GATE Exam Pattern for CSE 2025 - Check Marking Scheme, No. of Questions

GATE Exam Pattern for CSE 2025 - Check Marking Scheme, No. of Questions

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Dec 17, 2024 10:42 AM IST | #GATE
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GATE exam pattern for CSE 2025: IIT Roorkee released the GATE CSE exam pattern 2025 on the official website, gate2025.iitr.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE exam pattern for CSE to know the marking scheme, mode of exam, duration of test, types of questions, and more. As per the GATE exam pattern, the CSE question paper will comprise 65 questions for 100 marks. Aspirants preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering must follow the GATE exam pattern and syllabus to plan the preparation strategy. The GATE 2025 exam will be conducted on February 1, 2, 15 and 16, 2025.
Read More: GATE question paper | GATE mock test

GATE 2025: Syllabus | Sample Papers

This Story also Contains
  1. GATE CSE Exam Pattern 2025 - Highlights
  2. GATE CSE Paper Pattern 2025
  3. GATE Marking Scheme for CSE 2025
  4. GATE Syllabus For CSE 2025
  5. GATE Books for CSE (Computer Science Engineering)
  6. Download GATE 2025 CSE Solved Papers PDF Free
GATE Exam Pattern for CSE 2025 - Check Marking Scheme, No. of Questions
GATE Exam Pattern for CSE 2025 - Check Marking Scheme, No. of Questions

According to the GATE CSE exam pattern 2025, there will be 11 major sections including General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization, and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, and Computer Networks. As per the GATE exam pattern, Computer science and information technology will cover 72 % of the syllabus, whereas Engineering mathematics 13%, and General Aptitude will cover 15% weightage. The GATE CSE question paper pattern 2025 will have three major types of questions including MCQ, MSQ, and NAT. The GATE 2025 exam date has been announced online. Read the article to know more about the GATE paper pattern for CSE, syllabus, and marking scheme.

GATE CSE Exam Pattern 2025 - Highlights

Along with the GATE CSE exam pattern 2025, candidates must know the marking system, mode of exam, and exam patterns. Candidates can check the mentioned GATE CSE pattern in below:

Particulars

Specifications

GATE CSE Exam Mode

Online CBT (Computer Based Test)

GATE CSE Exam Duration

3 Hours (180 Minutes)

GATE CSE Total No. of Questions

65

GATE CSE No. of Sections

  • General Aptitude

  • Engineering Mathematics

  • Computer science and Information technology

GATE CSE Total marks of Exam

100

GATE CSE Marking Scheme

1 and 2 marks questions

GATE CSE Type of Questions

MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

MSQ (Multiple Select Questions)

NAT (Numeric Answer Type)

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GATE CSE Paper Pattern 2025

  • The GATE exam pattern for CSE 2025 will include 3 types of questions MCQ, MSQ, and NAT.

  • For Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) candidates have to select the one correct answer out of four options.

  • For Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) candidates can select more than one correct option out of four options.

  • The numerical Answer Type (NAT) candidate has to enter the correct answer using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.

  • There will be negative markings only in MCQ questions. 1/3 mark will be deducted for 1 mark question and for 2 mark question, 2/3 mark will be deducted. There will be no negative markings in MSQ and NAT questions.

  • The GATE CSE Paper pattern is designed to check the recall, comprehension, application, analysis & synthesis abilities of candidates.

  • Candidates have to answer the application & formula-based questions using their recalling ability.

  • There will be diagrams and figures-based questions in the GATE CSE questions papers.

  • There will be some data synthesis and analysis questions. Candidates can solve these questions using analytical and data analysis skills.

GATE 2025 Syllabus
Candidates preparing for GATE 2025 can now access the official syllabus. The detailed syllabus PDF is available for download as PDF here.
Download Now

Also Read: GATE Syllabus for CSE and IT - Check Computer Science and Information Technology Syllabus

GATE Marking Scheme for CSE 2025

  • The GATE CSE question paper 2025 will have 65 questions for 100 marks.

  • All the questions will be mandatory to answer.

  • There will be 1 mark and 2 marks for MCQ questions. For each 1 mark incorrect answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted and for each 2 mark incorrect answer 2/3 mark will be deducted.

  • There will be no negative marking in the Numerical Answer Type (NAT) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) questions.

