GATE Pattern

The eligible GATE paper codes (for two paper combinations) in GATE computer Science and engineering are -

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
• Electronics and Communication (EC)
• Geomatics Engineering (GE)
• Mathematics (MA)
• Physics (PH) and 
• Statistics (ST)

Candidates must be careful with the GATE paper codes while filling out the application form. 

Each GATE question either carries one or two mark. 

• For a one-mark MCQ, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for incorrect responses. 
• For a two-mark MCQ, 2/3rd mark will be deducted for incorrect responses.
• There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs.
• Also, there is no partial marking for any question. 

Candidates are advised to check the exam pattern to understand the GATE question paper structure, as they can help in GATE preparation. 

The GATE exam is conducted for 30 subject papers. In 2024, the GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence was introduced. Each subject or branch is determined by a paper code which applicant must note carefully. While filling out the application form, candidates must check the GATE branch and paper codes and add them. 

The GATE general aptitude (GA) section is common for all branch papers. The section carries 15 marks in the question paper.

The GATE GA syllabus include: verbal aptitude, quantitative aptitude, analytical aptitude, and spatial aptitude. 

Bonus tip - If you prepare and attempt the general aptitude section, it can help you fetch good marks in the GATE exam. 

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. 

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. 

Attempting two papers in GATE allows students to broaden their skills and career options in different disciplines. Implemented in 2021, the GATE two paper combination can be chosen from the given list of paper combinations (already set by the authorities). With the GATE two paper combination list, also, you have better chances of qualifying the examination. 

GATE Computer Science and Engineering (CS) and GATE Civil Engineering (CE) are conducted in multiple sessions. For such cases, the candidate will have to appear for the exam in only one of the sessions of the test paper. The details regarding the exam date and time will be mentioned on the GATE admit card. 

The GATE question paper consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-select questions (MSQs) and numerical aptitude questions (NATs). In MCQs, one out of four options will be correct. On the other hand, in MSQs, more than one out of four questions is correct. However, for NATs, the answer will be marked using the virtual keypad. 

Here is a brief overview of the GATE exam pattern 2026 -

• The GATE exam is conducted online only.
• The question paper is curated in English language
• The time duration of the exam is three years.
• The exam is conducted for 30 subject papers.
• The question paper of GATE is divided into two major sections - general aptitude and candidate's selected subject.
• Questions will be available in MSQ, MCQ, and NAT format
• The total marks of the GATE paper is 100 
• Negative marking is applicable for MCQs only.
• There is no partial marking in GATE MSQs.