Make the preparation process for the GATE exam easier with these tips
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Exam On - 14 Feb '26
By: Nikita Hire
Every student must prepare for the exam diligently, clarify concepts and practise daily with complete focus to the crack competitive exam.
Examination Structure
To prepare for any exam, every student needs to know and understand the pattern of the exam completely. The pattern of GATE exam is given below
- GATE papers also include 15 questions which would carry 1 mark each and 30 questions carries 2 marks each
- The details of the exam pattern are tabulated below:
| Duration of Exam |
Three Hours |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
65 |
| Total Marks |
100 |
| Questions Type |
There will be 2 two question types:- ● Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) ● Numerical Answer Type Question |
| Marking Scheme |
MCQ carrying 1 mark each: 1/3 marks would be deducted for every wrong answer MCQs carrying 2 marks: 2/3 marks would be deducted for every wrong answer For numerical type questions, there is no negative markings |
Revision Approach
One should create an organised study plan to prepare for the GATE exam. Those students, who are attempting it for the first time, should focus on covering each topic in the syllabus. So, they have to focus on topics such as Data Structure, Computer Organisations and Architectures, DBMS, Digital Electronics, Computer Networks, DAA. The students should practise questions on e-learning websites and also, practise as many previous years question papers as possible to identify the weak areas and manage time properly. During the preparation, the students could make appropriate notes for a quick revision of all the topics covered. Various topics in Mathematics like Probability Theory, Numerical Methods, Linear Algebra, and Calculus, etc. should be practised regularly.
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Study Material and Reference Books
Here are some of the reference books with their famous authors that that could be used to prepare for the GATE exam.
| Sr. No. |
Title of Books |
Authors |
|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Quantitative Aptitude |
RS Agrawal |
| 2. |
Engineering Mathematics |
Dr Manish Goyal |
| 3. |
Computer Organization and Architecture |
William Stallings |
| 4. |
C and C++ Programming Languages |
E. Balaguruswami |
| 5. |
Operating Systems |
Silberchatz Galvin Gagne |
| 6. |
Introduction to Algorithms |
A.I.Cormen |
| 7. |
Compiler Design |
A.A. Puntambekar |
| 8. |
Theory of Computation |
Vivek Kulkarni |
| 9. |
Database System Concepts |
Henry F.Korth |
| 10. |
Computer Networks |
Andrew S.Tanenbaum |
Scoring Topics
This is marks distribution according to GATE 2019 CSE Paper Analysis
| Subjects |
Total Marks (100) |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude |
15 |
| Engineering Mathematics |
7 |
| Computer Organisation |
4 |
| Theory of Computation |
6 |
| Databases |
9 |
| Operating System |
8 |
| Compiler Design |
5 |
| Algorithms |
6 |
| Programming and Data Structures |
14 |
| Discrete Mathematics |
11 |
| Digital Logic |
6 |
| Computer Networks |
9 |
| Total |
100 |
About the Author:
Nikita Hire is pursuing BTech in Computer Engineering from Shri. Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Technology Engineering, Dhule. She has also completed a Diploma in Computer Science from Government Polytechnic, Dhule.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, it is expected that the GATE 2026 cutoff may increase compared to last year, for the following reasons -
Increase in the number of registered applicants.
Difficulty level of the question paper
Inclination towards newer branches, such as Data Science, Machine Learning, Quantum Tech, etc.
Due to the
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
The highest GATE cutoff score for NIT M.Tech admission typically ranges from 800 to 850 in the first round. Some of the top NITs include NIT Surathkal, NIT Trichy, and NIT Warangal, accept admissions with GATE score 800 above for branches like EC, CS, ME, and EE.
Qualified candidates have to register
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
Based on the past-year's records and experts analysis, it is expected that the average expected cutoff for GATE exam 2026 can fall somewhere between 28 to 37 for general category, 26 to 28.3 marks for OBC-NCL/EWS category, and 27 -31 for SC/ST category.
The above cutoff mark can vary for each paper
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
Indian Institute of Technology will release GATE cutoff 2026 along with result. The IITG GATE 2026 result date is March 19. The conducting body will declare the exam result and cutoff for all 30 subjects. The cutoff for GATE 2026 will be available category-wise. Candidates securing the minimum cutof
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
40 marks in GATE will approximately give a rank between 2000 to 5000 depending on the paper difficulty level and the number of registered candidates in that particular branch. Obtaining 40 marks is mainly considered average, opening chances to a few new IITs (less popular branches) and NITs.
However
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The cutoff score in GATE is the minimum mark required to qualify for the exam. The conducting body releases the qualifying cutoff along with result. It determines, whether a candidate is eligible to participate in the counselling round or not.
The cutoff score in GATE varies every year (category-wis
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
The GATE 2026 question paper difficulty level of all subjects will be available after the completion of exam. In addition, students will also get an idea about chapter-wise weightage and important topics asked in major papers like GATE CSE, ME, EC, EE, DA, XE, etc.
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
No, GATE questions are not exactly repeated. However, the concept, core, and question format may remain the same. Therefore, candidates must focus on concept-building and practice GATE PYQs as many times as possible. In addition, solve mock test paper to improve accuracy and time management.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, GATE has negative marking for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only. In GATE question paper, MCQs will be of one and two marks. Hence, the marking scheme for such questions can be checked below -
- For one mark MCQ - 1/3rd mark will be deducted
- For two mark MCQ - 2/3rd mark will be deducted
S
Contributor-Level 7
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