GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026 - Check here

GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026 - Check here

Ongoing Event

GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 28 Jun 2025, 12:14 PM IST

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

LiveGATE 2026 Application Form (OUT) LIVE: Registration begins at gate2026.iitg.ac.in; fee, syllabus updatesAug 28, 2025 | 9:56 PM IST

 The GATE 2026 date schedule is given below.

Events

GATE 2026 Schedule

Start date for GATE 2026 registration through GOAPS

August 28, 2025

GATE 2026 registration last date (Without late fee)

September 28

GATE registration 2026 last date with an additional late fee of Rs. 500

October 9

GATE 2026 Application form correction starts

October 2025

GATE scorecard 2026

March 27 to May 31

Availability of Score Cards for download by paying a fee of Rs. 500 per test paper

June 01 to December 31

Read More

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

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.

VIT Bhopal University | M.Tech Admissions 2025

M.Tech admissions open @ VIT Bhopal University | Highest CTC 52 LPA | Apply now

GMAC GMAT™ Exam

Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts

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

Subject
Important Topics
General AptitudeVerbal Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude
Analytical Aptitude
Spatial Aptitude
GATE Previous Year Question Paper's
Download GATE previous year question papers to understand exam pattern and difficulty level. Practice with these papers to boost your preparation and improve your score.
Check Now

GATE Engineering Mathematics Syllabus 2026- Important Topics

Subject
Important Topics
Engineering Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Calcus
  • Differential equations
  • Complex variables
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Numerical Methods
GNA University M.Tech Admission 2025

100% Placement Assistance | Avail Merit Scholarships

Sanskaram University M.Tech Admissions 2025

100+ Industry collaborations | 10+ Years of legacy

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)

Q: Is a calculator allowed in the GATE exam 2026?
A:

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

Q: What is GATE Mechanical Engineering Paper Pattern 2026?
A:

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).

Q: Is there a negative marking in the GATE Mechanical Engineering 2026 paper?
A:

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.

Q: What are the total marks in GATE ME 2026?
A:

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

Q: How many papers are there in GATE for mechanical engineering (ME)?
A:

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.

Articles
|
Next
Certifications By Top Providers
Basic Programming using Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
B.Sc in Programming and Data Science
Via Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Understanding Ethnography
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Artificial Intelligence
Via Columbia University, New York
An Introduction to Programming through C++
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Udemy
 1525 courses
Swayam
 817 courses
NPTEL
 773 courses
Coursera
 697 courses
Edx
 608 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

For GATE Life Sciences question banks, you can go for GATE past year's papers to understand the exam style, and you can buy online test series from a coaching site for lots of new practice questions.

you can get question book one from publishers like IFAS or GKP. Also use free online resources like NPTEL and EasyBiologyClass for extra practice and study materials. Good luck!

Here are GATE exam aptitude topics from high to low weightage:

1. English Comprehension & Vocabulary

2.Numerical Ability and Arithmetic

3.Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

4.Data Interpretation

5.Geometry & Mensuration basic

6.Algebra basic

7.Probability and Statistics

8.General Knowledge and Miscellaneous Verbal like  odd one out, analogy, word usage.


If you are needed to prepare for gate exam from ece batch there 65 questions in exam pattern total marks is 100 here 15% is aptitude general questions then 15% mathematics engineering questions , 70% core subjects you need to concentrate on more core related subject like controls system , signals and system , digital circut these topics covers most of the basics but you need to prepare more topics in core subjects and create a structure plan for yourself dialy attend mock test with time duration these steps will help to prepare very easily.

Hello,

So, according to your first question, you want to  know specialization in chemical engineering for M.Tech after completing the B.Tech program. Here are some good specializations for the M.Tech program

  • Process Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Engineering
  • Process Control and Instrumentation Engineering

Also, for the second one, you want to know some good colleges that allow management quota for admission in private options. Here are some

  • VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology)
  • SRM Institute of Science and Technology
  • Lovely Professional University

I hope it will clear your query!!