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Check the below table to understand the section-wise distribution of marks for the GATE pattern for CSE -

Section
No. of Questions
Marks
GATE Total Marks for CSE
General Aptitude
10
(1 x 5 )
(2 x 5)
15
Computer Science and Information Technology
45


(25 x 1)
(30 x 2)
72
Engineering Mathematics
10
13
GATE exam total marks for CSE
65

100

Also Read: Gate exam pattern for civil engineering

GATE Syllabus For CSE 2025

GATE 2025 syllabus for CSE pdf will be available online. Knowing the GATE exam syllabus for CSE 2025 will help the candidate to practice the important topics.

Computer Science Engineering SectionsImportant Topics


General Aptitude
  • Verbal Aptitude
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Analytical Aptitude
  • Spatial Aptitude



Engineering Mathematics
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Probability and Statistics
Digital Logic
  • Boolean algebra
  • Combinational and sequential circuits.
  • Minimization.
  • Number representations and computer arithmetic (fixed and floating point)
Computer Organization and Architecture
  • Machine instructions, and addressing modes.
  • ALU, data path, and control unit.
  • Instruction pipelining, pipeline hazards.
  • Memory hierarchy.
Programming and Data Structures
  • Programming in C.
  • Recursion.
  • Arrays, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, binary search trees, binary heaps, graphs.
Algorithms
  • Searching, sorting, hashing.
  • Algorithm design techniques: greedy, dynamic programming, and divide‐and‐conquer.
  • Asymptotic worst-case time and space complexity
  • Graph traversals, minimum spanning trees, shortest paths
Theory of Computation
  • Regular expressions and finite automata.
  • Context-free grammars and push-down automata.
  • Regular and context-free languages, pumping lemma.
Compiler Design
  • Lexical analysis, parsing, syntax-directed translation. Runtime environments.
  • Intermediate code generation.
  • Data flow analyses
Operating System

  • System calls, processes, threads, inter‐process communication, concurrency, and synchronization.
  • Memory management and virtual memory.
  • File systems.
Databases ER‐model.
  • Relational model: relational algebra, tuple calculus, SQL
  • Integrity constraints, normal forms.
Computer Network
  • Concept of layering
  • Data link layer
  • Basics of IP support protocols
  • Transport layer

Also Read: Download Free All subjects GATE Previous Year Papers

Subject Wise Weightage in GATE for CSE

SubjectsWeightage
General Aptitude15%
Engineering Mathematics5%
Computer Organization11%
Operating Systems10%
DBMS8%
Compiler Design4%
Computer Networks6%
Design and Analysis Algorithms6%
Digital Logic4%
Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory10%
Programming and Data Structures12%
Theory Of Computation9%

GATE Books for CSE (Computer Science Engineering)

Book Name

Author

Architecture

Hamacher

Algorithm

Cormen

Operating System

Galvin

TOC - Theory of Computation

Ullman

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Download GATE 2025 CSE Solved Papers PDF Free

The aspirants looking for GATE CSE solved papers PDF can download free from the Careers360 website. All the previous years' solved questions and answers are available in the form of sample papers. The candidates can download free GATE CSE question papers, mock tests, and practice for GATE Computer Science.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the GATE exam pattern for CSE?

Candidates have to answer the 65 questions in 3 hours. The GATE CSE exam pattern includes three sections namely general aptitude, engineering mathematics, and core subject CSE (Computer science and information technology).  

2. How many papers are there in GATE for CSE?

There will be only one paper in GATE CSE (Computer science and information technology.

3. Is the GATE syllabus for CSE and IT the same?

The GATE 2025 syllabus for Computer Science and Information Technology (CS and IT) comprises questions from aptitude and the subject. The subject is further divided into sections, including Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, and Computer Networks. Notably, there are a few changes in the GATE 2025 CSE syllabus compared to last year's.

4. Which is the highest weightage topic of GATE CSE?

Discrete Maths, Data Structures, Algorithms, and  Engineering Mathematics are considered as highest marks weightage topics in the GATE CSE exam.

5. How section-wise weightage is divided in the GATE exam pattern for CSE 2025?

There shall be a total of 72 % weightage for the core GATE CSE syllabus, 13% will be engineering mathematics and General Aptitude contains 15% weightage.

6. What is GATE 2025 CSE Computer science Syllabus?

There are 11 sections in the GATE syllabus for CSE including General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Digital Logic, Computer Organization, and Architecture, Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design, Operating System, Databases, and  Computer Networks.

7. Is there negative marking in GATE 2025 CSE?

For each 1 mark incorrect answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted and for each 2 mark incorrect answer 2/3 mark will be deducted.

