GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Mode of Exam

GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Mode of Exam

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GATE Admit Card Date:07 Jan' 25 - 18 Dec' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 19 Aug 2025, 06:46 PM IST

GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 - IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern on this page. As per the GATE XE exam pattern 2026, the paper includes two mandatory sections: Engineering Mathematics (XE A) and General Aptitude, along with two optional subjects. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering aspirants must check the GATE paper pattern for XE. The question paper will be prepared based on the GATE 2026 syllabus and the exam pattern. The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern
  2. GATE Engineering Sciences Marking Scheme 2026
  3. Syllabus for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences XE Section A Exam
  4. Books Recommendation for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam
GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Mode of Exam
GATE Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern

The GATE exam pattern 2026 will provide the subject-wise distribution of marks. The General Aptitude section will carry 15 marks, while Engineering Mathematics and the two optional papers will account for a total of 85 marks. Read the article to know more about the GATE XE 2026 exam pattern.

GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam Pattern

The authority has released the GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 exam pattern on the official website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The Engineering Sciences (XE) is one of the 30 subjects offered in the GATE exam. Candidates can find the exam pattern for GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 below.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 for Engineering Sciences

Particulars

Details

Examination Mode

Computer Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Section

General Aptitude (GA)

Candidate Selected Subject

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Total Marks

100 Marks

Marking Scheme

All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks

GATE Negative Marking

Two types of MCQs:

MCQs - 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

MCQs - 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. There are no negative marking for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

NO negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

List of Topics of GATE Engineering Science (XE) with Subject Codes

The following is the list of topics in the GATE 2026 XE syllabus along with the subject codes:

  • GATE Engineering Mathematics(XE-A) -Compulsory section

  • ANY TWO OPTIONS from XE-B to XE-G

    • GATE Fluid Mechanics(XE-B)

    • GATE Materials Science(XE-C)

    • GATE Solid Mechanics(XE-D)

    • GATE Thermodynamics(XE-E)

    • GATE Polymer Science and Engineering(XE-F)

    • GATE Food Technology(XE-G)

    • GATE Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences(XE-H)


GATE Engineering Sciences Marking Scheme 2026

The GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern includes a detailed marking scheme, which is crucial as it outlines how marks are allocated across different question types. Understanding the marking scheme helps candidates plan how many questions to attempt in each section strategically. Below are the marking schemes for the three sections as per the GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences exam pattern.

GATE 2026 Engineering Science Marking scheme

Subject

Marks Allotted

General Aptitude (GA)

15

Engineering Mathematics (XE A)

15

2 choice Subject Questions (B-H)

70

Total

100

Syllabus for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences XE Section A Exam

-XE SECTION A: Engineering Mathematics (Compulsory)

  • Section 1: Linear Algebra
  • Section 2: Calculus
  • Section 3:Vector Calculus
  • Section 4:Complex variables Vector Calculus
  • Section 5:Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Section 6: Partial Differential Equations
  • Section 7: Probability and Statistics
  • Section 8: Numerical Methods

Books Recommendation for GATE 2026 Engineering Sciences Exam

The best books to prepare the GATE XE Syllabus 2026 are given below. Candidates preparing for the upcoming exam can follow the books to give their best shot at the exam. These books for GATE Engineering Sciences 2026 will help the students prepare for the upcoming exam.

  • GATE Engineering Mathematics by Abhinav Goel and Suraj Singh

  • Material Science and Engineering by William F. Smith

  • Elements of Polymer Science and Engineering by Alfred Rudin

  • Atmospheric Science by John M. Wallace

GATE 2025 Syllabus
Candidates preparing for GATE 2025 can now access the official syllabus. The detailed syllabus PDF is available for download as PDF here.
Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What will be the total duration of GATE Engineering Sciences Exam 2025?
A:

The total time duration will be 180 minutes.

