Get to know the GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Important Updates and Eligibility Criteria. GATE stands for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering and is the most critical examination for graduate or post-graduate aspirants in India. As per the latest GATE 2026 Exam Pattern released by IIT Guwahati, the exam now conducts papers for 30 subjects (Including Data Science, AI, and the recently added Energy Science & Engineering), and every applicant can choose to apply for one or two subjects from the permitted combinations.
A candidate will need to attempt a total of 65 questions for 100 marks within a 3-hour duration. GATE is a Computer Based Test (CBT) where you will encounter Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
Warning on MSQs: There is no partial marking for Multiple Select Questions. You must select all correct options and only those to secure marks. Even if one correct option is missed, you receive zero marks for that question.
To answer these questions, you will use a physical mouse to interact with an on-screen virtual keyboard and calculator. During the exam, every candidate receives a scribble pad for rough work.
Pro-Tip: Since you cannot use a physical calculator, practicing with the GATE Virtual Calculator online is essential to save time during the actual test. If you are planning to apply for the GATE 2026-27 exam, you must be aware of the eligibility criteria and the latest subject information.
Highlights of GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT – Online) |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Number of Papers | 30 Papers (Including XE-I Energy Science) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Engineering Math + Core Subject |
| Question Distribution (15-13-72 Rule) |
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| Type of Questions | MCQs, MSQs (No Negative Marking), and NAT |
| Total Questions | 65 Questions |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 for 1-mark MCQ; 2/3 for 2-mark MCQ. NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT. |
Essential Details for GATE 2026 Examination
Candidates can download their admit cards from the GOAPS portal. For the 2026 cycle, admit cards are scheduled to be available from January 2, 2026.
GATE 2026 Examination Dates:
- 7th February 2026
- 8th February 2026
- 14th February 2026
- 15th February 2026
Declaration of Result:
The GATE 2026 Results are scheduled to be officially announced on March 19, 2026. Bookmark this page for the direct Scorecard download link.
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria:
- 3rd Year Eligibility: Candidates in their 3rd year or higher of any undergraduate degree (10+2+3 or higher) are fully eligible to apply.
- No Age Limit: There is no age bar for appearing in the GATE exam.
- International Aspirants: Students from SAARC and other designated countries (Nepal, UAE, Ethiopia, etc.) can also participate.
- Two Paper Option: You can apply for two subjects from the approved combinations (e.g., CS + DA or ME + XE).
Application Fee Details (Per Paper):
- Female/SC/ST/PwD: ₹1000 (Regular) / ₹1500 (Late)
- All Other Candidates: ₹2000 (Regular) / ₹2500 (Late)
Understand Score Normalization and Validity
Since exams for large papers like Civil and Mechanical are conducted in multiple sessions, Normalization is used to ensure fairness across shifts. Most importantly, your GATE 2026 Scorecard will be valid for 3 years from the date of result declaration, useful for M.Tech admissions and PSU recruitments until 2029.
What Can a Good GATE Score Get You?
A high score opens doors to Direct PSU Recruitment (like ONGC, GAIL, IOCL) and admissions to M.Tech/Ph.D. programs in IITs and IISc. Additionally, GATE scores are recognized by several prestigious foreign universities in Singapore and Germany.
Conclusion
By referring to this guide, we hope you have gained clarity on the GATE 2026 Exam Pattern. Focus on your core subjects and keep practicing with the virtual calculator for the best results. If you have any queries, feel free to comment below!
FAQs
Is GATE 2026 result declared?
No, the GATE 2026 results are scheduled to be released on March 19, 2026.
What are the two-paper combinations for 2026?
IIT Guwahati allows specific pairs, such as Computer Science (CS) with Data Science (DA). Check the official brochure for the full list of permitted combinations.
References & Sources:
- IIT Guwahati – Official GATE 2026 Website
- NIRF India Rankings 2025 (Engineering)
- Ministry of Education – National Exam Guidelines