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

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GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 19 Aug 2025, 06:46 PM IST

GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern on this page. As per the GATE XE exam pattern 2026, the paper includes two mandatory sections: Engineering Mathematics (XE A) and General Aptitude, along with two optional subjects. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering aspirants must check 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 will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 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

The GATE exam pattern 2026 will provide 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

Particulars

Details

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Section

General Aptitude (GA)

Candidate Selected Subject

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 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

Subject

Marks Allotted

General Aptitude (GA)

15

Engineering Mathematics (XE A)

15

2 choice Subject Questions (B-H)

70

Total

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

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.
Check Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Yes, the GATE 2026 XE exam pattern has been released on the official website.

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

As an EEE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) graduate, your core GATE paper is EE (Electrical Engineering).

You can also choose papers like IN (Instrumentation) or EC (Electronics and Communication) if you're comfortable. GATE now allows two-paper combinations EE plus IN is a valid pair.

Choose based on your strengths and future goals (e.g., PSU jobs, M.Tech). Always check the latest GATE brochure for updated paper codes and combinations.

How to clear GATE Exam :

  • First, know the syllabus and exam pattern.

  • Make a small study plan and follow it every week.

  • Read from good books or trusted online notes.

  • Practice old GATE question papers.

  • Give mock tests to check speed and accuracy.

  • Revise your notes and formulas again and again.

    How to get Job in PSU:

  • Score high in GATE, because PSUs take only top ranks.

  • Keep checking PSU job notices regularly.

  • Apply on time with your GATE score.

  • Be ready for interviews or group discussions.

  • Work on subject knowledge and also your communication skills.

Yes, it will be acceptable. In GATE registration, the name should match your valid photo ID proof in terms of spelling, not the order. Many Indian IDs have surname written first, while the portal generates it as first–middle–last. Since all three parts of your name (Vikash, Rameshbhai, Bhagel) are correct, there won’t be any issue. Just ensure you upload the correct ID proof. During verification, they check spelling, photo, and signature, not the word order.



Hello,

Yes, you can change your category from General to OBC during the GATE 2026 correction window.

GATE always allows candidates to correct details like category. You will need to pay a small correction fee for this change. Make sure you upload a valid OBC certificate as per the format and date mentioned by GATE.

So, wait for the correction window, log in to your application, and update your category to OBC.

Hope it helps !

Hello! If you are preparing for GATE, there are plenty of free resources available online that can boost your preparation. You can easily access e-books, handwritten notes, subject wise PYQs, and test series shared by toppers on different platforms. Along with that, free PDFs and study material are available through various websites and Telegram channels. To make it easier, I will be attaching the link where you can find preparation tips, a study timetable, free study materials, and previous year question papers all in one place.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-timetable
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-gate
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-preparation-material
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-mock-test
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-question-papers