Do GATE questions get repeated?

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.

What is the duration of the GATE exam for PwD applicants?

Normally, the duration of the GATE exam is 3 hours. However, the duration for students availing the scribe facility (PwD or dyslexic) will get an hour compensatory time to complete the exam, which is four hours. Candidates have to opt for compensatory time at the time of filling out the application form. After the exam duration is over, the test will terminate automatically.

What is NAT question in GATE exam?

NAT are Numerical Answer Type questions, where candidates have to enter a numerical value using GATE virtual calculator. There is no negative marking for GATE NAT questions.

What are the optional paper sections for GATE Engineering Sciences?

The GATE paper code of Engineering Sciences is XE. This year, IIT Guwahati has introduced a new sectional paper under XE, naming Energy Science (XE-I). The optional section (where the applicant has to choose any two) carries 70 marks. The GATE optional sections are as follows - Fluid Mechanics Materials Science Solid Mechanics Thermodynamics Polymer Science and Engineering Food Technology Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Energy Science

What is GATE 2026 Pattern for XL Paper (Life Sciences)?

Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 XL paper can check the exam pattern below - General aptitude carries 15 marks Chemistry (compulsory) section comprises 17 questions carrying a total of 25 marks (9 questions of 1 mark and 8 questions of 2 marks) Each optional section (out of 2) in the GATE XL paper contains 19 questions of 30 marks (8 questions of 1 mark and 11 questions of 2 marks) Total time duration is three hours. Exam mode is online. Any candidate who wishes to switch the optional section during exam, must deselect the first one to answer.

What is the GATE exam pattern for Humanities and Social Sciences?

The GATE 2026 exam pattern of Life Sciences (XL) is as follows - General aptitude - 15 marks B1 section (reasoning and comprehension) carries 16 questions of 25 marks Optional section from C1 to C6 carries 39 questions of 60 marks. Candidates must go through the GATE pattern and marking scheme before attempting the questions.

What is the GATE 2026 exam pattern?

Candidates can check GATE 2026 exam pattern below - Mode Computer-based test Language of question paper English Time duration 3 hours Total number of branches 30 Sections General Aptitude and Selected Subject Total marks 100 Negative marking Applicable only for MCQs

What are MCQ, MSQ, and NAT in GATE 2026 exam pattern?

The MCQ, MSQ, and NAT are the types of questions asked in the GATE examination. MCQs are the multiple-choice questions MSQs are the multiple select questions and NAT are numerical answer type questions Each question type has a different marking scheme, which the candidates must go through the information brochure carefully.

Is there negative marking in GATE exam?

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

Is there negative marking for Engineering Mathematics section in GATE?

Yes, there is negative marking for GATE Engineering Mathematics section. Candidates must go through exam pattern and marking scheme carefully before attempting any question.

How many questions can we attempt in GATE 2026?

There is no limit to attempt questions. Candidates can answer as many questions as they can out of 65 questions. However, they must note that GATE offers negative marking to incorrect responses.

What is the GATE paper code of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence?

The GATE paper code of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is DA. Here are the eligible paper combinations for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CS) Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) Electrical Engineering (EE) Mathematics (MA) Mechanical Engineering (ME) Physics (PH) Statistics (ST) Engineering Sciences (XE)

What does paper code XE, XH, and XL mean in GATE 2026?

The GATE 2026 paper code of XE stands for Engineering Sciences, XH stands for Humanities and Social Science, and XL stands for Life Sciences. For GATE Paper "XE" General aptitude carries a total of 15 marks Engineering mathematics contains 11 questions of 15 marks Sectional option papers (from B to I) - contains 22 questions carries a total of 35 marks For GATE Paper "XH" General aptitude section carries 15 marks Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) carries 16 questions of 25 marks. Option section (from C1 to C6) - contains 39 questions of 60 marks. For GATE Paper "XL" The general aptitude section carries 15 marks. Chemistry (compulsory) section contains 17 questions of 25 marks. Optional section (Q through U) - contains 19 questions of 30 marks.

Can I change my paper code after submitting the GATE 2026 application form?

Yes, candidates can change their GATE paper at the time of GATE form correction process. The last date to change primary paper is November 10. Candidates can edit at the GOAPS portal using their enrollment ID and password.

What is the GATE question paper format for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence?

The GATE pattern and structure for data Science and artificial intelligence can be checked below - The exam mode is online and the question paper will be available in English language. The general aptitude section carries 15 marks and the remining 85 marks are reserved for the subject-based questions. The time duration of GATE DA paper is 3 hours. However, PwD or dyslexic candidates will get one hour compensatory time to attempt the GATE exam.

