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LATEST UPDATE 2026
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 exam cycle is now approaching its main phase. The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 in multiple shifts across India, with admit cards expected to be released soon on the official portal gate2026.iitg.ac.in — candidates should download them using their login details once available. Preparations are underway nationwide with mock test links active to help aspirants familiarise themselves with the exam format. Qualifying candidates will use their GATE scores for admissions to postgraduate engineering and science programmes (such as MTech, MS and PhD) at IITs, NITs and other institutions, and for PSU recruitments where applicable. Stay tuned to the official website for the latest notifications on admit cards, schedules and result announcements.
IMPORTANT DATES
GATE online registration was conducted in September to October 2025, with an extended deadline in October. The admit card is expected to be released in early January 2026. The GATE 2026 examination will be held on 7, 8, 14 and 15 February 2026 in computer based mode. The provisional answer key will be released in February 2026, followed by the result declaration in March 2026. The GATE 2026 scorecard will be available for download from March 2026 onwards and will remain valid for three years.
GATE TEST PAPERS | DATE |
AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL | February 7 |
AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | February 7 |
CS-1 and ST | February 8 |
CS-2, EY, NM, PE | February 8 |
CE-1, EE, PI | February 14 |
BM, CE-2, ME, MT | February 14 |
EC | February 15 |
AR, DA | February 15 |
Events | Dates |
Application Form | September, 2025 |
Application Form Last Date | October, 2025 |
Application Form Last Date (with late fee) | October, 2025 |
Last date for change of Category, Paper and Examination City, adding a new test paper, and change of personal details (additional fee applicable per change) | October, 2025 |
GATE Exam Date | February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 |
GATE Result | March, 2026 |
Score Cards available for free download | March, 2026 |
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Postgraduate Engineering and Technology Programs
Through GATE, candidates can get admission to Master of Technology and Master of Engineering programs offered by IITs, NITs, IIITs, GFTIs and many state universities. These programs focus on advanced technical knowledge, research skills, and industry-oriented training in core engineering branches such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Chemical and allied disciplines.
Postgraduate Science Programs
GATE scores are also used for admission to Master of Science and integrated research programs in science disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geology and Life Sciences. These programs are offered by IISc, IITs and selected universities and emphasize theoretical understanding, laboratory work and research exposure.
Doctoral Programs
Candidates qualifying GATE can apply for PhD programs in engineering, technology and science fields at IITs, IISc, NITs and other research institutions. A valid GATE score often makes candidates eligible for direct interviews and financial assistance in the form of fellowships during doctoral research.
Integrated Dual Degree Programs
Some institutes offer integrated dual degree programs such as MTech plus PhD or MS plus PhD through GATE. These programs are designed for students who want to pursue long-term research and academic careers and provide a smooth transition from postgraduate studies to doctoral research.
Management Programs
Certain institutes accept GATE scores for admission to management-related programs such as MBA or specialized management courses, particularly in areas like infrastructure management, operations management and technology management.
International Opportunities
GATE scores are accepted by a few foreign universities in countries like Singapore and Germany for admission to postgraduate engineering programs. Candidates can use their GATE score instead of appearing for separate entrance tests, depending on university requirements.
Fellowships and Financial Assistance
GATE qualification makes candidates eligible for government-funded scholarships and fellowships during postgraduate and doctoral studies. This includes monthly stipends provided by MHRD or AICTE for full-time programs.
Public Sector Undertaking Recruitment
Although not an academic program, many PSUs use GATE scores to recruit graduate engineers for executive and officer-level positions. Candidates apply separately to these organizations using their GATE scores.
TOP COLLEGES & SEATS
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE BENGALURU
IISc Bengaluru is the top institute accepting GATE scores for MTech, MSc Research and PhD programs. It offers around 600 to 700 postgraduate seats across engineering, science and research disciplines. Seats are highly competitive and preference is given to high GATE ranks.
INDIAN INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY (IITs)
There are 23 IITs across India that admit students through GATE. Collectively, IITs offer approximately 8,000 to 9,000 MTech and MS seats every year. Major IITs include IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati. Seat intake varies by branch, with Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical and Civil having the highest number of seats.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY (NITs)
There are 31 NITs participating in GATE admissions. NITs together offer around 10,000 to 11,000 MTech seats. Top NITs include NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal, NIT Calicut and NIT Rourkela. Admissions are generally done through CCMT counselling based on GATE score.
