GATE 2027 Exam Pattern: Subject-wise Weightage, Marking Scheme, Duration

Q: What is the GATE 2027 exam pattern?

Candidates can check GATE 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 on MCQs (for 1 mark MCQs - 1/3rd mark for 2 mark MCQs - 2/3 mark)

GATE 2027 Registration Last Date without late fee

5 Oct '26

Updated on Sep 28, 2026 22:04 IST

By UPASANA PRADHAN, Assistant Manager- Editorial

GATE Exam Pattern 2027: The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a three-hour computer-based test held for 30 exam subjects. Each GATE question paper will comprise a total of 65 questions with General Aptitude section being common for all. This year, the conducting IIT revised GATE exam syllabus 2027 for many papers.

Most GATE papers are mainly divided into three sections: General Aptitude (GA)- 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics - 13 marks, and Core discipline questions of 72 marks. The GATE total marks are 100, with negative marking. Candidates can check GATE 2027 exam pattern below.

Latest: GATE Registration Last Date 2027 Extended

According to the GATE 2027 exam dates, the computer-based test will be conducted for three weeks consecutively, which is Feb 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2027, in two sessions. Check below to know more about paper pattern.

GATE 2027 Exam Pattern Updates

GATE 2027 is conducted for 30 subjects.
The exam is held for 100 marks in total, compising MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.
Each question either carry 1 or 2 marks
Negative marking in GATE is applicable for MCQs only

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GATE 2027 Exam Pattern Highlights

Candidates appearing for the GATE exam 2027 can check the brief overview of pattern and other details below -

Particulars	Exam Pattern details
Mode of exam	Online
Question paper language	English
GATE paper duration	3 hours
Total number of subjects	30 papers
Sections	Two (General Aptitude and Candidate’s Selected Subject)
Question paper format	MCQ (Multiple Choice Question), MSQ (Multiple Select Question), and NAT (Numerical Answer Type)
Testing of Abilities	Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis and Synthesis
Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH, and XL	General aptitude - 15 marks Engineering Mathematics - 13 marks Subject-based - 72 marks Total marks - 100 GATE paper XE includes engineering mathematics section XE-0 of 15 marks
Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH, and XL	General aptitude - 15 marks Subject-based - 85 marks GATE Total marks - 100
GATE 2027 marking scheme	All questions either carry 1 or 2 mark Negative marking implies for MCQs only. For one mark MCQ- 1/3rd mark will be deducted and for 2 mark MCQ - 2/3rd mark will be deducted. There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs. Also, no partial marking is offered to MSQs.

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the GATE 2027 exam pattern?

Candidates can check GATE 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 on MCQs (for 1 mark MCQs - 1/3rd mark for 2 mark MCQs - 2/3 mark)

Q: 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

Q: What are MCQ, MSQ, and NAT in GATE pattern?

MCQs, MSQs, and NATs are types of questions that are asked in GATE-

Question type	Meaning
MCQs	Multiple-choice questions
MSQs	Multiple select questions
NATs	Numerical-based questions

Each question has a different marking scheme. Candidates must check GATE marking scheme carefully.

GATE 2027 Subject-Wise Weightage

GATE exam 2027 is conducted for a total of 30 branch papers. Out of which, GATE CSE, ECE, ME , EE, and CE are the most registered subjects, as per the GATE statistical report.

Overall, the GATE question paper is divided into three main sections - general aptitude, core-specific subject. However, the GATE 2027 subject-wise weightage varies for different branches. Check details below. Candidates can check the detailed GATE 2027 subject-wise weightage and mark distribution below.