Q: Is the GATE XE exam pattern 2025 released?
A:

Yes. IIT Roorkee has released the GATE 2025 XE exam pattern on the official website agte2025.iitr.ac.in.

Q: What is the GATE 2025 Engineering Sciences exam date?
A:

The authority will announce the GATE 2025 Engineering Science exam date online.

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Questions related to GATE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GATE ?

Hello aspirant,

The deadline for submitting GATE application forms has been extended by IIT Roorkee. Applicants have until October 3, 2024, to submit their application (no late costs). Applicants can register on the GOAPS portal in order to apply for the master's, doctorate, and PSU programs through GATE 2025. Incomplete applications may still be submitted until October 7, 2024, with a late fee. The online application process includes registering, completing the exam and applicant details, uploading supporting documentation, and paying the application price. On November 6, 2024, following the conclusion of the application event, the GATE 2025 exam application form rectification option will be made available by the authorities.

Thank you

Hello There,

The GATE 2025 syllabus for Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) generally covers a wide range of topics. Here’s a breakdown of the core sections:

1.General Aptitude This section is common to all GATE papers and typically has 15% weightage.

  • Verbal Ability: Grammar, sentence completion, verbal analogies, word groups, critical reasoning, etc.
  • Numerical Ability: Basic mathematics, numerical estimation, data interpretation, etc.

2. Engineering Mathematics This section is crucial for computer science aspirants and usually carries 13% weightage. Topics include:

  • Discrete Mathematics: Propositional and first-order logic, set theory, relations, functions, groups, graph theory, combinatorics.
  • Linear Algebra: Matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.
  • Calculus: Limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, sequences and series, convergence, Fourier series.
  • Probability: Random variables, distributions, mean, variance, conditional probability, Bayes theorem.

3. Computer Science and Information Technology: This section covers the core concepts of Computer Science. The topics include:

Digital Logic

  • Boolean algebra
  • Combinational and sequential circuits
  • Minimization, logic gates, number representations.

Computer Organization and Architecture

  • Machine instructions, addressing modes, ALU, data path, control unit
  • Pipelining, memory hierarchy, I/O interfaces
  • Cache, virtual memory, instruction pipelining, parallelism.

Programming and Data Structures

  • C, C++, or any other programming languages
  • Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs
  • Searching, sorting, and hashing.

Algorithms

  • Algorithm design techniques: Greedy, dynamic programming, divide and conquer.
  • Asymptotic analysis, time and space complexity
  • Graph algorithms, minimum spanning trees, shortest paths, flow networks.

Theory of Computation

  • Regular languages, context-free grammars
  • Finite automata, pushdown automata, Turing machines
  • Undecidability, computational complexity (P, NP, NP-complete).

Compiler Design

  • Lexical analysis, syntax analysis, parsing, syntax-directed translation
  • Runtime environments, intermediate code generation, optimization.

Operating Systems:

  • Process, thread, scheduling, concurrency, deadlock
  • Memory management, file systems, virtual memory
  • Disk scheduling, I/O systems.

Databases

  • ER diagrams, relational model, relational algebra
  • SQL, normalization, database transactions, concurrency control
  • Indexing, B-trees, ACID properties, recovery techniques.

Computer Networks

  • OSI and TCP/IP models, LAN, WAN, MAC protocols
  • Routing algorithms, congestion control, TCP/UDP, IP addressing
  • Network security (cryptography, firewalls).

Software Engineering

  • Software process models, software development life cycle
  • Testing, maintenance, software project management.

Web Technologies

  • HTML, XML, JavaScript, web services.

Cloud Computing and Security (if included)

  • Virtualization, cloud platforms, data storage, encryption.

Make sure to refer to the official GATE 2025 brochure or website for any updated syllabus details.

You can also visit the given link for more information. Good Luck!

