GATE 2026 Previous Year Question Papers PDF: Download Now

The GATE 2026 exam will be held on February 07, 08, 14 & 15, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays) in two sessions — Forenoon: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. To crack this highly competitive exam, practicing with GATE Previous Year Question Papers is one of the most effective strategies. PYQs help you understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics. In this blog, we have provided year-wise GATE Previous Year Question Papers in PDF format to support your preparation.

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GATE 2026 Previous Year Question Paper PDF – Free Download

We have attached GATE 2026 Previous Year Question Papers (2021–2025) subject-wise in PDF format to help aspirants practice effectively. These papers serve as the best resource to understand exam patterns, marking schemes, and frequently asked questions. Download the complete GATE Question Paper bank for free from the links below.

GATE Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2021 – 2025) – Download for Free

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GATE 2026 Exam Pattern & Question Paper Details

The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for all 30 test papers. Candidates can appear in either one or two papers, depending on the permitted combinations. The exam is intended to assess a candidate’s understanding of undergraduate-level subjects such as Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, as well as postgraduate-level subjects in Science, Humanities, Commerce, and Arts.

All questions will appear on a computer screen, and an on-screen virtual scientific calculator will be provided for numerical problem-solving. To ensure exam integrity, the keyboard will remain disabled, except for entering responses in NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions.

1. Examination Duration

• Duration:

  • 3 hours (standard candidates).

  • 4 hours (candidates availing compensatory time).

• Question count: 65 questions.
• Total marks: 100.
• Login & seating:

  • Candidates may occupy their seats 40 minutes before the exam starts.

  • Login and read instructions 20 minutes before start.

  • No login after 30 minutes from start.

• Exit policy: No candidate is allowed to leave the hall before the scheduled end.
• Exam auto-terminates after time elapses.

2. Types of Questions

GATE 2026 will have three question types:

1. MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

   • Carry 1 or 2 marks each.

   • One correct option out of four.

   • Negative marking:

     • 1-mark MCQ → –⅓ mark for wrong answer.

     • 2-mark MCQ → –⅔ mark for wrong answer.

2. MSQs (Multiple Select Questions)

   • Carry 1 or 2 marks each.

   • One or more correct options.

   • No negative marking.

   • No partial credit (must select all correct answers).

3. NATs (Numerical Answer Type)

   • Carry 1 or 2 marks each.

   • Answer is a number (integer/decimal) entered via on-screen keypad.

   • No choices provided.

   • No negative marking, no partial credit.

3. Categories of Questions

Questions are designed to test different levels of learning:

• Recall → Based on memory, direct formulae, or facts.

• Comprehension → Tests understanding of concepts.

• Application → Requires computation/logical reasoning.

• Analysis & Synthesis → Involves data, diagrams, comparisons, assumptions, etc

GATE 2026 Syllabus PDF – Subject-Wise

The GATE 2026 syllabus for all 30 test papers is provided in detail, covering subject-specific topics along with General Aptitude and, where applicable, Engineering Mathematics. Candidates can download the subject-wise syllabus PDF below.

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme

• Total questions: 65.
• Total marks: 100.
• General Aptitude (GA):

  • 10 questions (15 marks total).

  • 5 × 1 mark + 5 × 2 marks.

Paper-wise Distribution

1. Engineering Papers (AE, ME, CE, EE, CS, etc.)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Subject: 85 marks.

   • Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks (part of subject).

2. Architecture & Planning (AR)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Part A (compulsory): 60 marks.

   • Part B1 (Architecture) or B2 (Planning): 25 marks.

3. Geomatics Engineering (GE)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Part A (compulsory): 55 marks.

   • Part B1 (Surveying & Mapping) or B2 (Image Processing & Analysis): 30 marks.

4. Geology & Geophysics (GG)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Part A (compulsory): 25 marks.

   • Part B1 (Geology) or B2 (Geophysics): 60 marks.

   • Choice made during application, not in exam.

5. Engineering Sciences (XE)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Section A (Engg. Mathematics, compulsory): 15 marks.

   • Any two optional sections (B–I): 35 marks each.

6. Humanities & Social Sciences (XH)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Section B1 (Reasoning & Comprehension, compulsory): 25 marks.

   • One optional section (C1–C6): 60 marks.

   • Choice made during application, not in exam.

7. Life Sciences (XL)

   • GA: 15 marks.

   • Section P (Chemistry, compulsory): 25 marks.

   • Any two optional sections (Q–U): 30 marks each.

Distribution of Marks in Various Test Papers of GATE 2026

How to Download GATE 2026 Question Papers

Downloading the GATE 2026 question papers is highly useful for aspirants preparing for the exam. Follow these steps to access them:

Visit the Official Website

Go to the official GATE 2026 website hosted by IIT Guwahati (the organizing institute).

Navigate to the Question Paper Section

On the homepage, find the section titled “Previous Question Papers / Model Papers” or check under the “Downloads” tab.

Select Your Subject Paper

A list of all 30 test papers will be available. Choose the paper code relevant to your subject (e.g., CE for Civil Engineering, CS for Computer Science, EE for Electrical Engineering, etc.).

Download the PDF

Click on the link for the year and subject you want. The PDF file will open or download directly. Save it for practice.

Apart from previous years, sample model papers are also released to help you understand the exam pattern, question types (MCQ, MSQ, NAT), and marking scheme. Good luck!

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