It is important to understand the exam before writing the exam. Therefore, if you are beginning to preprae for GATE, please read the following to know about Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).

What is GATE EXAM?

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an entrance examination for admission to Master’s programs (ME/MTech) and direct PhD courses at prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other recognized universities across India.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an all-India examination, conducted in eight zones across the country. The examination is administered by a committee consisting of faculty members from IISc, Bangalore, and the other seven IITs. This is done on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.

GATE EXAM : What’s New

For GATE 2026, there are a few significant updates:

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

New Subjects:
Two new subjects have been introduced:

Geomatics Engineering (GE)

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM)
This brings the total number of subjects to 30.

Dual Paper Option:
Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 can now opt for two papers from the prescribed set of combinations, offering more flexibility in choosing their areas of interest.

Eligibility Criteria:
The eligibility criteria have been relaxed. Previously, candidates were required to have completed 10+2+4 (i.e., 4 years of undergraduate study). For GATE 2026, candidates can now appear with 10+2+3 (i.e., in the third year of their undergraduate program). This change provides an additional opportunity for candidates to improve their performance and secure better career options.

Question Pattern:
All test papers for GATE 2026 will be entirely objective type. The pattern of questions may include:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

Combination of Two Papers Allowed

(Subject to availability of infrastructure and schedule)

GATE 2026 Paper Combinations

Combination of Two Papers Allowed for GATE 2026

Code of The First (Primary) Paper Codes of Papers Allowed as The Second Paper
AECE, ME, XE
AGCE
ARCE, GE
BMBT, IN
BTBM, XL
CEAE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE
CHES, PE, XE
CSDA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST
CYXE, XL
ECCS, DA, IN, PH, EE
EEDA, EC, IN, PH
ESCE, CH, GE
EYXL
GEAR, CE, GG, ES, CS
GGGE
INBM, EC, EE, ME
MACS, DA, PH, ST
MEAE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE
MNGE, GG, XE
MTXE
NMCE, ME
PECH
PHCS, DA, MA, XH
PIME, XE
STME, XE
DACS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE
XEAE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI
XHST
XLAE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI

GATE Exam Organizing Institutes

The GATE exam is conducted jointly by the IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore) on a rotational basis. The table below provides a list of the organizing institutes for various years:

GATE Organizing Institutes

GATE Organizing Institutes

Year Organizing Institute
2025IIT Roorkee
2024IISc Bengaluru
2023IIT Kanpur
2022IIT Kharagpur
2021IIT Bombay
2020IIT Delhi
2019IIT Madras
2018IIT Guwahati
2017IIT Roorkee
2016IISc Bangalore
2015IIT Kanpur
2014IIT Kharagpur
2013IIT Bombay
2012IIT Delhi
2011IIT Madras
2010IIT Guwahati
2009IIT Roorkee
2008IISc Bangalore
2007IIT Kanpur
2006IIT Kharagpur
2005IIT Bombay
2004IIT Delhi
2003IIT Madras
2002IISc Bangalore
2001IIT Kanpur
2000IIT Kharagpur
1999IIT Bombay
1998IIT Delhi
1997IIT Madras
1996IISc Bangalore
1995IIT Kanpur

GATE Paper Codes

When filling out the GATE application form, candidates have the option to choose two subject papers from the prescribed set of combinations, out of the 30 available papers listed in the table below. While candidates are expected to select a paper that aligns with the discipline of their qualifying degree, they are free to choose any paper based on their admission preferences. However, candidates should ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria of the institutions where they plan to apply for admission.

