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GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates can appear for one or two papers as per allowed combinations. A virtual scientific calculator will be provided, and all electronic devices are prohibited. Scribble pads will be given for rough work. The syllabus, previous year papers, and mock tests are available on the official GATE 2026 website. In this blog, we have attached the complete GATE 2026 syllabus and detailed exam pattern to help candidates plan their preparation strategy.
GATE 2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizing Institute | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Papers | 30 |
| New Paper Introduced | Energy Science (XE-I) under Engineering Sciences (XE) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs, NATs |
| Calculator Policy | Only on-screen virtual calculator allowed |
| Paper Choice | One or two test papers only |
| Eligibility | 3rd year or higher UG students / Graduates in approved programs; MBBS, BDS, BVSc, B.Sc. (Agri./Horti./Forestry) from 5th sem. onwards |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Exam Centres | 200+ cities/towns across India |
| Score Validity | 3 years from result announcement |
| Exam Dates | February 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 (Forenoon & Afternoon sessions) |
| Registration Start Date | August 25, 2025 |
| Registration End Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Extended Deadline | October 6, 2025 (with late fee) |
| Official Website | https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
GATE 2026 Exam Date
The GATE 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The exam will be conducted in two sessions each day – forenoon and afternoon. Candidates must ensure they check their Admit Card for the exact date, time, and session allotted to them. GATE 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across various centers in India, covering all 30 test papers.
GATE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| GOAPS (Application Portal) Opens | August 25, 2025 |
| Closing Date for Regular Registration | September 25, 2025 |
| End of Extended Registration (with late fee) | October 06, 2025 |
| Last Date for Changes (Category, Paper, City, Personal Details) | November 06, 2025 |
| Admit Card Download Starts | January 02, 2026 |
| GATE 2026 Examination Dates | February 07, 08, 14 & 15, 2026 (Sat & Sun) |
| Exam Sessions | Forenoon: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Afternoon: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2026 |
| Free Score Card Download | March 27, 2026 – May 31, 2026 |
| Paid Score Card Download (₹500 per paper) | June 01, 2026 – December 31, 2026 |
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern – Duration & Details
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for 30 test papers. Candidates can appear for one or two papers as per the allowed combinations. The exam evaluates candidates’ understanding of undergraduate-level subjects in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, and post-graduate level subjects in Science, Humanities, Commerce, and Arts.
GATE 2026 Exam Duration & Instructions
All GATE 2026 test papers will have a duration of 3 hours, with an extended 4 hours allowed for candidates availing compensatory time. Each paper consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks, and the exam will terminate automatically once the allotted time elapses.
Candidates are allowed to occupy their seats 40 minutes before the scheduled start. The login for reading instructions will open 20 minutes prior to the exam.
Guidelines for Applicants
- Candidates cannot login after 30 minutes from the scheduled start.
- Leaving the examination hall before the scheduled end is strictly prohibited.
Pattern GATE 2026 Exam
All exams will be in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, with questions displayed on a computer screen. A virtual scientific calculator will be provided on-screen. Calculators, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, electronic gadgets, wallets, books, papers, tables, pens/pencils, or smartwatches are strictly prohibited. Possession of such items can lead to disqualification, even if unused. Candidates are responsible for their personal belongings.
A scribble pad will be provided for rough work. Candidates must write their name and registration number on it before use. Only one scribble pad is allowed at a time, and the previous pad must be returned before taking another. All scribble pads must be returned to the invigilator at the end of the exam.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 hours (*PwD candidates get +1 hour) |
| Number of Papers | 30 test papers |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Selected Subject(s) |
| Types of Questions | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Number of Questions | 10 (GA) + 55 (Subject) = 65 |
| Marks Distribution (Most Papers) | GA: 15, Engineering Math: 13, Subject: 72, Total: 100 |
| Marks Distribution (AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | GA: 15, Subject: 85, Total: 100 |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or 2 marks per question |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 for 1-mark MCQ, 2/3 for 2-mark MCQ; No negative for MSQ/NAT |
| Partial Marking | Not allowed |
GATE 2026 Test Papers, Codes & Rules
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers, each totaling 100 marks, with 15 marks for General Aptitude (GA) and the remaining for subject-specific sections. Candidates can appear in one or two papers, choosing only from the approved two-paper combinations.
Some papers may have multiple sessions, but each candidate is assigned to one session only. Test paper codes must be noted during application and exam. Applicants should select papers aligning with their qualifying degree and only one application will be accepted if multiple submissions are made.
