Exam Pattern
Full pageIIT Madras has released the GATE Exam Pattern 2027 at gate2027.iitm.ac.in. GATE 2027 will include 30 test papers, and candidates can choose to appear for up to two papers from the permitted combinations.
The GATE 2027 exam will be conducted in CBT mode for 3 hours (180 minutes).
GATE Exam Pattern has 65 questions for 100 marks. The 65 questions are split into two parts: 10 questions from general aptitude and 55 subject-specific questions.
The General Aptitude (GA) section is common across all papers and accounts for 15 marks, while the remaining 85 marks are based on the selected test paper.
GATE paper pattern includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.
According to GATE marking scheme, a question may carry either 1 mark or 2 marks.
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in MSQ and NAT. For an incorrect answer in MCQ, there is negative marking of 1/3 for a 1-mark question and 2/3 marks for a 2-mark question.
In GATE CSE, Engineering Mathematics contains 8- 10 questions (13%), and Programming & Data Structures contains 6-8 questions (10- 12%).
In GATE ECE, Signals & Systems has 10- 14% weightage (6- 8 questions), and Analogue Circuits has 9- 12%( 5- 7 questions).
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Latest Updates
The GATE 2027 Exam Pattern has a few updates, including the introduction of the new Robotics and Automation (RA) paper and changes to the sectional codes for XE, XH, and XL.
GATE 2027 introduces Robotics & Automation as a new test paper.
The sectional paper codes have been revised for Engineering Sciences (XE), Humanities & Social Sciences (XH), and Life Sciences (XL).
Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) has been moved into the XE paper as XE9.
The syllabus for GATE 2027 test papers has been revised, so candidates should refer to the latest paper-wise syllabus when preparing.
Key Summary
GATE 2027 will be conducted on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2027.
The mode of GATE 2027 exam is in English only.
In MCQs, only one out of four options is correct. In MSQs, one or more than one out of four options is/are correct. For NAT questions, the numerical answer is entered using a virtual keypad.
The GATE exam pattern tests candidates' recall, application and analysis abilities.
The syllabus of the GATE 2027 has been revised. So you are advised to follow the new syllabus prescribed on the official website.
GATE 2027 will have a new test paper on Robotics and Automation (RA). Textile Engineering and Fibre Science (TF) paper will be a part of the XE sectional paper.
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Key Highlights
A brief overview of GATE 2027 exam pattern is tabulated below. Follow it to prepare accordingly.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Medium | English |
Mode of Exam | Online |
GATE Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
Number of Test Papers | 30 |
Distribution of Marks in all Papers Except AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH, and XL | Total: 100 marks
|
GATE 2027 Marks Distribution in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH, and XL | Total: 100 marks
|
Total Questions | 65 (10 questions from GA + 55 Subject Question) |
Question Types | MCQ, MSQ and NAT |
GATE Marking Scheme | Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks |
Negative Marking | Applicable only to MCQs
|
Number of Papers a Candidate Can Attempt | 1 or 2, subject to permitted combinations |
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Subject-wise Paper Pattern
The subject-wise GATE exam pattern 2027 is discussed below. Check it out based on your subject preference.
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Major Papers
CSE, CE, ME, ECE and EE are the most popular choices among GATE aspirants. Along with these, the GATE paper pattern for AE, AG, BM, BT, ES, IN, MN, MT, NM, PE, and PI is the same. Check out the detailed GATE 2027 exam pattern for these papers.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Total number of questions | 65 |
GATE Total Marks | 100 |
GATE Section-wise Weightage |
|
Question types | MCQs, MSQs, and NATs |
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: AR Paper
Check out the GATE exam pattern 2027 for Architecture and Planning (AR) Test Paper below.
Part A is common for all candidates.
Part B contains two parts: Part B1 (Architecture) and Part B2 (Planning).
The choice of Part B1 or Part B2 can be made during the examination
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Total number of questions | 65 |
GATE Total Marks | 100 |
GATE total marks in Part A | 60 marks |
GATE total marks in Part B |
|
Question types | MCQs, MSQs, and NATs |
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: XE Paper
The GATE exam pattern 2027 for the Engineering Science paper is discussed below.
General Aptitude section is compulsory and carries a total of 15 marks.
