GATE Exam Pattern 2026 - Subject Wise

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 is going to be officially released by IIT Guwahati. Aspirants who are planning to appear for GATE 2026 must clearly understand the exam format to plan their studies properly. The GATE exam paper pattern gives important details like the number of questions, total marks, exam duration, and types of questions asked.

As per the GATE Exam Pattern 2026, applicants can expect a total of 65 questions, which include both General Aptitude and the subject selected by them. The complete paper will carry 100 marks and is going to be conducted online in a computer-based mode. To know more about the subject-wise GATE Exam Pattern 2026 keep reading.

Check Out: GATE Books

GATE Exam Paper Pattern 2026: Important Highlights

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 is anticipated to follow a fixed format that helps applicants understand how the question paper will be designed. The pattern is expected to remain mostly the same as the GATE 2025 exam pattern, with only minor changes, if any.

Therefore, understanding the key parts of the GATE exam paper pattern makes it easier for aspirants to plan their preparation in a proper and organized way. Find out the key highlights of the GATE Exam Paper Pattern 2026 here:

• Mode of Exam: The GATE 2026 exam is going to be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in online mode.

• Language of GATE 2026 Exam: The question paper will be available only in the English language.

• Exam Duration: Test-takers will get 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the exam.

• Number of Papers and Subjects: There are 30 papers (expected) to choose from. Test-takers can appear for one or two papers, based on allowed paper combinations.

• Total Number of Questions: Each paper will have 65 questions in total.

• Sections in the Paper: The paper will have two parts: General Aptitude, which is common to all and the subject chosen by the applicant.

• Types of Questions: There will be three types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

• Marks Distribution: In most GATE papers, Engineering Mathematics carries 13 marks, Subject Questions carry 72 marks, and General Aptitude carries 15 marks. Some papers have 85 marks for subject questions and 15 for General Aptitude.

• GATE 2026 Marking Scheme: Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks.

• Will There Be Negative Marking in GATE 2026?: Only MCQs have negative marking. For wrong 1-mark answers, 1/3 mark is deducted; for 2-mark answers, 2/3 mark is deducted. MSQs and NAT questions do not have any negative marking, as per the GATE exam paper pattern.

Check Out: GATE & ESE Books

Subject-Wise GATE Exam Paper Pattern 2026 (Expected)

GATE exam paper patterns vary slightly for different subjects. Some papers include Engineering Mathematics along with subject questions, while others focus only on the subject and General Aptitude. Applicants must check the GATE exam pattern for their specific subject to prepare well.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Subjects EC, EE, ME, CE, IN, PI, and CS

For most engineering papers like Electronics and Communication (EC), Electrical (EE), Mechanical (ME), Civil (CE), Instrumentation (IN), Production (PI), and Computer Science (CS), the marks are divided as follows:

• General Aptitude: 15 marks

• Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks

• Subject Questions: 72 marks

• Total Marks: 100 marks

These papers are designed to test an applicant's understanding of concepts, problem-solving ability, and application skills. The questions are based on recalling facts, solving problems, and understanding concepts clearly.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Subjects AR, CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST, XH

However, for some papers such as Architecture (AR), Chemistry (CY), Data Science (DA), Ecology and Evolution (EY), Mathematics (MA), Physics (PH), Statistics (ST), Humanities and Social Sciences (XH), the GATE 2026 exam pattern is going to be a bit different.

These papers do not have a separate Engineering Mathematics section. For these papers, the marks are divided like this:

• General Aptitude: 15 marks

• Subject Questions: 85 marks

• Total Marks: 100 marks

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Geology and Geophysics (GG)

The GATE Geology and Geophysics paper (GG) will be divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.

• Part A is compulsory for all test takers and will include 25 questions, each carrying 1 mark. This section also includes numerical answer-type (NAT) questions.

• Part B has two sections: Section I (Geology) and Section II (Geophysics). Test takers can choose any one section from these two, based on their subject preference.

• Part B contains 30 questions, each carrying 2 marks, making it more focused on core subject understanding.

This paper will also include General Aptitude questions worth 15 marks, common to all GATE papers. The total marks for the GG paper will be 100.

Also Check: ESE Books

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Engineering Sciences (XE)

The GATE Engineering Sciences (XE) paper is designed a little differently. It has a compulsory Engineering Mathematics section and a General Aptitude section.

• Engineering Mathematics (Section A): All applicants must attempt this section. It has 11 questions: 7 questions of 1 mark and 4 questions of 2 marks, making a total of 15 marks.

• General Aptitude: This section is also compulsory and carries 15 marks.

• Apart from these, students must choose one section from B to H. Each of these chosen sections will have 22 questions.

• 9 questions of 1 mark (total 9 marks)

• 13 questions of 2 marks (total 26 marks)

In total, the GATE XE paper will also be of 100 marks, and it will test applicants on engineering basics, numerical skills, and core subject knowledge.

