GATE 2027 Exam Pattern: Subject-wise Weightage, Marking Scheme, Duration
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027 ( GATE )
GATE 2027 Application Form Release Date
27 Aug '26
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: IIT Madras released GATE exam dates on the official website- gate2027.iitm.ac.in. Candidates appearing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering must go through the paper pattern carefully. This year, the conducting IIT revised GATE syllabus 2027 for many papers.
According to the GATE exam dates 2027, 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. As per the official notification, there is no change in paper pattern.
GATE 2027 Exam Pattern Updates
- GATE exam 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
- GATE 2027 Exam Pattern Highlights
- GATE 2027 Subject-Wise Weightage
- GATE 2027 Total Marks and Marking Scheme: Subject-Wise
- GATE 2027: Exam Sections and Important Topics
- Important FAQs regarding GATE 2027 Exam Pattern
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 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. |
Check video for more updates regarding GATE 2027 exam
Commonly asked questions
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) |
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
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 termed as the most competitive and popular among engineering aspirants. 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 -
| Paper Code | Marks | Total Time* (Minutes) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | Common Section | Optional Section(s) | Total | ||
| 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
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.
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.
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 allow candidate implement skills in their interested discipline. 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.
| 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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
GATE 2027: Exam Sections and Important Topics
Candidates can check all the subjects and respective paper codes in the GATE 2026 exam in the table below. Make sure to enter them carefully at the time of filling application form.
| PAPER |
CODE |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering |
AE |
| Agricultural Engineering |
AG |
| Architecture and Planning |
AR |
| Biotechnology |
BT |
| Bio-medical Engineering |
BM |
| Civil Engineering |
CE |
| Chemical Engineering |
CH |
| Computer Science & Information Technology |
CS |
| Chemistry |
CY |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering |
EC |
| Electrical Engineering |
EE |
| Engineering Sciences |
XE |
| Petroleum Engineering |
PE |
| Geomatics Engineering |
GE |
| Geology and Geophysics |
GG |
| Instrumentation Engineering |
IN |
| Life Sciences |
XL |
| Mathematics |
MA |
| Mechanical Engineering |
ME |
| Mining Engineering |
MN |
| Metallurgical Engineering |
MT |
| Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering |
NM |
| Physics |
PH |
| Production and Industrial Engineering |
PI |
| Robotics and Automation |
RA |
| Ecology and Evolution |
EY |
| Statistics |
ST |
| Environmental Science and Engineering |
ES |
| Humanities and Social Sciences |
XH |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
DA |
Commonly asked questions
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
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N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Candidates can check their GATE 2027 exam city allotment (where their exam centre is located) by logging at GOAPS. Based on city allocated they can plan their travel arrangements.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
IIT Madras will announce GATE 2027 exam city allotment list on January 4, 2027. Candidates who have registered can check using their enrolment ID and password.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No, the GATE form correction facility 2027 will remain open from October 14, 2026 to October 21, 2026.
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
No, GATE exam registration is not free for girls. Female applicants will have to pay half of the registration fee. The GATE exam fee for female applicants is INR 1000 (regular timeline) and INR 1500 (during extended timeline).
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Candidates can apply for GATE 2027 exam starting from August 27, 2026 onwards. The application form last date is September 27, 2026 with regular fees and October 5, 2026 with extended fees.
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GATE scholarships do not automatically cover the full annual M.Tech fees, but they provide a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 (amounting to INR 2,97,600 over two years), which closely offsets a major portion of the baseline Category 1 tuition fees.
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, M.Tech admission at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering is based on the marks obtained by the candidates in a university-level entrance test. Seats are allocated through the counselling conducted by VTU (the affiliating university). However, GATE-qualified candidates are given first preferenc
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Contributor-Level 10
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Candidates with following engineering background are eligible for GATE Robotics and Automation Engineering paper:
GATE Computer Science and Engineering
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The GATE "Robotics and Automation" (RA) question paper will have a total of 100 marks.
General Aptitude: 15 marks
Subject Questions: 85 marks
The marking scheme and time duration remain the same. GATE "RA" paper structure can be checked below:
Part "A" is common, which carries 60 marks. It is compulsor
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