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    GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage (Available) – Check Paper-Wise Marking Scheme

    GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage (Available) – Check Paper-Wise Marking Scheme

    Shivani PooniaUpdated on 28 Oct 2025, 11:37 PM IST

    GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage: The GATE 2026 exam pattern gives a clear idea of subject-wise weightage and paper-wise marking scheme of each paper. Each paper carries 100 marks with questions from General Aptitude, and Core Subject topics. While General Aptitude is of 15 marks and Core Subject is of 85 marks. Knowing subject-wise weightage is essential for preparing GATE 2026 exam. In this Article we have provided the GATE subject-wise weightage, including the exam pattern and the list of books. To know more, Scroll down the article.

    LiveGATE 2026 Result LIVE: Final answer key not released yet, IIT Guwahati confirms; scorecard, rank predictorMar 18, 2026 | 12:30 PM IST

    The marks vs rank trend in GATE 2026 is expected to follow previous patterns. For example, a score above 80–90 in CSE or 85+ in Mechanical Engineering may fetch a top rank, while mid-range scores can still secure decent institutes depending on the branch.

    Read More

    This Story also Contains

    1. GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage
    2. GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
    3. Books for GATE 2026 Preparation
    4. How Weightage Analysis Helps in GATE Preparation
    GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage (Available) – Check Paper-Wise Marking Scheme
    GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage

    GATE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage

    GATE 2026 weightage tables are given below considering the last 5 years question papers. We have provided the GATE 2026 subject wise weightage for every subject below. It is important to know which topic holds the most weightage for each subject for GATE 2026. Knowing the important topics is always a key tip for enhancing the preparation and doing better in the exam. We have given Weightage for all branches. You can check Gate 2026 subject wise weightage pdf download below!

    GATE General Aptitude Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Verbal Ability

    60%

    Numerical Ability

    40%

    Grand Total

    100.00%

    GATE CS and IT Weightage 2026

    Chapter

    Weightage

    Aptitude

    16.40%

    Engineering Mathematics

    15.73%

    Programming and Data Structures

    9.89%

    Computer Networks

    9.89%

    Computer Organization & Architecture

    9.44%

    Operating System

    8.54%

    Theory of Computation

    8.76%

    Digital Logic

    7.19%

    Algorithms

    4.94%

    Databases

    4.72%

    Compiler Design

    4.49%

    Grand Total100%

    Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT)

    GATE Electronics and Communications Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Analog and Digital Electronics

    18.41%

    Aptitude

    15.87%

    Control Systems

    9.52%

    Electric Circuits

    8.57%

    Electrical and Electronic Measurements

    13.33%

    Electrical Machines

    5.40%

    Electromagnetic Fields

    2.86%

    Engineering Mathematics

    4.13%

    Power Electronics

    4.44%

    Power Systems

    9.84%

    Signals and Systems

    7.62%

    Grand Total

    100.00%

    GATE Civil Engineering Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Aptitude

    15.87%

    Engineering Mathematics

    13.02%

    Environmental Engineering

    11.11%

    Geomatics Engineering

    6.35%

    Geotechnical Engineering

    13.97%

    Structural Engineering

    16.51%

    Transportation Engineering

    10.79%

    Water Resources Engineering

    12.38%

    Grand Ttotal

    100.00%

    Also Read: GATE: How to Prepare for Civil Engineering

    GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Analog Circuits

    11.38%

    Aptitude

    15.38%

    Communications

    9.23%

    Control Systems

    8.62%

    Digital Circuits

    7.69%

    Electromagnetics

    6.77%

    Electronic Devices

    8.62%

    Engineering Mathematics

    11.08%

    Networks

    7.48%

    Signals and Systems

    13.54%

    Grand Total

    100.00%

    Also Read: GATE: How to Prepare for Electronics & Communication Engineering

    GATE Chemistry Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Organic Synthesis

    16.19%

    Aptitude

    15.87%

    Transition Elements

    6.03%

    Quantum Chemistry

    5.71%

    Spectroscopy

    5.71%

    Chemical Kinectics and Electrochemistry

    5.71%

    Main Group Elements

    5.71%

    Organometallics

    5.40%

    Experimental techniques of organic chemistry

    4.13%

    Equilibrium

    3.81%

    Thermodynamics

    3.81%

    Surfaces and Interfaces

    3.81%

    Steriochemistry

    2.86%

    Group Theory

    2.54%

    Bioinorganic

    2.54%

    Reaction Mechanism

    2.54%

    Instrumental Method of Analysis

    1.90%

    Solids

    1.59%

    Lanthanoids and Actinoids

    1.27%

    Pericyclic and Photochemistry

    1.27%

    Biomolecules

    1.27%

    Radioactivity

    0.95%

    Total

    100.00%

    Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for Chemistry (CY)

