GATE Instrumentation Engineering Exam Pattern 2026 (Out) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Duration

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Exam Pattern 2026 (Out) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Duration

Ongoing Event

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

Team Careers360Updated on 20 Aug 2025, 03:43 PM IST

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Exam Pattern 2026 - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern 2026 on this page. The GATE exam pattern for instrumentation engineering includes the mode of examination, question distribution, marking scheme, section-wise allocation, and more. Candidates preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering must check the GATE paper pattern for IN before starting their preparation. The authority has released the GATE 2026 syllabus online. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026.

LiveGATE 2026 Application Form (OUT) LIVE: Registration begins at gate2026.iitg.ac.in; fee, syllabus updatesAug 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM IST

The GATE 2026 registration begins at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The list of GATE 2026 paper combinations is shown in the table below. Candidates can register for one or two papers as per the approved combinations and must complete the application process, including fee payment and document upload, before the deadline. 

Code of 1st paper

Code of 2nd Paper

Code of 1st paper

Code of 2nd paper

AE

CE, ME, XE

GG

GE

AG

CE

IN

BM, EC, EE, ME

AR

CE, GE

MA

CS, DA, PH, ST

BM

BT, IN

ME

AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE

BT

BM, XL

MN

-

CE

AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE

MT

XE

CH

ES, PE, XE

NM

CE, ME

CS

DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST

PE

CH

CY

XE, XL

PH

CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE

DA

CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE

PI

ME, XE

EC

CS, DA, EE, IN, PH

ST

CS, DA, MA, XH

EE

DA, EC, IN, PH

TF

-

ES

CE, CH, GE

XE

AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI

EY

XL

XH

ST

GE

AR, CE, CS, ES, GG

XL

BT, CY, EY

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. GATE Exam Pattern 2026 - Instrumentation Engineering
  2. GATE Instrumentation Engineering Marking Scheme 2026
  3. GATE Instrumentation Engineering Question Paper Pattern 2026 - Highlights
  4. GATE Instrumentation Engineering 2026 - Important Books
  5. GATE Instrumentation Engineering Syllabus 2026
  6. GATE Instrumentation Engineering Previous Year Question Papers Free Download
  7. GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering - Exam Preparation Tips
GATE Instrumentation Engineering Exam Pattern 2026 (Out) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Duration
GATE Instrumentation Engineering Exam Pattern

The GATE 2026 exam pattern is a crucial resource for candidates preparing for the GATE exam. Moreover, the authority will release the GATE Instrumentation Engineering syllabus 2026 on the official website. The GATE IN question paper is based on the syllabus and the GATE 2026 IN exam pattern. Read the article to know more about the exam pattern of GATE Instrumentation Engineering 2026.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 - Instrumentation Engineering

IIT Guwahati has released the GATE IN exam pattern 2026 on the official website gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE 2026 exam pattern for Instrumentation Engineering includes details such as the distribution of questions, marking schemes, and subject areas. Candidates can check the detailed GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern below.

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GATE Instrumentation Engineering Exam Pattern 2026 - Highlights

Particulars

Details

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Examination

Duration of exam3 hours

Types of Questions

Two types of questions will be asked:

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

  • Numerical Answer Key (NAT) Questions

Number of Questions

65 Questions

Total Marks

100 Marks

Sections

There will be three sections in the paper of GATE 2024 Instrumentation Engineering

  • General Aptitude

  • Engineering Mathematics

  • Instrumentation Engineering section

General Aptitude Section

The General Aptitude sectionis mandatory and will consist of 10 questions. 5 of the questions will be of 1 mark and the remaining will be of 2 marks. The total marks of the section will be 15 marks.

Marking Scheme

  • For 1 Mark MCQs - ⅓ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • For 2 Mark MCQs - ⅔ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

  • Unattempted questions will be given zero marks

  • There will be no negative marking

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Marking Scheme 2026

The GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern includes the marking scheme. The marking scheme holds paramount importance as it defines the allocation of marks for various question types. Candidates can use the GATE instrumentation engineering marking scheme to decide how many questions to attempt from each section.

GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering Marking Scheme

Subject Code/Name

No. of Questions

Marks Distribution

Marks

General Aptitude

10

5 Ques- 1 Marks

5 Ques- 2 Marks

15

IN (Instrumentation Engineering)

45

15 Ques- 1 Marks

13 Ques- 2 marks

72

Engineering Mathematics

10

7 Ques- 1 Marks

3-Ques- 2 Marks

13

Total

65


100

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 Instrumentation Engineering Question Paper Pattern 2026 - Highlights

The GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam adopts a well-structured question paper pattern, encompassing three distinct question types:

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Each MCQ carries either 1 or 2 marks. Candidates are presented with four options, and they are required to select the correct one.

  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ): Each MSQ holds either 1 or 2 marks. Candidates can choose multiple correct options from a set of four choices

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Each NAT question carries either 1 or 2 marks. Candidates must provide numerical answers using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor.

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Importantly, negative marking applies exclusively to MCQs. For an incorrect response to a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark is deducted, while for a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark is deducted. No negative marking is applicable for MSQ and NAT questions. This meticulously designed question paper pattern in the GATE 2024 Instrumentation Engineering exam promotes precision and provides a platform for candidates to showcase their subject mastery.