INDIAN INSTITUTES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IIITs)
IIITs offer MTech programs mainly in Computer Science, Electronics, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Around 25 to 26 IIITs participate, offering approximately 2,000 to 2,500 seats in total. IIIT Hyderabad is a major institute but conducts its own admission process.
GOVERNMENT FUNDED TECHNICAL INSTITUTES (GFTIs)
GFTIs include institutes like PEC Chandigarh, BIT Mesra, Assam University and Tezpur University. These institutes collectively offer around 1,500 to 2,000 postgraduate seats through GATE and CCMT counselling.
CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES
Central universities such as Delhi University, JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, BHU and University of Hyderabad accept GATE scores for MTech and MSc programs. Together, they offer nearly 1,000 to 1,500 seats depending on the academic year.
STATE GOVERNMENT AND DEEMED UNIVERSITIES
Many state universities and deemed universities accept GATE scores for MTech admissions. These institutes offer several thousand seats combined, though intake capacity and stipend availability vary by institute and state policies.
TOTAL SEATS THROUGH GATE (APPROXIMATE)
Across all participating institutes, GATE provides access to nearly 25,000 to 28,000 postgraduate seats every year in engineering, technology and science disciplines.
COUNSELLING BODIES AND SEAT ALLOCATION
Admissions to IITs are mainly through institute-level processes, while NITs, IIITs and GFTIs participate in CCMT counselling. Each institute releases branch-wise seat matrices before counselling rounds begin.
HOW TO APPLY
- Registration: Aspirants needed to register for the exam by providing a valid email address, mobile number, and a GOAPS password. All communications regarding GATE will be sent to the email address provided at the time of registration.
GOAPS Password: Aspirants had to choose a password during their registrations through GOAPS. This password must be remembered by the candidate along with the GOAPS Enrolment ID to log in to GOAPS.
GOAPS Enrollment ID: Once aspirants register for GATE, an email containing the GOAPS Enrolment ID will be sent to the candidates on the email id provided.
- Filling up the application form: Candidates need to fill their personal, academic, and contact details in the GATE application form and note down system-generated application numbers. They also have to create a password that will be used for future logins.
- Upload scanned photo & signature: Upload Scanned Photo & Signature. Images that are not as per prescribed specification shall not be considered and may lead to rejection of the application.
- Choose your Test City Pay the Examination Fee: While applying, candidates have to select any four cities of their choice. The efforts will be made to allow the city of examination to the candidates in order of choice opted by them in their online Application Form. However, due to administrative/logistic reasons, a different city can be allotted. The candidates can pay the application fees in online mode only. For online payment, candidates can pay through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net Banking/Paytm/UPI.
- Print the Confirmation page: The last step is to take printouts of the confirmation page, after successful payment of GATE application fees.
Application Fees
Candidate Category | Regular Period | During the Extended Period |
Female candidates (per paper) | Rs 1000 | Rs 1,500 |
SC/ST/PwD category candidates (per paper) | Rs 1000 | Rs 1,500 |
All other candidates (per paper) | Rs 2000 | Rs 2,500 |
EXAM CENTERS
The GATE 2026 exam centres are assigned according to the preferences selected by candidates during the application process. While filling out the form, candidates can choose three cities within the same GATE zone. There are no international exam centres this year, so all candidates, including foreign nationals, will have to take the exam in India.
Zonal GATE Office | List of Examination Cities |
Zone-1 | Andhra Pradesh: Ananthapuramu, Kurnool Kerala: Angamaly, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Payyanur, Thrissur, Vatakara, Wayanad Karnataka: Bagalkot, Ballari (Bellary), Belagavi (Belgaum), Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bidar, Chikkballapur, Chikkamagaluru, Davanagere, Hassan, Hubballi (Hubli)/Dharwad, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga), Kolar, Mandya , Mangaluru, Manipal, Mysuru (Mysore), Shivamogga (Shimoga), Tumakuru Telangana: Hyderabad, Medak, Nalgonda Andaman and Nicobar: Port Blair |
Zone-2 | Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Anand, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Gandhinagar, |
Zone-3 | Haryana: Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar |
Zone-4 | Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar |
Zone-5 | Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna, |
Zone-6 | Andhra Pradesh: Eluru, Kakinada-Surampalem, Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Srikakulam, Tadepalligudem, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram |
Zone-7 | Andhra Pradesh: Chirala, Chittoor, Gudur, Guntur, Kadapa, Nellore, Ongole, Tirupati |
Zone-8 | Haryana: Ambala, Kurukshetra |
ADMIT CARD
The GATE Admit Card has been released by IIT Guwahati. Candidates who have successfully registered can download it now.
Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to download admit card for the GATE exam:
Step 1- Visit the official website and click on the “GATE Admit Card” link.
Step 2- A new page of the GOAPS website will appear where candidates have to enter their Enrollment ID and Password to log in
Step 3- After logging in, GATE admit card will be displayed on the screen
Step 4- Check all the details mentioned on the admit card carefully
Step 5- View, download and print the GATE admit card.
EXAM RESULT
The GATE results will be announced on 19 March 2026 on the official GOAPS portal.
Candidates can follow the below steps to check the GATE exam result:
Step 1- Visit the GOAPS official website
Step 2- The page to enter the login credentials will open in a new tab.
Step 3- Enter the login credentials such as application number, password, and captcha code in the given space.
Step 4- GATE result will appear on the screen in PDF format.
Step 5- Candidates should check the details on the GATE result vary carefully.
Step 6- Download it and keep it safe for further use.
COUNSELLING PROCESS & CUTOFFS
After declaration of GATE results, admission to postgraduate programs like MTech, MArch and MPlan starts through different counselling portals. There is no single common counselling for all institutes. The process depends on the type of institute.
COAP COUNSELLING FOR IITS AND IISc
COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) is used by all IITs and IISc for MTech and PhD admissions.
Candidates must first apply separately on the individual IIT or IISc websites for their preferred programs. COAP only shows and manages the offers made by these institutes.
After registration, offers are released in multiple rounds. In each round, candidates can choose one of the following options: accept and freeze, retain and wait for better offer, or reject the offer. Once an offer is accepted and frozen, the candidate exits further rounds and completes admission formalities at the allotted institute.
COAP usually starts in May and runs for several rounds until seats are filled.
CCMT COUNSELLING FOR NITS, IIITS AND GFTIs
CCMT (Centralized Counselling for MTech, MArch, MPlan) is conducted for NITs, IIITs and other centrally funded technical institutions.
In CCMT, candidates register on the CCMT portal, pay counselling fees, fill and lock choices of institutes and branches, and wait for seat allotment.
Seat allotments are released round-wise. After allotment, candidates must accept the seat, upload documents, and finally report to the institute (online or physical, as instructed).
CCMT generally has three regular rounds followed by special rounds if seats remain vacant.
ELIGIBILITY FOR COUNSELLING
To participate in counselling, a candidate must have a valid GATE score of the current or previous accepted years. The candidate must also meet the minimum academic eligibility set by the institute, usually sixty percent marks or equivalent CGPA for General and OBC categories, with relaxation for SC, ST and PwD categories.
TYPES OF GATE CUT-OFFS
There are two different cut-offs related to GATE.
The first is the qualifying cut-off, which is the minimum marks required to pass GATE. This cut-off is announced by the conducting IIT along with the result and is different for each paper and category.
The second is the admission cut-off, which is the actual score or rank required to get admission in a particular institute and branch. This cut-off is much higher than the qualifying cut-off and varies from institute to institute.
GATE QUALIFYING CUT-OFF (GENERAL IDEA)
Qualifying cut-offs are usually around thirty marks for General category in high-demand papers like Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. For Electrical and Electronics branches, the qualifying cut-off is generally in the mid-twenties. OBC cut-offs are slightly lower, and SC, ST and PwD cut-offs are significantly lower.
These cut-offs only decide whether a candidate has qualified GATE. They do not guarantee admission.
ADMISSION CUT-OFF FOR IITS AND IISc
For top IITs and IISc, admission cut-offs are very high. In popular branches like Computer Science, candidates usually need a very high GATE score and top All India Rank.
For branches like Electrical, Mechanical and Civil, the required rank is relatively higher but still very competitive. Core and interdisciplinary branches may have slightly lower cut-offs, depending on demand and seat availability.
Admission cut-offs change every year based on difficulty level, number of applicants, and number of seats.
ADMISSION CUT-OFF FOR NITS AND IIITS
For top NITs, popular branches like Computer Science and Electronics usually require a high GATE score, while mid-tier and newer NITs have comparatively lower cut-offs.
IIITs and GFTIs generally have lower cut-offs than top NITs, making them good options for candidates with moderate GATE scores.
Category-wise cut-offs apply here as well.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
Qualifying GATE does not mean guaranteed admission.
