GATE DA 2026 Exam Analysis: Difficulty, Good Attempts
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• Updated on 18 Feb, 2026, 3:12 PM, by Arman Kumar
The GATE DA 2026 examination was conducted on 15 February 2026 in the afternoon shift. The paper was rated moderate to slightly tough, with emphasis on mathematics and statistics. A detailed section-wise analysis and expected good attempts are available below.
GATE DA 2026 Exam Analysis: Difficulty Level, Questions & Good Attempts highlights key insights from the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence paper conducted on 15 February 2026. The examination was held in the afternoon shift from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates reported a moderate to slightly tough paper with a strong focus on mathematical concepts and analytical problem-solving. The exam followed the standard Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) format with a balanced mix of conceptual and application-based questions.
GATE DA 2026 Overall Difficulty Level and Exam Pattern
The overall difficulty of the GATE DA 2026 paper was rated as moderate, with certain sections described as lengthy and calculation-intensive. Mathematics and statistics carried significant weightage, making the paper challenging for candidates with weaker analytical foundations. The question paper consisted of:
- Total Questions: 65
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions): 33
- MSQs (Multiple Select Questions): 14
- NAT (Numerical Answer Type): 18
- Total Marks: 100
The inclusion of MSQs and NAT questions increased complexity, as these required precise answers and careful time management.
Section-Wise Analysis of GATE Data Science Paper
Candidates observed that different sections varied in difficulty level. A strong understanding of core concepts was essential to attempt high-weightage topics confidently. Major topics covered in the exam included:
- Probability and Statistics – Hypothesis testing, distributions, regression analysis
- Linear Algebra – Matrices, eigenvalues, vector spaces
- Programming and Data Structures – Python basics, algorithms
- Machine Learning Fundamentals – Supervised and unsupervised learning
- Database Management Systems – SQL queries and database concepts
- Data Analytics Techniques – Clustering and classification
Mathematics-based questions were calculation-heavy, while programming and DBMS sections were comparatively moderate.
GATE DA 2026 Good Attempts and Expected Cutoff Trends
Based on initial feedback, candidates attempting around 50–60 questions accurately may secure a competitive score. However, the official cutoff will depend on overall performance and normalisation across sessions. The GATE 2026 result and scorecard will determine eligibility for postgraduate admission, PSU recruitment, and further counselling processes. The official cutoff and merit list will be released along with or after the declaration of results.
What This Means for GATE 2026 Aspirants?
The GATE DA 2026 paper indicates a continued emphasis on analytical rigour and strong mathematical foundations. Candidates preparing for upcoming sessions should prioritise practice in NAT and MSQ formats, along with strengthening statistics and linear algebra concepts. Further updates regarding the GATE 2026 result date, scorecard download, admission process, and counselling schedule will be announced through the official notification in due course.
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