GATE Exam Pattern 2025 - IIT Roorkee has published the GATE 2025 exam pattern on the official website, gate2025.iitr.ac.in. Aspirants must refer to the exam pattern of GATE 2025 as part of preparation. The exam pattern comprises exam duration, mode of exam, marking scheme, types of questions and much more. The GATE question paper will comprise 65 questions, divided into the general aptitude section and core disciplines. There is a negative marking scheme for incorrect responses in the GATE 2025 exam. The GATE 2025 total marks are 100 for all papers. Candidates appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering must know the exam pattern for preparation. Along with the GATE paper pattern, candidates must check the GATE syllabus to know the important topics for the exam. The authority is conducting the GATE 2025 exam on February 1, 2, 15 & 16, 2025. The exam will be conducted in 2 shifts and for three hours each. Know more about the GATE 2025 exam pattern on this page.
The following GATE exam pattern highlights table contains the mode of exam, duration, marking scheme, test codes and more that help aspirants make a well-planned preparation strategy.
GATE Exam Paper Pattern 2025 Highlights
Particulars
Details
Examination Mode
Computer Based Test (Online)
Medium of GATE 2025 exam
English
Duration
3 Hours
Number of Papers in GATE 2025
30 Papers
Section
General Aptitude (GA)
Candidate Selected Subject
Type of Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
GATE Design of Questions
The questions are designed to test the listed abilities
Application
Analysis
Comprehension
Recall
Synthesis
Number of Questions
65 Questions (including 10 questions from General Aptitude)
Distribution of Questions in all Papers except AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL
Engineering Mathematics - 13 Marks
Subject Questions - 72 Marks
General Aptitude - 15 Marks
Distribution of Questions in AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL
Questions from Subject Concerned - 85 Marks
General Aptitude - 15 Marks
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 marks for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 - Paper Code Wise Subject Weightage
Paper Code
Exam Pattern
CE, CS, EC, AE, AG, BT, CH, ME, MN, MT, EE, IN, TF, XE, PE, ST, and PI
GA (General Aptitude) – 15
Engineering Mathematics – 13 question
Subject of the Paper – 72 question
AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL
GA (General Aptitude) – 15
Subject of the Paper – 85
GATE 2025 Exam Pattern - Marking Scheme
Check the table for the GATE total marks for Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, and other courses.
Here is the information about the weightage of General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics in the GATE 2025 exam:
In GATE 2025, General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics will be compulsory sections which include 15% weightage each in total marks in GATE papers with codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF, and XE. The remaining 70% weightage will be given to the subject selected by the student.
In the case of GATE 2025 question papers AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, and XL there will be a compulsory section of General Aptitude (15% of the total marks). The remaining 85% weightage will be given to the selected subject.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025: Subject-wise Question Paper Pattern
Below are a few important points that candidates need to know about GATE Papers 2025:
GATE 2025 Exam Pattern for CSE
The GATE 2025 exam pattern for CSE includes the mode of the exam, the number of questions asked, the GATE negative marking scheme, and more. Here, we have provided the GATE exam pattern for CSE in the table.
GATE CSE pattern
Particulars
Specifications
Exam duration
3 hours
Exam mode
Online (Computer-based test)
Type and total number of Questions
Total 65 Questions
MCQs and MCQs and/or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
Total marks of the exam
100
Total number of sections
Aptitude
Engineering Mathematics
Subject-specific questions
Marking Scheme
1 mark MCQs – 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
2 mark MCQs – 2/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong response.
Zero marks will be awarded for unattempted questions
No negative marking will be done for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions
GATE Exam Pattern for ECE
Students preparing for the GATE ECE 2025 must know the GATE exam test pattern, marking scheme, weightage, sections, and the number of questions. Moreover, candidates can know the GATE exam total marks for ECE. Check the details of the GATE exam paper pattern 2025 for ECE below
The total question marks of the ECE question paper will be 100 marks on electronics and communication question papers.
The exam will be conducted in online mode CBT (computer-based test).
The GATE question pattern of CE will contain 3 types of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT.
There will be 1 mark and 2 mark questions in the exam.
