
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