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GATE Exam Date:07 Feb' 26 - 08 Feb' 26
GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026: IIT Guwahati has released the exam pattern for GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE exam pattern for mechanical engineering on this page once it is 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 provides 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. It includes 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 | Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks |
GATE ME Negative Marking | For a wrong answer to an MCQ, there will be negative marking For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answers to MSQ and NAT questions. There is no partial marking for any question. |
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 | 3 hours (180 Minutes |
ME (Mechanical Engineering) | 44 | (25 x 1)+ (30 x 2) | 72 | ||
Engineering Mathematics | 11 | 13 | |||
Total | 65 | 100 |
The authorities have released 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 |
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General Aptitude | Verbal Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude Analytical Aptitude Spatial Aptitude |
Subject | Important Topics |
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Engineering Mathematics |
|
Mechanical Engineering Sections | Important Topics |
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Applied Mechanics and Design |
|
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences |
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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)
The GATE ME exam pattern is segregated into three sections. There will be a total of 65 questions of 1 or 2 marks (MCQ, MSQ, and NAT) including General Aptitude(10 questions), Engineering mathematics (10 questions), and mechanical engineering (45 questions).
No, candidates will not be allowed to carry calculators to the exam center. Candidates will use a virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
No,For Mtech you are not eligible to give GATE examination in 2nd year diploma and after completing your diploma degree
Only bachelor's degree holders can give GATE examination
Thank you
Hello
If you're in 2nd year right now, you can’t register for GATE 2026 just yet.
The exam is only open to students in the 3rd year or beyond in their degree.
It’s mainly because the GATE tests subjects that are usually taught later in your course.
But don’t worry, you are in a great position to start preparing early!
Focus on your basics, practice problem-solving, and build strong concepts now.
By the time you reach 3rd year, you’ll be well ahead of the game.
Hello,
If your GATE 2026 application shows "under scrutiny," continue to monitor your applicant portal and registered email for updates, as this is a routine process where officials verify your details. An "under scrutiny" status does not mean your application is rejected; you may be notified of discrepancies and given a chance to correct them during the application correction window, which opens later. Keep your application details accurate and prepare for the exam while waiting for the correction window to open.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
In the GATE application form , you should enter your name exactly as it appears in your official ID proof , even if the order is different.
For example:
If your ID proof shows Surname + First Name , enter it in the same way in the form.
Do not change the order to First Name + Surname.
This is important because your GATE admit card and scorecard will match your ID proof.
Keep it exactly the same to avoid any issues later.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
Yes, you as a Bachelor of Science graduate in home science can appear for the GATE 2026 exam, as the eligibility criteria include graduates from "Science" and other fields, as well as those in the 3rd year or higher of an undergraduate program.
I hope it will clear your query!!
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