GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026: IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 exam pattern for Mechanical Engineering on the official website. Candidates will be able to check the GATE exam pattern for mechanical engineering on this page once it its released. Students preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering are advised to check the exam pattern of GATE mechanical engineering for better preparation. The Mechanical Engineering GATE 2026 exam pattern will provide details about the marking scheme, weightage, sections, the number of questions and more. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam for Mechanical Engineering in online mode.
Also Check: GATE 2026 Exam Date
The GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering syllabus comprises five sections will include General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics & Design, Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences, and Materials, Manufacturing, & Industrial Engineering. The exam pattern suggests there will be three types of questions including Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and/or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Read the complete article to learn more about the GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering, marking scheme, and syllabus.
Read carefully the important highlights of the GATE Mechanical Engineering exam pattern 2026:
| Particulars | GATE Mechanical 2026 Details |
|---|---|
Exam Mode | Online Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
Question Pattern |
|
Number of Sections |
|
Type of sections |
|
Total Number of Questions |
Total- 65 Questions |
Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Marking Scheme | 1 and 2 Marks questions |
GATE ME Negative Marking |
|
| Subject Code/Name | No. of Questions | Marks Distribution | Marks | 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 | |
ME (Mechanical Engineering) | 45 | (25 x 1)+ (30 x 2) | 72 | ||
Engineering Mathematics | 10 | 13 | |||
Total | 65 | 100 | 3 hours (180 Minutes |
The authorities will release the syllabus along with the GATE Mechanical Engineering exam pattern 2026 on the official website. Candidates can download the syllabus pdf to prepare for the Mechanical Engineering exam and understand all the important topics needed to crack the entrance test. Below are a few important points regarding the GATE Mechanical Engineering syllabus.
GATE Syllabus 2026 for Mechanical Engineering (ME) includes the following important topics - General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Discipline (Mechanical Engineering).
Further, each section has some important sub-topics.
Check all the important topics for the GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering and Syllabus 2026 here.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | Verbal Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude Analytical Aptitude Spatial Aptitude |
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics |
|
Mechanical Engineering Sections | Important Topics |
|---|---|
Applied Mechanics and Design |
|
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences |
|
Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering |
|
Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for all Subjects
As per the official information brochure of GATE 2026, the GATE Mechanical Engineering exam consists of 65 questions, including MCQs, MSQs, and NATs. Additionally, there will be negative markings for incorrect answers.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): There will be 1 and 2 marks questions, in all the papers and sections. For each question, there will be four choices, out of which the candidate has to select the right option. Also, there will be negative markings in MCQ questions.
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): There will be 1 and 2 questions, in all the papers and sections. For each question, there will be four choices, out of which the candidate has to select the right option. In MSQ questions, candidates can select more than one correct option.
Numerical Answer Type (NAT): There will be 1 or 2 marks, for all papers, and sections. The candidates will have to enter their answers using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.
Negative Marking: There will be negative markings for MCQ questions only. For each 1-mark question, 1/3 mark will be deducted for the wrong answer, and for each wrong 2-mark question, 2/3 mark will be deducted for the wrong answer. Yet, there will be no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions.
Below is the list of GATE Mechanical books
Topics | Authors |
|---|---|
Fluid Mechanics | R.K. Bansal (Numerical point of view), Frank M.White (For understanding) |
Theory of Machine (TOM) | S.S. Ratan |
Thermodynamics | P.K.Nag |
Production Engineering | Swadesh Singh |
Heat Transfer | Cengel (For understanding concept) |
Also Read: Check GATE 2026 Important Books for all Subjects here
GATE 2026 ME paper pattern is designed in the form to test the candidate’s recall, comprehension, application, analysis & synthesis abilities. Candidates can check the GATE Mechanical Engineering paper pattern analysis here-
Application & Formula-Based Questions: In these types of questions, candidates have to use their recalling ability and answer the questions based on facts, principles, and formulae or laws in the discipline of the paper.
Diagrams and figures-Based Questions: Most questions in the GATE mechanical engineering (ME) questions papers are figure-based. Candidates have to analyze and compare the data. However, they have to use logical and thinking skills to solve tricky questions.
Data Synthesis and Analysis Questions: In these types of questions, candidates have to find the relation between linked data and have to answer the given questions. Each piece of information and data is connected and the candidate has to use their analytical and data analysis skills to solve these questions.
GATE exam pattern for Mechanical Engineering is one of the toughest exams as compared to other exams. However, students are confused about how to prepare for the GATE Mechanical Engineering exam and need help to prepare a strategy. Read the following important GATE exam preparation tips below: -
Making a study plan is important for GATE aspirants. As they have to cover a vast GATE mechanical engineering exam syllabus.
List down all the important sections, topics, and subtopics in one place. Set a specific time for each section and make sure to cover them all.
Don't forget to check the GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering and Syllabus.
Divide the syllabus by the difficulty level and weightage and spend more time on higher weightage topics.
Collect the best resources, books, and mock test papers for GATE Mechanical Engineering 2026.
Dedicate some days to revision and solving mock tests and previous years' papers.
Also Read: How to crack GATE 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, candidates will not be allowed to carry calculators to the exam center. Candidates will use a virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.
The GATE ME exam pattern is segregated into three sections. There will be a total of 65 questions of 1 and 2 marks (MCQ, MSQ, and NAT) including General Aptitude(10 questions), Engineering mathematics (10 questions), and mechanical engineering (45 questions).
Yes, There will be a negative in MCQ only. For each 1 marks question, 1/3 mark will be deducted and for 2 marks questions, 2/3 marks will be deducted. Negative.
The GATE question paper will contain 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.
There will be a total of 5 sections in the GATE Mechanical Engineering paper pattern including General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics and Design, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering.
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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