GATE 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus Explained – Complete Paper-wise Guide for Aspirants

25 November 2025
7 min read

For lakhs of Indian engineering and science graduates, GATE is not just an exam - it is a dream, a stepping stone, and a symbol of dedication. Whether your goal is a PSU job, MTech/MS in IITs, PhD admissions, or simply proving your academic excellence, GATE 2026 is your opportunity to rise. 💪🔥

This year, IIT Guwahati has introduced major updates - including a new Energy Science section, revised structures for XE, XH, and XL papers, and detailed clarity on two-paper combinations and negative marking rules.

To help you plan your preparation with confidence, here is a well-structured and deeply informative guide explaining everything you need to know.


🗓 GATE 2026 Exam Dates

The examination will be held on the following four days:

  • February 7, 2026
  • February 8, 2026
  • February 14, 2026
  • February 15, 2026

Aspirants must check their respective paper schedules carefully once the detailed timetable is released on the official portal.

👉 Official Website: https://gate.iitg.ac.in/


🧭 GATE 2026 Exam Structure

Every GATE paper follows a 3-hour Computer-Based Test, conducted entirely in English.

Key Highlights

  • Total Marks: 100
  • General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks (compulsory for ALL papers)
  • Subject Section: 85 marks
  • Question Types:
    • MCQs (with negative marking)
    • MSQs (no negative marking)
    • NAT questions (no negative marking)

Negative Marking Rules

  • MCQs (1 mark): −1/3 for incorrect answers
  • MCQs (2 marks): −2/3 for incorrect answers
  • MSQ/NAT: No negative marking

🧩 Paper-wise Structure & Variations

While core engineering papers follow a standard structure, the multi-section papers (XE, XH, XL) have special formats.


🛠 Engineering Sciences (XE)

Includes a newly added Energy Science section (great news for interdisciplinary aspirants 🌱⚡).

Structure:

  • Section A – Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory)
  • Two Optional Sections (35 marks each)

📚 Humanities & Social Sciences (XH)

Perfect for students exploring humanities-based postgraduate paths.

Structure:

  • Compulsory: Reasoning & Comprehension
  • Optional: One subject (Economics, English, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Linguistics)

🔬 Life Sciences (XL)

Structure:

  • Compulsory: Chemistry
  • Optional: Two from Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Food Tech, Microbiology

📊 Marking Structure Overview

Paper TypeGA MarksCompulsory SectionOptional Section(s)Total Marks
Most Engineering Papers15Engg. Mathematics + CoreNone100
XE15Engg. MathematicsTwo Sections (35 marks each)100
XH15Reasoning & ComprehensionOne Optional (60 marks)100
XL15ChemistryTwo Optional (30 marks each)100

📝 Two-Paper Combination Rules

  • Candidates may apply for two papers, but only from permitted combinations.
  • Any invalid combination will lead to rejection.
  • Add both papers within a single application.
  • Multiple applications are not allowed.

♿ Provisions for PwD Candidates

  • Eligible PwD candidates receive 1 additional hour (total 4 hours).
  • Valid documentation is mandatory.
  • All rules follow the official GATE guidelines.

🎯 Syllabus Overview

General Aptitude (GA) – compulsory for all

Focus areas:

  • Verbal reasoning
  • Quantitative skills
  • Data interpretation
  • Logical thinking
  • Spatial reasoning

Subject-wise Syllabi

Each of the 30 papers has its own detailed syllabus covering:

  • Core engineering/science fundamentals
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Discipline-specific technical knowledge

Complete PDF syllabi are available on the official GATE website.

👉 https://gate.iitg.ac.in/


❓ Important FAQs about GATE 2026

1. What’s new in GATE 2026?

A new Energy Science section has been added, and detailed guidelines for two-paper combinations have been updated.

2. Who conducts GATE 2026?

IIT Guwahati.

3. How many papers are available?

A total of 30 papers.

4. What is the mode of exam?

Computer-Based Test (CBT).

5. Is GA compulsory for all papers?

Yes, GA carries 15 marks in every paper.

6. Are two-paper combinations allowed?

Yes, but only from officially permitted combinations.

7. Is there negative marking?

Only for MCQs. MSQs and NATs have no negative marking.

8. Can I apply for both papers separately?

No. Both papers must be added within one single application.


