GATE 2026 is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 3 hours (180 minutes) with a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks. The exam includes General Aptitude and subject-specific questions across 30 papers, with multiple question formats including MCQ, MSQ, and Numerical Answer Type (NAT).
Overview
GATE 2026 follows a standardised exam pattern designed to test candidates' technical knowledge and aptitude. The test is conducted in English and includes questions from both core engineering subjects and general aptitude. With 30 different papers available, candidates can choose the paper most relevant to their academic background and career goals.
Exam Pattern Details
The GATE 2026 exam structure consists of:
- Examination Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Questions: 65 questions
- Total Marks: 100
- Number of Papers: 30
- Language: English
- Sections: General Aptitude (GA) + Selected Subject(s)
Mark Distribution by Paper Type
The mark distribution varies depending on the paper type.
Most Engineering Papers (AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF)
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 |
| Engineering Mathematics | 13 |
| Subject Questions | 72 |
| Total | 100 |
Science Papers (CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST)
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 |
| Subject Questions | 85 |
| Total | 100 |
Question Types & Marking Scheme
GATE 2026 includes three main types of questions with different marking patterns:
| Question Type | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) – 1 Mark | 1 | 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answer |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) – 2 Marks | 2 | 2/3 mark deducted for wrong answer |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) | 1 or 2 | No negative marking |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 1 or 2 | No negative marking |
Paper Categories & Structure
GATE offers 30 papers categorised into different structures. Most papers follow a standard format, while some papers have optional sections that candidates can select.
Standard Engineering Papers
The majority of engineering papers (AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF) include General Aptitude (15 marks), Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), and subject-specific questions (72 marks).
Science Papers Without Mathematics
Papers such as Chemistry (CY), Data Science (DA), Ecology & Evolution (EY), Mathematics (MA), Physics (PH), and Statistics (ST) do not include an Engineering Mathematics section. Instead, they have 15 marks for General Aptitude and 85 marks for subject-specific content.
Papers with Optional Sections
Certain papers include optional subject sections that candidates can select. For example, Architecture (AR) allows candidates to choose between Part B1 (Architecture) or Part B2 (Planning) during the exam. Geomatics Engineering (GE) offers a choice between Surveying & Mapping and Image Processing & Analysis. Geology & Geophysics (GG) allows candidates to select between Geology and Geophysics at application time. Engineering Sciences (XE) requires selecting two optional sections during the exam, while Humanities & Social Sciences (XH) and Life Sciences (XL) follow their own specific selection patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exam duration and format?
GATE 2026 is a 3-hour Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, negative marking applies only to Multiple Choice Questions. For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark is deducted; for 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 mark is deducted. Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) have no negative marking.
How many papers can I choose from?
GATE 2026 offers 30 different papers across various engineering and science disciplines. Candidates select one paper at the time of application.
Disclaimer: Verify all exam details on the official GATE website before registering.