Admission depends on rank, score, category, branch preference and seat availability.
Candidates should apply to multiple institutes to increase chances.
Keep checking official COAP and CCMT portals regularly during counselling.
OVERVIEW
The GATE 2026 exam is a national-level entrance test organised by IIT Guwahati for admission to postgraduate and doctoral programmes in engineering, technology, science and related disciplines, and for eligibility in PSU recruitment. Registration for GATE 2026 was conducted online in late 2025. The exam will be held in computer-based test (CBT) mode in two sessions per day on designated dates in February. It covers 30 test papers across various disciplines, and candidates may choose one or two papers as per allowed combinations. The score obtained in GATE is valid for three years and is widely accepted for higher education admissions and job opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official GATE website for admit card release, exam instructions, answer key updates, result declaration, and all other official announcements.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) |
Frequency | Once a year |
Exam level | National |
Mode of exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
Application mode | Online |
GATE scorecard validity | 3 years |
Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Number of Subject Papers | 30 |
Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s selected Subject |
Marking Scheme | All the questions will be 1 Mark or 2 Marks |
Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/ |
SELECTION PROCESS
The GATE selection process begins with online registration, after which candidates download the admit card and appear for the computer based examination. Once the exam is conducted, the provisional answer key is released, followed by the declaration of the result and scorecard.
After qualifying GATE, candidates must apply separately to institutes or counselling bodies. IITs conduct their own admission process, while NITs, IIITs and GFTIs admit students mainly through CCMT counselling. Based on GATE score and cut off, candidates are shortlisted for admission or further rounds such as written test or interview in some institutes. Final seat allotment is done after document verification and fee payment, and admission is confirmed.
EXAM SYLLABUS
The GATE syllabus covers General Aptitude (GA) and Engineering Mathematics for all branches, along with branch-specific core subjects. GA includes English language, numerical ability, and reasoning questions, while Engineering Mathematics covers linear algebra, calculus, probability, differential equations, and numerical methods. Core subjects vary by branch—for example, CSE includes Data Structures, Algorithms, OS, DBMS; ECE includes Signals & Systems, Analog/Digital Circuits, Communication Systems; ME covers Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat Transfer; EE includes Electrical Machines, Power Systems, and Control Systems; CE includes Structural Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering. The syllabus emphasizes conceptual clarity, problem-solving, and application-based questions.
Name of Test | Topic | Topic Example | Weightage |
General Aptitude | Verbal Aptitude – | Out of the following four sentences, select the most suitable sentence with respect to grammar and usage. | 10 Q |
Quantitative Aptitude – | An e-mail password must contain three characters. The password has to contain one numeral from 0 to 9, one upper case and one lower case character from the English Alphabet. How many distinct passwords are possible? | ||
Analytical Aptitude- | Some students were not involved in the strike | ||
Spatial Aptitude – | A rectangular sheet of length 6cm and breadth 4cm is coiled to form an open cylinder (say, P) such that the breadth sides meet. The same sheet can also be coiled to form acylinder (say, Q) such that the length sides meet. Which one of the following statements is FALSE?A. Surface area of the open cylinders P and Q are equal.B. Volume of P and Volume of Q are equal.C. Volume of P is greater than that of Q.D. The height of cylinder Q is greater than that of P. |
We are providing the syllabus for some subjects along with the topics that have been asked in previous exams. This is only indicative and meant to give a general idea of the topics.
