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    GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Mode of Exam

    GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Mode of Exam

    Team Careers360Updated on 11 Dec 2025, 05:41 PM IST

    GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 - IIT Guwahati has published the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in.Candidates must be aware of the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern while preparing for the exam. This year, a new optional paper in Energy Science has been introduced. As per the GATE exam pattern 2026, the XE paper includes two mandatory sections: Engineering Mathematics (XE A) and General Aptitude, along with two optional subjects. Candidates attempting the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering must be familiar with the GATE paper pattern for XE. The question paper will be prepared based on the GATE 2026 syllabus and the exam pattern. The GATE 2026 exam for XE will be conducted on February 7, 2026.

    This Story also Contains

    1. GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern
    2. GATE Engineering Sciences Marking Scheme 2026
    3. Syllabus for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences XE Section A Exam
    4. Books Recommendation for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam
    GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Mode of Exam
    GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern

    Candidates must be familiar with the subject-wise distribution of marks. The General Aptitude section will carry 15 marks, while Engineering Mathematics and the two optional papers will account for a total of 85 marks. Read the article to know more about the GATE XE 2026 exam pattern.

    GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern

    The authority has released the GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The Engineering Sciences (XE) is one of the 30 subjects offered in the GATE exam. Candidates can find the exam pattern for GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 below.

    GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Engineering Sciences

    ParticularsDetails

    Examination Mode

    Computer-Based Test (Online)

    Duration

    3 Hours

    Section

    General Aptitude (GA)

    Engineering Mathematics

    2 Optional Subjects

    Type of Questions

    Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

    Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

    Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

    Total Marks

    100 Marks

    Marking Scheme

    All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks

    GATE Negative Marking

    Two types of MCQs:

    MCQs - 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

    MCQs - 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. There are no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

    NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

    List of Topics of GATE Engineering Science (XE) with Subject Codes

    The following is the list of topics in the GATE 2026 XE syllabus along with the subject codes:

    • GATE Engineering Mathematics(XE-A) -Compulsory section

    • Any Two Options from XE-B to XE-G

      • GATE Fluid Mechanics(XE-B)

      • GATE Materials Science(XE-C)

      • GATE Solid Mechanics(XE-D)

      • GATE Thermodynamics(XE-E)

      • GATE Polymer Science and Engineering(XE-F)

      • GATE Food Technology(XE-G)

      • GATE Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences(XE-H)

      • GATE Energy Science (XE-I)

    GATE Engineering Sciences Marking Scheme 2026

    The GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern includes a detailed marking scheme, which is crucial as it outlines how marks are allocated across different question types. Understanding the marking scheme helps candidates plan how many questions to attempt in each section strategically. Below are the marking schemes for the three sections as per the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern.

    GATE 2026 Engineering Science Marking Scheme

    SubjectNumber of Questions
    Marks DistributionMarks Allotted

    General Aptitude (GA)

    10(5x1) - 5
    (5x2) - 10

    15

    Engineering Mathematics (XE A)

    11(7x1) - 7
    (4x2) - 8

    15

    2 choice Subject Questions (B-I)

    442 papers each with
    (9x1) -9
    (13 x 2) - 26

    70

    Total

    65

    100

    Syllabus for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences XE Section A Exam

    -XE SECTION A: Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory)

    • Section 1: Linear Algebra
    • Section 2: Calculus
    • Section 3:Vector Calculus
    • Section 4:Complex variables Vector Calculus
    • Section 5:Ordinary Differential Equations
    • Section 6: Partial Differential Equations
    • Section 7: Probability and Statistics
    • Section 8: Numerical Methods
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    Books Recommendation for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam

    The best books to prepare the GATE XE Syllabus 2026 are given below. Candidates preparing for the upcoming exam can follow the books to give their best shot at the exam. These books for GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 will help the students prepare for the upcoming exam.

    • GATE Engineering Mathematics by Abhinav Goel and Suraj Singh

    • Material Science and Engineering by William F. Smith

    • Elements of Polymer Science and Engineering by Alfred Rudin

    • Atmospheric Science by John M. Wallace

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: When is GATE Engineering Sciences exam?
    A:

    The GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 will be held on February 7, 2026. 

    Q: Is the GATE XE exam pattern 2026 released?
    A:

    Yes, the GATE 2026 XE exam pattern has been released on the official website. A new optional paper, Energy Science (XE-I) has been introduced this year.

    Q: What will be the total duration of GATE Engineering Sciences Exam 2026?
    A:

    The total time duration will be 180 minutes.

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    Questions related to GATE

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to GATE ?

    Hello,

    GATE 2026 score of 320 (OBC, AIR 1633 in XE), admission to top IITs will be difficult. However, you may get opportunities in newer IITs or lower-demand branches in later or spot rounds. You have better chances in NITs, IIITs, and state universities through CCMT counseling. PSU opportunities are

    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.