Updated on 28 Feb 2026
By Sakshi Rajawat, Content Writer
Candidates can check the latest updates below for the GATE exam 2026 :
GATE exam 2026 Phase 1 exams for major papers (EE, ME, CE, CS) are being conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026.
The GATE 2026 Response Sheet is expected to be released on the official GOAPS portal by the third week of February 2026.
The official GATE 2026 Results are scheduled to be announced by IIT Guwahati on March 19, 2026.
GATE exam 2026 is a national-level examination. It tests the comprehensive understanding of undergraduate engineering subjects. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is the organizing institute for GATE 2026. The examination is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The GATE exam 2026 exam dates are February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. Candidates must be aware of the exact pattern to score well. The exam comprises 30 different test papers. The official website for GATE 2026 is gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
The GATE total marks is 100. The exam duration is strictly three hours (180 minutes). The question paper contains 65 questions in total. These questions cover General Aptitude and the Core Subject. The General Aptitude section carries 15 marks. The Core Subject section carries 85 marks. The questions are of three specific types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). There is no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions. However, negative marking is applicable for MCQs.
The GATE 2026 result will be announced on March 19, 2026. The scorecard remains valid for three years from the date of the announcement. This score is used for M.Tech admissions and PSU recruitment.
The following table provides a quick overview of the critical aspects of GATE 2026 exam:
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) |
| Organizing Institute | IIT Guwahati |
| Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 65 Questions |
| Number of Papers | 30 Papers |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Marking Scheme | 1 Mark and 2 Marks |
| Negative Marking | Applicable (Only for MCQs) |
| General Aptitude Weightage | 15 Marks (Common for all papers) |
| Core Subject Weightage | 85 Marks |
| Official Website | gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
| Result Date | March 19, 2026 |
GATE exam 2026 has a maximum score of 100. The examination system does not provide an assessment for 300 marks. New aspirants tend to believe this mistaken idea as a common misconception. The GATE exam process converts personal score results to a standard scale which reaches a maximum of 1000 points. The score indicates the candidate's actual performance level in comparison to other candidates.
Understanding the Mark Distribution:
General Aptitude: 15 Marks.
Engineering Mathematics: Approx. 13 Marks (varies by paper).
Core Technical Subjects: Approx. 72 Marks.
A "good rank" in GATE depends on the marks obtained out of 100.
Top 100 Rank: Usually requires 80+ marks (for CS/EE/EC).
Top 1000 Rank: Usually requires 65-70+ marks.
PSU Selection: Generally requires a rank under 200 (General Category).
| Paper Categories | General Aptitude | Eng. Mathematics | Subject Questions | Total Marks |
| Core Engineering (CS, ME, CE, EE, EC, etc.) | 15 Marks | 13 Marks | 72 Marks | 100 |
| Science & Humanities (CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST, etc.) | 15 Marks | — | 85 Marks | 100 |
| Engineering Sciences (XE) | 15 Marks | 15 Marks (XE-A) | 70 Marks (2 Sections) | 100 |
Ideal Number of Attempts:
Candidates should aim for high accuracy rather than high attempts. The better option is to answer 45 to 50 questions with 90 percent accuracy instead of answering 60 questions with poor accuracy. Negative marking has the potential to decrease a test taker's score. Test takers should target complete General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics marks to achieve a secure passing score.
A thorough understanding of the GATE marking pattern is essential for developing an effective exam strategy. The marking scheme dictates how candidates should allocate their time and manage accuracy. The GATE question paper consists of a total of 100 marks. Every paper includes two compulsory sections: General Aptitude (15 marks) and Subject-Based (85 marks).
