Preparation
Paper Analysis
GATE 2026 Feb 14 Shift 2 Paper Analysis:
The Exam was moderate based on the students' live exam centre review.
The exam was lengthy and time-consuming for some students.
Some students have managed their time well, which benefited them in attempting more questions.
The topics in the CE-2 paper included Slope, Foundation, Earth Pressure, and Air Pollution.
ME paper was moderate and time-consuming. Some questions were on the tough side. The exam was tougher than 2025 and easier than 2024.
The GATE 2026 Feb 14th exam shift 1 is now over. The exam was moderate according to the students' live review. Candidates can check all the live updates regarding the paper analysis in this article. The exam for the forenoon session included these CE-1, EE, and PI subjects.
There were both numerical and theory-based questions. The questions were from the basics and not in-depth, and were easily doable. Some questions were also repeated from the PYQs. The exam pattern was the same as in previous years.
GATE 2026 Feb 14 Shift 1 Paper Analysis:
The exam was moderate according to the candidates, with some questions repeated from PYQs.
Students have faced time issues due to lengthy numericals.
Numerical questions and theory questions are both doable, according to some students.
The questions were asked from the basic concepts and are very much doable.
Deep formula-based questions were less and basic questions were present.
Questions from all topics, such as Duty delta, Highway, and Environment, were there.
GATE 2026 February 7 Shift 1 Paper Analysis:
Candidates reported that the morning session maintained a mix of conceptual and application-oriented questions.
The average number of attempt of questions made by students was 50 ot 57.
As per the students’ initial reaction, the GATE Aptitude and GATE Maths paper was on the easier side.
Students who took ES (Environmental Science) also reported that the paper went well. Questions were easy in nature.
Candidates who took Instrumentation Engineering also reported that the paper was easy.
Early reactions describe the paper as moderate with a few challenging bits, especially in core subject sections.
GATE 2026 Feb 7 second shift was conducted for AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH and XH. You can check the detailed analysis of how the Shift 2 papers went below. Based on students' reactions, the GATE 2026 second shift was moderate.
The GATE CH exam question paper was easy to moderate.
Few students found CH paper to be lengthy.
Maths and aptitude were easy to moderate with not-so-heavy calculations.
GA section was very easy with direct formula based questions.
GATE 2026 Paper Analysis
The in-depth exam analysis of the GATE 2025 exam for 32 discipline, alsong with the question papers, and solutions are available in this article.

GATE 2026 Feb 7 Shift 1 Overall Paper Analysis
Candidates can check a brief overview of the GATE 2026 Feb 7 papers and the GA difficulty level below -
Subjects | Overall Difficulty | General Aptitude Difficulty Level |
AG | Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
ES | Moderate | Moderate |
GG | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
IN | Easy to moderate | Moderate |
MA | Moderate to difficult | Moderate |
XE | Moderate | Moderate to slightly difficult |
XL | Moderate | Moderate |
TF | Moderate | Easy to moderate |
MN | Easy to Moderate | Moderate |
GATE 2025 Paper Analysis
Paper | Difficulty level | Expected Cutoff (General) |
|---|---|---|
GATE 2025 CE1 | Moderate to Difficult | 27-29.5 |
GATE 2025 CE2 | Moderate | 28-31 |
GATE 2025 CH | Moderate to Difficult | 24.1-26.3 |
GATE 2025 DA | Moderate to Difficult | 35-40 |
GATE 2025 CS1 | Moderate to Difficult | 28-32 |
GATE 2025 AG | Moderate | 25-28 |
GATE 2025 MA | Moderate to Difficult | 25-28 |
GATE 2025 CS2 | Moderate to Difficult | 30-34 |
GATE 2025 NM | Moderate | 30-33 |
GATE 2025 MT | Moderate | 30-34 |
GATE 2025 TF | Moderate | 30-33 |
GATE 2025 IN | Moderate to Difficult | 32-35 |
GATE 2025 ME | Moderate | 34-38 |
GATE 2025 PE | Moderate | 32-35 |
GATE 2025 AR | Moderate | 30-34 |
GATE 2025 EE | Moderate to Difficult | 30-34 |
GATE 2025 CY | Moderate to Difficult | 30-35 |
GATE 2025 AE | Moderate | 30-35 |
GATE 2025 GG | Moderate | 35-38 |
GATE 2025 BT | Moderate | 30-33 |
GATE 2025 PH | Moderate | 30-33 |
GATE 2025 ES | Moderate | 28-30 |
GATE 2025 PI | Moderate | 30-35 |
GATE 2025 XE | Moderate | 30-33 |
GATE 2025 ECE | Moderate | 27-30 |
GATE 2025 XL | Moderate | 30-33 |
GATE 2025 MN | Moderate | 33-36 |
GATE 2025 ST | Moderate | 35-38 |
GATE 2025 Exam Analysis
The GATE 2025 is being conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. This examination is administered jointly by IISc Bengaluru and seven IITs, namely, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee—on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.
