GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - Topic wise Marks

GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - Topic wise Marks

Team Careers360Updated on 26 Nov 2025, 10:02 AM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage- Last 5 Year
  2. GATE CSE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage
  3. Which Topic Has the Highest Weightage in GATE CSE?
  4. Key Benefits of GATE CSE Weightage
GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - Topic wise Marks
GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage 2026

The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 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.

GATE CSE Subject Wise Weightage- Last 5 Year

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:

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Also Read GATE: How to Prepare for CSE

GATE CSE 2026 Subject Wise Weightage

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

Which Topic Has the Highest Weightage in GATE CSE?

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%


Key Benefits of GATE CSE Weightage

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)

Q: What is the validity of the GATE score?
A:

The GATE score is valid for 3 years for admissions. PSUs may follow their own validity rules.

Q: What is the validity of the GATE score?
A:

The GATE score is valid for 3 years for admissions. PSUs may follow their own validity rules.

Q: Should I ignore low-weightage subjects?
A:

No, they can still fetch easy marks; just allocate less time compared to major topics.

Q: Can weightage trends change each year?
A:

Yes, but core high-weightage subjects usually remain consistent over time.

Q: How many papers are there in GATE for CSE?
A:

There will be only one paper in GATE CSE (Computer Science and Information Technology.

Q: What is the Exam Pattern for GATE CSE 2025?
A:

The GATE CSE question paper pattern 2025 will have three major types of questions including MCQ, MSQ, and NAT.

Q: What is the GATE syllabus for CSE?
A:

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.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key that will help you analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time effectively in preparartion.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-metallurgical-question-papers

Thank you

Hello,

Yes, you can get admission in M.Tech CSE without GATE .

  1. Through university entrance exams
    Many universities conduct their own M.Tech entrance exams. You have to qualify the test and sometimes attend an interview.

  2. Through JET for M.Tech
    JET (JAIN Entrance Test) is conducted by Jain University.
    It is

Hii

No  you cannot get admission to IIT for M Tech if your B Tech is not completed at the time of admission, even if you clear the GATE cutoff but Yes, you can appear for GATE 2028 in your 3rd year of B Tech even if your degree is

Hello,

The link to the question paper is attached here. You can access the question papers along with the answer key on the careers360 website. Careers360 also provides students with preparation tips that will help them in preparing and the mock test and analyse their in-depth performance.

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/last-15-years-gate-papers-solutions

Thank you.