Also read: GATE Subject-Wise Weightage 2027 (According to revised syllabus)

Paper Code	Marks				Total Time (Minutes)
Paper Code	General Aptitude (GA)	Common Section	Optional Section(s)	Total	Total Time (Minutes)
AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI; Subject marks in these papers include questions on Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), which are paper-specific.	15	85	--	100	180
CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST	15	85	--	100	180
AR: Part A is Common. Part B1/B2 can be selected during the exam. B1 - Architecture or B2 - Planning	15	60	25	100	180
GE: Part A is Common. Part B1/B2 can be selected during the exam. B1 - Surveying and Mapping or B2 - Image Processing and Analysis	15	55	30	100	180
GG: Part A is Common. Part B1/B2 must be chosen at the time of application. B1 - Geology or B2 - Geophysics	15	25	60	100	180
RA: Part A is Common. Part B1/B2 can be selected during the exam. B1 - Electrical or B2 - Mechanical	15	60	25	100	180
XE0 (Engineering Mathematics) is Common. Applicants must select any TWO of the other sections during the exam.	15	15	2 x 35	100	180
XH0 (Reasoning and Comprehension) is Common. Applicants must select any ONE of the other sections at the time of application.	15	25	60	100	180
XL0 (Chemistry) is Common. Applicants must select any TWO of the other sections during the exam.	15	25	2 x 30	100	180

Candidates are advised to go through GATE 2027 paper pattern and marking scheme carefully before preparing for the exam. In addition, as the GATE syllabus has been revised, it is recommended to check syllabus carefully.

Also read:

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the ideal number of question attempts to obtain a GATE rank under 1000?

According to topper's and experts, the ideal number of questions to attempt correctly is 50 to 55, to obtain a GATE rank under 1000.

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

Yes, candidates can change their subject/paper during the form correction process. The GATE 2027 application form correction facility will be available from October 14 to 21, 2026.

Q: 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.

GATE 2027 Total Marks and Marking Scheme: Subject-Wise

Students appearing for the GATE 2027 exam must be acquainted with the marking scheme. It is because, the GATE marking scheme 2027 serves as a strategy on how to attempt questions. The GATE total mark is 100 covering two sections: General Aptitude (15 marks) and Subject-Based (85 marks). Candidates can check marking scheme and total marks below -

GATE question paper consists of 65 questions with a total mark of 100. Questions are categorised into MCQs, MSQs, and NAT. For more, read below -

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Questions will have 1 or 2 marks in all GATE question papers.
Each MCQ will have four options.
Negative marking of 1/3 of the allotted marks will be applicable for MCQs.

Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

Questions will have 1 or 2 marks in all GATE question papers.
There will be four options for each MSQ. There will be no negative markings for MSQs.

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

NAT Questions will carry either 1 or 2 marks in all GATE question papers.
There will be no options for NAT Question.
Candidates can use virtual calculator to solve
There is no negative marking for NAT questions
Category of questions

The GATE questions are prepared considering the following categories:

Recall
Comprehension
Application Analysis
and Synthesis

Candidates are advised to check GATE exam pattern carefully.

Also read: How to revise entire GATE syllabus in one month

Do Questions in GATE have negative marking?

Yes, there is negative marking in GATE. However, it applies to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only. Candidates can check below to understand more about GATE marking pattern 2026 -

Questions	GATE 2027 marking scheme
For one mark MCQs	1/3rd mark will be deducted for wrong answer
For two-mark MCQs	2/3rd mark will be deducted for wrong answer
There is no negative or partial marking for MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

GATE Two-Paper Combination List

GATE two paper combination allows to select two subjects for exam. They have to select from given combination list, as it allows improve technical skills and knowledge for job prospects. The primary paper in GATE exam is the main paper and on the other hand, secondary paper is discipline that allows candidates to implement skills in their area of interest. This year, the conducting body have released revised GATE two paper combination list. Candidates can select two papers at the time of GATE exam registration 2027.