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrO6PpmvPlmz9sNXEpXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1728852326/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fengineering.careers360.com%2farticles%2fgate-syllabus-for-cse-computer-science-engineering/RK=2/RS=wrBI01MIbKzFHvvnd5mfr1jCkzQ-

Hello,

1. UNDERSTAND THE EXAM PATTER-

  • Total Score: 100 marks
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Sections: General Aptitude (15 marks), Engineering Mathematics (depending on the stream), and Subject-specific topics.
  • Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

2. PICK UP YOUR STREAM -

Since you're studying civil engineering, focus on the GATE syllabus for Civil Engineering (CE) or the specific stream that interests you.

3. GO THROUGH THE SYLLABUS-

Download the GATE syllabus for your chosen subject. For civil engineering, here’s a rough outline:

  • General Aptitude: Questions on English, Logical Reasoning, and Analytical Ability.
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Core Subjects: Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation, Water Resources, etc.

4. DEVELOP A STUDY ROUTINE-

  • Daily Hours: Begin with at least 4-6 hours of study per day, and increase this as the exam date approaches.
  • Topic Segmentation: Prioritize covering core subjects, then shift to engineering mathematics and aptitude sections.
  • Revision & Testing: Reserve weekends for reviewing material and taking practice exams. Leave ample time at the end for comprehensive mock exams.

5. STUDY MATERIAL-

  • Books: Refer to standard textbooks. For civil engineering, consider the following:
    • Structural Engineering: "Design of Steel Structures" by S.K. Duggal
    • Geotechnical Engineering: "Soil Mechanics and Foundations" by B.C. Punmia
    • Environmental Engineering: "Water Supply Engineering" by S.K. Garg
  • Online Resources: You can use online learning platforms like NPTEL, Unacademy, GradeUp, or GATE Academy.

6. SOLVE PYQs-

Practice solving the last 10 years' worth of GATE question papers to familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions, topics, and time management strategies.

7. ENROLL IN MOCK TESTS-

Join a GATE mock test series to get accustomed to the actual exam environment. Regular testing will improve your speed and precision.

8. FOCUS ON CORE CONCEPT-

Ensure that you understand the underlying concepts rather than just memorizing answers. GATE emphasizes your ability to apply fundamental knowledge.

9. TRACK GATE UPDATES-

Keep yourself updated with notifications regarding exam dates, application processes, and other important details on the official GATE website.

THANK YOU!! ALL THE BEST!!

If the payment for GATE 2025 shows as unsuccessful but the money has been debited from your account, follow these steps:

1. Check Transaction Status: Verify with your bank or payment provider if the transaction was processed or if there is any pending status.

2. Contact GATE Helpdesk: Reach out to the GATE helpdesk or the designated contact for GATE 2025. Provide them with your transaction details (date, amount, transaction ID) and explain the situation.

3. Gather Documentation: Keep any relevant documentation, such as bank statements or screenshots showing the payment attempt, as you may need to provide evidence.

4. Wait for Confirmation: Sometimes, it may take a few days for the payment status to update. However, if there is no resolution after a reasonable time, persist with your inquiries.

5. Follow Up with Bank: If GATE is unable to resolve the issue, contact your bank to initiate a dispute for the debited amount.

Taking prompt action will help ensure your issue is addressed quickly.

Hello Sridivya,

For the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) application, the guidelines usually specify that the photograph should have a white or light-colored background . If you have already applied with a blue background photo, it could potentially be an issue, as it does not meet the official criteria.

What You Can Do:

  1. Correction Window : GATE typically opens a correction window after the application submission period. You can use this window to upload a new photo that adheres to the guidelines. Keep an eye on the GATE portal for when the correction window opens.

  2. Impact of Incorrect Photo : If the photograph is not as per the required specifications, it might cause delays or issues during the admit card issuance. It's advisable to upload a correct photo when the correction opportunity arises.

  3. Contact GATE Authorities : If you're unsure, you can also contact the GATE helpdesk to confirm whether a blue background will cause an issue.

In short, if a correction window opens, you should upload a new photo with the correct background to avoid any complications.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.