GATE 2026 Feb 1 Shifts 1 and 2 Exam Analysis
Civil Engineering (CE1): The paper was of moderate difficulty level and contained an even mix of numerical and theoretical questions. The important topics were Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering.
Chemical Engineering (CH): The exam was of a moderate difficulty level, and the focus was on the core subjects such as Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Calculations, and Thermodynamics.
Physics (PH): Aspirants found the paper moderately tough, with serious focus on Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Classical Mechanics.
Biotechnology (BT): The test was fairly challenging, with topics including Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, and Genetics.
Civil Engineering (CE2): The general level of difficulty was found to be moderate in nature. The General Aptitude section was comparatively easier in comparison to the technical part. The technical part had an equal proportion of theoretical and numerical questions. Major topics were Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering. Solution discussion and detailed analysis for the CE2 paper is provided here for more information.
Statistics (ST): The test followed the revised pattern, having 10 questions from the General Aptitude portion and 55 questions from Statistics topics. The level of difficulty was likely to be moderate and cover topics like probability theory, statistical inference, and linear models. The question paper and the detailed solutions are available for the candidates to check their performance.
Engineering Sciences (XE) and Life Sciences (XL): These question papers provided a variety of sections for candidates to opt from according to their specialization. Detailed solutions and analyses for these question papers are likely to be published soon.
Mining Engineering (MN): The question paper provided questions related to mining techniques, mine ventilation, and rock mechanics. Detailed analyses and solutions for this question paper are also likely to be published soon.
GATE 2026 Feb 2 Shifts 1 and 2 Exam Analysis
GATE 2025 February 8 Shift 1 and 2 Exam Analysis:
Chemistry (CY): The question paper was of a moderate level, with an even distribution of easy to tough questions. Inorganic Chemistry was challenging, while Organic and Physical Chemistry were moderate. The General Aptitude section was easy.
Aerospace Engineering (AE): The difficulty level of the paper was moderate. The General Aptitude section was long and challenging. Core subjects such as Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Flight Mechanics had tough questions, which needed theoretical as well as practical knowledge.
Data Science & AI (DA): The paper was moderate, but the General Aptitude section was long and challenging. Data Structures and Algorithms were important, and the paper consisted of easy to tough questions.
Environmental Science & Engineering (ES): The test was of a moderate level, with a proper combination of easy, moderate, and difficult questions. The General Aptitude section was easy, and main topics such as Environmental Chemistry and Ecology were important.
Production & Industrial Engineering (PI): The test was of a moderate level. The General Aptitude section was easy, and main topics such as Manufacturing Processes and Operations Research were moderately difficult, needing a clear understanding of concepts.
EC (Electronics and Communication): Expected to be moderate to hard, with a decent blend of theory and practice questions.
GE (Geology and Geophysics): Expected to be moderate, with few application-based questions.
XH (Humanities and Social Sciences): Most likely to be moderate, with emphasis on General Aptitude and subject-related questions from fields.
BM (Biomedical Engineering): Most likely to be moderate, with an equal distribution of questions from Biomedical Engineering fundamentals, Medical Instrumentation, and Signal Processing.
EY (Environmental Science and Engineering): Most likely to be moderate, with topics such as Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, and Waste Management, with a couple of tough questions from interdisciplinary topics.
GATE 2025 CS Shift 1 Exam Analysis
The exam was rated as Easy to Moderate by most candidates. While the General Aptitude section was straightforward, some questions in the core subjects were time-consuming.
Question Distribution:
The GATE CS 2025 question paper comprised a total of 65 questions divided into three types:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 33
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): 18
Numerical Answer Type (NAT): 14
Section-Wise Analysis:
Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
General Aptitude | 10 | Easy | Vocabulary, Sentence Completion, Numerical Reasoning |
Engineering Mathematics | 4 | Moderate | Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus |
Core Subjects | 51 | Moderate | Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, DBMS, COA, TOC, Digital Logic |
“Based on the feedback, attempting 48-53 questions with reasonable accuracy was considered a good performance in this shift.”
