GATE Pattern

There are two shift timings for the GATE exam. Candidates can find the details of the shift timing on the official website. The GATE shift timings are as follows -

• Forenoon  - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Candidates can also find the exam timing details mentioned in the GATE admit card. Candidates are advised to appear for the GATE 2026 exam on the date prescribed in the hall ticket. 

The GATE exam is conducted for 30 subject test papers. The list of branches/subjects can be checked on the official website of GATE along with the paper codes. Candidates must check the GATE paper codes carefully and add them while filling out the GATE application form.

Yes, candidates from any academic background can apply for GATE CSE. If you look at the GATE two paper combination list, students with different backgrounds/disciplines are eligible to take the exam. 

The eligible two-paper combination for GATE CSE can be checked below -

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Geomatics Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• and Statistics

In the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), Paper 1 is common for all aspirants, comprising general aptitude and engineering mathematics. On the other hand, Paper 2 is subject-specific, allowing candidates to choose a paper from their core engineering discipline. 

Overall, Paper 1 tests broader skills applicable to the engineering fields, while Paper 2 focuses on the candidate's chosen branch. 

The exam duration of the GATE exam is three hours. The language of the GATE question paper is English, comprising General Aptitude (GA) and the candidate's selected subject. 

The GATE question format are as follows -

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
• Numerical Answer Type (NATs)

The latest GATE 2026 exam update as per the conducting authorities are as follows -

1. The GATE 2026 application fee have been revised, which is as follows -

2. A new GATE paper have been introduced under GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) called Energy Science. The GATE paper code of Energy Science is XE (I). Candidates who want to pursue careers in sustainable energy resources, solar powers, green technologies can look out for this subject. 

IIT Guwahati introduced the GATE Energy Science paper in 2026, as the new optional paper under the Engineering Sciences (XE), with the code XE-I. The candidates applying in GATE 2026 see this addition first, and it is aimed at expanding the scope of this exam to the modern themes in energy fields

No, negative marking applies only to MCQs. Here's how the GATE 2026 negative marking for MCQs is done -

• For a one-mark MCQ, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer
• For a two-mark question, 2/3rd mark will be deducted for an incorrect response. 

There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs.