GATE

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 GATE paper at the time of GATE form correction process. The last date to change primary paper is November 10. Candidates can edit at the GOAPS portal using their enrollment ID and password.

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)

Reserve at least two to three months for GATE revision. Grab your notes, formula handbooks, and shortcut tricks sheet and revise daily. Avoid starting anything new. Practice question papers and mock tests daily to build efficiency and accuracy to attempt the questions, and you are good to go. 

There is no ideal time to start the GATE preparation. Start early (from the first year itself). It is mainly because your bachelor's topics and chapters have the most weightage in the GATE question paper. The topics that are taught in your third year are the backbone. If you are clear with the fundamentals and concepts (taught in classes), then you do not require extra time to prepare for GATE. Just revise and practice questions. That's enough. 

So, start preparing for GATE right from the first year. Your brain is fresh with the concepts and formulas, thus making it easy to solve the questions and prepare for the exam. 

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. 

Here are some good books for GATE Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering  -

Candidates can use GATE books to pick out important terms and formulas and note them for last-minute revision. It is advised to focus more on clearing your concepts than memorising. The GATE exam dates 2026 are February 7, 8, 14, and 15. Candidates must attempting mock test and old question papers.