GATE DA Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - AI Topic Wise Marks Distribution

GATE DA Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - AI Topic Wise Marks Distribution

Team Careers360Updated on 26 Nov 2025, 09:32 AM IST

GATE DA Subject Wise Weightage 2026: IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026 exam online. IIT Guwahati will post the test pattern and curriculum for GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence on its official website. The GATE exam 2026 will be held for 3 hours for each paper. The exam pattern for GATE 2026 is updated on this page. Here in this article, we know about GATE DA subject wise weightage 2026. The GATE 2026 exam is going to happen on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026 . Candidates studying for the GATE exam should see the GATE DA Question Papers to understand the topics that will be assessed on the exam. Understanding the Topic, GATE DA subject wise weightage is the first and most important step in preparing for the GATE exam. Let's dive into the DA weightage and get you prepared for GATE 2026 exam.

GATE DA Subject Wise Weightage 2026 - AI Topic Wise Marks Distribution
GATE DA Subject Wise Weightage 2026- AI Topic Wise Marks Distribution

GATE DA and AI Subject Wise Weightage 2026

The introduction of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper in GATE 2024 marks a significant stride in India's technological advancement. GATE has aligned itself with the nation's growing digital landscape by providing a platform for aspiring data scientists and AI engineers to showcase their expertise. This move is expected to fuel innovation and research in these critical fields:

Chapter Name20252024Total

Percentage Distribution

Aptitude10102015.38%
Artificial Intelligence (AI)47118.46%
Calculus and Optimization65118.46%
Database Management and Warehousing74118.46%
Linear Algebra861410.77%
Machine Learning9101914.62%
Probability and Statistics12102216.92%
Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms9132216.92%
Total6565130100.00%
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A comprehensive view of the the weightage is given in the chart below to help you visualize the weightage better:

1755103348602

What is the Most Important Topics in GATE DA 2026?

The GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) test is divided into two parts: general aptitude and core data science and artificial intelligence courses. The weightage of General Aptitude and core Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is 15%. And 85% respectively. For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be a negative marking. For a 1-mark MCQ, a 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. For a 2-mark MCQ, a 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ. Candidates can use GATE DA topic wise weightage pdf to prepare for GATE 2026.

Chapter NameTopic Name (Specific Subtopic)Count
AptitudeDice folding and visualization2

Geometry – cross-section visualization2

Graph coloring (minimum colors)2

Inference from passage2

Infinite series sum2

Permutations – divisibility1

Permutations – Divisibility rule1

Pie chart – percentage calculation2

Probability of combinations (girls/boys)1

Profit/Interest calculation (returns)2

Verbal analogy2
Aptitude Total
19
Artificial IntelligenceAI – Adversarial search (alpha-beta pruning)1

AI – Heuristic admissibility (h1, h2)1

AI – Search strategy (A*) and heuristic admissibility1

Alpha-beta pruning in adversarial search1

Bayesian network – conditional independence1

Bayesian network – joint probability computation1

BFS vs DFS – state expansion count1

BFS vs DFS – state space expansion1

Logic representation – rugby and round balls1

Neural network – weight equivalence1

Propositional logic – tautology identification1

Artificial Intelligence Total


11
Calculus and OptimizationFunction continuity and differentiability (piecewise)1

Limits and logarithmic expansion1

Limits and logarithmic expansions1

Local maxima/minima (quartic polynomial)1

Local maxima/minima of quartic polynomial1

Logistic function derivative (0.4 value)1

Optimization – function continuity and differentiability1

Optimization – local minima (2nd derivative test)2

Optimization – Taylor series and limits1

Calculus and Optimization Total


10
Database Management and WarehousingER model – relational schema (DB constraints)1

Functional dependencies (DB)1

Functional dependencies (derivable attributes)1

Normalization & z-score1

Relational algebra – ensuring team members in defender/forward1

Relational algebra – set operations (Team/Defender)1

SQL – Index optimization (hash vs B+)1

SQL indexing optimization (hash vs B+)1

SQL query result count (joins with conditions)1

Database Management and Warehousing Total


9
Linear AlgebraDeterminant of M2+12MM^2+12M1

Eigenvalues and matrix properties1

Eigenvalues and signs of matrix1

Eigenvalues of matrices1

Eigenvalues, determinant and matrix property1

Matrix rank and nullity (subspaces)1

Matrix solution scenarios (unique/infinite/none)1

Matrix solutions (unique/infinite/no solutions)1

Projection matrix properties2

Python recursion & tree traversal1

Singular values and sum1

Singular values and their sum (SVD)1

Subspaces of R3R^31

Subspaces of R3R^3R31

Vector subspace properties1
Linear Algebra Total
16
Machine LearningClustering – single linkage algorithm2