GATE Paper Codes

GATE Paper Codes

Paper Code
Aerospace EngineeringAE
Agricultural EngineeringAG
Architecture and PlanningAR
BiotechnologyBT
Bio-Medical EngineeringBM
Civil EngineeringCE
Chemical EngineeringCH
Computer Science & Information TechnologyCS
ChemistryCY
Electronics and Communication EngineeringEC
Electrical EngineeringEE
Engineering SciencesXE
Petroleum EngineeringPE
Geomatics EngineeringGE
Geology and GeophysicsGG
Instrumentation EngineeringIN
Life SciencesXL
MathematicsMA
Mechanical EngineeringME
Mining EngineeringMN
Metallurgical EngineeringMT
Naval Architecture & Marine EngineeringNM
PhysicsPH
Production and Industrial EngineeringPI
Textile Engineering & Fibre ScienceTF
Ecology and EvolutionEY
StatisticsST
Environmental Science and EngineeringES
Humanities and Social SciencesXH
Data Science & Artificial IntelligenceDA

With a successful GATE attempt, candidates have various career paths to explore:

  • Higher Education: Pursue M.Tech/M.S/Ph.D from IISc Bangalore, IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other top institutes.
  • Postgraduate Diplomas: Enroll in PGDIE, PGDMM, and PGDPM at NITIE Mumbai.
  • Public Sector Jobs: Several Maharatna and Navratna PSUs like IOCL, NTPC, BHEL, PGCIL, and BARC recruit based on GATE scores.
  • Teaching: Opportunities as Professor/Assistant Professor in IITs, NITs, and other reputed institutes.
  • Research Roles: Positions as Junior/Senior Research Fellow or Research Associate at ISRO, DRDO, BARC, and more.
  • International Opportunities: Some global universities offer M.S/Ph.D programs based on GATE scores.
  • Industry: Multinational companies and R&D sectors shortlist candidates using GATE scores.

GATE 2026 Eligibility

GATE Eligibility Criteria

GATE Eligibility Criteria

Qualifying Degree Qualifying Degree/Examination Description of Eligible Candidates
BE/BTech/BPharmBachelor’s degree holders in Engineering/Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc./Diploma in Engineering/Technology)Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed
B.ArchBachelor’s degree holders of Architecture (5 years course)Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed
B.Sc (Research)/BSBachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2)Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed
MSc/MA/MCA or equivalentMaster’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalentCurrently in the first year or higher or already completed
Int ME/M.Tech (Post-B.Sc)Post-B.Sc Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering/Technology (4 year program)Currently in the 1st/2nd/3rd/4th year or already completed
Int ME/M.Tech or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2)Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering/Technology (5 year program)Currently in the 3rd/4th/5th year or already completed
Int M.Sc/Int BS-MSIntegrated M.Sc. or 5 years integrated B.S.-M.S. programCurrently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed
Professional Society Examinations (equivalent to BE/BTech/BArch)B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognised by MoE/UPSC/AICTE (e.g., AMIE by Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India, and so on)Completed Section A or equivalent of such professional courses

GATE 2026 Exam Preparation Strategy

“Success comes from flawless execution, not breakthrough innovation.”

There are two types of GATE aspirants:

  1. Neophytes (First-time candidates)
  2. Repeaters (Candidates who’ve attempted before)

Strategy for Neophytes:

  1. Define Goals: Set clear targets and understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and difficulty.
  2. Analyze Past Papers: Review previous years’ questions to identify trends.
  3. Choose the Right Books: Limit your resources to one good reference book per subject.
  4. Create a Study Plan:
    • 6-month/1-year plan: Complete the entire syllabus without selective study.
    • Subject-wise/Bi-weekly plan: Tailor your approach for each subject (e.g., problem-solving for math, theory for English).
    • Daily Plan: Schedule study hours, avoid distractions, and review the next day’s plan.
  5. Solve Past Papers: Regularly solve 10-15 years of GATE papers and mark difficult questions for later review.
  6. Revision: Dedicate 70-80% time to learning new material, and 20-30% to revising old topics. As the exam nears, focus more on revision.
  7. Make Micro Notes: Keep concise notes for quick revisions on the go.
  8. Stay Interactive: Discuss with peers and seniors to clarify doubts and learn from their experiences.
  9. Evaluate Yourself: Take practice tests under exam conditions and focus on weak areas.

