GATE 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

GATE 2026 offers 30 distinct papers spanning core engineering and science disciplines. These include Aerospace Engineering (AE), Agricultural Engineering (AG), Biotechnology (BT), Civil Engineering (CE), Chemical Engineering (CH), Computer Science & Information Technology (CS), Electrical Engineering (EE), Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Instrumentation Engineering (IN), and others. Each paper carries 100 marks with 65 questions, comprising General Aptitude (15 marks) and subject-specific core topics including Engineering Mathematics. Candidates select one paper aligned with their qualifying degree. The computer-based test is conducted across multiple sessions with discipline-specific syllabi available on the official portal. Source: gate.iitb.ac.in

Candidates holding a bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) or a master's degree in relevant science disciplines are eligible for GATE 2026. The minimum aggregate mark requirement is 55% for general category candidates, relaxed to 50% for SC/ST/PwD applicants. Final-year undergraduate students in eligible disciplines can also apply provisionally. There is no age limit for GATE examination. Candidates must ensure their qualifying degree is from an accredited institution, and those with backlogs must clear all requirements before appearing for the exam. The eligibility portal provides detailed criteria for each paper-code. Source: gate.iisc.ac.in

The GATE 2026 Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprises 65 questions totaling 100 marks with a 3-hour duration. The question types include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). Negative marking applies specifically to MCQs: 1/3 mark deducted for 1-mark questions and 2/3 marks for 2-mark questions answered incorrectly. MSQ and NAT questions carry no negative marking. General Aptitude section contributes 15 marks while the subject-specific paper carries 85 marks. Candidates must strategize branch-wise preparation focusing on core discipline topics and numerical accuracy. Source: gate.iitb.ac.in

Effective branch-wise GATE 2026 preparation requires mapping each discipline's syllabus into core and application-level topics. Engineering Mathematics contributes 15% across all papers, while the subject-specific section covers fundamental concepts, advanced theory, and problem-solving applications. For instance, Civil Engineering includes Structural Analysis, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science covers Algorithms, Data Structures, Operating Systems, and Database Management. Candidates should allocate 8-10 weeks per major subject, prioritize high-weightage topics based on previous years' analysis, and practice numerical problems extensively. The official syllabus documents provide detailed unit-wise coverage requirements for each paper. Source: gate.iisc.ac.in

GATE 2026 registration fees are structured by candidate category: Female candidates pay approximately Rs 750, while male candidates from the general and OBC categories pay Rs 1500. SC/ST/PwD candidates enjoy a concession at Rs 750. Candidates appearing for more than one paper (if applicable) may incur additional charges. Late registration, where permitted, includes an extra convenience fee. The fee includes GST and covers examination access, admit card download, and score card issuance. Payment is accepted through net banking, debit/credit cards, and UPI modes. Candidates must complete registration before the deadline and verify their category-wise fee liability on the official portal. Source: gate.iitb.ac.in