GATE Preparation

The commonly recognised related fields under the GATE Engineering and Technology are as follows -

• Aerospace Engineering (AE)
• Agricutural Engineering (AG)
• Biomedical Engineering (BM)
• Chemical Engineering (CH)
• Civil Engineering (CE)
• Computer Science and Information Technology (CS)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)
• Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
• Mechanical Engineering (ME)
• Mining Engineering (MN)
• Mettalurgical Engineering (MT)
• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM)
• Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
• Petroluem Engineering (PE)
• Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF)

Yes, GATE has increasingly inclined towards MSQs (Multiple select questions) and NAT (Numerical Aptitude Questions), as it evaluates candidate's conceptual clarity than the rote memorisation. Based on the previous year's GATE question papers and GATE analysis- we can expect alteast 30 to 40% of the questions to be MSQs and NATs, and here's why -

• These type of questions are more challenging and demand precise understanding.
• Requires conceptual clarity with accuracy in attempting these questions. 

BONUS TIP: Practice as many online GATE mock tests and past question papers to enhance speed and time management skills. 

If you want to achive AIR 1 in GATE 2026, then it is advisable to take small steps for long-term goals. Prepare an error handbook to track down your mistakes while solving the question papers. Keep a visual tracker or planner for topics covered. Join groups, online communities, or study with peers to stay accountable. Watch GATE topper interviews for inspiration and remind yourself of your goal, whether it's M.Tech at IITs or PSU jobs. Taking short breaks, reading, or exercising also helps maintain balance and motivation.

Considering the number of registered and appeared candidates, here are the most popular GATE paper codes in the GATE history -

The most registered and appeared GATE paper codes are as follows -

• Computer Science (CS)
• Civil Engineering (CE)
• Mechanical Engineering (ME)
• Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
• Electrical Engineering (EE)

New GATE subjects/papers like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) are also growing in popularity.

Here is a brief stats of GATE 2025 registered and appeared applicants of the above subjects -

A total of 936019 candidates had registered in GATE 2025, out of which 747319 candidates had appeared in the examination. 

The GATE 2026 will have 30 paper codes, covering wide range of disciplines including engineering, science, life sciences, humanities, and architecture. 

New papers have been introduced, which are -

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA)
• Geomatics Engineering (GE) and 
• Environmental Science (ES)

Candidates are advised to go through the GATE paper codes carefully before adding their paper choices. 

The GATE paper codes are unique identifier codes that is assigned to each GATE paper. The GATE paper codes can be checked on the official website. For example, the GATE paper code for computer Science and engineering is CS, and ME for mechanical engineering, and EC for electronics and communication engineering. 

The GATE paper codes help candidates identify their chosen subject during the GATE registration and while downloading the admit card, checking results and more. 

This is a very generic question asked by most of the aspirants, especially the newcomers. The answer to the best subject for GATE is subjective and completely depends on your interest, career goals, and relevant BTech discipline. However, here are some of the popular and high-demanding branches, with the highest number of applicants every year -

• Computer Science (CS)

• Electrical Engineering (EE)

• Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)

• Mechanical Engineering (ME) and 

• Civil Engineering (CE)

These branches are popular due to their strong career prospects and wide range of opportunities with a generous package.