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

Exam On - 7 Feb '26

Updated on Jan 15, 2026 20:47 IST

By UPASANA PRADHAN, Assistant Manager- Editorial

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: IIT Guwahati has issued the GATE paper pattern for all 30 subjects on its official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Students appearing for GATE 2026 this year, must go through the pattern and GATE syllabus carefully. According to the official notification, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering for MTech is conducted online for three hours.

The GATE question paper is of 100 marks, with General Aptitude (GA) common for all papers. The core-subject respective section comprises 85 marks, and GA consists of 15 marks. According to the GATE marking scheme, MCQs have 1 and 2- mark questions with negative marking and MSQs and NAT have no negative marking.

To attempt the GATE exam, an online virtual calculator will be installed on the allocated system for calculations. Overall, the GATE paper structure covers information regarding mode, duration, marking scheme, question format, etc. For revision and analysis, IIT Guwahati has activated GATE 2026 mock test link. Read below to know more on GATE 2026 exam paper pattern.

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Table of contents

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper Codes
GATE 2026 Marking Scheme
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Type of Questions
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Two Paper Combination
Optional Paper Sections for GATE 2026 XE, XH, and XL
Important FAQs regarding GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

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.

Also read: Will GATE 2026 be tougher than GATE 2025: Here's what experts say

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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.

Q: 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

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Paper Codes

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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)

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme

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.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Does GATE exam have negative marking?

Yes, GATE has negative marking for MCQs only. There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs. For 1 mark question, 1/3rd marks is deducted for incorrect response and for 2 marks, 2/3rd mark is deducted for incorrect response. Candidates who are appearing for the exam this year, must be aware of the exam pattern and marking scheme.

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.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Type of Questions

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?

Commonly asked questions

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.

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.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Two Paper Combination

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.

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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

The Engineering Sciences (XE), Humanities and Sciences (XH), and Life Sciences (XL) papers of GATE are general and will comprise the section mentioned below -

GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences (XE) Sectional Paper Option:

The Engineering Sciences (XE) comprises a compulsory section of Engineering Mathematics (Paper Code - A) of 15 marks, with any two optional sections comprising 35 marks each.

Sections	Paper Code
Fluid Mechanics	B
Materials Science	C
Solid Mechanics	D
Thermodynamics	E
Polymer Science and Engineering	F
Food Technology	G
Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences	H

GATE 2026 Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) Sectional Paper Option:

The Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) comprises a compulsory section of Reasoning and Comprehension (Paper Code - B1) of 25 marks, with any optional section comprising 60 marks each.

Sections	Paper Code
Economics	C1
English	C2
Linguistics	C3
Philosophy	C4
Psychology	C5
Sociology	C6

GATE 2026 Life Sciences (XL) Sectional Option:

The Life Sciences (XL) comprises a compulsory section of Chemistry (Paper Code—P) of 25 marks, with any two optional paper sections of 60 marks each.

Sections	Paper Code
Biochemistry	Q
Botany	R
Microbiology	S
Zoology	T
Food Technology	U

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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.

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Important FAQs regarding GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

Check Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the GATE 2026 exam pattern.

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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

Q: 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.

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 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.