Read More: List of M.Tech Colleges Without GATE Score 2025

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Life Sciences (XL)

For the Life Sciences (XL) paper, applicants must attempt Chemistry (Section P) as it is compulsory.

• This section has 15 questions worth 25 marks in total, which includes both 1-mark and 2-mark questions.

• 5 questions of 1 mark

• 10 questions of 2 marks

• Along with Chemistry, applicants also have to choose one section from Q to U based on their interest. Each of these optional sections contains:

• 10 questions of 1 mark

• 10 questions of 2 marks

• Together, they carry a total of 30 marks.

• Just like all other papers, there will be a General Aptitude section of 15 marks.

This full paper will again carry 100 marks, and questions will be of types MCQs, MSQs, and NATs, with negative marking only for MCQs.

Understanding the subject-wise GATE Exam Pattern 2026 helps applicants know which sections need more attention and how to plan their preparation accordingly.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Paper Codes

The GATE 2026 registration is expected to begin in August 2025, and candidates can apply without a late fee until October 2025. While filling out the application form, they must choose their paper carefully.

Each subject, as per the GATE Exam Pattern 2026 has a unique paper code, which helps in selecting the correct syllabus and understanding the paper structure. These codes are also used during registration and while checking exam details. Here is the complete list of GATE 2026 papers and their paper codes:

Note:

• XE is the code for Engineering Sciences paper, where students can choose from multiple sections like Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, etc.

• XL is the code for a Life Sciences paper, which includes Chemistry (compulsory) and other optional sections like Biochemistry, Zoology, etc.

GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XH, XE, and XL

According to the GATE exam pattern, papers like XH (Humanities and Social Sciences), XE (Engineering Sciences), and XL (Life Sciences) are divided into various sections. Each of these papers has one compulsory section and one optional section that the applicant must select while filling out the application form. 

GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XH (Humanities and Social Sciences)

GATE 2026 Paper Codes for XE (Engineering Sciences)

How is the GATE Exam Pattern 2026 Designed?

GATE exam pattern 2026 is designed to check how well applicants understand their subject and how they can apply that knowledge. The question paper is not just about remembering facts; it also tests thinking, understanding, and problem-solving skills. The questions are made to test applicants in four main ways:

• Recall: These questions are based on basic facts, formulas, definitions, or laws related to the subject. Students need to remember and use them directly. For example, you may be asked a formula-based question where direct calculation is needed.

• Comprehension: Some questions will check if students truly understand the concepts. These will be based on the theory or principles of the subject, where you need to draw simple conclusions from what you’ve learned.

• Application: Here, students have to apply their knowledge. These questions will test logical reasoning and problem-solving using what you have studied.

• Analysis and Synthesis: These questions may include data, graphs, images, or diagrams. You need to carefully study the information and use analysis to find the correct answer.

Understanding how the GATE exam paper pattern 2026 is designed helps applicants prepare in the right way and focus more on concept clarity and application.

Read More: GATE Exam Eligibility

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Negative Marking Scheme

While preparing for GATE 2026, it is important for applicants to understand the negative marking system. Not all questions have negative marking, but some do, especially in the MCQ section. Being careful while answering these questions can help test takers avoid losing marks. Here is how the negative marking is expected to work in GATE 2026:

• For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.

• For 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 of a mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.

• No negative marking is applied for Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

This means applicants should try to answer only when they are confident, especially in MCQs. Understanding the GATE exam pattern 2026 and its negative marking scheme helps in avoiding unnecessary loss of marks.

GATE Study Material

GATEWALLAH Electronics & Communication Engineering and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude PYQ Combo Set

GATEWALLAH Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude PYQ Combo Set

GATEWALLAH Civil Engineering and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude PYQ Combo Set

GATEWALLAH Computer Science & IT and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude PYQ Combo Set

GATEWALLAH Electrical Engineering and Engineering Mathematics & General Aptitude PYQ Combo Set

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

Q.1. What will be the GATE Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans. The GATE exam pattern 2026 will have 65 questions for 100 marks. It includes General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics (for most papers), and subject-related questions. The exam will be held online for 3 hours and will have MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.

Q.2. Will the GATE 2026 paper format be similar to the GATE 2025 exam pattern?

Ans. Yes, the GATE 2026 paper pattern is expected to be mostly similar to the GATE 2025 exam pattern, with only minor changes, if any.

Q.3. Does the GATE exam pattern 2026 differ for all papers?

Ans. The overall GATE exam pattern 2026 is similar, with most papers including GA (15 marks), Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), and Subject Questions (72 marks). However, papers like AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL have 85 marks for subject questions and no Engineering Mathematics section.

Q.4. Who will release the GATE exam paper pattern in 2026?

Ans. The exam-organizing institute of GATE 2026 is IIT Guwahati, who will release the official exam pattern, along with the syllabus and notification, on the GATE 2026 website.