Topic-Wise Question Breakdown:
Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Database Systems | 6 |
Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
Operating Systems | 6 |
Computer Organization and Architecture | 6 |
Computer Networks | 6 |
Algorithms | 5 |
Compiler Design | 5 |
Theory of Computation | 4 |
Digital Logic | 3 |
GATE 2025 CS Shift 2 Exam Analysis
The exam was rated as Moderate, with a balanced mix of theoretical and numerical questions. Some sections were reported to be more challenging, requiring an in-depth understanding and application of concepts.
Question Distribution:
The GATE CS 2025 question paper comprised a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, distributed as follows:
The types of questions included:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 1-mark and 2-mark questions with negative markings for incorrect answers.
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): 1-mark and 2-mark questions without negative marking.
Numerical Answer Type (NAT): 1-mark and 2-mark questions without negative marking.
Section-Wise Analysis:
Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
General Aptitude | 10 | Easy | Vocabulary, Sentence Completion, Numerical Reasoning |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 | Moderate | Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus |
Core Subjects | 45 | Moderate to Difficult | Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, DBMS, COA, TOC, Digital Logic |
“Based on the feedback, attempting 50-55 questions with reasonable accuracy was considered a good performance in this exam.”
Topic-Wise Weightage:
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Data Structures and Algorithms | 10 |
Databases | 8 |
Computer Networks | 7 |
Operating Systems | 6 |
Theory of Computation | 5 |
Compiler Design | 4 |
Computer Organization and Architecture | 5 |
Digital Logic | 3 |
Discrete Mathematics | 7 |
GATE 2025 ME Exam Analysis
The exam was rated as Easy to Moderate, with a balanced mix of theoretical and numerical questions.
Question Distribution:
The GATE ME 2025 question paper comprised a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, distributed as follows:
The types of questions included:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 25 (1-mark questions), 13 (2-mark questions)
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): 1
Numerical Answer Type (NAT): 5 (1-mark questions), 21 (2-mark questions)
Section-Wise Analysis:
Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
General Aptitude | 10 | Easy | Vocabulary, Sentence Completion, Numerical Reasoning |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 | Easy | Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus |
Core Mechanical Engineering Subjects | 45 | Easy to Moderate | Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Heat Transfer, Engineering Mechanics, Manufacturing Engineering |
“Based on the feedback, attempting 50-55 questions with reasonable accuracy was considered a good performance in this exam.”
Topic-Wise Weightage:
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Thermodynamics | 8 |
Fluid Mechanics | 7 |
Strength of Materials | 6 |
Heat Transfer | 5 |
Engineering Mechanics | 4 |
Manufacturing Engineering | 5 |
Theory of Machines | 4 |
Machine Design | 3 |
Industrial Engineering | 3 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
GATE 2025 EE Exam Analysis
The exam was rated as Moderate, with a balanced mix of theoretical and numerical questions.
Question Distribution:
The GATE EE 2025 question paper comprised a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, distributed as follows:
The types of questions included:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): 1-mark and 2-mark questions with negative markings for incorrect answers.
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): 1-mark and 2-mark questions without negative marking.
Numerical Answer Type (NAT): 1-mark and 2-mark questions without negative marking.
Section-Wise Analysis:
Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
General Aptitude | 10 | Easy | Vocabulary, Sentence Completion, Numerical Reasoning |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 | Moderate | Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus |
Core Electrical Engineering Subjects | 45 | Moderate to Difficult | Electric Circuits, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals and Systems, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Power Electronics |
“Based on the feedback, attempting 50-55 questions with reasonable accuracy was considered a good performance in this exam.”
