GATE Exam Pattern for Chemistry 2026 - Check Marking Scheme, Preparation Books

GATE Exam Pattern for Chemistry 2026 - Check Marking Scheme, Preparation Books

Edited By K Guna Sahiti | Updated on May 20, 2025 01:00 PM IST | #GATE

GATE Exam Pattern for Chemistry 2026 - IIT Guwahati will upload the GATE 2026 Chemistry exam pattern on its official website. The same will be provided in this article. However, candidates can find the previous year exam pattern for GATE Chemistry paper on this page. Based on previous year data, the paper will be divided into 3 subsections, namely, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. There will be a total of 65 questions as per the GATE exam pattern for chemistry, including MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.The weightage for core chemistry is 85% and General Aptitude is of 15%. GATE aspirants must refer to the GATE exam pattern for Chemistry 2026 to achieve their desired results.

This Story also Contains
  1. GATE 2026 Exam Pattern For Chemistry- Highlights
  2. GATE Chemistry Syllabus 2026
  3. GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme
  4. GATE 2026 Negative Marking: Chemistry
  5. Best GATE 2026 Preparation Books for Chemistry
GATE Exam Pattern for Chemistry 2026 - Check Marking Scheme, Preparation Books
GATE Exam Pattern for Chemistry 2026 - Check Marking Scheme, Preparation Books

The authority will upload the GATE 2026 exam pattern for all the papers together. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 will be conducted online as a computer-based test (CBT). Go through the complete article to learn about the GATE exam pattern for Chemistry 2026.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern For Chemistry- Highlights

Particulars

Details

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Sections

  • General Aptitude (GA)

  • Chemistry (CY)

Type of Questions




  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Number of Questions



(Total 65 Questions)

10- General Aptitude

55- Chemistry

Section-wise Weightage

General Aptitude- 15 percent

Chemistry - 85 Percent

Total Marks

100

Marking Scheme

1 or 2 marks questions

No partial marking for MSQ

Negative Marking

1/3 for 1 Mark MCQ Question

2/3 for 2 mark MCQ Question

No negative marking for MSQ & NAT

Related links:

GATE Chemistry Syllabus 2026

The GATE Chemistry syllabus pdf 2026 will be available online. Candidates must check the GATE syllabus chemistry to know what the important topics are. Check the important points that candidates need to know about the GATE exam syllabus for Chemistry 2026, as per previous year data.

GATE 2026 Chemistry Syllabus

Sections

Important Topics



General Aptitude

  • Verbal Aptitude

  • Quantitative Aptitude

  • Analytical Aptitude

  • Spatial Aptitude

Physical Chemistry

  • Structure

  • Group Theory

  • Spectroscopy

  • Equilibrium

  • Kinetics (Topic has been rearranged)

  • Surfaces and Interfaces

Inorganic Chemistry

  • Main Group Elements

  • Transition Elements

  • Lanthanides and Actinides

  • Organometallics

  • Radioactivity

  • Bioinorganic Chemistry

  • Solids

  • Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Organic Chemistry

  • Stereochemistry

  • Reaction Mechanisms

  • Organic Synthesis

  • Pericyclic Reactions and Photochemistry

  • Heterocyclic Compounds

  • Biomolecules

  • Experimental Techniques in Organic Chemistry

Also read: GATE Syllabus - Download Syllabus PDFs Here

GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026 - Marking Scheme

Subject Code/Name

No. of Questions

Marks Distribution

Marks percent weightage

Negative Marking

Total time

General Aptitude

10

5 x 1

5 x 2

15

1/3 for 1 mark Que in MCQ


2/3 for 2 marks ques in MCQ


No Negative marking in MSQ and NAT

No Negative Marking





Chemistry(CY)


55

(25 x 1)

(30 x 2)

85


Total

65


100


180 Minutes

GATE 2026 Negative Marking: Chemistry

Type of Question

Marks

Incorrect Answer

MCQ

1 or 2 Marks

⅓ for 1 mark questions

⅔ for 2 marks questions

MSQ/NAT

1 or 2 Marks

No Negative Marking

Related links:

Best GATE 2026 Preparation Books for Chemistry

Check the GATE Chemistry 2026 preparation books below

Book Name

Author

Concept Check in Organic Chemistry Tauheed Nadeem

Avinash More

Success Guide to Inorganic Chemistry

Tauheed Nadeem

3,000 Solved Problems In Chemistry (Schaum’s Outline Series)

David E Goldberg

Chapterwise GATE Chemistry Solved Papers (2014-2000)

Arihant Publications

Also Read: Download Free All subjects GATE Previous Year Papers

Download Previous Year GATE Chemistry Solved Papers PDF Free

Candidates looking for GATE Chemistry solved papers PDF can download them from careers360 for free. Practice previous years' mock test papers to understand the GATE 2026 exam pattern for chemistry so that you can score well on the final entrance test.

GATE Exam Pattern For Chemistry 2026 - Preparation Guide

  • Start your preparation for GATE as early as you can because the GATE syllabus 2026 is very vast and it will be very difficult to cover it before the examination. Students have to cover multiple sections and topics to prepare for exams.
  • Begin with understanding the GATE exam pattern for Chemistry 2026, this will give you an idea about the examination. Thoroughly understand the GATE 2026 Chemistry syllabus topics and units which have to be studied.
  • Mark the high-weightage topics on a different page, so that you can spend more time on those topics. You can check the previous GATE question papers to understand the question paper pattern.
  • Strategize your study schedule for the GATE 2026 for chemistry and divide your time specifying topics and units as per your preference.
  • Solve previous years' question papers for GATE Chemistry and practice as much as you can. Note down your mistakes and try to work on those problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the section-wise weightage of the GATE exam pattern for chemistry 2026?