    GATE Mechanical Engineering Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Applied Mechanics and Design

    23.81%

    Aptitude

    15.87%

    Engineering Mathematics

    27.62%

    Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences

    17.78%

    Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering

    14.92%

    Grand Total

    100.00%

    Also Read: GATE: How to Prepare for Mechanical Engineering

    GATE Chemical Engineering Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Aptitude

    15.38%

    Chemical Reaction Engineering

    10.46%

    Chemical Technology

    4.92%

    Engineering Mathematics

    14.15%

    Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations

    8.62%

    Heat Transfer

    9.23%

    Instrumentation and Process Control

    10.77%

    Mass Transfer

    12.31%

    Plant Design and Economics

    3.08%

    Process Calculations and Thermodynamics

    11.08%

    Grand Total

    100.00%

    Also Read: GATE: How to Prepare for Chemical Engineering

    GATE Metallurgical Engineering Weightage 2026

    Chapter

    Weightage

    Engineering Mathematics

    11.43%

    General Aptitude

    15.87%

    Manufacturing Processes

    13.02%

    Mechanical Metallurgy

    7.62%

    Metallurgical Thermodynamics

    14.29%

    Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy

    8.89%

    Physical Metallurgy

    19.37%

    Transport Phenomena and Rate Processes

    9.52%

    Grand Total

    100.00%

    Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for Metallurgical Engineering (MT)

    GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Aptitude

    15.38%

    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    8.46%

    Calculus and Optimization

    8.46%

    Database Management and Warehousing

    8.46%

    Linear Algebra

    10.77%

    Machine Learning

    14.62%

    Probability and Statistics

    16.92%

    Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms

    16.92%

    Total

    100.00%

    GATE Petroleum Engineering Weightage 2026

    Chapter Name

    Weightage

    Aptitude

    15.87%

    Engineering Mathematics

    10.48%

    Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques

    6.98%

    Health, Safety and Environment in Petroleum Industry

    7.94%

    Latest Trends in Petroleum Engineering

    0.95%

    Offshore Drilling and Production Practices

    3.49%

    Oil and Gas Well Drilling Technology

    6.98%

    Oil and Gas Well Testing

    6.67%

    Petroleum Exploration

    5.40%

    Petroleum Formation Evaluation

    12.06%

    Petroleum Production Operations

    10.16%

    Reservoir Engineering

    13.02%

    Grand Total

    100.00%


    Also Read: How to Prepare for GATE

    GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

    Let’s understand the exam pattern along with GATE subject wise weightage 2026. GATE 2026 will follow a computer-based format and include a mix of question types, such as multiple-choice, multiple-select, and numerical answer types. The GATE exam pattern is structured to evaluate both general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge in a comprehensive and time-efficient manner. Check it in detail below:

    Feature

    Details

    Exam Mode

    Computer-Based Test (CBT)

    Duration

    3 Hours (180 Minutes)

    Total Marks

    100

    Total Questions

    65

    Question Types

    Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) - Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

    Sections in Paper

    General Aptitude (15 Marks) - Subject-Specific (85 Marks)

    General Aptitude (GA)

    Common for all papers; 10 questions: 5 Qs (1 mark), 5 Qs (2 marks)

    Marking Scheme

    1-mark and 2-mark questions

    Negative marking:

    • 1-mark MCQ: -0.33

    • 2-mark MCQ: -0.66

    No negative marking for MSQ/NAT

    Allowed Papers Combination

    Some papers allow 2-paper combinations (refer to GATE website for options)

    Total Paper Codes

    30+ papers (Engineering, Science, Humanities, etc.)

    Virtual Calculator

    Provided during the exam

    Medium of Exam

    English only


    Also Read: GATE - A Complete Guide

    Books for GATE 2026 Preparation

    Along with knowing GATE subject wise weightage 2026, It is essential to refer to good books to prepare for GATE 2026. But, as there are a bunch of books in the market, it is hard to understand which one to refer to. So, here we have given crucial books for preparing for GATE 2026. Check them below:

