GATE Pattern

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. 

Important topics to score 60+ marks in GATE CE are as follows -

• Environmental engineering carry around 10 to 12 marks
• Geotechnical Engineering carry around 13 marks
• Fluid mechanics and OCF carry 7 to 8 marks

As of now, there is no update regarding syllabus change in GATE 2027. However, last year (2026) a new sectional paper has been added under Engineering Sciences, XE, which is Energy Science and GATE paper code is XE-I.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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