General Test Papers
| Test Paper | Code | Test Paper | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology and Geophysics | GG€ |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| Architecture and Planning | AR# | Mathematics | MA |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Biotechnology | BT | Mining Engineering | MN |
| Civil Engineering | CE | Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM |
| Computer Science & IT | CS | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Chemistry | CY | Physics | PH |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA | Production & Industrial Engineering | PI |
| Electronics & Communication | EC | Statistics | ST |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE⊕ |
| Ecology & Evolution | EY | Humanities & Social Sciences | XH† |
| Geomatics Engineering | GE$ | Life Sciences | XL* |
GATE 2026 Paper Sections for XE, XH, and XL
| Paper | Compulsory Section | Optional Sections | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | Engineering Mathematics (15 marks) | Any TWO sections (2×35 = 70 marks) | A (Compulsory), B – Fluid Mechanics, C – Materials Science, D – Solid Mechanics, E – Thermodynamics, F – Polymer Science & Engineering, G – Food Technology, H – Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, I – Energy Science |
| XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) | Reasoning & Comprehension (25 marks) | Any ONE section (60 marks) | B1 (Compulsory), C1 – Economics, C2 – English, C3 – Linguistics, C4 – Philosophy, C5 – Psychology, C6 – Sociology |
| XL (Life Sciences) | Chemistry (25 marks) | Any TWO sections (2×30 = 60 marks) | P (Compulsory), Q – Biochemistry, R – Botany, S – Microbiology, T – Zoology, U – Food Technology |
GATE 2026 Paper Sections for AR, GE, and GG
| Paper | Compulsory Section | Optional Sections | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR (Architecture & Planning) | Part-A (Compulsory) | Part-B1 – Architecture, Part-B2 – Planning | AR |
| GE (Geomatics Engineering) | Part-A (Compulsory) | Part-B1 – Surveying & Mapping, Part-B2 – Image Processing & Analysis | GE |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | Part-A (Compulsory) | Part-B1 – Geology, Part-B2 – Geophysics | GG |
GATE 2026 Allowed Two-Test Paper Combinations
| Primary Paper Code | Allowed Secondary Papers |
|---|---|
| AE (Aerospace Engineering) | CE, ME, XE |
| AG (Agricultural Engineering) | CE |
| AR (Architecture & Planning) | CE, GE |
| BM (Biomedical Engineering) | BT, IN |
| BT (Biotechnology) | BM, XL |
| CE (Civil Engineering) | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
| CH (Chemical Engineering) | ES, PE, XE |
| CS (Computer Science & IT) | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST |
| CY (Chemistry) | XE, XL |
| DA (Data Science & AI) | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE |
| EC (Electronics & Communication Engg.) | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH |
| EE (Electrical Engineering) | DA, EC, IN, PH |
| ES (Environmental Science & Engg.) | CE, CH, GE |
| EY (Ecology & Evolution) | XL |
| GE (Geomatics Engineering) | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | GE |
| IN (Instrumentation Engineering) | BM, EC, EE, ME |
| MA (Mathematics) | CS, DA, PH, ST |
| ME (Mechanical Engineering) | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
| MN (Mining Engineering) | — |
| MT (Metallurgical Engineering) | XE |
| NM (Naval Architecture & Marine Engg.) | CE, ME |
| PE (Petroleum Engineering) | CH |
| PH (Physics) | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
| PI (Production & Industrial Engg.) | ME, XE |
| ST (Statistics) | CS, DA, MA, XH |
| TF (Textile Engg. & Fibre Science) | — |
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI |
| XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) | ST |
| XL (Life Sciences) | BT, CY, EY |
GATE 2026 Syllabus PDF
The GATE 2026 syllabus, previous year question papers, and mock exams along with the virtual scientific calculator are available on the official GATE 2026 website. It is attached along with the official notification PDF. For your convenience, we have attached the GATE 2026 syllabus PDF below. You can download it to access the detailed syllabus for all test papers here.
| Subject | Code | Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | |
| Architecture and Planning | AR | |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | |
| Biotechnology | BT | |
| Civil Engineering | CE | |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | |
| Computer Science & IT | CS | |
| Chemistry | CY | |
| Data Science & AI | DA | |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC | |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | |
| Ecology and Evolution | EY | |
| Instrumentation Engineering | IN | |
| Mathematics | MA | |
| Mechanical Engineering | ME | |
| Metallurgical Engineering | MT | |
| Mining Engineering | MN | |
| Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM | |
| Petroleum Engineering | PE | |
| Physics | PH | |
| Production & Industrial Engineering | PI | |
| Statistics | ST | |
| Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF | |
| Engineering Sciences | XE | |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | XH | |
| Life Sciences | XL |
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GATE 2026 Syllabus – XE, XH & XL Papers PDF Download
Get the complete GATE 2026 syllabus for all test papers, including Engineering Sciences (XE), Humanities & Social Sciences (XH), and Life Sciences (XL). The syllabus covers General Aptitude (GA) 15 marks for all papers, along with subject-specific sections for each test paper. Download the official PDF below!