This table below gives you a representation of mark distribution of all of the 30 paper codes:
| Paper Code | General Aptitude | Subject-Based Marks | Optional/Core Section Marks | Total Marks | Duration |
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF | 15 | 85 (Includes 13 marks Engineering Math) | - | 100 | 180 Min |
| CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | 85 | - | 100 | 180 Min |
| AR (Architecture) | 15 | 60 (Part A) | 25 (Part B1 or B2) | 100 | 180 Min |
| GE (Geomatics) | 15 | 55 (Part A) | 30 (Part B1 or B2) | 100 | 180 Min |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | 15 | 25 (Part A) | 60 (Part B1 or B2) | 100 | 180 Min |
| XE (Eng. Sciences) | 15 | 15 (Section A) | 70 (2 x 35 Sections) | 100 | 180 Min |
| XH (Humanities) | 15 | 25 (Section B1) | 60 (1 x 60 Section) | 100 | 180 Min |
| XL (Life Sciences) | 15 | 25 (Section P) | 60 (2 x 30 Sections) | 100 | 180 Min |
GATE exam scheme of paper codes AR, GE, GG, XH, and XL follows a specialized structure. These papers allow for internal choices between different specialized sections.
The AR paper is split into three distinct segments.
General Aptitude: 15 marks.
Part A (Compulsory): 60 marks total. This section has 39 questions (18 questions of 1 mark and 21 questions of 2 marks).
Part B (Optional): 25 marks. Candidates choose Part B1 (Architecture) or Part B2 (Planning) during the exam. This part contains 16 questions (7 questions of 1 mark and 9 questions of 2 marks).
The GE paper focuses on surveying and mapping technologies.
General Aptitude: 15 marks.
Part A (Compulsory): 55 marks. It covers Engineering Mathematics and Basic Geomatics with 36 questions (17 questions of 1 mark and 19 questions of 2 marks).
Part B (Optional): 30 marks. Candidates select Part B1 (Surveying and Mapping) or Part B2 (Image Processing and Analysis). This section has 19 questions (8 questions of 1 mark and 11 questions of 2 marks).
The GG paper requires a selection at the time of application.
General Aptitude: 15 marks.
Part A (Compulsory): 25 marks. It consists of 16 questions (7 questions of 1 mark and 9 questions of 2 marks).
Part B (Optional): 60 marks. Candidates must choose Part B1 (Geology) or Part B2 (Geophysics) during registration. Each section has 39 questions (18 questions of 1 mark and 21 questions of 2 marks).
The XE paper is highly modular and popular among interdisciplinary students.
General Aptitude: 15 marks.
Section A (Compulsory): Engineering Mathematics for 15 marks (7 questions of 1 mark and 4 questions of 2 marks).
Sections B through H (Optional): 70 marks total. Candidates choose any two sections. Each selected section is worth 35 marks and contains 22 questions (9 questions of 1 mark and 13 questions of 2 marks).
| Section Code | Subject Name | Section Code | Subject Name |
| B | Fluid Mechanics | F | Polymer Science |
| C | Material Science | G | Food Technology |
| D | Solid Mechanics | H | Atmospheric Sciences |
| E | Thermodynamics |
Important Note for XE: Optional sections are chosen during the exam. Deselecting a section to choose another will permanently delete all previously entered answers for that section.
The XH paper tests reasoning and specialized social science knowledge.
General Aptitude: 15 marks.
Section B1 (Compulsory): Reasoning and Comprehension for 25 marks (7 questions of 1 mark and 9 questions of 2 marks).
Sections C1 through C6 (Optional): 60 marks. Candidates choose one section during registration. This section has 39 questions (18 questions of 1 mark and 21 questions of 2 marks).
| Section Code | Subject Name | Section Code | Subject Name |
| C1 | Economics | C4 | Philosophy |
| C2 | English | C5 | Psychology |
| C3 | Linguistics | C6 | Sociology |
The XL paper is a standard requirement for biological science post-graduation.
General Aptitude: 15 marks.
Section P (Compulsory): Chemistry for 25 marks (9 questions of 1 mark and 8 questions of 2 marks).
Sections Q through U (Optional): 60 marks total. Candidates choose any two sections during the exam. Each section is worth 30 marks and contains 19 questions (8 questions of 1 mark and 11 questions of 2 marks).
| Section Code | Subject Name | Section Code | Subject Name |
| Q | Biochemistry | T | Zoology |
| R | Botany | U | Food Technology |
| S | Microbiology |
Important Note for XL: Similar to XE, deselecting an optional section during the exam will result in the loss of all saved answers for that specific section.
