GATE Exam 2026: How many questions to attempt to score 40 marks in GATE, Marks vs Rank, and Cutoff Insights
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 7 Feb '26
Appearing GATE 2026 exam this year? If you are, then this article will guide you in the best way. Get complete information on how many questions is needed to score 40+ marks in GATE. The blog covers GATE expected cutoff marks, number of smart attempts, marks vs rank and more. Read below to know more.
GATE is one of the most competitive exams in India, opening doors to M.Tech admissions in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and prestigious PSUs. Every year, lakhs of students aim for high scores, but one common question is: How many questions should I attempt to score 40+ marks in GATE? Scoring 40+ marks in GATE is considered, but not enough for someone who is dreaming of getting into IITs or NITs. As, GATE mark and rank varies every year depending on difficulty and normalisation process. Achieving 40 marks in GATE exam can get in you a rank between 2000 to 3000, which can be good for some new NITs and state government colleges. Let’s get into it to understand it better
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Latest Update:
IIT Madras JEE Advanced cutoff 2024 was concluded for different courses such as BTech, Integrated BTech and BS. The cutoff for the General AI category candidates closed at a range of 159 and 10682. During 2023, the cutoff ranks for the same was closed at a range of 148 and 11185. Candidates can check the branch-wise cutoff for both the years in the table below, to get an idea of the change in cutoff:
IIT Roorkee is one of the top IITs which offer BTech courses based on JEE Advanced scores. Candidates with various All India categories has applied to get admission at IIT Roorkee for top courses like CSE, IT, and Artificial Intelligence. Among all the categories, the OBC AI category candidates encountered a cutoff range between 236 and 6973. Wherein, the CSE, and DS and AI cutoff stood at 236 and 421. Considering the cutoff data, we should aim a rank of 200 to get easy selection for the aforementioned courses in JEE Advanced exam 2025.
GET REAL LIVE UPDATES: GATE 2026 ADMIT CARD LIVE UPDATES
Firstly, understand GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
Before knowing how many questions to attempt, you must understand GATE exam pattern:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Mode of the question paper | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of papers (Subjects) | 30 test papers |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate's Selected Subject(s) |
| Type of Questions | (a) Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) (b) Multiple Select Question (MSQ) (c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Testing of abilities | (a) Recall (b) Comprehension (c) Application (d) Analysis & Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks Subject Questions: 72 marks Total: 100 marks (XE includes the Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks) |
| Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks Subject Questions: 85 marks Total: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be negative marking. For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. For a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ. |
If your Target is 40 Marks in GATE 2026
To score 40+ marks in GATE 2026, you need to aim for at least 42 to 45 raw marks (keeping in mind that silly mistakes may happen).
| If you attempt 30 questions of 2 marks correctly | It can fetch you 60 marks in GATE 2026. |
| If you attempt 20 questions of 2 marks correctly, and 10 questions of 1 mark correctly | It can fetch you 50 marks in GATE 2026 |
| If you attempt 15 questions of 2 marks and 15 questions of 1 mark correctly | It can fetch you 45 marks in the GATE exam |
This means you don't have to solve all 65 questions. Even 22 to 28 correct GATE questions (with good accuracy) can give you 40+ marks.
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How many questions are required to attempt to score 40+ marks in GATE Exam
GATE General Aptitude Section
- GATE GA section is generally easy and can be scored easily
- Keep a target of scoring at least 8 to 10 marks, which is around 7 to 8 questions (approx).
The General Aptitude section is included for GATE paper codes AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, GE, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL.
GATE Engineering Mathematics Section
- Highly formula-based with predictable and predictable questions.
- Keep a target of scoring 10 to 12 marks, which is roughly an attempt of 7 to 8 questions.
GATE Core Subject
- GATE specific-branch related discipline section has highest weightage
- Try scoring at least 20 to 25 marks- which is around 12 to 15 questions.
GATE Questions Attempt vs Accuracy
Many aspirants think they must attempt 55 to 60 questions to score well. This is not true, check below -
| If you attempt 40 questions with 80% accuracy | You get at least 32 correct answers = 50 marks in GATE |
| If you attempt 55 questions with 50% accuracy and get 27 at least correct | Then you get around 42 marks in GATE |
Smart Strategy: How to attempt questions to score 40+ marks in GATE Exam
| Prioritise GA and Engineering Mathematics sections | These sections are comparatively easy and give a confidence boost. Secure 18 to 20 marks here. |
| Pick Easy Questions First | In GATE, at least 20 to 25% of questions are straightforward if you know basics. Hence, focus on the fundamentals. |
| Attempt GATE NATs and MSQs Wisely | Since there’s no negative marking, attempt them even if half sure. There is no partial marking in MSQs. |
| Avoid Blind Guessing in MCQs- | Negative marking can affect your GATE 2026 scores |
What is the Safe Attempt Range for 40+ Marks in GATE?
| Total attempts | 40 to 45 questions (overall) |
| Expected accuracy | 60 to 70% accuracy |
| Correct number of questions needed | 25 to 28 (approx) |
So, if you attempt 40 questions with 70% accuracy in GATE 2026 with 28 correct questions, that fetches at least 42 to 44 marks in GATE 2026. It is safe score in GATE 2026.
