GATE 2026 Paper Analysis: Check Subject-Wise Exam Analysis, Difficulty Level, Cutoff
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
GATE 2026 Paper Analysis: Candidates can check the GATE 2026 paper analysis for all exam dates and sessions here. This year, IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. In the GATE 2026 exam analysis, candidates will find details regarding difficulty level and memory-based GATE questions asked in the exam. The result will be announced on March 19, 2026. Students can refer to the GATE paper analysis here to check the difficulty level of the GATE exam shift-wise (of previous year's). Read below for more.
- GATE 2025 CS, ME, EE, EC, CE, DA, CH, and CY Paper Analysis
- GATE 2025 CS Shift 1 and 2 Paper Analysis
- GATE 2025 ME Paper Analysis
- GATE 2025 EE Paper Analysis
- GATE 2025 DA Paper Analysis
- GATE 2025 EC Paper Analysis: Shift 2
- GATE 2025 CE Paper Analysis: Shift 1
- GATE 2026 Answer Key
- GATE 2026 Cutoff
GATE 2025 CS, ME, EE, EC, CE, DA, CH, and CY Paper Analysis
IIT Roorkee hosted the GATE 2025 exam for all 30 subject test papers. Candidates can check the complete GATE 2025 exam analysis to analyse their attempts at the GATE 2025 question paper. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a national-level entrance exam conducted to offer admission to MTech/research programs or apply for PSU recruitment.
The GATE 2025 question paper comprises 65 questions (MSQs, NAT, and MCQs) across various subjects for 100 marks. The exam is three hours long, covering questions based on problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Here is an in-depth GATE 2025 paper analysis of CS, ME, CH, CE, DA, CY, EC, EE, IN, and XE papers.
GATE 2025 Branch-Wise Difficulty Level
| Subject Paper | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Engineering (CSE) | Moderate |
| Instrumentation Engineering (IN) | Moderate |
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | Moderate |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | Moderate |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | Easy to Moderate |
| Electronics and Communication (EC) | Moderate |
| Chemical Engineering (CH) | - |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) | Moderate |
Commonly asked questions
No, physical calculators are not allowed inside GATE exam hall. Candidates will be provided with a virtual calculator to solve their questions. It is advised to practice using GATE calculator to improve accuracy.
A compensatory time of 60 minutes is given to candidates who have opted for scribe facility in GATE exam. To avail this facility, candidates have to choose option while filling GATE form.
This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting the GATE 2026 exam. IIT Guwahati conducted the GATE exam in 2018. Based on the GATE 2018 and past year paper format, the GATE 2026 is expected to be moderately difficult. The question paper is expected to have higher weightage on concept-based questions, blending numerical and practical analysis. Candidates are advised to practice the previous year's question paper as many times as possible to understand the difficulty level of the question paper.
GATE 2025 CS Shift 1 and 2 Paper Analysis
The GATE 2025 CSE exam was conducted in two shifts on February 1, 2025. Overall, the paper was easy to moderate with balanced-level questions. The GATE 2025 CS question paper was a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging questions. Candidates can check the section-wise difficulty level below -
| Section | Difficulty-Level |
|---|---|
| General aptitude | easy to moderate |
| Engineering Mathematics | easy to moderate |
| Core technical subjects | moderate to difficult |
GATE 2025 CSE Paper Analysis: Key Topics Asked
The GATE 2025 CSE shift 1 and 2 question paper answer key comprised questions from the following topics -
- Boolean algebra
- Combinational and sequential circuits
- Minimization
- Number representations and computer arithmetic (fixed and floating-point)
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Programming and Data Structure
- Algorithms
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
Read more -
Commonly asked questions
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.
GATE 2025 ME Paper Analysis
The GATE 2025 ME exam was conducted on February 2, 2025, in the first shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm). Based on students' reactions and feedback, the GATE 2025 ME paper had a mix of conceptual and theoretical questions. Some technical questions were tricky in the core subject section. On the other hand, the general aptitude and engineering mathematics section had easy-to-moderate questions. MCQs had higher weightage than MSQs and NATs. Here is a section-wise breakdown of the difficulty level.