Strategy for Repeaters:

  1. Analyze Past Performance: Identify reasons for previous failure and treat it as a learning step.
  2. Improve Weak Areas: Focus on strengthening areas where you lacked last time.
  3. Practice Different Problem Types: Use new material and focus on problem-solving.
  4. Regular Planning: Stick to daily and subject-wise schedules for consistency.
  5. Join Test Series: Regularly take mock tests under exam conditions and solve past GATE papers.
  6. Group Study: Join small study groups for collective problem-solving and motivation.

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

GATE 2026 Exam Question Paper Pattern

GATE 2026 Exam Question Paper Pattern

Particulars Details
Examination Mode The test papers will be in English. Computer Based Test (CBT) [conducted at select centers in select cities].
Duration 3 Hours*
Number of Subjects (Papers) 30
Sections General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subjects
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and/or Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Questions for testing these abilities Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis
Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers 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
Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH and XL General Aptitude: 15 marks, Subject Questions: 85 marks, Total: 100 marks
Marking Scheme Questions carry 1 mark or 2 marks
Negative Marking For a wrong answer in an MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a 1-mark question and 2/3 mark for a 2-mark question. No negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions.

Paper Code Details

Paper Code General Aptitude (GA) Marks Compulsory Section Subject Marks Total Marks Total Time (Minutes)
AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF 15 85 100 180
CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST 15 85 100 180
AR 15 60 (Part A Common, Part B1/B2) 25 100 180
GE 15 55 (Part A Common, Part B1/B2) 30 100 180
GG 15 25 (Part A Common) 60 (Geology or Geophysics) 100 180
XE 15 15 (Engineering Mathematics) 2 x 35 100 180
XH 15 25 (Reasoning and Comprehension) 60 100 180
XL 15 25 (Chemistry) 2 x 30 100 180

GATE 2026 Syllabus
Test Paper Code: CE
Sections:

Remote Sensing & GIS: Principles of photogrammetry, remote sensing basics

Engineering Mathematics

Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, Eigen values/vectors

Calculus: Limits, continuity, derivatives, integrals, partial derivatives

Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE): First-order, higher-order linear equations

Partial Differential Equations (PDE): Fourier series, wave & diffusion equations

Probability & Statistics: Conditional probability, Random variables, Regression

Numerical Methods: Error analysis, polynomial interpolation, numerical integration

Structural Engineering

Engineering Mechanics: Equilibrium, free-body diagrams, vibration analysis

Solid Mechanics: Stress/strain, bending theory, buckling, torsion

Structural Analysis: Force methods, energy methods, influence lines, displacement methods

Construction Materials & Management: Steel, concrete properties, project planning

Concrete Structures: Design concepts, beams, slabs, prestressed concrete

Steel Structures: Design of tension, compression members, trusses

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil Mechanics: Permeability, consolidation, shear strength

Foundation Engineering: Shallow/deep foundations, bearing capacity, pile tests

Water Resources Engineering

Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties, flow equations, laminar/turbulent flow

Hydraulics: Energy-depth relationships, flow measurement, channel hydraulics

Hydrology: Watershed, hydrographs, flood estimation, groundwater

Irrigation: Irrigation systems, crop water requirements, dams, weirs

Environmental Engineering

Water & Wastewater Treatment: Quality standards, treatment methods, sludge disposal

Air Pollution: Sources, impacts, air quality standards

Municipal Solid Waste: Characteristics, recycling, disposal methods

Transportation Engineering

Infrastructure Design: Highway/railway design, airport design

Pavement Design: Flexible and rigid pavements, material properties

Traffic Engineering: Traffic flow, signal design, capacity analysis

Geomatics Engineering

Surveying: Measurement, levelling, triangulation, total station

GATE 2026 Exam Schedule (Tentative)

