GATE Exam Date:07 Feb' 26 - 08 Feb' 26
GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) for admission to postgraduate programs and recruitment in leading PSUs. The official notification has been released on the official website, detailing the syllabus, eligibility, and application process. GATE CSE subject-wise weightage changes slightly every year, so aspirants must not only be thorough with the exam syllabus and pattern but also focus on high-weightage topics for effective preparation.
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The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled for February 2026. The Computer Science Engineering (CSE) paper will comprise 11 key sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization & Architecture, Programming & Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, and Computer Networks. The paper will feature Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Understanding the subject-wise weightage will help candidates plan their study schedule strategically for maximum score improvement.
It is important to know and understand subject-wise weightage of GATE CSE of previous years As here we are talking about GATE CSE, we have made a specific weightage table to refer for 2026 as per previous years weightages. Below you can check them:
Chapter | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Total (5 Years) | Weightage |
Engineering Mathematics | 16 | 23 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 73 | 16.40% |
Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 70 | 15.73% |
Computer Networks | 10 | 12 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 44 | 9.89% |
Programming and Data Structures | 17 | 11 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 44 | 9.89% |
Computer Organization & Architecture | 13 | 13 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 42 | 9.44% |
Operating System | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 38 | 8.54% |
Databases | 9 | 12 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 39 | 8.76% |
Theory of Computation | 9 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 7.19% |
Digital Logic | 9 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 4.94% |
Compiler Design | 9 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 4.72% |
Algorithms | 8 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 4.49% |
Here is the detailed distribution of weightage you can refer to:
Also Read GATE: How to Prepare for CSE
Effective preparation for GATE CSE 2026 requires an understanding of the GATE CSE 2026 subject-wise weighting, which helps you in ranking topics according to their significance on the test. The distribution of marks for each subject may differ slightly from year to year, even though the syllabus stays the same. By examining historical patterns, candidates can concentrate on high-weighted subjects like computer networks, theory of computation, algorithms, and data structures, which will improve time management and result in a higher score.
Chapter | Number of Questions Asked in Both Shifts |
Engineering Mathematics | 16 |
Aptitude | 20 |
Computer Networks | 10 |
Programming and Data Structures | 17 |
Computer Organization & Architecture | 13 |
Operating System | 10 |
Databases | 9 |
Theory of Computation | 9 |
Digital Logic | 9 |
Compiler Design | 9 |
Algorithms | 8 |
Grand Total | 130 |
Based on the last five years’ analysis, Engineering Mathematics holds the highest average weightage in GATE CSE, contributing around 16.40% of the total marks. Among the core technical subjects, Computer Networks and Programming & Data Structures each contribute about 9.89%, while Computer Organization & Architecture follows closely with 9.44%. Databases (8.76%) and Operating Systems (8.54%) are also significant contributors. Collectively, these high-weightage technical areas form the backbone of the GATE CSE paper, and mastering them can significantly boost overall performance.
Topics | Percent of Questions Asked |
C-Programming | 20% |
Data Structures | 20% |
Algorithms | 20% |
Digital Logic | 20% |
Computer Architecture | 20% |
Operating Systems | 20% |
Discrete Math | 20% |
Engineering Math | 20% |
DBMS | 25% |
1. Strategic Time Allocation
Knowing which subjects carry more marks allows you to allocate your preparation time proportionally. Instead of spending equal hours on every topic, you can dedicate more time to high-weightage areas like Engineering Mathematics, Computer Networks, and Programming & Data Structures, ensuring better return on your effort.
2. Focused Revision Planning
Weightage analysis helps in designing a targeted revision strategy. For example, if a subject like Compiler Design historically has low weightage, you can revise it quickly and invest more revision cycles in subjects with 8–12% weightage, which are more likely to yield higher marks.
3. Identification of High-Scoring Areas
Some topics are conceptually straightforward but carry high marks, such as General Aptitude and certain parts of Discrete Mathematics. Recognizing these “quick-gain” areas helps you secure marks with less time investment, boosting your score with minimal risk.
4. Tracking Year-to-Year Trends
By comparing past years’ data, you can identify whether a subject’s weightage is increasing, decreasing, or stable. This trend awareness can help you predict which topics might be emphasized in 2026 and adjust your preparation accordingly.
5. Boosting Exam Confidence
When you know exactly where marks are most likely to come from, your preparation feels more purposeful. This confidence reduces last-minute panic and allows you to enter the exam hall with a clear strategy, improving both speed and accuracy under pressure.
Also Read: How to Prepare for GATE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, they can still fetch easy marks; just allocate less time compared to major topics.
Yes, but core high-weightage subjects usually remain consistent over time.
There will be only one paper in GATE CSE (Computer Science and Information Technology.
The GATE CSE question paper pattern 2025 will have three major types of questions including MCQ, MSQ, and NAT.
The GATE Computer Science Engineering Syllabus includes topics, such as Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization, and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating Systems, Databases, and Computer Networks.
On Question asked by student community
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.
If your GATE application shows failed status even after a successful payment, don’t worry, this usually happens due to server or transaction update delays. First, wait for 24–48 hours as sometimes the status gets updated automatically. If it still shows failed, you should raise a query through the GATE application portal by providing your enrollment ID and payment receipt or transaction details. You can also contact the GATE zonal office via email or helpline with proof of payment. Keeping a screenshot of the payment success message will also help in resolving the issue quickly.
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