GATE Application Date:28 Aug' 25 - 28 Sep' 25
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.
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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.
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.
Particulars | Details |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Examination |
| Duration of exam | 3 hours |
Types of Questions | Two types of questions will be asked:
|
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 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 |
|
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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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 |
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.
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 |
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.
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 Paper Name | Highest Score | Highest Marks (Out of 100) | Cut off Marks (Out of 100) |
| Instrumentation Engineering | 29.2 | 26.2 | 19.4 |
GATE Paper Name | Highest Score | Highest Marks (Out of 100) | Cut off Marks (Out of 100) |
| Instrumentation Engineering | 32.7 | 29.4 | 21.8 |
Paper Code | Highest Score | Highest Marks (Out of 100) | Cut off Marks (Out of 100) |
IN | 34.8 | 31.3 | 23.2 |
GATE Paper Name | General | OBC | SC/ST |
Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | 42.4 | 38.1 | 28.2 |
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)
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.
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.
Detailed information about the GATE 2026 Instrumentation Engineering exam pattern can be found on the official GATE website and on this page directly.
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.
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.
The duration of the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam is usually three hours.
No, candidates are not allowed to use calculators during the GATE exam. However, a virtual calculator will be provided on the computer screen.
Yes, the GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam has a defined syllabus that covers various topics within the field of Instrumentation Engineering.
The GATE Instrumentation Engineering exam consists of two sections: General Aptitude and the core subject of Instrumentation 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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