GATE 2026 Application Timeline

GATE 2026 Application Timeline

Event Date
Website Opens for Enrollment, Application Filling, Application Submission Last week of August 2025
Closing Date of Regular Online Registration/Application Process Last week of October 2025
End of Extended Period for Online Registration/Application (with Late Fee) 2nd Week of October 2025
Modifications in GATE 2026 Application 1st Week of November 2025
Availability of GATE Admit Cards for Download 2nd Week of January 2026
Exam Date 1st Week of February to 2nd Week of February 2026
Test Papers CS1, AG, MA
CS2, NM, MT, TF, IN
ME, PE, AR
EE
CY, AE, DA, ES, PI
EC, GE, XH, BM, EY
CE1, GG, CH, PH, BT
CE2, ST, XE, XL, MN
Announcement of GATE 2025 Results on the Online Application Website 19th March 2025
Availability of GATE 2025 Score Card for Download by Candidates 28th March 2025
GATE 2025 Answer Key & Response Sheet 27th February 2025

Subject Specialization Priority
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering:

  • VLSI Design
  • Integrated Circuits
  • Microelectronics
  • Microwave Engineering
  • Communication & Telecommunication
  • Optoelectronics & Optical Communication
  • Nanotechnology
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Control & Automation

Electrical Engineering:

  • Power Electronics
  • Machines & Drives
  • Power Systems
  • Control & Automation
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Instrumentation Technology

Mechanical Engineering:

  • Machine Design
  • Thermal Engineering
  • Manufacturing Science
  • Production & Industrial Engineering
  • Material Science & Management

Civil Engineering:

  • Structural, Geotechnical, and Construction Engineering
  • Transportation & Environmental Engineering
  • Earthquake & Water Resources Engineering
  • Rock Engineering & Underground Structures

Computer Science & Engineering:

  • Software Engineering
  • Distributed Computing
  • Image Processing
  • Computer Systems & Hardware
  • Database Systems
  • Programming Languages
  • Computer Networks & AI
  • Information Security & Advanced Computing

List of IITs

S.No Name of IIT State Year of Establishment Website
1 IIT Kharagpur West Bengal 1951 www.iitkgp.ac.in
2 IIT Bombay Maharashtra 1958 www.iitb.ac.in
3 IIT Madras Tamil Nadu 1959 www.iitm.ac.in
4 IIT Kanpur Uttar Pradesh 1959 www.iitk.ac.in
5 IIT Delhi Delhi 1961 home.iitd.ac.in
6 IIT Guwahati Assam 1994 www.iitg.ac.in
7 IIT Roorkee Uttarakhand 2001 www.iitr.ac.in
8 IIT Ropar Punjab 2008 www.iitrpr.ac.in
9 IIT Bhubaneswar Odisha 2008 www.iitbbs.ac.in
10 IIT Gandhinagar Gujarat 2008 iitgn.ac.in
11 IIT Hyderabad Telangana 2008 iith.ac.in
12 IIT Jodhpur Rajasthan 2008 iitj.ac.in
13 IIT Patna Bihar 2008 www.iitp.ac.in
14 IIT Indore Madhya Pradesh 2009 www.iiti.ac.in
15 IIT Mandi Himachal Pradesh 2009 www.iitmandi.ac.in
16 IIT (BHU) Varanasi Uttar Pradesh 2012 iitbhu.ac.in
17 IIT Palakkad Kerala 2015 iitpkd.ac.in
18 IIT Tirupati Andhra Pradesh 2015 www.iittp.ac.in
19 IIT Dhanbad Jharkhand 2016 www.iitism.ac.in
20 IIT Bhilai Chhattisgarh 2016 www.iitbhilai.ac.in
21 IIT Dharwad Karnataka 2016 www.iitdh.ac.in
22 IIT Jammu Jammu and Kashmir 2016 www.iitjammu.ac.in
23 IIT Goa Goa 2016 iitgoa.ac.in