Also Read:
There are various factors that play an important role in deciding the NIT Rourkela JEE Main 2023 cut off marks for admission to the BPlan and B.Arch programme. Listed below are the determining factors that are considered while releasing the NIT Rourkela JEE Main cut off 2023, including:
- Previous year cutoff marks
- Total number of participants
- Total number of seats available
- Candidate's academic performance
IIT Madras BTech cutoff 2025 has been released for Round 1, wherein, B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering is the most competitive specialsiation with a closing rank of 171 for the General AII India category students. The least competitive course is B.Tech. in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering with a cutoff rank of 6926. So, candidates seeking admission to any of the BTech course must secure a rank upto 171 to be eligible for IIT Madras
IIT Madras admissio to the BTech course is based on JEE Advanced scores, followed by JoSAA counselling process.
Opening and Closing rank depends on the category and quota of candidates. For general category under All India, opening rank was 5395 and closing rank was 5847. Cut off are differant when it comes to other categories or female candidates and even domicile of home state. In All India, opening and closing rank for female candidates was 2284 and 12359. Admission to BSc in Economics in IIT Kharagpur is based on the scores obtained in the entrance exam JEE Advanced. Applicants are advised to confirm what category are they applying while checking for cut offs.
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What to avoid while attempting GATE questions?
- Avoid guesswork
- Not focusing on GA and Engineering Mathematics- It can easily give you 20+ marks
- Lack of time management while attempting questions
- Not attempting GATE old question papers, Most toppers say that at least 10 to 12 GATE previous year papers are a must.
How to Secure 40+ Marks in GATE 2026
| Daily 2 Hour Practice of General Aptitude and Engineering Maths | Consistency here ensures 15 to 20 marks |
| Strengthen Core Fundamentals | Don't mug everything, understand concepts |
| Take GATE Mock Tests |
Practice attempting 50 to 55 questions in GATE exam and check your accuracy. |
| Make formula sheets | Many 1-mark questions are direct formula-based |
| Don’t Panic | Even if paper feels tough, remember that GATE cutoff and rank depend on relative performance. |
Hence, 40+ marks in GATE 2026 = Safely above the cutoff in all branches. However, it might not fetch to top IITs and NITs (category-applicants may get seats in some branches)
Can I get IIT with 40+ marks in GATE?
Getting admission to an IIT with 40 marks in GATE is unlikely for top IITs and popular branches, as it is below average, but it may be possible (with less chance) for newer IITs, interdisciplinary programs, or less competitive branches, as cutoffs vary significantly by institution, branch, category, and the exam's difficulty. However, you can try your luck in state government colleges.
With 40+ marks in GATE 2026, your admission chances might become a little higher. Thus, scoring 40+ marks in GATE can be easy with practice and dedication. Honestly, you do not need to solve all 65 questions, just right strategy you can easily cross the 40+ mark benchmark and open opportunities to good colleges and PSU opportunties.
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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Chandigarh University does not reserve admission seats exclusively for GATE Exam 2026-qualified candidates. Admission to M.E. programs is open to all eligible students, regardless of whether they have appeared for GATE. However, when it comes to GATE fellowship benefits, the university allocates fel
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Yes, the GATE Exam 2026 fellowship is available for the entire duration of the M.E. program, provided the student continues to meet all fellowship conditions. The M.E programme typically spans two academic years, and the fellowship can be continued across semesters. However, continuation of the fell
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The GATE Exam 2026 fellowship at Chandigarh University is primarily merit-based, with the GATE score being the most important factor. However, it is not the only criterion. Eligible candidates must also qualify through an interview process, where their teaching aptitude and subject understanding are
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Yes, you can apply to Chandigarh University before GATE Exam 2026 results are deaclared.The university allows candidates to initiate the admission process based on their acdemic eligibility.Students who are confident about qualifying GATE can submit their applications early and provide the GATE scor
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At Chandigarh University, the GATE Exam 2026 score is used primarily for scholarship and fellowship purposes, not for admission priority. Admission to M.E. programs is based on eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and minimum marks, rather than GATE ranking. Students with or wi
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Yes, if a student does not have a GATE exam 2026 score, chandigarh university provides an alternative admission pathway CUCET (Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test). CUCET allows non GATE candidates to demonstrate their academic aptitude and become eligble for admission as well as certain scho
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No, there is no upper age limit for GATE Exam 2026-qualified candidates applying for M.E. programs at Chandigarh University. The university follows an inclusive admission policy that focuses on academic eligibility rather than age criteria. As long as a candidate meets the required educational quali
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Students awarded GATE exam 2026 fellowship at Chandigarh University are required to take teaching assistantship duties as a mandatory condition for receiving and continuing fellowship. These responsibilities generally include assisting faculty with tutorials, lab sessions, evaluations and other acad
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Chandigarh University does not declare a fixed minimum GATE Exam 2026 score for Electrical Engineering or Electronics and Communication Engineering branches. However, higher GATE scores are generally preferred for fellowship allocation, especially due to limited availability. For competitive branche
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Candidates can refer to the table given below to check out the past years’ trends of COEP Pune for several courses across OBC category: