GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026 - Check here

GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026 - Check here

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 28, 2025 12:14 PM IST | #GATE

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

GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026 - Check here
GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026 - Check here

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.

GATE Mechanical Engineering Exam Pattern 2026 - Highlights

Read carefully the important highlights of the GATE Mechanical Engineering exam pattern 2026:

ParticularsGATE Mechanical 2026 Details

Exam Mode

Online Computer Based Test (CBT)

Duration

3 Hours (180 Minutes)

Question Pattern

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

Number of Sections

  • General Aptitude

  • Mechanical Engineering

Type of sections

  • Recall

  • Comprehension

  • Application

  • Analysis and Synthesis

Total Number of Questions

  • 10 (General Aptitude)
  • 55 (Mechanical Engineering)

Total- 65 Questions

Total Marks

100 Marks

Marking Scheme

1 and 2 Marks questions

GATE ME Negative Marking

  • For a 1-mark MCQ question, 1/3 mark will be deducted.
  • For 2-mark questions MCQ, 2/3 marks will be deducted.
  • No negative markings in MSQ and NAT questions.

GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Marking Scheme 2026

Subject Code/NameNo. of QuestionsMarks 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

GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus- Important Topics

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.

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GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus 2026- General Aptitude Important Topics

Subject
Important Topics
General AptitudeVerbal Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude
Analytical Aptitude
Spatial Aptitude
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GATE Engineering Mathematics Syllabus 2026- Important Topics

Subject
Important Topics
Engineering Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Calcus
  • Differential equations
  • Complex variables
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Numerical Methods
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GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2026

Mechanical Engineering Sections

Important Topics

Applied Mechanics and Design

  • Engineering Mechanics

  • Mechanics of Materials

  • Theory of Machines

  • Vibrations

  • Machine Design

Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences

  • Fluid Mechanics

  • Heat-Transfer

  • Thermodynamics

  • Applications: Power Engineering


Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering

  • Engineering Materials

  • Casting, Forming and Joining Processes

  • Machining and Machine Tool Operation

  • Metrology and Inspection

  • Computer Integrated Manufacturing

  • Operations Research

  • Production Planning and Control

  • Inventory Control


Also Read: GATE 2026 Syllabus for all Subjects

GATE Mechanical Engineering Question Paper Pattern 2026

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.

GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) 2026 Important Books

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 Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Nature/Design of Questions

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 2026 Mechanical Engineering (ME) - Exam Preparation Tips

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)

1. What is GATE Mechanical Engineering Paper Pattern 2026?

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).

2. Is there a negative marking in the GATE Mechanical Engineering 2026 paper?

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.

3. How many papers are there in GATE for mechanical engineering (ME)?

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.

4. What are the total marks in GATE ME 2026?

The GATE question paper will contain 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.

5. Is a calculator allowed in the GATE exam 2026?

No, candidates will not be allowed to carry calculators to the exam center. Candidates will use a virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.

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Questions related to GATE

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello Vinod,

Here is your complete time management strategy and roadmap:

Stage 1: Foundation Phase (June 2025 – Dec 2025)

  • Target: Comprehensive conceptual clarity of core EEE subjects.
  • Study Time: 2 - 3 hours daily (other than college work)
  • Subjects: Network Theory, Signals & Systems, Engineering Mathematics, Electrical Machines
  • Weekly Plan: 5 days theory + 2 days review / practice
  • Solve topic-wise PYQ from GATE after every chapter.

Stage 2: Strengthening Phase (Jan 2026 – Oct 2026)

  • Target: Full syllabus + practice + revise
  • Study Time: 3 - 4 hours everyday on weekdays, 6 - 8 hours on saturdays/sundays
  • Complete remaining subjects: Power Systems, Control Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, EMT, Measurements
  • Join in a test series and make summary notes and error logs

Stage 3: Revision & Test Phase (Nov 2026 – Jan 2027)

  • Target: Maximize test performance and accuracy.
  • Study Duration: 6-8 hours every day (focus only on GATE)
  • Plan: Take full length tests 2-3 times a week.
  • Analyze and revise weak areas.
  • Practice numerical types & MSQ.

GATE CSE Syllabus: Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Networks, DBMS, OS, COA, TOC, Compiler Design, Digital Logic, Software Engineering, Discrete Math, Engineering Math, Aptitude.
Job Roles After GATE: Software Engineer, System Analyst, Scientist (ISRO, DRDO, BARC), PSU roles, M.Tech/MS admissions, Researcher, Assistant Professor.

As of now, CEAP counselling registration for GATE-qualified candidates has not yet opened. The official portal has not released the registration link, which indicates that the process is delayed this year. Usually, the registration begins in May or early June, but since it's already July, it's expected to go live anytime soon. You should keep checking the Anna University CEAP portal regularly for updates. Make sure your GATE scorecard and other documents are ready, so you can register immediately once the link is active.

Hello aspirant,
Yes, the registration for CEAP (Common Engineering Admission Procedure) for GATE-qualified candidates is now open on Anna University’s counselling portal. You can log in using your GATE credentials and complete the online registration, including payment and choice filling. After that, seat allotments will start once all registrations are processed. Keep an eye on the official portal for any updates regarding choice submission deadlines and seat allotment dates.

Yes, it is possible to get admitted to some government postgraduate (PG) programs, including M.Tech, without a GATE score. While GATE is a common and often preferred route for admission to many government institutions, especially IITs and NITs, several alternatives exist.

Here's how you can pursue PG programs without GATE:

Sponsored Seats:

Many IITs and NITs offer sponsored seats in their M.Tech programs. These seats are often available to candidates with relevant work experience (usually at least two years) in a related field.

Quality Improvement Programme (QIP):

This program allows individuals already working in academic institutions to pursue M.Tech degrees at IITs and other institutions without a GATE score.

Entrance Exams Conducted by Specific Institutions:

Some institutions, including IITs and NITs, may conduct their own entrance exams or interviews for specific M.Tech programs, especially for those not seeking GATE-based admission.

State-Level Entrance Exams:

Some state governments conduct their own entrance exams for postgraduate programs in state-funded universities and colleges.

Merit-Based Admission:

Some institutions may offer admission based on academic merit, considering your undergraduate performance and other relevant factors.

Private Institutions:

Private universities and colleges often offer M.Tech programs without mandatory GATE scores, relying on their own entrance exams, interviews, or merit-based admissions.

Study Abroad:

Consider pursuing an MS degree abroad, as many international universities have their own admission criteria, which may not include GATE.

Important Considerations:

Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria of the institution and program you are interested in, as these may vary.

Application Deadlines: Be aware of the application deadlines for each institution and program.

Alternative Exams: If you are considering an institution that conducts its own entrance exam, familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus.

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