The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 DA, AR and ECE papers concluded successfully on February 15. The Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) and Architecture (AR) exams were held in the second shift, while Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) took place in the first shift. Based on initial student reactions, the overall difficulty level ranged from moderate to slightly tough.
GATE 2026 DA Paper Analysis
Students who appeared for the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence paper reported that the exam was mathematics-intensive. Core mathematical concepts played a crucial role in scoring.
Difficulty Level
- Overall level: Moderate to slightly tough
- DBMS questions were lengthy and tricky
- Heavy focus on advanced mathematics
- Aptitude section was moderate
- NAT and MSQ questions were prominent
Question Distribution
- MCQs: 33
- MSQs: 14
- NATs: 6
Important Topics Covered
- DBMS
- TRC
- Python
- Probability
- Algorithms
Candidates noted that multi-select questions (MSQs) were moderate in difficulty, while numerical answer type (NAT) questions required conceptual clarity.
GATE 2026 DA Memory-Based Question
Subject experts have released memory-based solutions. One such question shared by students was:
Question:XYZ is a three-digit number and the product of its digits is 70. Find the sum of the digits.
Answer: 14
Coaching institutes are preparing detailed answer keys based on student feedback.
GATE 2026 ECE Paper Analysis
The Electronics and Communication Engineering paper was conducted in computer-based mode for three hours and carried 100 marks. Based on student responses, the ECE paper was moderate with conceptual and calculation-based questions. Some problems were lengthy and required high accuracy. Many candidates attempted between 50 to 60+ questions.
Topics Covered
- Analog Electronics
- EMF
- Analog Circuits
- Control Systems
- Op-amp Circuits
- Discrete Time Signals
- Vector Analysis
- Differential Equations
One question was reported to be similar to a previously asked CSE paper question.
Question Distribution
- MCQs: 42 (1 and 2 marks)
- NATs: 13 (1 and 2 marks)
- MSQs: 10 (1 to 2 marks)
GATE 2026 ECE Memory-Based Answer Key
The memory-based question paper and answer key for ECE are now available through subject experts. Candidates can review solutions to estimate their expected scores. Further detailed official answer keys will be released by the exam conducting authority in the coming days.