A brief Syllabus for Aerospace Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Aerospace Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Flight Mechanics | ||
Space Dynamics | ||
Aerodynamics | ||
Structures | ||
Propulsion |
A brief Syllabus for Agricultural Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Agricultural Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Farm Machinery | ||
Farm Power | ||
Soil and Water Conservation Engineering | ||
Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | ||
Agricultural Process Engineering | ||
Dairy and Food Engineering |
A brief Syllabus for Architecture and Planning is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Architecture and Planning | General | 55 Q |
Architecture | ||
Planning |
A brief Syllabus for Biomedical Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Biomedical Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Electrical Circuits & Signals and Systems | ||
Analog and Digital Electronics | ||
Measurements and Control Systems | ||
Sensors and Bioinstrumentation | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
Medical Imaging Systems | ||
Biomechanics & Biomaterials |
A brief Syllabus for Biotechnology is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Biotechnology | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
General Biology | ||
Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
Fundamentals of Biological Engineering | ||
Bioprocess Engineering and Process Biotechnology | ||
Plant, Animal and Microbial Biotechnology | ||
Recombinant DNA technology and Other Tools in Biotechnology |
A brief Syllabus for Civil Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Civil Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Structural Engineering | ||
Geotechnical Engineering | ||
Water Resources Engineering | ||
Environmental Engineering | ||
Transportation Engineering | ||
Geomatics Engineering |
A brief Syllabus for Chemical Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Chemical Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Process Calculations and Thermodynamics | ||
Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Operations | ||
Heat Transfer | ||
Mass Transfer | ||
Chemical Reaction Engineering | ||
Instrumentation and Process Control | ||
Plant Design and Economics | ||
Chemical Technology |
A brief Syllabus for Computer Science and Information Technology is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Computer Science and Information Technology | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Digital Logic | ||
Computer Organization and Architecture | ||
Programming and Data Structures | ||
Algorithms | ||
Theory of Computation | ||
Compiler Design | ||
Operating System | ||
Databases | ||
Computer Networks |
A brief Syllabus for Chemistry is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | 55 Q |
Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
Organic Chemistry |
A brief Syllabus for Electronics and Communications is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Electronics and Communications | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Networks, Signals and Systems | ||
Electronic Devices | ||
Analog Circuits | ||
Digital Circuits | ||
Control Systems | ||
Communications | ||
Electromagnetics |
A brief Syllabus for Electrical Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Electrical Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Electric circuits – Network elements | ||
Electromagnetic Fields | ||
Signals and Systems | ||
Electrical Machines | ||
Power Systems | ||
Control Systems | ||
Electrical and Electronic Measurements | ||
Analog and Digital Electronics | ||
Power Electronics |
A brief Syllabus for Environmental Science and Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Environmental Science and Engineering | Mathematics Foundation | 55 Q |
Environmental Chemistry | ||
Environmental Microbiology | ||
Water Resources and Environmental Hydraulics | ||
Water & Wastewater Treatment and Management | ||
Air and Noise Pollution & Solid and Hazardous Waste Management | ||
Global and Regional Environmental Issues | ||
Environmental Management and Sustainable Development |
A brief Syllabus for Ecology and Evolution is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Ecology and Evolution | Ecology & Evolution | 55 Q |
Mathematics and Quantitative Ecology | ||
Behavioural Ecology | ||
Applied Ecology & Evolution |
A brief Syllabus for Geology and Geophysics is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Geology and Geophysics | Common Section – Earth and planetary system, Weathering and soil formation, Basic structural geology, Crystallography, Petrology of common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, Geological time scale, Mineral, coal and petroleum resources of India, Introduction to remote sensing, Engineering properties of rocks and soils, Elements of hydrogeology & Principles and applications of gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, seismic and radiometric | 55 Q |
Geology & Geophysics |
A brief Syllabus for Instrumentation Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Instrumentation Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Electricity and Magnetism | ||
Electrical Circuits and Machines | ||
Signals and Systems | ||
Control Systems | ||
Analog Electronics & Digital Electronics | ||
Measurements & Sensors and Industrial Instrumentation | ||
Communication and Optical Instrumentation |
A brief Syllabus for Mathematics is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Mathematics | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Ordinary Differential equations, Algebra, Functional Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, Topology & Linear Programming | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Mechanical Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Applied Mechanics and Design | ||
