Which IIT sets the toughest GATE Question Paper: Paper Analysis and Preparation Tips
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
Which IIT sets the toughest GATE question paper? GATE is one of the reputable entrance examinations for MTech and research programmes. Qualified students get admission to IITs, NITs and other institutes for higher education. Keeping that aside, many GATE aspirants have this one doubt, before hitting mock test is that - Which IIT sets toughest GATE paper? Let’s break down in article below.
GATE 2026 examination is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. Candidates must be thinking- “Which IIT sets toughest GATE paper?”
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NOTE: Every year, GATE is conducted by different IITs and IISc on a rotational basis. Each of them has their academic standards and prepare question papers accordingly. So, based on past paper trends, cutoff analysis, paper analysis, and students’ reactions on various platforms and communities, here’s a short analysis on which IIT is known for making toughest GATE question paper?
Latest Update: GATE 2026 branch-wise exam dates released at gate2026.iitg.ac.in
The GATE previous years question paper are available on the official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates who are appearing for GATE exam must attempt the question paper to understand what sort of questions are asked in the exam. Candidates can download them for free. However, they must check the paper code carefully before downloading PDF.
So, if you are planning to appear for GATE this year, then it is very important to solve the GATE old question paper, as they come with tons of benefits.
- First and foremost, the GATE old question paper allows students to understand the GATE exam structure and pattern, with which you can tally and filter out the GATE subject-wise weightage, and which questions are asked more frequently.
- Also, solving the GATE previous year's paper gives you an upper hand in improving your time management skills and accuracy.
- Besides that, the GATE old question paper also gives you a clear understanding of the difficulty level.
Therefore, it is advised to keep a habit of solving GATE old question papers. Try to solve atleast one full-length paper per day.
Which IIT sets toughest GATE Question Paper?
Answer to this question cannot be a sure shot one, as each IITs have its academic standards and format for setting GATE question paper. Overall, GATE exam is known for maintaining a consistent difficulty level for the past 10 to 15 years. This is to maintain uniformity, confirming scoring is done fairly. But in student communities and forums, response is not same. Here are some popular aspirants responses regarding paper difficulty level across communities.
IISc Bangalore is known for setting most difficult GATE papers. Questions are made considering analytical skill research.
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Many students have also mentioned that IIT Bombay makes most difficult GATE question paper. As per 2021 paper analysis, difficulty level was moderate to tough. These IITs strictly concentrate on basics and put out tricky and time-consuming questions.
Tip: Pick out GATE question papers curated by IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru and IIT Guwahati and pay a special attention to it.
Key Takeaway - Instead of worrying about which IIT sets toughest GATE paper, one must focus on their preparation and revision, cause that’s what matters most now.
The following are the most registered subjects/papers in the GATE examination -
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Every year, Lacs of candidates register for the above subjects, making the respective branch competitive.
The IITs and IISc prepare GATE question paper to test candidates skills and knowledge in their relevant discipline. Questions in GATE exam 2026 will be prepared under the following category - recall, comprehension, application, and analysis.
The GATE CS is one of the most demanding paper taken by the aspirants. Here are some of the important high-weightage topics and chapters that are frequently asked in the GATE exam every year.
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Operation Systems
- Databases and Computer Networks.
Every year, more than 8 to 12 marks of questions are extracted from these topics. The questions range from easy to challenging. So, it is advisable to focus on these topics for GATE preparation.
How to Prepare for GATE Examination?
Students can check out some best preparation and revision tips that most GATE toppers rely on
| Tips | What Aspirants should do? |
|---|---|
| Go through syllabus and pattern and separate topics as per your difficulty level |
Syllabus and exam pattern is very important if you are attempting GATE exam. Candidates must check their respective GATE paper pattern and their corresponding syllabus carefully. |
| Prepare a timetable and start with GATE chapters that maximum marks |
Finishing GATE chapters with maximum weightage is a smart move. Try completing them first. Solve ample number of questions and make notes for revision. |
| Make short notes and focus on concepts |
GATE exam is all about concept building. Make notes or use mind-mapping techniques for last-minute revision. |
| After completing each chapter, revise and attempt mock test |
Once you complete one chapter, take individual chapter-wise mock test with timer and check your performance. Also, solve previous year question papers to understand difficulty level. |
| Get into study forums to engage in discussions and ask your doubts |
Join forums and discuss topics. Analyse and understand what others have about respective topics. Follow good study materials and online resources |
Will GATE 2026 be Tougher than last year?
As per experts and past year’s paper analysis trends, it is expected that GATE 2026 question paper might be moderate to difficult. GATE 2026 questions will be more concept driven. Heres what aspirants can do during this phase -
- Focus more on core concepts
- Attempt mock tests daily to level up your accuracy and time management
- Practice old GATE paper sets to understand difficulty level
- Maintain a handbook to tick down your mistakes and weak areas
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
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
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
The GATE cutoff changes every year depending on seat intake, number of applicants appeared in exam, toughness of question paper, and previous cutoff trends. Candidates who meet cutoff score can participate for counselling.
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 months ago
Candidates who are appearing for the GATE exam must carry a valid ID proof along with a passport-size photograph, transperant water bottle, and pen (blue or black) along with GATE 2026 hall ticket. We advise to carry atleast two to three copies of admit card to the centre.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Attempting two papers in GATE allows students to broaden their skills and career options in different disciplines. Implemented in 2021, the GATE two paper combination can be chosen from the given list of paper combinations (already set by the authorities). With the GATE two paper combination list, also, you have better chances of qualifying the examination.