GATE 2025 ECE question paper will contain a total of 65 questions with 10 questions on general aptitude and 55 questions on electronics and communication engineering.
The total GATE exam duration will be 3 hours (180 minutes) in the exam.
The GATE negative marking is in objective-type questions only of 1/3 and 2/3 marks.
VIT Bhopal University | M.Tech Admissions 2025
M.Tech admissions open @ VIT Bhopal University | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Apply now
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 Architecture and Planning (AR) New Pattern
The Paper contains the General Aptitude (GA) section (15 Marks) as applicable for all papers of GATE 2025.
The GATE paper pattern consists of two parts covering the GATE 2025 syllabus: Part A (60 marks) and Part B (25 marks).
Part A is compulsory for all the candidates.
Part B contains two optional sections: Part B1 (Architecture) and Part B2 (Planning).
Candidates have to choose any one of these during the examination.
GATE 2025 Paper Pattern (Except GG, XE, XL)
GATE 2025 papers will have 45 questions, out of which 15 questions will carry 1 mark each and 30 will carry 2 marks each.
There will be multiple-choice questions and numerical answer-type questions present in the GATE paper.
GATE 2025 Exam Pattern Geology and Geophysics Paper (GG)
The Geology and Geophysics Paper of GATE will be divided into two parts - A and B.
Part A is mandatory, while Part B comprises two sections – Geology (Section I) and Geophysics (Section II). It will be up to the candidates which section they want to opt for.
Part A contains 25 questions carrying 1 mark each. Numerical answer-type questions will also be present in this section.
Part B (Sections I and II) contains 30 questions carrying 2 marks each.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 Engineering Sciences (XE)
This GATE paper will have one mandatory section that all candidates have to attempt i.e., Engineering Mathematics
Another compulsory section is General Aptitude consists of 15 marks.
Section A consists of 11 questions with a total of 15 marks. The paper may also contain Some numerical answer-type questions.
Candidates will have the option to choose any of the sections from Section B to H.
The sections (B to H) comprise 22 questions each carrying 35 marks in total.
GATE Exam Pattern for Engineering Sciences
Section
Type of Question
Number of Question
Sub-total (Marks)
Section A (Compulsory)
1 Mark Question
7
7
2 Marks Question
4
8
Section B to H
1 Mark Question
9
9
2 Marks Question
13
26
Candidates appearing for the GATE 2025 exam can check the exam pattern of GATE 2025 on this page. Along with the GATE paper pattern, candidates must check the GATE 2025 syllabus to prepare for the exam. The GATE 2025 paper pattern includes information about the mode of the exam, types of questions, marks, exam duration, sections, and marking scheme.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025: Life Sciences (XL)
Chemistry (Section P) is a mandatory section, consisting of 15 questions for a total of 25 marks. This section also has a few numerical answer-type questions.
The paper also has a General Aptitude section of a total of 15 marks.