The total weightage for the core GATE Chemistry syllabus is 85%, and for General Aptitude is 15%.

2. What is GATE 2026 Chemistry Syllabus?

There are 2 major sections in the GATE syllabus for Chemistry including General Aptitude, and Chemistry.  The chemistry includes topics like Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry.

3. What is the paper pattern for GATE exam 2026 for Chemistry?

There will be a total of 65 questions, which are divided into 2 sections. Section 1 includes 10 questions on general aptitude, section 2 will include 55 questions on Chemistry.

4. What are GATE Chemistry paper 1 and paper 2?

GATE paper one covers general aptitude, and core subject (Chemistry) and for paper 2 candidates can choose one section from, CH (Chemical Engineering) and XL (Life Sciences).

5. What is the negative marking percentage in GATE 2026 Chemistry exam?

There will be a negative marking of 1/3  for 1 mark MCQ questions and 2/3 for 2 mark MCQ questions. No negative marking in MSQ and NAT questions.

6. What is the eligibility criteria for GATE Chemistry 2026?

The candidates who have completed any degree program in Engineering / Technology / Architecture / Science / Commerce / Arts or currently studying in the 3rd of any undergraduate degree program are eligible for GATE 2026 exam.

7. What is the total time duration for GATE Chemistry 2026?

The time duration will be 3 hours (180 minutes) for GATE Chemistry 2026. For physically disabled candidates, one extra hour will be given.

8. How many questions will be there in GATE Chemistry exam 2026?

Based on previous year brochure, there will be a total of 65 questions in Gate Chemistry including 55 questions from chemistry subject syllabus and 10 questions from General aptitude.

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello Ansh,

Whether you can get admission in the Computer Science (CS) or Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) branch depends on several key factors:

  • Entrance Exam Rank/Score : Your performance in entrance exams like JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, state-level exams (like KCET, AP EAMCET, TS EAMCET), or university-specific exams plays a major role. A high rank increases your chances for CS or ECE.

  • Category and Reservation : SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or other reserved categories may have lower cut-off ranks for CS and ECE branches.

  • College Preference : Top colleges like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and top private universities have higher cut-offs for CS and ECE. Mid-tier or private colleges may offer more flexibility with lower ranks.

  • State Quota vs. All India Quota : Home state students often have a better chance under the state quota.

  • Gender-Based Quotas : Some institutions offer female-only seats or relaxed cut-offs for girls.

If you mention your entrance exam name, rank or percentile, category, and state, I can give a more specific answer.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello there,

Yes, you can get admission to M.Tech at CBIT without a GATE score by qualifying through TSPGECET.

  • You must have a B.Tech or equivalent degree in a related field.

  • If you have a valid TSPGECET rank, you can apply under the regular counseling process (Category A).

  • If you do not have a TSPGECET rank, you may apply under Category B (management quota), where admission is based on your qualifying degree marks and seat availability.

  • M.Tech specializations at CBIT include Computer Science Engineering, Computer Networks and Information Security, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and Information Technology.

  • Cutoff ranks for TSPGECET vary every year depending on competition and seats.

  • Category B admissions do not have a fixed cutoff; selection depends on merit and seat availability.

For exact cutoffs and seat details, you need to check with CBIT or the Telangana State Council of Higher Education during the admission process.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

GATE BT (Biotechnology) score of 350, you have a good chance of securing admission to Delhi Technological University (DTU) for M.Tech in Biotechnology or related programs.

DTU M.Tech Admission via GATE

  1. Eligibility Criteria:

    • You must have a valid GATE score in Biotechnology (BT) or a related discipline.

    • A minimum of 60% (or equivalent CGPA) in your B.Tech/B.E (Biotech or related field) from a recognized university.

Cutoff Trends :

DTU's cutoff for GATE BT usually ranges between 300-400 (varies yearly based on competition.

Unfortunately, you've missed the GATE 2025 exam registration deadline, which was initially September 20, 2024, and later extended to October 3, 2024, for regular registration, with a late fee option available until October 7, 2024. Since the exam dates are already scheduled for February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025, you won't be able to apply for this year's exam.


However, here are some potential options to consider:


- Prepare for GATE 2026: You can start preparing for the next year's exam, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and stay updated on the application process.

- Explore other exams: Look into other entrance exams for postgraduate programs, such as those offered by individual universities or institutions.

- Check eligibility for other programs: If you're interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree, research other programs that don't require GATE scores.


To better prepare for future exams, focus on

- Understanding the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.

- Creating a study plan: Develop a structured study schedule, covering all relevant topics.

- Practicing with mock tests: Regularly take practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.


Keep in mind that GATE scores are valid for three years, so if you plan to take the exam in 2026, your score will be valid until 2029.

Hello there,

With a GATE Electrical Engineering (EE) score of 630, getting admission to the M.Tech program in Instrumentation and Integrated Electronics at IIT Kharagpur is unlikely.

Key points:

  • The closing GATE score for this program in 2024 was around 608 for the general category.

  • For reserved categories, cutoffs are lower (OBC around 573, SC around 337, ST around 248).

  • Admission depends on GATE score and sometimes an interview.

Recommendations:

  • You can consider applying to other IITs or NITs where your score may meet the cutoff for similar courses.

  • Explore other reputed institutes offering M.Tech in Instrumentation and Electronics.

  • If this field is important for you, consider preparing to improve your GATE score for the next attempt.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.


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