GATE 2026 XE (Engineering Sciences) Syllabus PDF
| Section | Code | Marks | Download Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory) | A | 15 | |
| Fluid Mechanics | B | 35 | |
| Materials Science | C | 35 | |
| Solid Mechanics | D | 35 | |
| Thermodynamics | E | 35 | |
| Polymer Science & Engineering | F | 35 | |
| Food Technology | G | 35 | |
| Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences | H | 35 | |
| Energy Science | I | 35 |
GATE 2026 XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) Syllabus PDF
| Section | Code | Marks | Download Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Comprehension (Compulsory) | B1 | 25 | |
| Economics | C1 | 60 | |
| English | C2 | 60 | |
| Linguistics | C3 | 60 | |
| Philosophy | C4 | 60 | |
| Psychology | C5 | 60 | |
| Sociology | C6 | 60 |
GATE 2026 XL (Life Sciences) Syllabus PDF Sections
| Section | Code | Marks | Download Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry (Compulsory) | P | 25 | |
| Biochemistry | Q | 30 | |
| Botany | R | 30 | |
| Microbiology | S | 30 | |
| Zoology | T | 30 | |
| Food Technology | U | 30 |
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GATE 2026 Marking Scheme & Distribution of Questions
The GATE 2026 examination consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks. Every paper includes a General Aptitude (GA) section of 10 questions carrying 15 marks, designed to test language and analytical skills. The remaining marks are allocated to the subject-specific sections. Below is a detailed breakdown of marks and question distribution for various test papers.
| Test Paper | Sections | Questions | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Papers (GA) | General Aptitude | 10 | 15 | 5 × 1 mark + 5 × 2 marks |
| AR (Architecture & Planning) | Part A (Compulsory) | 39 | 60 | 18 × 1 mark + 21 × 2 marks |
| Part B (Optional B1/B2) | 16 | 25 | 7 × 1 mark + 9 × 2 marks | |
| GE (Geomatics Engineering) | Part A (Compulsory) | 36 | 55 | 17 × 1 mark + 19 × 2 marks |
| Part B (Optional B1/B2) | 19 | 30 | 8 × 1 mark + 11 × 2 marks | |
| GG (Geology & Geophysics) | Part A (Compulsory) | 16 | 25 | 7 × 1 mark + 9 × 2 marks |
| Part B (Optional B1/B2) | 39 | 60 | 18 × 1 mark + 21 × 2 marks | |
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | XE-A (Engg. Math – Compulsory) | 11 | 15 | 7 × 1 mark + 4 × 2 marks |
| Optional Sections B–I (choose 2) | 22 each | 35 each | 9 × 1 mark + 13 × 2 marks | |
| XH (Humanities & Social Sciences) | B1 (Reasoning & Comprehension – Compulsory) | 16 | 25 | 7 × 1 mark + 9 × 2 marks |
| Optional Sections C1–C6 (choose 1) | 39 | 60 | 18 × 1 mark + 21 × 2 marks | |
| XL (Life Sciences) | P (Chemistry – Compulsory) | 17 | 25 | 9 × 1 mark + 8 × 2 marks |
| Optional Sections Q–U (choose 2) | 19 each | 30 each | 8 × 1 mark + 11 × 2 marks |
GATE 2026 Distribution of Marks – Test Papers
| Paper Code | General Aptitude (GA) | Subject: Compulsory Section | Subject: Optional Section(s) | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF | 15 | 85 | — | 100 |
| CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | 85 | — | 100 |
| AR | 15 | 60 | B1 – Architecture / B2 – Planning – 25 | 100 |
| GE | 15 | 55 | B1 – Surveying & Mapping / B2 – Image Processing & Analysis – 30 | 100 |
| GG | 15 | 25 | B1 – Geology / B2 – Geophysics – 60 | 100 |
| XE | 15 | 15 | 2 × 35 | 100 |
| XH | 15 | 25 | 60 | 100 |
| XL | 15 | 25 | 2 × 30 | 100 |