Apart from Chemistry, the candidates also have to choose one more section from Q to U. Each of the sections from Q to U consists of 20 questions carrying a total of 30 marks
GATE 2025 Paper Pattern for Life Sciences
Section
Type of Questions
Number of Questions
Sub-Total (Marks)
Chemistry Section or Section P (Compulsory)
1 mark questions
5
5
2 mark questions
10
20
Sections Q to U
1 mark questions
10
10
2 mark questions
10
20
GATE 2025 Exam Subjects and Code
GATE exam pattern 2025 is different for each subject. Below are the subject-wise GATE 2025 subject paper codes for all 30 subject papers of GATE.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025: Paper Codes
Paper
Code
Paper
Code
Architecture and Planning
AR
Geology and Geophysics
GG
Biotechnology
BT
Mathematics
MA
Aerospace Engineering
AE
Physics
PE
Agricultural Engineering
AG
Engineering Sciences
XE*
Chemical Engineering
CH
Life Sciences
XL**
Civil Engineering
CE
Instrumentation Engineering
IN
Computer Science and Information Technology
CS
Mining Engineering
MN
Electronics and Communication Engineering
EC
Mechanical Engineering
ME
Electrical Engineering
EE
Textile Engineering and Fiber Science
TF
Chemistry
CY
Production and Industrial Engineering
PI
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
DA
Biomedical Engineering
BE
Ecology and Evolution
EY
Petroleum Engineering
PE
Statistics
ST
Metallurgical Engineering
MT
Environmental Science and Engineering
ES
Humanities and Social Sciences
XH
Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
NM
Geomatics Engineering
GE
GATE 2025 Paper Codes for XH
XH Paper Sections
Code
Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory) 25 marks
B1
Any of the following Optional Subjects (60 marks)
Economics
C1
English
C2
Linguistics
C3
Philosophy
C4
Psychology
C5
Sociology
C6
GATE 2025 Paper Codes for XE and XL
XE Paper Sections
Code
XL Paper Sections
Code
Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory)
A
Chemistry (Compulsory)
P
Fluid Mechanics
B
Biochemistry
Q
Materials Science
C
Botany
R
Solid Mechanics
D
Microbiology
S
Thermodynamics
E
Zoology
T
Polymer Science and Engineering
F
Food Technology
U
Food Technology
G
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
H
**XE (Engineering Sciences) and **XL (Life Sciences) papers will consist of sections listed in the table above
The GATE exam tests the abilities of candidates registered for the exam on various grounds. The question papers are designed as per the GATE 2025 question paper pattern.
Recall – The questions asked in the GATE question paper 2025 will be directly linked to the principles, facts, formulas, or laws of the paper selected by the candidate. Therefore, the memory and computation skills of the candidates were put to the test.
Comprehension – There will be questions that test the basic understanding of the candidates in their respective fields of study. Therefore, candidates have to stress fundamental ideas to draw out simple conclusions.
Application – Candidates will be required to apply their computational and logical reasoning skills.
Analysis and Synthesis – The questions comprise a mix of data, diagrams, and images. Candidates will be able to solve the questions by analyzing the information contained in them.
GATE 2025 Negative Marking Scheme
Candidates are advised to understand the negative marking scheme in the GATE exam before appearing in the exam. There will be negative markings in the GATE 2025 exam. Knowing about the negative marking may help their results and scorecard. To give an idea of how the GATE negative marking scheme is, we have mentioned the GATE 2025 negative marking scheme below.
There will be no negative markings in MSQ and NAT questions.
There will be negative markings in Gate MCQ questions. For every incorrect answer marks will be deducted.
Negative Marking Scheme in GATE 2025
Type of Question
Negative Marking/ Question
MCQ – 1 mark question
1/3
MCQ – 2 marks question
2/3
GATE 2025 Exam Pattern: Types of Questions
The students preparing for the GATE exam must know the types of questions to understand the exam mode and pattern with ease. There will be different types of questions asked as per the GATE paper pattern 2025 which are mentioned below.
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
In MCQ questions, the student will be provided with four options, out of which they have to select the right option. There will be negative markings in MCQ questions.
2. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
These will be multiple selection questions, and every question contains four options, out of which, the candidates can select one or more than one option. There will be no negative markings for MSQ questions. Also, there are no partial marks allotted for MSQ-type questions.
3. Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
In numerical questions, candidates have to enter their answers in digits. In these types of questions, there will be no negative marking.
Keep the following instructions in mind while appearing for the GATE exam 2025:
Physical calculators, wristwatches, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the GATE examination centres.
For the ease and convenience of candidates, a virtual calculator will be provided on the screen of the candidates.
Guide to Attempt Online GATE Entrance Exam
How to navigate to a question?
On the right side of the screen, candidates find a serial-wise list of questions.
Candidates can directly navigate to a question by clicking on the GATE question number.
The question will be displayed on the screen when the question button is pressed.
Procedure to answer a question?
In the case of MCQs, candidates have to click on a particular option to select it.
To deselect the option, click on the option again. Candidates can also select the clear response option to deselect any option.
In the case of numerical-type questions, enter the answer through the virtual keyboard present on the screen.
Steps to save answers?
Candidates have to click on the “Save and Next” option given on the screen.
If candidates are unsure of their answer they can mark the question for review by selecting the “Mark for Review and Next” option.