Also Check:

GATE Instrumentation Engineering 2026 - Important Books

For GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering preparation, choosing the right books is vital. Here are essential reference materials to enhance your study journey and achieve success.

Reference books

Authors

Mathematics

Advanced Engineering Mathematics by Erwin Kreyszig, Gate Engineering Mathematics by Made Easy

Network Theory

Engineering Circuit Analysis by Steven M. Durbin, Jack E. Kemmerly, William H. Hayt

Analog Electronics

Fundamentals of Microelectronics by Behzad Razavi

GATE - Electronics & Communication (Analog Circuits Volume 5 of 10) by R K Kanodia

Digital Electronics

Solved previous year questions from EC and IN streams

Signals and Systems

Signals And Systems (Schaum’s Outline Series) by HP HSU Signals & Systems by Alan V. Oppenheim

Communication Systems

Modern Digital and Analog Communication System by B P Lathi

Electrical and Electronic Measurements

A Course In Electrical And Electronic Measurements And Instrumentation by A K Sawhney

Control System

Automatic Control Systems by B C Kuo

Process Control

Process Control: Modeling, Design, And Simulation by B. Wayne Bequette

Transducers

Introduction to Measurements and Instrumentation by Arun K Ghosh

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Syllabus 2026

The GATE 2026 syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering outlines the comprehensive scope of topics that candidates need to master for the examination, covering core subjects and essential areas of study.

GATE 2026 syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering

Engineering Mathematics

Electricity and Magnetism

Electrical Circuits and Machines

Signals and Systems

Control Systems

Analog Electronics

Digital Electronics

Measurements

Sensors and Industrial Instrumentation

Communication and Optical Instrumentation

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Previous Year Question Papers Free Download

Candidates can download the GATE Instrumentation Engineering previous year question paper PDFs from the table below. The GATE IN previous year question papers include answers, providing a valuable resource to comprehend the exam pattern and enhance preparedness.

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Cutoff 2026

Candidates who successfully clear the GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering cutoff will be able to secure admission to a range of prestigious institutes. Candidates can check the previous year GATE IN cutoffs to know the previous year trends.

GATE 2025 Cut off for Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

GATE Paper Name

Highest Score

Highest Marks (Out of 100)

Cut off Marks (Out of 100)

Instrumentation Engineering29.226.219.4

GATE 2024 Cut off for Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

GATE Paper Name


Highest Score


Highest Marks (Out of 100)


Cut off Marks (Out of 100)


Instrumentation Engineering32.729.421.8

GATE 2023 Cut off for Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

Paper Code

Highest Score

Highest Marks (Out of 100)

Cut off Marks (Out of 100)

IN

34.8

31.3

23.2

GATE 2022 Cut off for Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

GATE Paper Name

General

OBC

SC/ST

Instrumentation Engineering (IN)

42.4

38.1

28.2

GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering - Exam Preparation Tips

Navigating the GATE exam pattern for Instrumentation Engineering can pose challenges, but a strategic approach can streamline preparation. Consider the following vital GATE exam preparation tips:

  • Structured Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan to cover the extensive syllabus systematically.

  • Topic Compilation: Compile crucial sections, topics, and subtopics, assigning dedicated time slots for each.

  • Pattern and Syllabus Check: Familiarise yourself with the GATE Exam Pattern for Instrumentation Engineering and the syllabus.

  • Priority to Weightage: Allocate more time to higher weightage topics by dissecting the syllabus based on difficulty and significance.

  • Resource Collection: Gather top-notch resources, recommended books, and practice materials, including mock test papers.

  • Revision and Practice: Set aside specific days for thorough revision, solving mock tests, and tackling previous years' question papers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the exam pattern for GATE Instrumentation Engineering 2026?
A:

The GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and/or numerical answer type (NAT) questions. The total marks and number of questions may vary, covering General Aptitude and subject-specific topics.

Q: What is the marking scheme for GATE Instrumentation Engineering 2026?
A:

The marking scheme may vary for different question types. MCQs typically have negative marking for incorrect answers, while NAT questions do not have negative marking.

Q: Where can I find more information about the GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern?
A:

Detailed information about the GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern can be found on the official GATE website and on this page directly.

Q: What is the importance of the General Aptitude section in the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam?
A:

The General Aptitude section is an integral part of the GATE exam and helps assess candidates' language and analytical skills, which are essential for engineering professionals.

Q: Is there any sectional time limit in the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam?
A:

No, there is no specific time limit for each section. Candidates have the flexibility to allocate their time across different sections as per their preference.

Q: What is the duration of the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam?
A:

The duration of the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam is usually three hours.

Q: Can I use a calculator during the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam?
A:

No, candidates are not allowed to use calculators during the GATE exam. However, a virtual calculator will be provided on the computer screen.

Q: Is there a specific syllabus for the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam?
A:

Yes, the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam has a defined syllabus that covers various topics within the field of Instrumentation Engineering.

Q: How many sections are there in the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam?
A:

The GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam consists of two sections: General Aptitude and the core subject of Instrumentation Engineering.

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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!!