GATE 2026 CSE Subject-Wise Weightage: Important Topics, How to Score 55+, Study Materials, Preparation Tips
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage CSE: Candidates who have registered for GATE 2026 CSE, can find important GATE CSE topics and chapters, along with subject-wise GATE CSE topics, last 10 years GATE CS question papers with solutions, study materials, and cutoff details here. Read below to know more.
GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Weightage CSE: GATE Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is considered the most demanding branch out of 30 papers. Every year, lakhs of applicants apply for GATE CS paper out of which only a few get the opportunity to get into their dream institute. So, if you are someone appearing for GATE CSE 2026 or preparing for GATE 2027, then this blog will definitely help you prepare and revise.
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Latest Update: GATE 2026 CSE exam and admit card date OUT, check details
GATE 2026 CSE Exam Date
This year, the Indian Institute of Guwahati will be conducting GATE 2026 on the scheduled dates - February 7, 8, 14, and 15. The exam will be held in two shifts:
- forenoon- 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and
- afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
There are two shift timings for the GATE exam. Candidates can find the details of the shift timing on the official website. The GATE shift timings are as follows -
- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Candidates can also find the exam timing details mentioned in the GATE admit card. Candidates are advised to appear for the GATE 2026 exam on the date prescribed in the hall ticket.
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in more than 200 cities across eight zones in India. There are no international centres. Candidates who wish to appear for the exam must travel to India. The details regarding the test city and address will be mentioned in the GATE admit card.
GATE CS is conducted in multiple sessions - CS1 and CS2. The GATE 2026 branch-wise dates are now available. The exam dates and slot timings for GATE 2026 CS1 and CS2 can be checked below.
| GATE CSE Paper |
GATE 2026 Exam Date |
GATE 2026 Shift Timings |
|---|---|---|
| GATE 2026 CS1 |
February 8 |
9:30 am to 12:30 pm |
| GATE 2026 CS2 |
February 8 |
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
Candidates appearing for the exam, must download the GATE 2026 admit card using their enrollment ID and password. The GATE CSE 2026 admit card release date is January 2.
GATE 2026 CS Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Aspirants preparing for GATE 2026 CSE can check the exam pattern below-
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Online (computer-based) |
| Time duration |
3 hours |
| Marking distribution |
General aptitude - 15 marks, Subject-based- 85 marks (includes engineering mathematics - 13 marks) |
| Total marks |
100 |
| Marking scheme |
Questions either carry 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative marking |
For one mark MCQ - 1/3rd mark will be deducted for incorrect response For 2 mark MCQ, 2/3rd mark will be deducted for wrong answer There is no negative marking for MSQs or NATs |
| Is there partial marking in GATE MSQs? |
No, there is no partial marking for GATE MSQs |
GATE 2026 CSE Syllabus
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
15 Feb '26 - 19 Feb '26
7 Mar '26
31 Mar '26
15 Feb '26
7 Jun '26 - 23 Jun '26
The GATE 2026 computer science and information technology syllabus consists of the following sections -
- Section I - Engineering Mathematics
- Section II - Digital Logic
- Section III - Computer Organisation and Architecture
- Section IV - Programming and Data Structures
- Section V -Algorithms
- Section VI - Theory of Computation
- Section VII - Compiler Design
- Section VIII - Operating System
- Section IX - Database
- Section X - Computer Networks
Check detailed GATE CSE syllabus - click here
GATE 2026 CSE Subject-Wise Topics (According to Experts)
Candidates can check the GATE 2026 CSE subject-wise weightage details below -
| Subject/Topic |
Subject-wise weightage |
|---|---|
| General aptitude |
15 marks |
| Discrete and Engineering Mathematics |
13 to 15 marks |
| Theory of computation |
8 to 9 marks |
| Digital Logic |
5 to 6 marks |
| Computer Organisation and Architecture |
7 to 8 marks |
| Programming and Data Structures |
9 to 10 marks |
| Algorithms |
8 to 9 marks |
| Compiler Design |
5 to 6 marks |
| Operating System |
9 to 10 marks |
| Databases |
7 to 8 marks |
| Computer Networks |
8 to 9 marks |
GATE CSE Percentage-Wise Distribution for All Sections (Last 5 years)
| Year |
EM & DMP |
PDS |
Algo |
OS |
DBMS |
COA |
CN |
TOC |
CD |
DL |
GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
12 |
16 |
15 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
15 |
| 2021 (CS 1) |
11 |
15 |
14 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
15 |
| 2021 (CS 2) |
11 |
14 |
16 |
11 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
15 |
| 2022 |
12 |
16 |
15 |
11 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
8 |
5 |
6 |
15 |
| 2023 |
12 |
17 |
18 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
15 |
| 2024 SET 1 |
12 |
16 |
17 |
11 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
15 |
| 2024 SET 2 |
12 |
15 |
16 |
12 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
15 |
GATE Subject-Wise Weightage CSE: Important Chapters (According to Past Trends)
As per the past GATE paper trends, here are the most important chapters for GATE CSE preparation -
- Engineering and Discrete Mathematics
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- DBMS
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- Theory of Computation
- Compiler Design
- Digital Logic
- Computer Organisation and Architecture
- Software Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- General Aptitude
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, will be conducting the GATE 2026 exam. The dates are OUT now. IIT Guwahati last conducted the GATE exam in 2018. Candidates who want to apply for M.Tech or any research programmes can apply for GATE. The application window is available till October 7 without late fees (revised), till October 13 (with late fee) and the exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
The GATE scorecard 2026 is valid for three years, which means the scorecard can be used till 2029. Candidates can download the scorecard using their enrollment ID and password. Candidates can use the scorecard for M.Tech or PhD admissions, or PSU recruitment.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE 2026 exam dates on the official website. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 dates below -
| Events | Dates |
| GATE 2026 application form release date | August 28 |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (without late fees) | October 7 (REVISED) |
| GATE 2026 application form last date (with late fees) | October 13 |
| GATE 2026 form correction submission last date | November 10 |
| GATE 2026 admit card release date | January 2 |
| GATE 2026 exam date | February 7, 8, 14, and 15 |
| GATE 2026 result date | March 19 |
| GATE scorecard download date | March 27 to May 31 (free download) till December 31 (by paying a fee of INR 500) |
Also read:
- IIT Guwahati GATE Previous Year's Question Paper and Answer Key Solutions
- Which IIT sets the toughest GATE question paper?
