GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE Exam Pattern for CSE 2026: IIT Guwahati released the GATE 2026 CSE exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 exam pattern for CSE on this page. The GATE exam pattern for CSE provides details such as the marking scheme, mode of exam, duration of test, types of questions, and more. As per the GATE exam pattern, the CSE question paper consists of 65 questions for 100 marks. Aspirants preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering must follow the GATE exam pattern and syllabus to plan their preparation strategy. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2025, in online mode.
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According to the GATE CSE exam pattern 2026, the question paper will consist of 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 Systems, Databases, and Computer Networks. In terms of weightage, Computer Science and Information Technology will account for 72% of the syllabus, Engineering Mathematics will make up 13%, and General Aptitude will contribute 15%.
The GATE CSE 2026 question paper will feature three main types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Read the article to know more about the GATE paper pattern for CSE, syllabus, and marking scheme.
The authority released the GATE 2026 CSE exam pattern on the official website. Along with the GATE CSE exam pattern 2026, candidates must know the marking system, mode of examination, and other important details. The GATE CSE 2026 exam pattern can be found 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 |
|
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) |
The GATE exam pattern for CSE 2026 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.
Also Read: GATE Syllabus for CSE and IT - Check Computer Science and Information Technology Syllabus
The GATE CSE question paper 2026 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.
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
The authority released the GATE 2026 syllabus for CSE in PDF format online. Familiarising themselves with the GATE CSE 2026 syllabus will help candidates focus on and practice the key topics.
| Computer Science Engineering Sections | Important Topics |
| General Aptitude |
|
| Engineering Mathematics |
|
| Digital Logic |
|
| Computer Organization and Architecture |
|
| Programming and Data Structures |
|
| Algorithms |
|
| Theory of Computation |
|
| Compiler Design |
|
| Operating System |
|
| Databases ER‐model. |
|
| Computer Network |
|
Also Read: Download Free All subjects GATE Previous Year Papers
| Subjects | Weightage |
| General Aptitude | 15% |
| Engineering Mathematics | 5% |
| Computer Organization | 11% |
| Operating Systems | 10% |
| DBMS | 8% |
| Compiler Design | 4% |
| Computer Networks | 6% |
| Design and Analysis Algorithms | 6% |
| Digital Logic | 4% |
| Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory | 10% |
| Programming and Data Structures | 12% |
| Theory Of Computation | 9% |
Book Name | Author |
Architecture | Hamacher |
Algorithm | Cormen |
Operating System | Galvin |
TOC - Theory of Computation | Ullman |
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)
The GATE 2026 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 2026 CSE syllabus compared to last year's.
There will be a total of 72 % weightage for the core GATE CSE syllabus, 13% will be engineering mathematics and General Aptitude contains 15% weightage.
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.
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.
The total time duration for GATE CSE 2026 is three hours.
Candidates must answer 65 questions within 3 hours. The GATE CSE exam pattern is divided into three sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Subject (Computer Science and Information Technology).
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.
There will be only one paper in GATE CSE (Computer science and information technology.
Discrete Maths, Data Structures, Algorithms, and Engineering Mathematics are considered as highest marks weightage topics in the GATE CSE exam.
On Question asked by student community
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
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