GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Sections, Negative Marking

GATE Exam Pattern 2026 has been released for candidates preparing for the upcoming national-level engineering examination. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering will be conducted in February 2026, and understanding the exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. As of 30 December 2025, the schedule and marking scheme stand officially notified. The exam pattern defines the question types, marks distribution, and negative marking rules, which directly influence final scores.

GATE Exam Pattern 2026: Key Exam Details

The GATE 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode across multiple sessions. Candidates will appear for a paper based on their chosen discipline. Before reviewing the marking scheme, it is important to understand the basic structure of the examination outlined below.

GATE 2026 Question Types and Structure

GATE 2026 will consist of three types of questions designed to test analytical ability, conceptual clarity, and numerical problem-solving skills. Each question type follows a different evaluation method, explained below.

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Single correct answer with four options
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): One or more correct answers
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT): Answer to be entered using a virtual keypad

The General Aptitude section will carry 10 questions, while the remaining questions will be from the chosen subject.

GATE 2026 Subject-Wise Marks Distribution

The distribution of marks in GATE 2026 varies for certain papers. Candidates should clearly understand this difference before planning preparation. The standard marks distribution for most papers is outlined below.

For papers such as Architecture, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Life Sciences, Humanities, and related subjects, Engineering Mathematics is not included.

GATE 2026 Marking Scheme and Negative Marking Rules

The GATE marking scheme defines how marks are awarded or deducted for each response. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid unnecessary score loss. The marking scheme applicable for GATE 2026 is explained below.

• Questions carry 1 mark or 2 marks
• Negative marking applies only to MCQs
• For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer
• For 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer
• No negative marking for MSQs and NAT questions
• No partial marking is applicable for any question type

Candidates are advised to attempt MCQs carefully, while MSQs and NAT questions can be attempted without the risk of penalty.