Decision tree – Information gain (entropy)2

Fisher Linear Discriminant (between/within scatter matrices)1

k-means clustering – point assignment1

k-means clustering properties2

k-NN classifier (minimum k for classification)1

ML – Linear separability (2D datasets)1

ML – Linear separability of datasets3

Naive Bayes – number of parameters estimation1

Neural network – weight equivalence (ReLU)1

PCA, Naive Bayes, Logistic regression (classification of models)1

SVM – support vectors1

Machine Learning Total


17
Probability and StatisticsBinary search recurrence relation1

Covariance between random variables1

Dynamic programming (prefix computation)1

Expected throws until two consecutive even outcomes1

Logic – Propositional representation (balls/rugby)1

Poisson distribution & Normal distribution properties2

Probability – Bayes theorem2

Probability – conditional expectation and variance1

Probability – conditional/joint events3

Probability – event intersection (T ∩ S)1

Probability – expected value (die throws)1

Probability – exponential distribution parameter2

Probability – joint PDF and expectation2

Probability – uniform distribution (X,Y)1

Probability – uniform distributions1

Probability – z-score normalization1

Probability of combinations (girls/boys)1

Python list reverse (recursion)1

Sample mean update with new data1

Sorting algorithms – bubble/insertion/selection passes1

Probability and Statistics Total


26
Programming, Data Structures and AlgorithmsAI – Heuristic admissibility (h1, h2)1

Array prefix computation (dynamic programming)1

Bayesian network joint probability1

Binary search comparisons recurrence1

Binary search complexity analysis1

Binary tree node relationships (height, leaves)1

Binary tree properties (height, nodes)1

Covariance between random variables1

DFS edge classification (tree/cross/back)2

Double-ended queue operations (insert/remove)1

k-NN classifier (minimum k for classification)1

Python list reverse using recursion1

Python recursion – counting tree nodes1

Quicksort – swaps count1

Relational algebra – SQL tuple verification1

Sorting algorithms – bubble/insertion/selection passes1

Stack vs queue vs hash table (matching)1

Topological sort of DAG1

Topological sorting in DAG1

Tree traversal combinations (preorder/inorder/postorder)1

Uniform hashing – expected probes1

Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms Total


22
Grand Total
130
GATE Previous Year Question Paper's
Download GATE previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice with these papers to boost your preparation and improve your score.
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Benefits of GATE DA exam:

A GATE DA qualification opens doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities:

  • Higher Studies: M.Tech/M.S. in Data Science or related fields: Gain specialized knowledge and skills.

  • Ph.D. programs: Pursue research and contribute to the advancement of data science and AI.

  • Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Work on data-driven projects and contribute to policy-making.

  • Enjoy competitive salaries and job security.

  • Private Sector: Data Scientist: Extract valuable insights from data to drive business decisions.

  • Machine Learning Engineer: Develop and implement machine learning models.

  • AI Researcher: Conduct research to push the boundaries of AI technology.

  • IT Consultant: Provide data-driven solutions to organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which Topic has High Weightage in GATE DA?
A:

Probability and statistics have a high weightage topic in GATE DA.

Q: What are the total marks for GATE DA?
A:

The DA exam consists of 65 questions covering a weightage of 85 marks.

Q: What are the types of questions asked in GATE DA?
A:

The type of questions asked in GATE DA are 

a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

(b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and/or

(c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello aspirant,

If you missed the correction window for GATE 2026, the portal will not allow changes right now. Usually, IIT opens a correction period only once. Since you need to change your surname, the best option is to contact the GATE organizing institute through their official support email or helpline and explain your issue with valid proof like your Aadhaar or school documents. They sometimes allow corrections in genuine cases, but it depends on their approval. Make sure to keep all documents ready when you contact them.

FOR REFERENCE : https://engineering. careers360.com/articles/gate-application-form-correction

THANK YOU

Hi Aanchal,

Balancing Engineering semester exams with competitive exam preparation can feel confusing but with right and realistic routine makes it very achievable.

Start by dividing your day into two parts: use college hours and afternoons for semester prep and keep early mornings or late evenings for GATE prep.

Make weekly targets instead of daily pressure, revise class notes on the same day.

Use weekends for mock tests, previous year papers and deeper revision.

Try to limit social media, study in 40 to 50 mins focused blocks and take short breaks.

Most importantly stay consistent and give yourself patience.

With consistent timetable and steady effort you can manage both in smooth. All the best Aanchal!

If you are interested in Development Studies and planning to appear for GATE XH C6 (Sociology), then you are already moving in the right direction. Having a backlog does not disqualify you from pursuing higher studies, as long as you clear it before the admission process begins. Since you mentioned that you can clear the backlog before February 2026, it should not affect your eligibility for PG admissions. Most universities require a completed bachelor’s degree with no active backlog at the time of admission.

Your CGPA of 6.9 is acceptable for many institutes, although some top institutes may have higher cutoffs. Your interest in sociology and Development Studies will be helpful because the GATE XH paper tests conceptual understanding. If you prepare consistently and score well in GATE, you can apply to reputed institutes offering Development Studies such as IITs, TISS, JNU, Azim Premji University, and others.

Focus on clearing your remaining backlog and continue your GATE preparation strongly. If you balance both, you can build a good academic profile for admission into Development Studies. All the best.


Hello,

You can change your category in the GATE application by logging into the GOAPS portal during the correction window and using the "Edit GATE Application Form" option to make the change. You will likely need to pay an additional fee for the change and may need to provide a valid category certificate.

I hope it will clear your query!!