GATE CSE Previous Years Question Papers Download
Candidates can practice the GATE CSE question paper with solutions to understand what sort of questions are asked in the exam, followed by the important questions that are repeatedly asked, and the difficulty level. Check GATE CSE previous years question paper
| GATE 2025 CS Shift | Question Paper Link | Answer Key Link |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering (CS1) | Download here | Download here |
| Computer Science and Engineering (CS2) | Download here | Download here |
Also read: GATE 2025 CS shift 1 and 2 question paper with solutions
Best Books and Study Materials for GATE CS Preparation (According to Toppers and Experts)
Aspirants can check below the chapter-wise best books and study materials for GATE 2026 CS preparation-
| GATE CSE Topics |
Best book to refer |
|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics |
Erwin Kreyszig - Advanced Engineering Mathematics |
| Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms |
Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H Cormen |
| Operating Systems |
Operating System Concepts by Galvin |
| Theory of Computation |
An introduction to formal languages and automata by Peter Linz |
| Database Management Systems |
Database System Concepts by Henry Korth |
| Discrete Mathematics |
Discrete Mathematics and their applications by Kenneth H.Ronsen |
| Digital Logic and Number Representation |
Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals by Morris Mano |
| Computer Networks |
Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall and Networks by Fourozon |
GATE Study Materials: Previous Years Solved Question Papers
Candidates can check below the list of best GATE study materials and solved question paper sets below -
- Download GATE old question papers from GATE’s official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Arihant GATE Computer Science - solved papers and practice sets
- GK Publications - GATE CSE previous year’s solved question papers and sets
GATE CSE Paper Analysis
Candidates can check previous years GATE paper analysis -
| GATE Year |
GATE CS Paper Analysis |
Key topics asked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
Easy to moderate with well-balanced questions. Subject-specific questions were moderate to difficult |
Boolean Algebra, Combinational and Sequential Circuits, Algorithms, Computer Networks, etc. |
| 2023 |
Overall, the question paper was moderately difficult. Most of the questions were application and concept-based |
Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, and Theory of Computation |
| 2022 |
Overall, the paper was easy to moderate |
Computer organisation, Operating System, Programming and Data Structures, Theory of Computation, and Databases |
Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
GATE CCMT counselling is expected to start in June/July. Students who have qualified in GATE exam 2026 and want to take admission in NITs and other engineering colleges must register and participate in CCMT. The dates will be updated here for each round.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
GATE 2026 COAP counselling dates will be released in June/July after the announcement of results. Students who want to take admission in IITs must register through COAP for counselling.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
GATE 2026 Electronics and Communication paper will be conducted on February 15 in the first shift. Students who have regsitered for EC paper must download their admit card on January 2.
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE CSE exam on February 8, 2026 in two shifts. The CS1 will be held in first shift and CS2 in second shift. The exam timings can be checked below-
- CS1 paper - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- CS2 paper- 2:30 am to 5:30 pm
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Students can check GATE exam dates on IIT GATE Guwahati website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The dates have been released for GATE admit card, branch-papers, and results. Dates for answer key and counselling will be made available soon.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
The Panjab University accepts the GATE cutoff score for admission to the ME/ M.Tech courses. The GATE Cutoff 2023 ranged from 363 to 387 score for admission for the General category under the All India quota. The toughest and the easiest specialisation was M.E. in Electronics and Communication Engin
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering examination takes place once a year. Every year, different IITs and IISc conduct exam on rotational basis. GATE is conducted online for three hours for 30 branch papers.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, applicants who have qualified GATE exam are also eligible for WBUT PGET. Candidates must have a valid GATE scorecard. However, students have to appear for a personal interview round. Students must mention their GATE scorecard in the application form.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
GATE 2027 is expected to be conducted by IIT Madras for all 30 branch papers. Official announcement will be made soon.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
S
Contributor-Level 7
IIT Guwahati will conduct GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. The exam timings are Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Branch-wise dates will be updated at gate2026.iitg.ac.in