8. What is the total time duration for GATE CSE 2025?

The total time duration for GATE CSE 2025 is three hours.

9. What is the pattern of the GATE question paper for CSE?

The GATE question paper Pattern for cse consists of 65 questions, totaling 100 marks. The paper includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. 

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello

Yes , a B.Tech Dairy Technology student can appear for the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam . However , the eligibility depends on selecting an appropriate paper in GATE .

Students from Dairy Technology have the option to appear for papers such as :

1. Agricultural Engineering (AG)

2. Life Sciences (XL)

3. Food Technology (XE Section H)

Key Points:

Eligibility: Students in the final year of their B.Tech program or those who have completed their degree can apply for GATE.

Benefits: GATE scores are used for admission to postgraduate programs (M.Tech, Ph.D.) and for recruitment in PSUs like NDRI, Amul, Mother Dairy, and more.

Preparation Tip: Choose the subject that aligns most closely with your Dairy Technology coursework or your future career interests.

Check link for more details

https://engineering.careers360.com/exams/gate

Hope this help you .

Thank you

A GATE score of 429 in Electrical Engineering (EE) is considered a valid and qualifying score; this means you have successfully cleared the GATE exam and are eligible to apply for various M.Tech programs in Electrical Engineering at different institutes depending on their specific cut-off marks.

If you are belongs to General category then it will be very tough to get admission in prestigious NITs. Then you can wait for spot counselling.


Thank you.

Yes, you can pursue an MTech in an IIT after qualifying for the GATE exam and graduating with a B.Sc. in Mathematics from Delhi University:

GATE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

You can take the GATE exam after completing a Bachelor's degree in any field.

To get admission to an IIT for an MTech, you must qualify for the GATE exam and choose a field of study. The IIT you'll study at depends on your preference and GATE score.

You can also apply for other entrance exams like AP PGECET, TS PGECET, and VITMEE. If you want to get admission to the regular PG programmes in engineering, pharmacy, and technology.

Some colleges may require you to pass personal interview rounds.

Some IITs may also offer direct admission to MTech without the GATE exam. For example, IITs may admit students who are funded by their jobs.

GOOD LUCK!!

Hi Shubhradev,

MSc students can indeed crack GATE and potentially land PSU jobs, though opportunities may be more limited compared to engineering graduates. Some PSUs do recruit MSc graduates with valid GATE scores, but eligibility criteria vary among organizations. Hence..

Yes, you can apply for PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) jobs with a valid GATE rank, even if you are pursuing an MSc in Electronics and Communication. While many PSUs primarily prefer candidates with a BTech or BE, several PSUs accept MSc graduates in specific disciplines like Electronics, Communication, and related fields.

The eligibility criteria can vary by PSU, so it's important to check the specific requirements for each organization. Some PSUs may allow MSc graduates to apply, especially if the GATE exam is in the relevant engineering discipline (like Electronics and Communication).

Keep an eye on PSU job notifications, as they often list specific qualifications and degree requirements. If you meet the criteria and have a good GATE score, you could have opportunities in various PSUs. You can check more on the given website of Careers360. All the best!

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/gate-eligibility-criteria

Hello,

Based on your GATE 2024 score of 226 in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) under the SC category, securing admission to IITs may be challenging due to the following considerations:

  • Qualifying Marks : The GATE 2024 qualifying cutoff for ECE in the SC category was 16.6 marks.

  • Admission Cutoffs : Admission cutoffs for IITs are typically higher than the qualifying marks and vary across institutes and specializations. For instance, in previous years, the cutoff scores for SC candidates in ECE-related M.Tech programs at IITs ranged significantly higher than your score.

  • Competition and Seat Availability : Admission to IITs is highly competitive, and candidates with higher GATE scores are generally preferred.

Recommendations :

  • Explore Other Institutes : Consider applying to National Institutes of Technology (NITs) or other reputable engineering colleges where the cutoff scores may align more closely with your GATE score.

  • Review Specific Cutoffs : Research the previous years' cutoffs for the specific institutes and programs you're interested in to assess your chances accurately.

  • Enhance Qualifications : If feasible, consider improving your GATE score in future attempts to increase the likelihood of admission to your desired institute.

While admission to IITs with a GATE score of 226 in the SC category is unlikely, exploring alternative institutes and programs can provide valuable opportunities for your academic and professional growth.

Hope it helps !

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