GATE 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern Released: A Comprehensive Guide
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has officially released the GATE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern on its website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in. This is a critical resource for all candidates preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, which is scheduled to take place on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026. The GATE exam is a stepping stone for admission to ME, M.Tech, and Ph.D. programs at top institutions and for recruitment by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
The GATE 2026 exam will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT), consisting of 65 questions for a total of 100 marks. The paper is divided into two main sections: General Aptitude (GA), which is common for all papers and carries 15 marks, and subject-specific questions which account for the remaining 85 marks. Some papers also include a dedicated Engineering Mathematics section, typically carrying around 13 marks, with the rest dedicated to the core subject.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Details
The GATE exam features a variety of question types designed to test different abilities.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions have a single correct answer out of four options. There is a negative marking of ⅓ for 1-mark questions and ⅔ for 2-mark questions.
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): These questions can have one or more correct answers. There is no negative marking for MSQs.
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: For these, candidates must enter a numerical answer using a virtual keypad. There is no negative marking for NATs.
The syllabus for each of the 30 test papers is now available in PDF format on the official website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to download the syllabus for their specific paper and begin their preparation, focusing on key topics and mastering the new exam pattern.
Registration for GATE 2026 is currently open, with the deadline for applications without a late fee set for September 28, 2025.
An extended window with a late fee is available until October 9, 2025.
Candidates can also opt to appear for two different papers from a prescribed list of combinations. This offers a great opportunity for students with an interdisciplinary background.