Primary Paper Code	Secondary Paper Code
AE	CE, ME, XE
AG	CE
AR	CE, GE
BM	BT, IN
BT	BM, ES, EY, XL (Revised)
CE	AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE
CH	ES, PE, XE
CS	DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST
CY	XE, XL
DA	CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST, XE
EC	CS, DA, EE, IN, PH, RA
EE	DA, EC, IN, PH, RA
ES	BT, CE, CH, GE (Revised)
EY	BT, XL (Revised)
GE	AR, CE, CS, ES, GG
GG	GE
IN	BM, EC, EE, ME, RA
MA	CS, DA, PH, ST
ME	AE, CS, DA, IN, NM, PI, RA, XE
MN	-
MT	XE
NM	CE, ME, XE
PE	CH
PH	CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE
PI	ME, XE
RA	CS, DA, EC, EE, IN, ME
ST	CS, DA, MA, XH
XE	AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, NM, PH, PI
XH	ST
XL	BT, CY, EY

Also read:

GATE 2027 Two-Paper Combination List

Important points to remember while choosing both subjects:

Candidates must identify which of the two subjects will be his/her primary subject and choose the second subject accordingly.
Suppose a new paper combination is added later at GOAPS portal. Candidates can also pick any combination, including new and original paper combinations, during the correction window and add a new subject with payment of the requisite fee.
If any paper combination is removed later (correction window), the candidate will receive a refund for the fees for the second paper.

Also read: GATE Two Paper Guide, Based on Statistical Report

Commonly asked questions

Q: How many questions can we attempt in GATE 2027?

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.

Q: What is the total marks in GATE exam?

The GATE total marks is 100. The marks in GATE question paper is distributed as follows:

General Aptitude - 15 marks
Engineering Mathematics - 13 marks
Subject/Core Discipline - 72 marks

GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Subject-Wise Paper Pattern

Candidates can check subject-wise GATE exam pattern 2027 below:

GATE ECE Exam Pattern 2027

Candidates appearing for GATE ECE paper can check the exam pattern for Electronics and Communication Engineering below:

GATE 2027 ECE Question Paper	Details
Total number of questions	65
GATE ECE total marks	100 marks
Section-wise weightage	General aptitude- 15 marks, Engineering mathematics - 13 marks, Subject-specific - 72 marks
Question types	MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) Syllabus 2027

GATE Geomatics Engineering Exam Pattern 2027

Candidates can check GATE GE exam pattern 2027 below:

GATE Geomatics Engineering Question Paper Pattern	Details
Total questions in Part "A"	36 questions carrying 55 marks 17 questions carrying 1 mark each 19 questions carrying 2 marks each
Total questions in Part "B1" (Surveying and Mapping) and Part "B2" (Image Processing and Analysis)	19 questions each carrying a total of 30 marks 8 questions carrying 1 mark each 11 questions carrying 2 marks
GATE Total Marks in Geomatics Engineering	100 marks

GATE Architecture and Planning Exam Pattern 2027

Candidates can check GATE 2027 Architecture and Planning exam pattern below:

GATE AR exam pattern	Details
GATE total marks in Architecture and Planning	100 marks
GATE total marks in Part "A"	Part A consists of 39 questions for a total of 60 marks 18 questions carrying 1 mark each and 21 questions carrying 2 mark each
GATE B1 (Architecture) and B2 (Planning)	16 questions of 25 marks in total 7 questions carrying 1 mark 9 questions carrying 2 mark each
GATE 2027 Architecture and Planning Syllabus

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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)

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Important FAQs regarding GATE 2027 Exam Pattern

Check Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the GATE exam pattern 2027.

Q: What is the benefit of attempting two papers in GATE?

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.

Q: What is the importance of GATE paper code?

GATE paper code is engineering branch code. Candidates must check paper code carefully while filling application form. The details are available at GATE's official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in.

Q: What is the GATE paper pattern for CS, EC, EE and ME?

GATE exam pattern for CS, EC, EE, and ME comprises 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.

Q: 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.

Q: What is the duration of GATE 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

Q: 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.

Q: Where can I get the GATE CS Mock Test Papers?

If you have registered for GATE CS paper and looking for GATE computer science and engineering mock test paper, then you can get it from the official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can also find GATE CS previous year's question paper in PDF format. For mock test, you can attempt it for free.

Q: What is the GATE 2026 pattern for Engineering Mathematics?

GATE Engineering Mathematics carry 11 questions of 15 marks, out of which 7 questions is of one mark and 4 of 2 marks. Candidates must check pattern carefully before attempting GATE question paper. The engineering mathematics section is for following GATE papers: AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, and PI.