GATE Pattern

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

There is no limit to attempt questions. Candidates can answer as many questions as they can out of 65 questions. However, they must note that GATE offers negative marking to incorrect responses. 

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. 

Yes, candidates can change their subject/paper during the form correction process. The GATE 2027 application form correction facility will be available from October 14 to 21, 2026.

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)

Yes, GATE General Aptitude is common for all papers. The general aptitude section carries 15 marks out 100 marks, comprising 10 questions in total. The section mainly tests candidates' analytical and thinking skills in the exam. Here's a breakdown of the GATE General breakdown of questions -

• The GA section includes 5 questions of 1 mark and 
• 5 questions of 2 marks. 

The GATE marking scheme is the same for all.