GATE 2026 CSE Subject-Wise Weightage: Important Topics, How to Score 55+, Study Materials, Preparation Tips
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 7 Feb '26
GATE 2026 CSE Subject-Wise Weightage: Candidates who have registered for GATE CS paper can check GATE computer science important chapters and topics for preparation. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering for CS is scheduled for February 8. Check below to get subject-wise GATE CSE weightage, last 10 PYQs, study materials, revision strategies, cutoff, etc.
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.
Latest Update: GATE 2026 CSE Admit Card Released, download now at gate2026.itg.ac.in
GATE 2026 CSE Exam Date
This year, the Indian Institute of Guwahati will be conducting GATE exam 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
GET REAL-TIME UPDATES HERE: GATE 2026 Admit Card Live Updates
GATE Computer Science and Engineering will be held in two shifts, since it is a multi-session paper. 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 admit card using their enrollment ID and password at GOAPS.
GATE 2026 CS Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
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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 Computer Science and Engineering Syllabus
The GATE 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
GATE 2026 CSE Subject-Wise Topics (According to Experts)
Candidates can check the GATE CSE subject-wise weightage details below -
GATE CSE exam will take place on February 8 in two sessions. CS 1 and 2 shift timings are-
- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
No, GATE authorities do not release any notification regarding dress code. However, it is advised to wear simple and comfortable clothing, as it will ease the checking process.
| 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 |
Candidates must pay special attention to the chapters and topics that carry maximum marks. Also, do not skip the General Aptitude section, as 15 marks can help you fetch good score in GATE.
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 -
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 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) |
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.
- 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
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
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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 |
How to revise entire GATE CSE syllabus in one month?
Revising what you've studied throughout the years is important, as it will help you build a strong grasp of fundamentals and concepts. Students can divide this one month into phases, and seggregate their preparation based on it. Read here on how to revise entire GATE syllabus in one month.
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 a week ago
NHCE Bangalore accepts GATE score for admission to M.Tech programme. However, it is not compulsory. Aspirants can also get into M.Tech course based on their Karnataka PGCET scores. Selected candidates have to confirm their seat by paying the course fees.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Chandigarh University does not announce branch-wise GATE Exam 2026 cut-offs for M.E. admissions. Since GATE is not mandatory for admission, there are no fixed cut-offs for different specialisations. However, for GATE fellowship allocation, competition may vary by branch depending on the number of ap
A
Guide-Level 11
Answered a week ago
Candidates need to graduate from BTech at IIT Dhanbad with a minimum GPA of 8.0 or above to qualify for M.Tech admissions without GATE. Only the candidates who clear BTech from IIT Dhanbad are allowed admissions without GATE into M.Tech at II Dhanbad with the aforementioned score.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the GATE 2026 has already been concluded for IIT Dhanbad M.Tech admissions. The GATE 2026 registrations are closed in the month of October. Candidates who have appeared for GATE will need to wait for all merit-lists to be revealed.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD admissions to the Institute Assistantship courses at IIT Guwahati require candidates to appear for the GATE or CEED.
However, PhD admissions to the other categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are not decided on the basis of the aforementioned entrance exams scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, GATE is not a mandatory entrance exam for Plaksha University MS in AI admissions. Candidates also have the option to appear for other entrance exams to qualify for MS in AI admissions such as GRE, CAT and GMAT.
However, candidates who have cleared their UG level course from top institutes such as
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The GATE paper will be divided into sections like engineering mathematics, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, etc.
Here's the GATE 2026 Syllabus for Civil Engineering
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Bachelor's degree holder from IITs with a CGPA of 8.0 or above can get direct admission in M.Tech programme of IIT Dhanbad without GATE. The respective department reviews such applications and seats for such aspirants are supernumerary.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can get M.Tech admission without a GATE in Bangalore colleges through institute specific entrance exams. The seats are sponsored in IITs and NITS. Private and state universities also offer direct admissions via their own tests or merit.
Source: External site and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, Chandigarh University conducts an interview process for students who wish to avail the GATE Exam 2026 fellowship. Clearing the interview is a compulsory step, even for candidates with strong GATE scores. The interview is designed to assess the student's subject knowledge, communication skill,
s
Beginner-Level 4
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.