Once the time limits all the answers will be automatically submitted.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 - Points to Remember
The GATE 2025 exam will be conducted only in online mode (Computer Based Test mode).
The GATE exam time duration will be 3 hours.
The total mark for the GATE exam is 100.
The GATE 2025 exam will consist of 65 questions.
All of the questions that are asked in GATE will be related to the GATE exam 2025 syllabus.
According to the GATE question paper pattern 2025, there will be two types of questions - Multiple Choice Questions and Numerical Answer Type Questions.
In the case of MCQs, candidates have to select one answer from the 4 options given and in NAT questions students have to enter the correct answer through the virtual keyboard.
Candidates will be provided with a scribble pad for the rough work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Where can I find the official exam pattern for GATE?
Candidates can find the exam pattern for GATE 2025 on the official website, gate2025.iitr.ac.in.
2.How do I know if I am prepared for the GATE exam?
If a candidate has a doubt, he must check if he or she is ready for GATE 2025 with the help of certain factors like topics covered, score in the mock tests, etc.
3.Will I be provided with any white paper for rough work and calculations during the examination?
A scribble pad will be provided to the candidate that can be used to do the rough work. However, candidates have to return the scribble pad after the examination.
4.Can I use a physical calculator during the examination?
No, candidates are provided with a virtual scientific calculator, which has to be used to answer the questions.
5.How many questions are asked in total in the GATE exam?
According to the GATE 2025 exam pattern, the paper will have a total of 65 questions.
6.Is there negative marking in Gate?
Yes, there will be negative marking in the GATE 2025 exam. For multiple-choice questions (MCQs), incorrect answers lead to a deduction of 1/3 marks, while for numerical answer type questions, there is no negative marking.
7.What is the duration of the GATE exam?
The total GATE exam time duration of the GATE exam is 3 hours.
8.What is the time of the GATE first shift?
The first shift of the GATE exam typically begins at 9:30 AM and continues until 12:30 PM.
9.When will GATE 2025 be conducted?
IIT Roorkee is conducting the GATE 2025 exam on February 1, 2, 15 & 16, 2025.
10.What are the GATE 2025 application form dates?
The GATE 2025 application form dates were August 28 to October 11, 2024.
11.What is the pattern of GATE exam?
The GATE exam carries 100 marks and consists of a total of 65 questions.
12.What is the GATE pattern?
The GATE exam pattern is designed to test the aptitude of candidates in their respective engineering disciplines. It is a computer-based test that includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions.
Numerous coaching centers and online websites provide GATE study material, lectures, and test series in Hindi.
There are GATE books, YouTube channels, and apps that provide explanations in Hindi.
But the GATE exam question paper comes only in English (except for Humanities and Social Sciences, which has a possible Hindi option).
Therefore, though you can read and comprehend concepts in Hindi, you need to feel at ease reading and answering questions in English during the actual test.
In short:
You can certainly prepare for GATE in Hindi, but the final test would be in English (for the majority of papers), so practice reading technical words in English as well.
If you're aiming for
M.E./M.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
through GATE, you'll need to appear for the
GATE EE (Electrical Engineering)
paper. The syllabus covers a broad range of topics like:
Engineering Mathematics
– Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Complex Numbers, etc.
Electric Circuits
– Network theorems, Transient & Steady State Analysis, etc.
Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) Baroda offers 18 seats for the M.E. in Structural Engineering. The exact number of seats filled via GATE admissions can vary yearly. For accurate data, contact the university or check their official website.
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
A career in the aviation industry always sounds exciting. But, there is no scope for the slightest error as it may cost the lives of many people. A Flight Engineer role comes with the responsibility of monitoring the aircraft engine and control systems while in flight. Whenever the aircraft is away from the home station, he or she is required to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
Highway Engineer Job Description: A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.
A Field Surveyor collects precise land data using tools like GPS and drones to support construction, legal, and environmental projects. They identify boundaries, create maps, and collaborate with engineers. The role requires technical skills, analytical thinking, and physical stamina. Most begin with a diploma or degree in surveying or civil engineering, advancing with experience and specialisation.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.
