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

Candidates appearing for the exam can check a brief overview of the GATE paper pattern below. It implies for the GATE CSE exam pattern, ME paper pattern, EC paper, and other papers as well-

Particulars	Exam Pattern details
Exam mode	Online
Language of question paper	English
Duration	3 hours
Total number of papers	30 papers
Number of sections	Two (General Aptitude and Candidate’s Selected Subject)
Types of questions	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, 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-A of 15 marks
Distribution of marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL	General aptitude - 15 marks Subject-based - 85 marks Total marks - 100
GATE marking scheme	All questions either carry 1 or 2 mark
Negative marking	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.

Why knowing GATE exam pattern 2026 important?

GATE, which is a national- level competitive exam specially designed for PG programme admission is jointly conducted by IISc and IITs. Understanding the GATE paper structure is important as it allows students to prepare well and aim for their goal, whether it is for higher studies, research or PSU recruitment. In addition, it also allows students to understand how marks or distributed across sections and how different question types are calculated. 

GATE is conducted for a total of 300 marks. However, the marking distribution is different for specific papers. Candidates can refer to the information below regarding GATE total marks and section-wise mark distribution (paper-wise). 

GATE Papers	Section-wise GATE marks
AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL	General aptitude  - 15 marks Subject questions - 85 marks GATE total marks - 100
Distribution of marks in all papers except - AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL	General aptitude - 15 marks Engineering mathematics - 13 marks Subject questions - 72 marks GATE Total marks - 100 XE includes the Engineering mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks

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

According to topper's and experts analysis, it is said that attempting around 50 to 55 questions out of 65 questions, with high accuracy can help students obtain a GATE rank under 1000. 

Students appearing for the GATE exam must be acquainted with the marking scheme. It is because, the GATE marking pattern serves as a strategy on how to attempt questions. Overall, the GATE question paper will have 100 marks with two compulsory sections- general aptitude (15 marks) and subject-based (85 marks).

Paper Code	General Aptitude Mark Allotted	Subject-Based Marks	Subject- Optional Section	Total Marks	Exam Duration
For AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, and TF papers (Engineering mathematics = 13 marks)	15	85		100	180
For CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST papers	15	85		100
For AR and Planning, Part A is common and mandatory. Part B1 or B2 can be selected in the exam. (B1- architecture and B2- planning)	15	60	25	100
For GE- Part A is common and mandatory. B1 can be selected during the exam.  B1 - surveying and mapping B2 - Image processing and analysis	15	55	30	100
For GG - part A is common and mandatory. B1 - is geology and B2 is geophysics	15	25	60	100
XE - Section A (Engineering Mathematics) is Common and Compulsory. Candidates can select any two sections during the exam.	15	15	2 x 35	100
XH: Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) is common and mandatory. Candidates can select any one section during the exam.	15	25	60	100
XL: Section P (Chemistry) is common and mandatory. Candidates can select any two sections during the exam	15	25	2 x 30	100

GATE 2026 Paper-Wise Marking Scheme

Candidates must know that the GATE exam scheme of paper codes AR, GE, GG, XH  and XL is different from other papers. Candidates can check the paper pattern below -

GATE Exam Pattern for AR (Architecture and Planning) 

Architecture and Planning (AR) Test Paper Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the test paper consists of two parts: Part A (60 marks) and Part B (25 marks).  

• Part A is compulsory for all candidates. Part A consists of 39 questions carrying a total of 60 marks: 18 questions carrying one mark each and 21 questions carrying 2 marks each 
• Part B1 or Part B2 can be chosen during the examination. Part B1 (Architecture) and Part B2 (Planning) consist of 16 questions, each worth 25 marks: 7 questions carry 1 mark each and 9 questions carry 2 marks each.  

GATE Exam Pattern for GE (Geomatics Engineering) 

Geomatics Engineering (GE) Test Paper Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the question paper consists of two parts: Part A (55 marks) and Part B (30 marks). 

• Part A Engineering Mathematics and Basic Geomatics is compulsory for all candidates. It consists of 36 questions, each worth 55 marks: 17 questions carry one mark each, and 19 questions carry two marks each. 
• Part B contains two components: Part B1 (Surveying and Mapping) and Part B2 (Image Processing and Analysis). Part B1 or Part B2 can be chosen during the examination. Part B1 and Part B2 consist of 19 questions each, each worth 30 marks: 8 questions carry 1 mark each and 11 questions carry 2 marks each.  

GATE Exam Pattern for GG (Geology and Geophysics) 

Geology and Geophysics (GG) Test Paper Apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the GG question paper consists of two parts: Part A (25 marks) and Part B (60 marks).  

• Part A is compulsory for all candidates. It consists of 16 questions, each worth 25 marks: 7 questions carry 1 mark each and nine questions carry 2 marks each. 
• Part B contains two components: Part B1 (Geology) and Part B2 (Geophysics). Part B1 or Part B2 must be made when filling in the online application form and cannot be made in the examination hall. Part B1 and Part B2 consist of 39 questions each, each worth 60 marks: 18 questions worth 1 mark each and 21 questions worth 2 marks each.  