List of NITs

S.No Name of NIT State Year of Establishment Website
1 NIT Allahabad Uttar Pradesh 2002 www.mnnit.ac.in
2 NIT Bhopal Madhya Pradesh 2002 www.manit.ac.in
3 NIT Nagpur Maharashtra 2002 vnit.ac.in
4 NIT Durgapur West Bengal 2002 nitdgp.ac.in
5 NIT Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh 2002 nith.ac.in
6 NIT Jaipur Rajasthan 2002 mnit.ac.in
7 NIT Jalandhar Punjab 2002 www.nitj.ac.in
8 NIT Jamshedpur Jharkhand 2002 www.nitjsr.ac.in
9 NIT Kurukshetra Haryana 2002 www.nitkkr.ac.in
10 NIT Calicut Kerala 2002 www.nitc.ac.in
11 NIT Rourkela Odisha 2002 www.nitrkl.ac.in
12 NIT Silchar Assam 2002 www.nits.ac.in
13 NIT Karnataka Karnataka 2002 www.nitk.ac.in
14 NIT Warangal Telangana 2002 www.nitw.ac.in
15 NIT Surat Gujarat 2002 www.svnit.ac.in
16 NIT Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu 2002 www.nitt.edu
17 NIT Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir 2003 nitsri.ac.in
18 NIT Patna Bihar 2004 www.nitp.ac.in
19 NIT Raipur Chhattisgarh 2005 www.nitrr.ac.in
20 NIT Agartala Tripura 2006 nita.ac.in
21 NIT Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh 2010 www.nitap.ac.in
22 NIT Delhi Delhi 2010 nitdelhi.ac.in
23 NIT Goa Goa 2010 www.nitgoa.ac.in
24 NIT Manipur Manipur 2010 www.nitmanipur.ac.in
25 NIT Meghalaya Meghalaya 2010 www.nitm.ac.in
26 NIT Mizoram Mizoram 2010 www.nitmz.ac.in
27 NIT Nagaland Nagaland 2010 www.nitnagaland.ac.in
28 NIT Puducherry Puducherry 2010 nitpy.ac.in
29 NIT Sikkim Sikkim 2010 nitsikkim.ac.in
30 NIT Uttarakhand Uttarakhand 2010 nituk.ac.in
31 NIT Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh 2015 nitandhra.ac.in

List of IIITs

S.No Name of IIITs State Year of Establishment Website
1 Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management Madhya Pradesh 1997 iiitm.ac.in
2 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad Uttar Pradesh 1999 iiita.ac.in
3 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh 2005 iiitdmj.ac.in
4 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram Tamil Nadu 2007 iiitdm.ac.in
5 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sri City Andhra Pradesh 2013 iiits.ac.in
6 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Guwahati Assam 2013 iiitg.ac.in
7 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Vadodara Gujarat 2013 iiitvadodara.ac.in
8 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kota Rajasthan 2013 iiitkota.ac.in
9 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu 2013 iiitt.ac.in
10 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Una Himachal Pradesh 2014 iiitu.ac.in
11 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sonepat Haryana 2014 iiitsonepat.ac.in
12 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kalyani West Bengal 2014 iiitkalyani.ac.in
13 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh 2015 iiitl.ac.in
14 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad Karnataka 2015 iiitdwd.ac.in
15 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kurnool Andhra Pradesh 2015 iiitk.ac.in
16 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam Kerala 2015 iiitkottayam.ac.in
17 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Manipur Manipur 2015 iiitmanipur.ac.in
18 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Nagpur Maharashtra 2016 iiitn.ac.in
19 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Pune Maharashtra 2016 iiitp.ac.in
20 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Ranchi Jharkhand 2016 iiitranchi.ac.in
21 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Surat Gujarat 2017 iiitsurat.ac.in
22 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bhopal Madhya Pradesh 2017 iiitbhopal.ac.in
23 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bhagalpur Bihar 2017 iiitbh.ac.in
24 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Agartala Tripura 2018 iiitagartala.ac.in
25 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Raichur Karnataka 2019 iiitr.ac.in