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GATE Exam Pattern 2026

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GATE Exam Pattern 2026 is officially released by IIT Guwahati. Check paper-wise marks distribution, marking scheme, question types, and 30 subject codes for 100 marks CBT (3 hours). No changes from core structure.

Organization Name	Assam
Job Location	Assam
Last Updated	30/05/2026
Short Information	GATE Exam Pattern 2026 is officially released by IIT Guwahati. Check paper-wise marks distribution, marking scheme, question types, and 30 subject codes for 100 marks CBT (3 hours). No changes from core structure.

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Notification Date	Post Date: 30/05/2026

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GATE Exam Pattern 2026

Sr.	Type	Text
1	paragraph	GATE Exam Pattern 2026 is officially released by IIT Guwahati for all 30 papers. The exam will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) carrying 100 marks with a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes). It includes General Aptitude (15 marks) common to all papers along with the candidate’s chosen subject.
2	paragraph	The GATE 2026 question paper will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions. Understanding the detailed GATE Exam Pattern 2026, paper-wise marks distribution, and marking scheme is crucial for effective preparation and time management. This article provides complete information on subject-wise pattern, negative marking, and question types to help aspirants plan better.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

Sr.	Type	Headers	Rows
1	table	Particulars Details	Mode of Examination Computer-Based Test (CBT) Duration 3 Hours (180 minutes) Number of Papers 30 Language English Sections General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject(s) Types of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Total Marks 100 Number of Questions 65 (including 10 from General Aptitude)

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern IIT Guwahati - Paper Code Wise Subject Weightage

Sr.	Type	Headers	Rows
1	table	Paper Type Section Marks	Most Papers (AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF etc.) General Aptitude 15 Engineering Mathematics 13 Subject Questions 72 Total 100 Papers like CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST General Aptitude 15 Subject Questions 85 Total 100

Paper Code Wise Distribution of Marks

Sr.	Type	Headers	Rows	Text
1	table	Paper Code General Aptitude (GA) Marks Subject: Compulsory Section Subject: Optional Section(s) Total Marks Total Time* (Minutes)	AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF (Subject marks include Engineering Mathematics - 13 marks) 15 85 -- 100 180 CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST 15 85 -- 100 180 AR: Part A (Common & Compulsory). Part B1/B2 selectable during exam (B1-Architecture or B2-Planning) 15 60 25 100 180 GE: Part A (Common & Compulsory). Part B1/B2 selectable (B1-Surveying & Mapping or B2-Image Processing & Analysis) 15 55 30 100 180 GG: Part A (Common & Compulsory). Part B1/B2 chosen at application (B1-Geology or B2-Geophysics) 15 25 60 100 180 XE: Section A (Engineering Mathematics) Compulsory. Select any TWO others during exam 15 15 2 x 35 100 180 XH: Section B1 (Reasoning & Comprehension) Compulsory. Select any ONE at application 15 25 60 100 180 XL: Section P (Chemistry) Compulsory. Select any TWO others during exam 15 25 2 x 30 100 180
2	paragraph			Note: *PwD candidates with specified disabilities may get compensatory time as per official guidelines.

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme

Sr.	Type	Headers	Rows	Text
1	table	Type of Question Marks Negative Marking	MCQ (1 mark) 1 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answer MCQ (2 marks) 2 2/3 mark deducted for wrong answer MSQ 1 or 2 No negative marking NAT 1 or 2 No negative marking
2	paragraph			- No partial marking in MSQ. - Questions test Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis.

Types of Questions in GATE 2026

Sr.	Type	Style	Items
1	list	unordered	MCQ: Choose one correct option. MSQ: One or more correct options. NAT: Enter numerical value using virtual keyboard.

How to Prepare Using GATE Exam Pattern 2026

Sr.	Type	Text	Style	Items
1	paragraph	Here is a simple and practical preparation strategy based on the GATE 2026 Exam Pattern:
2	list		unordered	Understand the Exam Pattern First: Carefully read the paper structure, marks distribution, and weightage of each section (General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Subject) before starting preparation. Focus on General Aptitude (15 Marks): This section is common in all papers and relatively easy to score. Practice verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, and data interpretation daily. Give High Priority to Engineering Mathematics (13 Marks): For papers where it is included (AE, CE, CS, ME, etc.), master important topics like Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Differential Equations. Cover Core Subject with Maximum Weightage: Dedicate most of your time to the main subject (72 or 85 marks). Follow the official syllabus and focus on high-weightage topics. Practice All Question Types: Solve MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions regularly. Pay special attention to NAT as there is no negative marking. Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Practice at least the last 10 years’ GATE papers to understand the difficulty level and question pattern. Take Full-Length Mock Tests: Attempt complete 3-hour mock tests in CBT mode as per the exact GATE 2026 pattern. Analyze your performance after every test. Work on Time Management: Learn to solve 65 questions in 180 minutes. Give more time to high-mark questions (2 marks) during practice. Avoid Negative Marking Traps: Be careful with MCQs. Make sure you are confident before attempting them. Revise Regularly: Make short notes for formulas, concepts, and shortcuts, especially for General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics. Use Standard Books & Online Resources: Refer to recommended books for your subject and use quality test series for practice.