GATE

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. 

The GATE zones are the authorities that perform any operations related to the GATE examination. These are managed by the GATE offices of IISc and IITs. The list of GATE zones is as follows-

• IISc Bengaluru
• IIT Delhi
• IIT Bombay
• IIT Guwahati
• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Kharagpur
• IIT Madras
• and IIT Roorkee

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. 

Yes, candidates having qualifying degree in B.Com can apply for GATE exam to get admission to the master's programmes in IITs and IISc. Candidates must go through the GATE information brochure carefully before applying. Also, students in 3rd year or final year in commerce are also eligible for GATE. 

Candidates can fill GATE 2026 application form at GOAPS portal. The official website to apply is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Registration is mandatory. First, candidates have to register and then fill their form. Overall, the stages of GATE form filling include - registration, uploading of documents, and payment of application fees.

IIT Guwahati conducted GATE 2026 exam on Feb 7 and 8 in two shifts. Then on Feb 14 and 15 in two shifts. The exam timings are - forenoon (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Branch-wise exam dates has been released on official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in.

This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026, and two things have been modified - 

• The GATE fees have been revised for all categories
• A new sectional paper has been introduced, called Energy Science (under Engineering Sciences).

The details are available on the official website as well as in the information brochure.