The GATE 2026 exam pattern gives you a clear idea of mode of the test, question types, marking scheme, number of questions, and subject-wise weightage. This will allow you to plan the exam preparation strategy very easily. You can allocate more time to high-weightage subjects, and attempt the paper smartly on exam day.
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The GATE exam is an excellent option to get into top institutions, government jobs, and advanced career opportunities in engineering and technology. With a good number of candidates applying every year, understanding the GATE 2026 exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
The GATE 2026 exam pattern gives you a clear idea of the mode of the test, question types, marking scheme, number of questions, and subject-wise weightage. This will allow you to plan the exam preparation strategy very easily. You can allocate more time to high-weightage subjects, and attempt the paper smartly on exam day.
Read More: GATE Important Dates 2026
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
The GATE 2026 exam pattern is released by the authorities on the official website along with the GATE Information Brochure. The GATE 2026 exam pattern is as follows:
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern Overview:
The overview of the GATE 2026 exam pattern is as follows:
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Duration |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
|
Language |
English only |
|
Exam Sessions |
Morning or Afternoon slots (depending on paper) |
|
Total Marks |
100 |
|
Total Questions |
65 |
|
Sections |
- General Aptitude (15 marks)- Engineering Mathematics + Core Subject (85 marks) |
Question Types in GATE 2026
There are 3 types of questions that are covered in the GATE exam. These are as follows:
|
Question Type |
Description |
Negative Marking |
|
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
4 options, only 1 correct answer |
Yes: -0.33 (1-mark), -0.66 (2-mark) |
|
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) |
More than one correct option is possible |
No |
|
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
Enter a numerical value (no options given) |
No |
Marks Distribution:
The GATE 2026 marks distribution is done between two parts:
|
Section |
Marks |
|
General Aptitude (GA) |
15 |
|
Engineering Mathematics + Core Subject |
85 |
|
Total |
100 |
Number of Questions:
There are a total of 65 questions in the GATE exam with the following number of questions per section.
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
|
General Aptitude (GA) |
10 |
|
Engineering Mathematics + Core Subject |
55 |
|
Total |
65 |
Relevant articles related to GATE
| GATE Exam Day Guidelines 2026 | |
| GATE Exam Dress Code 2026 | GATE Eligibility Criteria |
| GATE Syllabus 2026 | GATE Mock Test |
Subject-wise Weightage Distribution in GATE 2026
The subject-wise weightage plays an important part in deciding the preparation strategy. While the original subject-wise weightage varies a little, as per the previous year trends, the GATE 2026 subject-wise weightage distribution is as follows:
General Distribution Across Papers:
|
Section |
Approx. Weightage |
|
General Aptitude |
15% |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
10–15% |
|
Core Subject |
70–75% |
Example: Computer Science (CSE)
|
Subject |
Weightage (%) |
|
Programming & Data Structures |
12–14 |
|
Algorithms |
8–10 |
|
DBMS |
8–10 |
|
Computer Networks |
8–10 |
|
Operating Systems |
7–8 |
|
Compiler Design |
6 |
|
Theory of Computation |
6–8 |
|
Engineering Mathematics |
12–15 |
|
General Aptitude |
15 |
Read More: GATE Exam Centres 2026
GATE 2026 Paper-wise Pattern for Popular Branches
Different GATE papers have different subject combinations. Below is an overview of popular branches:
|
Branch |
General Aptitude |
Engineering Mathematics |
Core Subjects |
|
CSE (Computer Science Engineering) |
15% |
12–15% |
Programming, Algorithms, DBMS, Computer Networks, Operating Systems, Theory of Computation, Compiler Design |
|
ECE (Electronics & Communication Engineering) |
15% |
12–15% |
Networks, Signals & Systems, Digital Circuits, Control Systems, Communication, Analog & Digital Electronics |
|
ME (Mechanical Engineering) |
15% |
13–15% |
Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing, Machine Design, Strength of Materials (SOM), Heat Transfer, Theory of Machines |
|
EE (Electrical Engineering) |
15% |
10–13% |
Power Systems, Power Electronics, Control Systems, Electrical Machines, Signals & Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics |
|
CE (Civil Engineering) |
15% |
12–14% |
Structural Engineering, Geotechnical, Environmental Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Surveying, Transportation |
Check This: GATE Dress Code 2026
How to prepare for the GATE Exam 2026?
For the GATE 2026 preparation, an understanding of the GATE exam pattern is very important. Some important practice tips have been shared below:
- Understand the Question Types: There are 3 types of questions in the GATE exam, i.e., MCQs, MSQs, and NATs. Practice them regularly. Pay special attention to NATs as they need accurate calculations.
- Focus on High Scoring Topics: Focusing on high-scoring topics will help you target a wider area. This will give you high scores.
- Focus on General Aptitude and Mathematics: General aptitude alone carries a weightage of 15 marks, and mathematics needs a lot of concept clearing, so these should be the top preparation priorities.
- Time Management Practice: Practicing finishing your mock test in 3 hours, Allocate 40–45 mins for GA & Mathematics, 120–130 mins for core subjects.
- Revision Strategy: Revise key concepts at the end of the revision round. Prefer making a formula sheet and going through it once before taking the exam.
For GATE 2026 preparation, focusing on the GATE 2026 exam pattern is very important. The official exam pattern will help you make a preparation strategy as per the high-scoring topics, high-weightage subjects like General Aptitude, etc. Make sure you make a proper and strategic preparation plan for the GATE exam. GATE 2026 is a very important exam that will help you achieve success in your future endeavors.
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