🌟 Final Words for Aspirants

GATE is not just an exam - it's a journey of patience, passion, and perseverance. Believe in your hard work and stay consistent. With the right preparation strategy, you will surely achieve your goal. Your dreams are valid, and your dedication will take you forward. 🚀💛


🇮🇳 हिंदी संस्करण - GATE 2026 परीक्षा पैटर्न और सिलेबस

GATE 2026 परीक्षा पैटर्न और सिलेबस – सम्पूर्ण मार्गदर्शिका ✨

भारत के लाखों युवाओं के लिए GATE सिर्फ एक परीक्षा नहीं, बल्कि एक सपना है - अच्छी नौकरी, PSU करियर, IIT में MTech, या रिसर्च के सुनहरे अवसरों की ओर पहला कदम। ❤️🔥

IIT गुवाहाटी ने GATE 2026 के लिए नया Energy Science सेक्शन, पेपर-वाइज संरचना, और नेगेटिव मार्किंग नियमों को स्पष्ट करते हुए विस्तृत जानकारी जारी की है।


🗓 GATE 2026 परीक्षा तिथियाँ

  • 7 फरवरी 2026
  • 8 फरवरी 2026
  • 14 फरवरी 2026
  • 15 फरवरी 2026

👉 आधिकारिक वेबसाइट: https://gate.iitg.ac.in/


🧭 GATE 2026 परीक्षा संरचना

  • अवधि: 3 घंटे
  • कुल अंक: 100
  • जनरल एप्टीट्यूड (GA): 15 अंक
  • सब्जेक्ट सेक्शन: 85 अंक
  • प्रश्न प्रकार: MCQ, MSQ, NAT

नेगेटिव मार्किंग

  • MCQ (1 अंक): −1/3
  • MCQ (2 अंक): −2/3
  • MSQ/NAT: कोई नेगेटिव मार्किंग नहीं

🧩 पेपर-वाइज संरचना

🛠 Engineering Sciences (XE)

  • अनिवार्य: Engineering Mathematics
  • दो वैकल्पिक सेक्शन
  • नया Energy Science सेक्शन शामिल

📚 Humanities & Social Sciences (XH)

  • Reasoning & Comprehension अनिवार्य
  • एक वैकल्पिक विषय

🔬 Life Sciences (XL)

  • अनिवार्य: Chemistry
  • दो वैकल्पिक सेक्शन

📊 मार्क वितरण

पेपर प्रकारGAअनिवार्य सेक्शनवैकल्पिक सेक्शनकुल अंक
इंजीनियरिंग पेपर15Engg. Math + Core-100
XE15Engg. Math35+35100
XH15RCएक 60 अंकों का100
XL15Chemistry30+30100

📝 दो-पेपर कॉम्बिनेशन

  • केवल अनुमोदित कॉम्बिनेशन ही स्वीकार होंगे
  • दोनों पेपर एक ही आवेदन में चुनने होंगे

♿ PwD उम्मीदवारों के लिए सुविधा

  • अतिरिक्त 1 घंटे का समय
  • वैध प्रमाण पत्र आवश्यक

🎯 सिलेबस के मुख्य बिंदु

GA (सभी के लिए अनिवार्य)

  • वर्बल एबिलिटी
  • लॉजिकल रीजनिंग
  • क्वांट
  • डेटा इंटरप्रिटेशन

विषय-वार विस्तृत सिलेबस

आधिकारिक वेबसाइट पर उपलब्ध है।

👉 https://gate.iitg.ac.in/


❓ अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न (FAQs)

1. GATE 2026 में नया क्या है?
Energy Science सेक्शन जोड़ा गया है।

2. परीक्षा कौन आयोजित कर रहा है?
IIT Guwahati।

3. कुल कितने पेपर हैं?
30 पेपर।

4. क्या GA अनिवार्य है?
हाँ, 15 अंक।

5. क्या नेगेटिव मार्किंग है?
MCQ में है, MSQ और NAT में नहीं।


🌟 अंतिम संदेश

GATE की तैयारी कठिन हो सकती है, लेकिन आपकी मेहनत आपको आपकी मंज़िल तक जरूर ले जाएगी। धैर्य रखें, निरंतर रहें, और अपने सपने पर विश्वास करें। आपकी सफलता आपका इंतज़ार कर रही है। 🇮🇳✨

सफलता आपकी ही होगी! 🚀💛

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