GATE
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is a national-level computer-based examination organized by IIT Guwahati on behalf of the National Coordination Board. It primarily assesses the conceptual understanding and analytical skills of candidates in 30 different disciplines, ranging from traditional engineering branches to humanities and data science. The scores are valid for three years and serve as a gateway for admissions into prestigious postgraduate programs (M.Tech, M.S., Ph.D.) at institutions like the IITs, NITs, and IISc, while also acting as a primary selection criterion for recruitment in top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like ONGC, BHEL, and GAIL.
Date of the GATE Exam
Name of Event
Date
Application Form availability
August 28, 2025
Last date of application form submission
September 28, 2025
Exam Date
February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026
Admit Card
January, 2026
Result
March 19, 2026
The GATE 2026 syllabus is structured into three main components for engineering students, while science and humanities papers focus primarily on Aptitude and their Core Subject.
1. General Aptitude (GA) — 15% Weightage
Common to all 30 papers.
Verbal: Grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Quantitative: Data interpretation, ratios, powers, and basic geometry.
Analytical: Logic (deduction/induction) and number relations.
Spatial: 2D/3D transformations, paper folding, and pattern recognition.
2. Engineering Mathematics — 13% Weightage
Required for most engineering branches (CS, ME, CE, EE, EC).
Core Topics: Linear Algebra (Matrices), Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability & Statistics, and Numerical Methods.
3. Core Subjects — 72% Weightage
Key topics for the most popular branches:
| Paper | High-Weightage Core Topics |
| CS (Computer Science) | Programming & Data Structures, Algorithms, OS, Databases, Discrete Math, Computer Networks. |
| DA (Data Science & AI) | Python Programming, Machine Learning, AI Search, Probability, Linear Algebra, Calculus/Optimization. |
| ME (Mechanical) | Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Machine Design, Theory of Machines, Manufacturing. |
| CE (Civil) | Geotechnical Eng, Environmental Eng, Structural Analysis, Transportation, Fluid Mechanics, Surveying. |
| EE (Electrical) | Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Signals & Systems, Analog/Digital Electronics. |
| EC (Electronics) | Electronic Devices, Analog/Digital Circuits, Communications, Electromagnetics, Signals & Systems. |
It is a single-paper computer-based test of 3 hours (180 minutes) consisting of 65 questions for a total of 100 marks.
The weightage of sections varies depending on whether the paper is an engineering, science, or humanities subject.
| Paper Code(s) | General Aptitude | Engineering Math | Core Subject |
| Engineering (CS, CE, ME, EE, EC, etc.) | 15 Marks | 13 Marks | 72 Marks |
| Science & Humanities (CY, PH, MA, XH, XL) | 15 Marks | None | 85 Marks |
| Special Papers (XE – Engineering Sciences) | 15 Marks | 15 Marks | 70 Marks |
Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks. Negative marking is only for MCQs:
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer (MCQ only) |
| 1-Mark MCQ | +1 | -1/3Â (0.33) |
| 2-Mark MCQ | +2 | -2/3Â (0.66) |
| MSQ & NAT | +1 or +2 | 0 (No penalty) |
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