What is the GATE paper pattern for architecture and planning?

The total marks of GATE AR question paper are 100. General aptitude section consists of 15 marks and part A is of 60 marks. On the other hand, part B consists of 25 marks.

What is the GATE 2026 exam pattern for CS, EC, EE and ME?

The GATE 2026 exam pattern for CS, EC, EE, and ME can be checked below. The general aptitude section (GA) carries 15 marks, while the subject-based questions carries 85 marks, out of which engineering mathematics section consists of 13 marks. The GATE question paper will be in English language and the time duration is three hours.

What is the duration of GATE 2026 exam?

GATE exam duration is three hours. It will be conducted in two shift timings. GATE exam slot timings are- Forenoon - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Can I opt for any paper in the GATE two paper combination list?

No, applicants cannot opt for any paper from the combination list. Candidates can only select from the options provided by the GATE authorities in the GATE 2026 paper combination list. For example, a CS student has the free will to choose from the following set of exam papers: DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST.

What is the GATE paper code of Metallurgical Engineering?

The GATE paper code for metallurgical engineering is MT. The eligible two-paper combination for metallurgical engineering is Engineering Sciences (XE). Candidates who want to opt for the MT paper must check the paper code carefully before applying. To apply for secondary paper, candidate must select from the drop-down menu available in the application form.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern OUT: Two-Paper Combination List OUT, Subject-wise Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme and Format

3.9K Students Q&A

Result - 19 Mar '26

Updated on Feb 5, 2026 15:47 IST

By UPASANA PRADHAN, Assistant Manager- Editorial

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Candidates appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering exam can check paper pattern of CS, ME, CE, EC, EE, and other subjects here. IIT Guwahati has released GATE 2026 exam pattern on its official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Students appearing for GATE 2026 on Feb 7, 8, 14, and 15 must be aware of the exam pattern along with syllabus, marking scheme, last 15 year's question papers to secure a good rank in GATE.

As per official notification, GATE total marks is 100 with a time duration of three hours. The General Aptitude section is common for all papers. Overall, the MTech engineering entrance exam is conducted for 30 subject papers. For preparation and revision, students must refer to GATE syllabus 2026 thoroughly.

To attempt questions, GATE online calculator is provided for calculations. Read below to know more about GATE 2026 exam pattern, exam schedule and shift timings, tips to attempt questions, syllabus, marking scheme, etc.

Latest Update: GATE 2026 Admit Card Released; Download now

Table of contents

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
Total Marks in GATE 2026: Ideal Number of Attempts
GATE 2026 Marking Scheme
How many questions are there in GATE Exam?
Is there negative marking in GATE 2026 Exam?
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper Codes
GATE Two Paper Combination 2026
Optional Paper Sections for GATE 2026 XE, XH, and XL
Important FAQs regarding GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

Total Marks in GATE 2026: Ideal Number of Attempts

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme

How many questions are there in GATE Exam?

Is there negative marking in GATE 2026 Exam?

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper Codes

GATE Two Paper Combination 2026

Optional Paper Sections for GATE 2026 XE, XH, and XL

Important FAQs regarding GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

2052 Institutes accepting GATE

IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology

Powai, Mumbai • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

GATE

Total Fees

₹ 2.03 Lakh

Duration

18 months
|
Full Time

IIT Delhi - Indian Institute of Technology

Hauz khas, Delhi • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

GATE

Total Fees

₹ 70,000

Duration

2 years
|
Full Time

IIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology

Adyar, Chennai • Public

Courses Offered

Exams

GATE, COAP

Total Fees

₹ 1.00 Lakh

Duration

2 years
|
Full Time

BITS Pilani - Birla Institute of Technology and Science

Pilani • Private

Courses Offered

Exams

GATE, BITS HD

Total Fees

₹ 12.93 Lakh

Duration

2 years
|
Full Time

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GATE 2026 Exam Pattern OUT: Two-Paper Combination List OUT, Subject-wise Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme and Format

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

Total Marks in GATE 2026: Ideal Number of Attempts

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme

How many questions are there in GATE Exam?

Is there negative marking in GATE 2026 Exam?

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper Codes

GATE Two Paper Combination 2026

Optional Paper Sections for GATE 2026 XE, XH, and XL

Important FAQs regarding GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

2052 Institutes accepting GATE

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