GATE 2026 Paper Analysis (Feb 8): Check Branch-Wise Analysis for Shifts 1, 2

GATE Feb 8 shift 1 exam is concluded. The GATE 2026 CSE Shift 1 exam was moderately difficult. Mathematics and Aptitude were moderate, while the CS section had some lengthy questions. Check the detailed subject-wise analysis for the GATE 2026 February 8 exam.

GATE 2026 Feb 8 Shift 1 and 2 Paper Analysis OUT

GATE 2026 February 8 Shift 1 Analysis OUT: IIT Guwahati has concluded the GATE 2026 exam for February 8 for the forenoon shift, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Candidates appearing on Day 2 of the exam shared mixed reactions regarding the overall difficulty level, question distribution, and time management.

The GATE 2026 CSE shift 1 question papers largely followed the revised GATE exam pattern, with a balanced mix of MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions. This article provides a detailed GATE 2026 February 8 exam analysis, including session-wise difficulty level, subject-wise overview, expected good attempts, and insights useful for candidates appearing in upcoming shifts or preparing for result evaluation.

Also check: GATE 2026 Feb 14 LIVE Question Paper, Answer Key, Analysis

GATE 2026 February 8 Exam Schedule and Subjects

The GATE 2026 exam on February 8 was scheduled for two sessions. The GATE CS exam was held in both shifts. The forenoon and afternoon session timings are given below. 

• Forenoon Session: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

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GATE 2026 February 8 Paper Analysis Shift 1 

Overall, the GATE 2026 February 8 question paper for shift 1 was rated moderate in difficulty by most candidates. While the numerical problems were lengthier in some papers, the conceptual questions were largely derived from standard syllabus topics.

• General Aptitude was easy to moderate
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions were calculation-intensive
• MSQs tested conceptual depth, especially in core subjects
• Engineering mathematics had 4 one mark question.
• Maximum questions was asked of the algorithm.
• General aptitude had 5 one mark question and 5 two-mark questions.

GATE 2026 February 8 Paper Analysis: Forenoon Session

Candidates can find the paper analysis for GATE 2026 CSE shift 1 below. Today's shift and pattern of the GATE 2026 CSE paper requires students to focus more on

• Core Concepts - Master fundamentals in Engineering Mathematics and stream-specific subjects.
• Practice high-quality mocks - Attempt mock tests daily to understand paper's difficulty level
• Analyse performance thoroughly- Revise weak topics, and review previous years’ GATE questions.
• The Aptitude section was straightforward and scoring
• Core subject questions focused on fundamental concepts
• Fewer tricky MSQs compared to previous years
• NAT questions required careful calculation, but were solvable

GATE 2026 February 8 Paper Analysis: Subject-wise Overview

Engineering Mathematics

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Focus on linear algebra, calculus, and probability
• Questions were concept-based with standard difficulty

CSE Shift 1

Overall, the paper was moderate to tough; students also expressed that

• Questions were asked from function.
• The algorithm had the maximum number of questions.
• Graph theory questions were tough.
• CN had less number of questions.
• COA  question with floating point rep.
• TCP connection-based question.

General Aptitude

• Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
• Reading comprehension and basic numerical reasoning dominated
• Good scoring opportunity for most candidates

Expected Good Attempts in GATE 2026 February 8 Exam

Based on student feedback and expert reviews, the expected good attempts for the GATE 2026 CSE shift 2 paper are 50 questions. The paper was lengthy. However, candidates are advised to focus more on accuracy, as GATE uses a normalised score and rank-based evaluation system.