Engineering Mathematics section is common, and it carries 11 questions for 15 marks.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Total number of questions | 65 |
GATE Total Marks | 100 |
GATE total marks for XE | GA- 15 marksEngineering Mathematics- 15 marksAny Two Optional XE Sections- 35 marks x 2 |
Question types | MCQs, MSQs, and NATs |
Watch the YouTube video by “Dr. Gajendra Purohit” to learn about the complete GATE Exam pattern 2027 and syllabus.
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Subject-wise Weightage
GATE 2027 will conduct tests for 30 papers. But among all the test papers, CSE, CE, ME, ECE and EE are the most popular choices.
Each paper carries 100 marks, including 15 marks for General Aptitude (GA).
For most engineering papers, the remaining 85 marks include 13 marks for Engineering Mathematics and 72 marks for subject-specific questions.
GATE 2027 Papers | General Aptitude Marks | Engineering Mathematics / Common Section Marks | Subject Sections Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI | 15 | 13 | 72 | 100 |
CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | - | 85 | 100 |
AR | 15 | 60 (Part A) | 25 (Part B: Architecture/Planning) | 100 |
GE | 15 | 55 (Part A) | 30 (Part B: Surveying & Mapping/Image Processing) | 100 |
GG | 15 | 25 (Part A) | 60 (Part B: Geology/Geophysics) | 100 |
RA | 15 | 60 (Part A) | 25 (Part B: Electrical/Mechanical) | 100 |
XE | 15 | 15 (XE0) | 70 (Any 2 of XE1- XE9) | 100 |
XH | 15 | 25 (XH0) | 60 (Any 1 of XH1- XH6) | 100 |
XL | 15 | 25 (XL0) | 60 (Any 2 of XL1- XL5) | 100 |
Source: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
GATE 2027 Two-Paper Combination List
Candidates applying for GATE 2027 must choose the two-paper combination from the following list. Any combination other than the given two-paper combination is not allowed.
Code of the Primary Paper | Codes of Papers Allowed as the Secondary Paper |
|---|---|
AE | CE, ME, XE |
AG | CE |
AR | CE, GE |
BM | BT, IN |
BT | BM, ES, EY, XL |
CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE |
CH | ES, PE, XE |
CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST |
CY | XE, XL |
DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST, XE |
EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH, RA |
EE | DA, EC, IN, PH, RA |
ES | BT, CE, CH, GE |
EY | BT, XL |
GE | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG |
GG | GE |
IN | BM, EC, EE, ME, RA |
MA | CS, DA, PH, ST |
ME | AE, CS, DA, IN, NM, PI, RA, XE |
MT | XE |
MN | - |
NM | CE, ME, XE |
PE | CH |
PH | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
PI | ME, XE |
RA | CS, DA, EC, EE, IN, ME |
ST | CS, DA, MA, XH |
XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, NM, PH, PI |
XH | ST |
XL | BT, CY, EY |
Source: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Types of Questions
The GATE 2027 Exam Pattern includes three types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT). Each paper contains a mix of 1-mark and 2-mark questions. The question type may vary across different sections of the paper.
GATE 2027 exam will consist of 65 questions for 100 marks. 65 questions are split into two parts: 10 questions from general aptitude and 55 subject-specific questions.
Question Type | How You Answer |
|---|---|
MCQ | Select one correct option |
MSQ | Select one or more correct options |
NAT | Enter a numerical value using the virtual keyboard |
GATE Marking Scheme 2027
According to GATE Marking scheme, questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks. But there is no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions. So you are advised to attempt all the questions of these types.
Check out the GATE Marking Scheme for MCQ-type questions in the table below:
Question Type | Marks per answer | GATE Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
MCQ | 1-mark MCQ | 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. |
2- mark MCQ | 2/3 marks will be deducted for a wrong answer |
Source: gate2027.iitm.ac.in
GATE Exam Pattern 2027: Syllabus
The GATE Exam Pattern 2027 is based on the syllabus prescribed for each of the 30 GATE test papers. IIT Madras has revised the syllabi for GATE 2027, so candidates should refer to the latest paper-wise syllabus while preparing.
GATE question types will test your ability to recall, comprehend, apply, analyse, and synthesise.