GATE Exam Pattern for XE (Engineering Sciences) 

Engineering Sciences (XE) Test Paper, apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the XE question paper consists of three parts: Section A (15 marks) and any two sections from Section B to H (2×35= 70 marks). 

• Section A Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory): This section contains 11 questions, each worth 15 marks: 7 questions carry 1 mark each, and 4 questions carry 2 marks each.  
• Any two of XE Sections B through H: The choice of two sections from B to H can be made during the examination after viewing the questions. Each of the optional sections of the XE paper (Sections B through H) contains 22 questions carrying a total of 35 marks: 9 questions carrying one mark each (sub-total nine marks) and 13 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub-total 26 marks). 
• Candidates can check the name of sections below 

Section Code	Subject Name	Section Code	Subject Name
B	Fluid Mechanics	F	Polymer Science and Engineering
C	Material Science	G	Food Technology
D	Solid Mechanics	H	Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
E	Thermodynamics

Important point related to XE paper 

• Candidates must know that only two optional sections can be answered at a time. A candidate wishing to change the optional section during the examination must first deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections (B through H). 
• All the answers will be deleted if a candidate deselects an optional section. 

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern for XH (Humanities and Social Sciences) 

Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) Test Paper, apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the XH question paper consists of three parts: Section A (15 marks), Section B1 (25 marks) and anyone section from Section C1 to C6 (2×30= 60 marks). 

• Section B1 - Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory): This section contains 16 questions carrying 25 marks: 7 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub–total 7 marks) and 9 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub–total 18 marks). 
• Any one of XH Sections C1 to C6: The choice of section from C1 to C6 must be made when filling out the online application form. Each of the optional sections of the XH paper (Sections C1 through C6) contains 39 questions carrying 60 marks:18 questions carrying 1 mark each and 21 questions carrying 2 marks each. 
• Candidates can check section names for respective codes in the table below: 

Section Code	Subject Name	Section Code	Subject Name
C1	Economics	C4	Philosophy
C2	English	C5	Psychology
C3	Linguists	C6	Sociology

Important Point related to XH paper 

• Candidates cannot request a change of section during the examination.  
• A candidate wishing to change the optional section during the examination must first deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections (C1 through C6). 
• All the answers will be deleted if a candidate deselects an optional section. 

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern for XL Paper (Life Sciences) 

Life Sciences (XL) Test Paper, apart from the General Aptitude (GA) section, the XL question paper consists of three parts: Section P (25 marks), and any two sections from Section Q to U (2×30= 60 marks). 

• Section P – Chemistry (Compulsory): This section contains 17 questions carrying 25 marks: 9 questions carrying 1 mark each (sub–total 9 marks) and 8 questions carrying 2 marks each (sub–total 16 marks). 
• Any two of XL Sections Q through U: The choice of two sections from Q to U can be made during the examination after viewing the questions. Each of the optional sections of the XL paper (Sections Q through U) contains 19 questions carrying a total of 30 marks: 8 questions carrying 1 mark each and 11 questions carrying 2 marks each. 
• Candidates can check the section name for the respective codes in the table below: 

Section Code	Subject Name	Section Code	Subject Name
Q	Biotechnology	T	Zoology
R	Botany	U	Food Technology
S	Microbiology

Important Point related to XL paper 

• Candidates cannot request a change of section during the examination.  
• A candidate wishing to change the optional section during the examination must first deselect one of the previously chosen optional sections (Q through U). 
• All the answers will be deleted if a candidate deselects an optional section. 

GATE question paper consist 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?

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 -

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)

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
Textile Engineering & Fibre Science	TF
Ecology and Evolution	EY
Statistics	ST
Environmental Science and Engineering	ES
Humanities and Social Sciences	XH
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (Newly added)	DA

Also read:

• Will GATE 2026 be tougher than GATE 2025? Here's what experts say

GATE two paper combination allows to select two subjects for exam. They have to select from given combination list, as it allows to improve candidates skill 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. 

GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combination List

First Paper code (Primary paper)	Second paper code (secondary paper)	First paper code (primary paper)	Second paper code (secondary paper)
AE	CE, ME, XE	GE	AR, CE, CS, ES, GG
AG	CE	GG	GE
AR	CE, GE	IN	BM, EC, EE, ME
BM	BT, IN	MA	CS, DA, PH, ST
BT	BM, XL	ME	AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE
CE	AE, AG AR, ES, GE, NM, XE	MT	XE
CH	ES, PE, XE	NM	CE, ME
CS	DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST	PE	CH
CY	XE, XL	PH	CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE
DA	CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE	PI	ME, XE
EC	CS, DA, EE, IN, PH	ST	CS, DA, MA, XH
EE	DA, EC, IN, PH	XE	AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI
ES	CE, CH, GE	XH	ST
EY	XL	XL	BT, CY, EY

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.