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| engineering mathematics | easy to moderate |
| general aptitude | easy |
| core subject | moderate to difficult |
GATE 2025 ME Paper Analysis: Key Topics Covered
The GATE 2025 Feb 2 ME paper comprised questions from the following topics -
- engineering mechanics
- strength of materials
- machine design
- theory of machine
- manufacturing process
- fluid mechanics
- machine design
Read More
GATE 2025 EE Paper Analysis
The GATE 2025 EE paper was conducted on Feb 2 in the second shift (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). Overall, the paper was moderately tricky, with few challenging questions. The majority of the questions were solvable. The GATE EE 2025 question paper had maximum MCQ questions. Aptitude and Engineering mathematics were moderate, and technical subjects were easy to moderate. Candidates can check the section-wise difficulty level below -
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| general aptitude | easy to moderate |
| engineering mathematics | moderate |
| core technical subjects | easy to moderate |
GATE 2025 EE Paper Analysis: Key Topics Covered
The GATE EE 2025 question paper comprised questions from the following topics -
- Signal system
- Control system
- Electrical machine
- Power Electronics
- Network Theory
- Power System
Read here - GATE 2025 EE paper analysis shift 2
GATE 2025 DA Paper Analysis
The GATE 2025 Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) exam was conducted on February 15 in the first shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm). Overall, the paper was moderate. The question paper was unbalanced for a few students with some challenging questions. Here is a section-wise GATE 2025 DA question paper difficulty level below -
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| General aptitude | easy to moderate |
| Data Science and AI | moderate |
GATE 2025 DA Paper Analysis: Key Topics Covered
The GATE 2025 DA shift 1 question paper covered questions from the following topics -
- Probability and statistics
- linear algebra
- calculus and optimisation
- machine learning
- artificial intelligence
- programming, data structure and algorithm
Read More - GATE 2025 DA exam analysis shift 1
GATE 2025 EC Paper Analysis: Shift 2
The GATE 2025 electronics and communication (EC) paper was conducted on Feb 15, 2025, in the second shift (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). Candidates found the paper to be moderately difficult. The technical question had a few questions that were challenging and time-consuming. On the other hand, the general aptitude and mathematics was easy to moderate. Candidates can check the GATE 2025 EC paper section-wise difficulty level below -
| Section | Difficulty level |
|---|---|
| General aptitude | easy to moderate |
| Mathematics | easy to moderate |
| Technical section (core subjects) | moderate to difficult |
GATE 2025 EC Paper Analysis: Key Topics Covered
The GATE 2025 Feb 15 EC paper comprised questions from the following topics-
- Network theory
- Digital circuits
- Control systems
- Analog circuits
- Signals and Systems
- Communication
- Electronic devices
Read more - GATE 2025 EC paper analysis
GATE 2025 CE Paper Analysis: Shift 1
The GATE 2025 Civil Engineering (shift 1) exam was conducted on February 16 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The paper was easy to moderate, with a few challenging questions. A few questions were unconventional and required critical thinking. The general aptitude section was easy to moderate. On the other hand, the core section was moderately difficult. Read here - GATE 2025 CE shift 1 paper analysis
GATE 2026 Answer Key
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can download answer key from the official website of GATE. GATE answer key will be available in two formats - provisional and final answer key. Provisional answer key of GATE can be raised for objection.
The process to download the GATE 2026 answer key PDF can be checked below -
- Visit GATE official website
- Login using enrollment ID and password
- The answer key will be displayed on screen
- Check and download
Based on final answer key GATE scores will be calculated.
GATE answer key is released after exam is over. The dates will be announced soon. The answer key of GATE 2026 will contain answers to the questions asked in test. Candidates can download answer key, response sheet, and question paper using enrollment ID and password.
The GATE provisional and final answer key are different. The GATE provisional answer key is released along with the response sheet. Through the provisional answer key, candidates will be able to raise objections. On the other hand, the final answer key is basically released after the review process, which is used for the GATE score evaluation. Candidates must note that the final answer key cannot be rechecked or raised for objections.
GATE 2026 Cutoff
Commonly asked questions
The GATE 2025 cutoff of computer Science and information technology (category-wise) can be checked below -
- For general - 29.2
- OBC-NCL/EWS - 26.2
- SC/ST/PwD - 19.4
The cutoff is the minimum mark that is required for all candidates to qualify for the exam. IIT Guwahati will announce the GATE cutoff 2026 after the announcement of results.
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, is conducting GATE 2026 exam. The dates are February 7, 8, 14, and 15, and will be held in two shifts. Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Candidates attempting for paper must download their hall ticket using enrollment ID and password.
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.
GATE Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?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 a month 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 a month ago
If you notice an error or discrepancy after submitting your GATE form, don't panic. Once the application correction window opens, log in via GOAPS using your credentials and make the corrections. Details like category, gender, exam city, paper choice, date of birth, etc., can often be edited — usual
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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
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