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences | ||
Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering |
A brief Syllabus for Mining Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Mining Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Mining Geology, Mine Development, and Surveying | ||
Geomechanics and Ground Control | ||
Mining Methods and Machinery | ||
Surface Environment, Mine Ventilation, and Underground Hazards | ||
Mineral Economics, Mine Planning, Systems Engineering |
A brief Syllabus for Metallurgical Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Metallurgical Engineering | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Transport Phenomena and Rate Processes | ||
Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy | ||
Physical Metallurgy | ||
Mechanical Metallurgy & Manufacturing Processes |
A brief Syllabus for Petroleum Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Petroleum Engineering | Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential equations, Complex variables, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Gas Well Drilling Technology, Reservoir Engineering, Petroleum Production Operations, Offshore Drilling and Production Practices, Petroleum Formation Evaluation, Oil and Gas Well Testing, Health Safety and Environment in Petroleum Industry, Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques & Latest trends in Petroleum Engineering | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Physics is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Physics | Mathematical Physics & Classical Mechanics | 55 Q |
Electromagnetic Theory & Quantum Mechanics | ||
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics & Atomic and Molecular Physics | ||
Solid State Physics & Electronics | ||
Nuclear and Particle Physics |
A brief Syllabus for Production and Industrial Engineering is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Production and Industrial Engineering | Engineering Mathematics &General Engineering | 55 Q |
Manufacturing Processes I & Manufacturing Processes II | ||
Quality and Reliability & Industrial Engineering | ||
Operations research and Operations management |
A brief Syllabus for Statistics is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Statistics | Calculus, Matrix Theory, Probability, Standard discrete and continuous univariate distributions, Stochastic Processes, Estimation, Testing of Hypotheses, Non-parametric Statistics, Multivariate Analysis & Regression Analysis | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Textile Engineering & Fibre Science is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q |
Textile Fibres & Textile Testing | ||
Yarn Manufacturer, Yarn Structure, and Properties | ||
Fabric Manufacture, Structure, and Properties | ||
Chemical Processing |
A brief Syllabus for Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra, Calculus, Vector Calculus, Complex variables, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Probability, and Statistics, Numerical Methods | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Fluid Mechanics (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Fluid Mechanics | Flow and Fluid Properties | 55 Q |
Kinematics of Fluid Motion | ||
Integral Analysis for a Control Volume | ||
Differential Analysis & Dimensional Analysis | ||
Internal Flows & Bernoulli’s Equation and its Applications, Potential Flows | ||
External Flows |
A brief Syllabus for Materials Science (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Materials Science | Classification and Structure of Materials | 55 Q |
Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Phase Transformations | ||
Properties and Applications of Materials | ||
Characterization and Measurements of Properties | ||
Processing of Materials & Degradation of Materials |
A brief Syllabus for Solid Mechanics (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Solid Mechanics | Mechanics of rigid bodies & Mechanics of deformable bodies | 55 Q |
Vibrations |
A brief Syllabus for Thermodynamics (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Thermodynamics | Basic Concepts | 55 Q |
First Law of Thermodynamics & Second Law of Thermodynamics | ||
Properties of Pure Substances & Thermodynamic Relations | ||
Thermodynamic Cycles & Ideal Gas Mixtures |
A brief Syllabus for Polymer Science and Engineering (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Polymer Science and Engineering | Chemistry of high polymers | 55 Q |
Polymer Characterization & Synthesis, manufacturing, and properties | ||
Polymer blends and composites | ||
Polymer Technology & Polymer rheology | ||
Polymer processing & Polymer testing | ||
Polymer Recycling and Waste management |
A brief Syllabus for Food Technology (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Food Technology | Food Chemistry and Nutrition | 55 Q |
Food Microbiology & Food Products Technology | ||
Food Engineering |
A brief Syllabus for Atmospheric & Ocean Science (for all XE candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Atmospheric & Ocean Science | Atmospheric Science & Ocean Sciences | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Reasoning and Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Expression, Analytical reasoning, Logical reasoning | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Economics (for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Economics | Microeconomics & Macroeconomics | 55 Q |
Statistics, Econometrics and Mathematical Economics | ||
International Economics & Public Economics | ||
Development Economics & Indian Economy |
A brief Syllabus for English (for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
English | Multi-genre literatures in English—poetry, the novel and other forms of fiction including the short story, drama | 55 Q |