Component | GATE 2027 Details |
|---|---|
General Aptitude (GA) | Common to all papers; 15 marks |
Engineering Mathematics | Included in most engineering papers; generally 13 marks |
Core Subject | Paper-specific topics; generally 72 marks in standard engineering papers |
XE | GA + Engineering Mathematics + any 2 optional sections |
XH | GA + Reasoning & Comprehension + any 1 optional section |
XL | GA + Chemistry + any 2 optional sections |
RA | New Robotics & Automation paper with a separate syllabus |
Total Papers | 30 |
Total Marks | 100 per paper |
GATE 2027 Major Papers: Important Topics Based on Trends
The GATE topic-wise weightage varies from year to year, and it is not officially released by the conducting IITs. The following table is based on previous years' GATE papers.
GATE CSE Important Topics: Based on Trends
The table below shows the number of questions in GATE CSE from past years' trend analysis of various sections:
Section | Number of Questions Asked |
|---|---|
General Aptitude | 15 |
Engineering Maths | 13- 16 |
Computer Networks | 8- 9 |
Programming and Data Structure | 9- 10 |
Algorithm | 6- 8 |
Operating System | 8- 10 |
Digital Logic | 5- 6 |
Computer Organisation and Architecture | 8- 10 |
DBMS | 7- 8 |
TOC | 5- 7 |
Compiler Design | 5- 6 |
GATE ECE Topic-wise Weightage 2027
The table below gives the topic-wise GATE EC weightage based on trends.
Section | Marks Covered from Topics |
|---|---|
General Aptitude | 15 |
Engineering Mathematics | 11 to 15 |
Communication Systems | 10 to 13 |
Network Theory | 8 to 12 |
Signals and Systems | 9 to 12 |
Analog Circuits | 8 to 11 |
Electromagnetics | 8 to 11 |
Digital Circuits | 8 to 10 |
Electronic Devices | 6 to 9 |
Control Systems | 5 to 8 |
GATE ME Topic-wise Weightage 2027
The table below gives the topic-wise GATE ME weightage based on trends.
Section | Marks Covered from Topics |
|---|---|
General Aptitude | 15 |
Engineering Mathematics | 13 to 15 |
Manufacturing Engineering | 14- 19 |
Thermodynamics / Thermal Engineering (including Power Plant, IC Engines, RAC) | 8- 13 |
Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Machines | 7- 12 |
Heat Transfer | 5- 10 |
Strength of Materials (Mechanics of Materials) | 5- 9 |
Theory of Machines & Vibrations | 5- 9 |
Industrial Engineering | 4- 8 |
Machine Design | 3- 6 |
Engineering Mechanics | 2- 6 |
GATE CE Topic-wise Weightage 2027
The table below gives the topic-wise GATE CE weightage based on trends.
Section | Marks Covered from Topics |
|---|---|
General Aptitude | 15 |
Engineering Mathematics | 11- 14 |
Structural Engineering (SOM, Structural Analysis, RCC, Steel Design, etc.) | 15- 20 |
Geotechnical Engineering | 13- 16 |
Water Resources Engineering (Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Irrigation | 11- 14 |
Environmental Engineering | 10- 14 |
Transportation Engineering | 6- 10 |
Geomatics Engineering (Surveying) | 4- 5 |
How to Prepare Based on the GATE Exam Pattern 2027?
Understand the exam structure: Familiarise yourself with the number of questions, total marks, duration, question types, and marking scheme for GATE 2027.
Prioritise core subjects: Give more preparation time to high-weightage and concept-heavy subjects in your GATE paper.
Balance theory and practice: Study concepts thoroughly and solve numerical problems regularly to improve accuracy.
Practise MCQs and NATs: Solve both objective and numerical answer-type questions to become comfortable with different question formats.
Use previous year papers: Analyse GATE question papers to understand recurring topics, difficulty level, and question trends.
Take timed mock tests: Practise full-length tests according to the GATE exam pattern to improve speed and time management.
Revise Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude: Include these sections in your weekly preparation schedule.
Focus on accuracy: Since GATE has negative marking for certain MCQs, avoid random guessing.
Analyse your performance: After every mock or practice test, identify conceptual mistakes, calculation errors, and time-consuming topics to know your strengths and weaknesses.
Revise consistently: Prepare short notes, formulas, and important concepts for quick revision during the final weeks.