GATE 2026 Exam to be Held in February
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 is scheduled to take place on February 7, 8, 14, and 15. Conducted by IIT Guwahati, this national-level postgraduate engineering entrance exam will assess candidates across 30 different papers, encompassing various engineering, science, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields.
Exam Structure and Format
The GATE 2026 exam will follow a standardized structure across all papers, with specific variations tailored to each subject. Here are the key elements of the exam format:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
- Total Marks: 100
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks, compulsory for all candidates
- Subject Section: 85 marks
The exam will feature three types of questions:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These will have negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): No negative marking applies.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: These also do not carry negative marking.
Paper-wise Formats and Variations
While most engineering papers will follow a similar pattern, certain papers will have distinct structures:
- Engineering Sciences (XE):
- Section A: Engineering Mathematics (compulsory)
- Two optional sections from a list that now includes Energy Science (each optional section carries 35 marks)
- Humanities and Social Sciences (XH):
- Compulsory Reasoning and Comprehension section
- One optional discipline such as Economics, English, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, or Linguistics (60 marks)
- Life Sciences (XL):
- Compulsory Chemistry section
- Two optional sections chosen from Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, or Food Technology (30 marks each)
Mark Distribution Summary
The following table summarizes the mark distribution for various paper types:
| Paper Type | GA (Compulsory) | Core Subject | Optional Sections | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Engineering Papers | 15 | Engineering Mathematics + Core Subject | – | 100 |
| Engineering Sciences (XE) | 15 | Engineering Mathematics | Two sections (35 marks each) | 100 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) | 15 | Reasoning & Comprehension | One optional (60 marks) | 100 |
| Life Sciences (XL) | 15 | Chemistry | Two optional (30 marks each) | 100 |
Two-paper Combinations and Special Provisions
IIT Guwahati has specified that candidates wishing to opt for two papers must select only from officially permitted combinations. Applications submitted with non-permitted combinations will not be accepted. Additionally, candidates with disabilities (PwD) who meet specific criteria will receive an additional hour of compensatory time during the exam, provided they submit the necessary documentation.
It is important for candidates to include the second paper within the same application form, as multiple submissions will only consider one application.
Syllabus Overview
The General Aptitude section will evaluate candidates on various skills, including:
- Verbal reasoning
- Quantitative skills
- Data interpretation
- Logical thinking
- Spatial analysis
Subject-specific syllabi for all 30 papers have been released separately, detailing the engineering fundamentals, scientific principles, and analytical abilities relevant to each discipline.
Note: Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the official GATE 2026 syllabus and exam guidelines to ensure proper preparation and compliance with the application process.