Especially in a comparative context, anglophone and in English translation, literatures from India and, extending to some degree, the larger Indian subcontinent | ||
Literary criticism and theory; critical and cultural intellectual-traditions and approaches widely referred to and used in the discipline of English | ||
History of English literature and English literary studies | ||
Research approaches and methodologies, including interpretive techniques responsive to literary forms, devices, concepts, and genres |
A brief Syllabus for Linguistics (for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Linguistics | Language and Linguistics | 55 Q |
Levels of Grammar and Grammatical Analysis | ||
Historical Linguistics & Sociolinguistics | ||
Areal Typology, Universals, Cross-linguistic Features | ||
Methods of analysis & Applied Linguistics |
A brief Syllabus for Philosophy (for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Philosophy | Classical Indian Philosophy, Contemporary Indian Philosophy, Classical and Modern Western Philosophy & Contemporary Western Philosophy | 55 Q |
A brief Syllabus for Psychology (for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Psychology | Research Methods and Statistics, Psychometrics: Foundations of Psychological measurement; Basic components, Biological and evolutionary basis of behaviour, Perception, Learning, Memory and Forgetting, Cognition: Thinking, Intelligence and Language, Personality & Motivation, Emotion and Stress and Coping | 55 Q |
Social psychology & Development across the life span | ||
Applications of Psychology |
A brief Syllabus for Sociology (for all XH Candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Sociology | Sociological Theory & Research Methodology and Methods | 55 Q |
Sociological Concepts & Agrarian Sociology and Rural Transformation | ||
Family, Marriage and Kinship & Indian Society / Sociology of India | ||
Social Movements & Sociology of Development |
A brief Syllabus for Chemistry (Compulsory for all XL candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Chemistry | Atomic Structure and Periodicity & Structure and Bonding | 55 Q |
s, p and d Block Elements | ||
Chemical Equilibria & Electrochemistry | ||
Reaction Kinetics & Thermodynamics | ||
Structure-Reactivity Correlations and Organic Reaction Mechanisms & Chemistry of Biomolecules |
A brief Syllabus for Biochemistry (for all XL candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Biochemistry | Organization of life; Importance of water; Structure and function of biomolecules: Amino acids, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic acids; Protein structure, folding / misfolding and function; Myoglobin, Hemoglobin, Lysozyme, Ribonuclease A, Carboxypeptidase and Chymotrypsin | 55 Q |
Enzyme kinetics, regulation and inhibition, Vitamins and Coenzymes, Bioenergetics and metabolism, Generation and utilization of ATP; Metabolic pathways and their regulation glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, glycogen and fatty acid metabolism, Metabolism of Nitrogen containing compounds, nitrogen fixation, amino acids and nucleotides. Photosynthesis, Calvin cycle | ||
Biochemical separation techniques | ||
Cell structure and organelles, Biological membranes, Action potential, Transport across membranes, Membrane assembly and Protein targeting, Signal transduction, Receptor-ligand interaction, Hormones and neurotransmitters | ||
DNA replication, transcription and translation, DNA damage and repair, Biochemical regulation of gene expression, Recombinant DNA technology and applications, PCR, site directed mutagenesis, DNA-microarray, Next generation sequencing & Gene silencing and editing | ||
Immune system |
A brief Syllabus for Botany (for all XL candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Botany | Plant Systematics & Plant Anatomy | 55 Q |
Plant development; cell and tissue morphogenesis | ||
Plant physiology and biochemistry | ||
Genetics and genomics | ||
Plant Breeding, Genetic Modification, Genome Editing | ||
Economic and applied Botany & Plant Pathology | ||
Ecology and Environment |
A brief Syllabus for Microbiology (for all XL candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Microbiology | Historical Perspective & Methods in Microbiology | 55 Q |
Microbial Taxonomy and Diversity | ||
Prokaryotic Cells & Microbial Growth | ||
Control of Micro-organisms | ||
Microbial Metabolism & Microbial Diseases and Host Pathogen Interaction | ||
Chemotherapy/Antibiotics | ||
Microbial Genetics |
A brief Syllabus for Zoology (for all XL candidates) is given below
Name of Test | Topic | Weightage |
Zoology | Animal Diversity & Evolution | 55 Q |
Genetics & Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | ||
Cell Biology & Gene expression in Eukaryotes | ||
Animal Anatomy and Physiology | ||
Parasitology and Immunology | ||
Development Biology, Animal Behaviour & Ecology |
EXAM PATTERN
As per GATE Exam Pattern the exam will be conducted online for a duration of 3 hours. GATE Question Paper includes 65 questions mainly divided into the General Aptitude section and Core Discipline. The General Aptitude section in GATE exam carries a weightage of 15 marks while the remaining 85 marks are the Core Discipline and related topics.
Check the key points related to the GATE exam pattern in the table below:
1. Fully Computer Based Test (CBT).
2. Total number of subject papers: 30
3. All Test Papers of GATE examinations will be entirely of objective type. The pattern of questions will include some Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), while the remaining questions may include Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) and/or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
4. A candidate is allowed to appear for ONE or maximum TWO subject papers only. TWO Paper combinations have to be chosen from the given list of combinations of papers. Final allotment of TWO papers will still be subject to availability of infrastructure and dates.
