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

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

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Team Careers360Updated on 09 Oct 2025, 06:24 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. Moreover, the authority has released the GATE Instrumentation Engineering syllabus 2026 online. The authority will conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026.

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 exam. 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.

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)

44

16 Ques- 1 Marks

28 Ques- 2 marks

72

Engineering Mathematics

11

7 Ques- 1 Marks

3-Ques- 2 Marks

13

Total

65


100

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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.

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

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.

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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 ?

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,

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!!

Hey! The GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is very important for long-term career growth. It opens opportunities for postgraduate studies (M.Tech, MS, PhD) in top institutes like IITs and NITs and is also used by many public sector companies (PSUs) for recruitment, often with higher salary packages. In the long run, qualifying GATE can enhance your technical knowledge, career prospects, and credibility in the engineering field.

If your GATE application shows failed status even after a successful payment, don’t worry, this usually happens due to server or transaction update delays. First, wait for 24–48 hours as sometimes the status gets updated automatically. If it still shows failed, you should raise a query through the GATE application portal by providing your enrollment ID and payment receipt or transaction details. You can also contact the GATE zonal office via email or helpline with proof of payment. Keeping a screenshot of the payment success message will also help in resolving the issue quickly.

Hi dear candidate,

You can refer to the online E Books for GATE examination available on our official website that you can download anytime.

Kindly refer to the link attached below to access them for practice.

Link: GATE E-books and Sample Papers

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