GATE Pattern

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.