Feature | Description |
GATE Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
GATE Exam Language | English |
GATE Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
GATE Sectional Time Limit | None |
GATE Total Marks | 100 |
GATE Total Number of questions | 65 |
GATE Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ); |
GATE Number of Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject Subject (s) |
GATE Section-wise Number of Questions | General Aptitude- 10 questions, |
Distribution of Marks# in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL | General Aptitude- 15 marks, |
Distribution of Marks” in all papers EXCEPT AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH AND XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks + Engineering Mathematics**: 13 marks + Subject Questions: 72 marks = Total: 100 marks (**XE includes an Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks) |
GATE Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer |
GATE Negative Marking | For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer; |
At present, GATE is conducted in the following 30 disciplines. A candidate can select any one of these:-
GATE Paper | Code |
Aerospace Engineering | AE |
Agricultural Engineering | AG |
Architecture and Planning | AR |
Bio-medical Engineering | BM |
Biotechnology | BT |
Civil Engineering | CE |
Chemical Engineering | CH |
Computer Science and Information Technology | CS |
Chemistry | CY |
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | DA |
Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC |
Electrical Engineering | EE |
Environmental Science & Engineering | ES |
Ecology and Evolution | EY |
Geology and Geophysics | GG |
Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
Mathematics | MA |
Mechanical Engineering | ME |
Mining Engineering | MN |
Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
Petroleum Engineering | PE |
Physics | PH |
Production and Industrial Engineering | PI |
Statistics | ST |
Textile Engineering and Fibre Science | TF |
Engineering Sciences | XE |
Humanities & Social Sciences | XH |
Life Sciences | XL |
Geomatics Engineering | (GE) |
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | (NM) |
Note: Geomatics Engineering (GE) and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) are two new papers introduced in GATE
The section-wise distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH and XL is given below :-
Test Mode | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
Objective Type Online Computer Based Test | General Aptitude (GA) | 10 Q | 15 Marks | 180 Minutes |
Engineering Mathematics | 55 Q | 13 Marks | ||
Subject Questions | 72 Marks | |||
Total | 65 Q | 100 Marks |
The section-wise distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH and XL is given below :-
Test Mode | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
Objective Type Online Computer Based Test | General Aptitude (GA) | 10 Q | 15 Marks | 180 Minutes |
Subject Questions | 55 Q | 85 Marks | ||
Total | 65 Q | 100 Marks |
The section-wise distribution of Marks for GATE Paper Codes XE, XH, and XL Papers is given below:-
XE Paper Sections | Code | XH Paper Sections | Code | XL Paper Sections | Code |
Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) (15 marks) | A | Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory) (25 marks) | B1 | Chemistry (Compulsory) (25 marks) | P |
Any TWO optional Sections (2×35 = 70 marks) | Any ONE optional Section (60 marks) | Any TWO optional Sections (2×30 = 60 marks) | |||
Fluid Mechanics | B | Economics | C1 | Biochemistry | Q |
Materials Science | C | English | C2 | Botany | R |
Solid Mechanics | D | Linguistics | C3 | Microbiology | S |
Thermodynamics | E | Philosophy | C4 | Zoology | T |
Polymer Science and Engineering | F | Psychology | C5 | Food Technology | U |
Food Technology | G | Sociology | C6 | ||
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences | H | ||||
Mode of Examination
GATE Examination will be held as a Computer Based Test (CBT). It will contain Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and/or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions. The total duration of Examination is 180 minutes.
Medium of Examination
GATE Examination will be held in English Language.
Scheme Highlights
1. Each subject/paper is of total 100 marks. General Aptitude (GA) section of 15 marks is common for all papers. Hence, the remaining 85 marks are for the respective subject/paper code.
2. The General Aptitude section 5 questions carrying 1-mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 10 marks).
3. For a wrong answer chosen in a MCQ, there will be negative marking. For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.
4. The Multiple Select Questions (MSQ) will carry 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections.
5. There is no negative marking for a wrong answer in MSQ questions. However, there is no partial credit for choosing partially correct combinations of choices or any single wrong choice.
6. The Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions will carry 1 or 2 marks each in most of the papers and sections.
7. There is no negative marking for a wrong answer in NAT questions. Also, there is no partial credit in NAT questions.
Normalization of Score
After the evaluation of the answers, the actual (raw) marks obtained by a candidate will be considered for computing the GATE Score. For multi-session papers (subjects), raw marks obtained by the candidates in different sessions will be converted to Normalized marks for that particular subject. Thus, raw marks (for single session papers) or normalized marks (for multi-session papers) will be used for computing the GATE Score, based on the qualifying marks.
In GATE examination, some papers may be conducted in multi-sessions. Hence, for these papers, a suitable normalization is applied to take into account any variation in the difficulty levels of the question papers across different sessions.
The committee arrived at the following formula for calculating the normalized marks for the multi-session papers.
The normalised marks of the