GATE Pattern

No, it is not compulsory to attempt all questions asked in GATE question paper. Since there is negative marking for incorrect answers, students are advised to answer those questions which they are confident of.

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

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

No, doing this can be one of the harmful decisions that you are going to make in your GATE preparation. Instead, give attention to all the topics and chapters equally. You can start with the high-weightage topics and chapters in GATE first, but also try to give at least an hour per day to go through the lower weightage topics. Look for what sort of questions are asked in previous years, whether they are theoretical or numerically-based. Prepare according to that. By doing this, you are exercising a balanced GATE preparation.