    Stream

    Book Title

    Author/Publisher

    General Aptitude

    A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

    R.S. Aggarwal

    Quantitative Aptitude

    R.S. Aggarwal

    GATE General Aptitude

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Mechanical Engineering

    Engineering Thermodynamics

    P.K. Nag

    Strength of Materials

    R.K. Bansal / S.S. Bhavikatti

    Theory of Machines

    R.S. Khurmi / S.S. Rattan

    Fluid Mechanics

    R.K. Bansal / Frank M. White

    Heat Transfer

    J.P. Holman / R.K. Rajput

    Machine Design

    V.B. Bhandari

    GATE ME Previous Year Papers

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Computer Science

    Introduction to Algorithms

    Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, Stein

    Data Structures Using C

    Yashwant Kanetkar / Seymour Lipschutz

    Operating Systems

    Galvin / William Stallings

    Computer Networks

    Andrew S. Tanenbaum / Forouzan

    Theory of Computation

    Ullman / Peter Linz

    GATE CSE PYQs & Practice Papers

    Made Easy / GateForum

    Electrical and Communication Engineering

    Electrical Machines

    P.S. Bimbhra

    Power Systems

    C.L. Wadhwa / Nagrath & Kothari

    Control Systems

    Nagrath & Gopal

    Electrical and Electronic Measurements

    A.K. Sawhney

    GATE EE Previous Year Papers

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Civil Engineering

    Strength of Materials

    R.K. Bansal / S.S. Bhavikatti

    Structural Analysis

    C.S. Reddy

    Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering

    B.C. Punmia / K.R. Arora

    Environmental Engineering

    S.K. Garg

    GATE CE Solved Papers

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Electronics and Communication

    Electronic Devices & Circuits

    Boylestad / Millman & Halkias

    Network Analysis

    Van Valkenburg

    Signals and Systems

    Oppenheim & Willsky

    Control Systems

    Nagrath & Gopal

    Communication Systems

    Simon Haykin

    GATE ECE Solved Papers

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Data Science and AI

    Introduction to Machine Learning

    Ethem Alpaydin

    Python Machine Learning

    Sebastian Raschka

    Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

    Christopher Bishop

    Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

    Navidi

    Chemistry

    Physical Chemistry

    P.W. Atkins / Puri Sharma Pathania

    Organic Chemistry

    Morrison & Boyd / O.P. Tandon

    Inorganic Chemistry

    J.D. Lee / Concise Inorganic by J. Huheey

    GATE Chemistry Previous Papers

    ACE Academy / Made Easy

    Chemical Engineering

    Chemical Engineering Vol. 1 & 2

    Coulson & Richardson

    Chemical Reaction Engineering

    O. Levenspiel

    Transport Processes

    Geankoplis

    GATE Chemical Engg. Previous Papers

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Petroleum Engineering

    Petroleum Production Systems

    Michael J. Economides

    Reservoir Engineering Handbook

    Tarek Ahmed

    Drilling Engineering

    J.J. Azar

    GATE Petroleum Engg. Previous Papers

    Made Easy / ACE Academy

    Metallurgical Engineering

    Physical Metallurgy Principles

    Reed-Hill / Abbaschian

    Extractive Metallurgy

    Terk


    Also Read: Best Books for GATE 2026

    How Weightage Analysis Helps in GATE Preparation

    Subject-wise weightage analysis of Gate helps students to understand the exam pattern and topics which are frequently asked in the exam. There are several other benifits of knowing the weightage which are given below:

    Smart Time Management – It will helps you in dividing your study hours between General Aptitude, and Core Subjects effectively. And in main subject you can allocate toime to the topics according to their weightage.

    Prioritise Important Topics – If you know which topics are most frequently asked in the GATE previous year's questions paper, you can prioritize those topics accordingly by giving more time and focus to the ones that carries higher weightage

    Boosts Accuracy and Confidence – Practising more from high-weightage topics increases your chances of scoring better.

    Balanced Preparation – When you know the weightage of the topics, your preparation will be more balanced. You won’t end up spending too much time on topics from which questions have hardly appeared in previous years. This will help you maintain a well-structured and effective preparation strategy.

    Also Read: How to crack GATE?


    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Does the weightage include the General Aptitude (GA) section?
    A:

    Yes, General Aptitude (GA) is mandatory for all papers and consistently accounts for 15 marks out of the total 100 marks. The remaining 85 marks are dedicated to the Technical Subjects and Engineering Mathematics.

    Q: Can I appear for two papers in GATE 2026?
    A:

    Yes, candidates can appear for up to two papers from the allowed two-paper combinations.

    Q: Does this article contain GATE 2026 subject wise weightage for CS?
    A:

    Yes, this article does contain CS and IT weightage.

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    Questions related to GATE

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to GATE ?

    Every PSU has different cut-off marks and eligibility. Hence, it is suggested to apply for PSU after checking the eligibility. Also, they do not reveal the marks of the finally selected candidates. So, wait for the final merit list.

    Yes. You can. GATE eligibility specifies that students in their 3rd year and above can appear for the exam. Since the results are valid for 3 years, you can use the same for your admissions.

    If you score 500 marks in GATE2026, your chances of getting into good engineering colleges (especially NITs, IIITs and some older IITs) are strong for most disciplines, while top branches like CSE/EEE/ECE at older IITs may still require higher ranks. Your GATE AllIndia Rank (AIR) with 500 marks usually falls