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Electric Circuits | 7 |
Electromagnetic Fields | 5 |
Signals and Systems | 6 |
Electrical Machines | 8 |
Power Systems | 7 |
Control Systems | 6 |
Power Electronics | 6 |
Analog and Digital Electronics | 5 |
Measurements and Instrumentation | 5 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
GATE 2025 Agricultural Engineering (AG)
There were 65 questions in the GATE 2025 AG Exam, out of which 10 were from the General Aptitude section and 55 from Engineering Mathematics and core Agricultural Engineering subjects. The overall difficulty level was rated as moderate, with a balanced mix of theoretical and numerical questions that tested the conceptual understanding of the candidates.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Farm Machinery and Power | 10 |
Soil and Water Conservation | 8 |
Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | 7 |
Agricultural Processing Engineering | 6 |
Dairy and Food Engineering | 5 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
GATE 2025 Mathematics (MA)
The GATE 2025 MA Exam consisted of 65 questions in total, out of which 10 were from General Aptitude and 55 from Core Mathematics. The exam was rated as moderate to difficult. Several questions were time-consuming and required a deep understanding of the concepts.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Calculus | 10 |
Linear Algebra | 8 |
Real Analysis | 7 |
Complex Analysis | 6 |
Ordinary Differential Equations | 5 |
Algebra | 5 |
Functional Analysis | 4 |
Numerical Analysis | 4 |
Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
Topology | 2 |
Linear Programming | 1 |
GATE 2025 Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM)
The GATE 2025 NM exam consisted of 65 questions, including 10 questions from General Aptitude and 55 questions from core topics related to naval architecture and marine engineering. The overall difficulty level of the exam was rated as moderate to difficult, with a significant portion of the paper requiring a deep understanding of core concepts.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Ship Resistance and Propulsion | 10 |
Ship Design | 8 |
Marine Structures | 7 |
Fluid Mechanics | 6 |
Ship Dynamics | 5 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
GATE 2025 Metallurgical Engineering (MT)
There were 65 questions in the GATE 2025 MT exam. These questions consisted of 10 from General Aptitude and 55 from core Metallurgical Engineering topics. The exam was rated moderate, with both theoretical and numerical questions being distributed fairly. Even though the paper was spread well over all topics, some carried a higher weightage than others.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Thermodynamics and Rate Processes | 8 |
Extractive Metallurgy | 7 |
Physical Metallurgy | 6 |
Mechanical Metallurgy | 7 |
Manufacturing Processes | 6 |
Material Science | 5 |
Electrical and Electronics | 5 |
Engineering Mathematics | 7 |
General Aptitude | 10 |
GATE 2025 Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF)
The GATE 2025 TF exam had 65 questions in total, with 10 questions from General Aptitude and 55 questions from core Textile Engineering topics. The overall difficulty of the exam was rated as moderate. Questions were straightforward, but they needed clarity in fundamental concepts to solve them accurately.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Textile Fibres | 7 |
Yarn Manufacture | 6 |
Fabric Manufacture | 7 |
Chemical Processing | 6 |
Textile Testing | 5 |
Textile Machinery | 5 |
Fabric Engineering | 5 |
Textile Design and Production | 5 |
General Aptitude | 10 |
GATE 2025 Instrumentation Engineering (IN)
The GATE 2025 IN exam consisted of 65 questions, 10 from General Aptitude and 55 from core Instrumentation Engineering topics. The overall difficulty of the test was rated to be moderate, with a very good mix of easy and tough questions.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Electrical Circuits | 6 |
Signals and Systems | 7 |
Control Systems | 6 |
Analog Electronics | 8 |
Digital Electronics | 7 |
Measurements and Instrumentation | 8 |
Sensors and Industrial Instrumentation | 7 |
Process Control | 6 |
General Aptitude | 10 |
GATE 2025 Petroleum Engineering (PE)
There were 65 questions in the GATE 2025 PE exam, of which 10 questions were from General Aptitude and 55 from core Petroleum Engineering subjects. The exam was rated as moderate, with a broad range of topics covered, having a notable emphasis on practical applications.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Reservoir Engineering | 11 |
Drilling Engineering | 8 |
Production Engineering | 8 |
Petroleum Exploration | 6 |
Formation Evaluation | 5 |
Oil and Gas Well Testing | 5 |
Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques | 4 |
Petroleum Economics and Risk Analysis | 4 |
Health, Safety, and Environment in Petroleum Industry | 4 |
Engineering Mathematics | 10 |
General Aptitude | 10 |
GATE 2025 Architecture and Planning (AR)
The GATE 2025 AR exam comprises 65 questions with 10 from General Aptitude and 55 from core Architecture and Planning subjects. Overall, the level of difficulty was rated to be moderately tough. The paper was diversified, with this aspect testing both theoretical knowledge and design aptitude.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Topic | Approximate Number of Questions |
|---|---|
Architectural Design | 8 |
Building Materials | 6 |
Building Construction | 7 |
Environmental Studies | 6 |
Urban Planning and Design | 6 |
History and Theory of Architecture | 7 |
Structure and Building Systems | 7 |
Services in Building | 5 |
General Aptitude | 10 |