IIT Guwahati uses three types of questions to test the skills in the GATE 2026 exam. Knowing the marking scheme and negative marking rules helps you avoid losing marks.
| Question Type | Format | Correct Answer | Negative Marking | Partial Marks |
| Multiple Choice (MCQ) | 4 options provided | Only ONE is correct | Yes (-1/3 for 1-mark; -2/3 for 2-mark) | No |
| Multiple Select (MSQ) | 4 options provided | ONE or MORE are correct | No negative marking | No (All correct must be picked) |
| Numerical Answer (NAT) | No options provided | Enter a number | No negative marking | No |
GATE 2026 is conducted for 30 distinct subjects (papers). Each paper has a unique two-letter code. Candidates must appear for the paper code they selected during registration.
List of Common Paper Codes:
| Paper Code | Subject Name |
| AE | Aerospace Engineering |
| AG | Agricultural Engineering |
| AR | Architecture and Planning |
| BT | Biotechnology |
| CE | Civil Engineering |
| CH | Chemical Engineering |
| CS | Computer Science and Information Technology |
| DA | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| EC | Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| EE | Electrical Engineering |
| ES | Environmental Science and Engineering |
| IN | Instrumentation Engineering |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering |
| XE | Engineering Sciences |
| XH | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| XL | Life Sciences |
Benefits of Two Papers:
Backup Option: The backup system allows students to use their second exam results when their first exam performance fails.
Interdisciplinary Scope: The new M.Tech specializations which include Data Science establish new pathways for students from different fields.
Research Opportunities: The research program helps students to start their interdisciplinary research work at IITs.
Popular Two Paper Combinations for GATE 2026:
| Primary Paper (First Paper) | Allowed Secondary Papers (Second Paper) |
| CS (Computer Science) | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST |
| DA (Data Science) | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE |
| EC (Electronics) | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH |
| EE (Electrical) | DA, EC, IN, PH |
| ME (Mechanical) | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
| CE (Civil) | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
| CH (Chemical) | ES, PE, XE |
| IN (Instrumentation) | BM, EC, EE, ME |
Note on Fees:
Candidates who take two tests need to pay double the application costs. The General Category fees are set at ₹2000 for one paper and at ₹4000 for two papers. The Female/SC/ST/PwD category charges ₹1000 for one paper and ₹2000 for two papers.
Since the GATE 2026 exam is currently active (Feb 7-15), candidates must follow these GATE Exam preparation tips:
1. Focus on High Weightage Subjects
In every stream, 3-4 subjects carry 40% of the technical marks. Identify these subjects. For ME, it is Thermodynamics and Production. For CE, it is Geotech and Environmental.
2. Master the Calculator
The virtual calculator in GATE is different from a physical scientific calculator. It takes more time to operate. Practice calculations on the official virtual calculator app. This saves crucial minutes during the exam.
3. Practice MSQs
Multiple Select Questions are the rank deciders. They require conceptual clarity. Partial knowledge leads to zero marks. Study standard textbooks to handle these questions effectively.
4. Time Management Strategy
First Pass: Solve all easy questions (1-mark questions) in the first 45 minutes.
Second Pass: Attempt solvable 2-mark questions.
Third Pass: Tackle difficult NAT questions.
Do not spend more than 4 minutes on any single question.
5. General Aptitude is Key
The 15 marks in General Aptitude are the easiest to score. Prepare Verbal Ability and Quantitative Aptitude seriously. A score of 12/15 in this section is standard for top rankers.
GATE Exam 2026 syllabus dictates the scope of the exam.
| Paper Code | Core Subjects & High-Weightage Topics | Pillar Topics (Maximum Weightage) |
| DA (Data Science & AI) | Probability & Statistics, Linear Algebra, Calculus & Optimization, Programming in Python, Data Structures & Algorithms, DBMS, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence. | Programming, DS & Algorithms (~21%) and Probability & Statistics (~16%). |
| EE (Electrical Eng.) | Electric Circuits, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals & Systems, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Electrical Measurements, Analog & Digital Electronics, Power Electronics. | Electrical Machines (~12%) and Power Electronics (~11%). |
| CE (Civil Engineering) | Engineering Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Construction Materials & Management, Concrete & Steel Structures, Soil Mechanics, Foundation Eng., Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics, Hydrology & Irrigation, Environmental Eng., Transportation Eng., Geomatics. | Geotechnical Engineering (~15%) and Environmental Engineering (~11%). |
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