GATE Mock Test Free 2026 — All 30 Branches Pattern, Syllabus & Practice
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level entrance exam jointly conducted by IISc Bangalore and seven IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee) on a rotational basis. GATE 2026 will offer 30 papers spanning engineering, science, humanities, and architecture.
A GATE score is a gateway to multiple opportunities: M.Tech / M.E. / Direct PhD admissions in IITs, NITs, IISc and other CFTIs; PSU recruitment in Indian Oil, ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, Power Grid, GAIL, HPCL, BPCL, IOCL, NLC and 15+ other Maharatna/Navratna PSUs; and increasingly, Junior Research Fellowships in CSIR labs.
A good GATE rank also opens doors to research positions in DRDO, ISRO, BARC, and abroad PG admissions in countries that recognise GATE (Singapore, Germany).
संक्षिप्त परिचय
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) IISc और 7 IIT द्वारा संयुक्त रूप से आयोजित होने वाली राष्ट्रीय स्तर की प्रवेश परीक्षा है। 2026 में 30 पेपर होंगे।
GATE स्कोर के आधार पर IIT, NIT, IISc में M.Tech/PhD प्रवेश, और IOCL, ONGC, BHEL, NTPC जैसे 25+ PSUs में भर्ती होती है।
परीक्षा 100 अंक की 3 घंटे की होती है। तीन प्रकार के प्रश्न होते हैं — MCQ, MSQ (बहु-सही), और NAT (संख्यात्मक उत्तर)। सामान्य योग्यता (GA) सभी पेपरों में अनिवार्य 15 अंक का सेक्शन है।
Exam Pattern
GATE is a 3-hour CBT exam of 100 marks. Each paper has two sections: General Aptitude (15 marks, common across all papers) and Subject-Specific (85 marks). Questions are MCQ (1 or 2 marks with negative marking), MSQ (Multiple-Select, no negative marking), and NAT (Numerical Answer Type, no negative marking).
| Subject / Section | Questions | Marks / Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) — Common to all papers | 10 | 15 marks (5×1 + 5×2) |
| Subject-Specific — Engineering Mathematics (in most engineering papers) | ~13% of subject | ~13 marks |
| Subject-Specific — Core Subject Topics | ~55–58 | ~72 marks |
| Total | 65 | 100 marks · 180 min |
| MCQ — 1 or 2 marks each | Variable | –1/3 (for 1m) and –2/3 (for 2m) negative marking |
| MSQ — 1 or 2 marks each | Variable | No negative marking |
| NAT — 1 or 2 marks each | Variable | No negative marking |
Normalisation: For multi-session papers (CS, EC, ME, CE, EE), scores are normalised across sessions to ensure fairness. Two-paper option: Candidates can appear in two papers from approved combinations (e.g., CS + DA, EC + IN). Calculator: Only the on-screen virtual scientific calculator is allowed.
Syllabus — Topic-wise Breakdown
General Aptitude (Common — 15 marks)
Verbal Aptitude: Basic English Grammar (tenses, articles, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, verb-noun agreement), Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms, analogies), Reading & Comprehension, Narrative Sequencing. Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation (charts, plots, graphs, tables), 2-D and 3-D plots, Mensuration, Geometry, Elementary Statistics, Probability. Analytical Aptitude: Logic (deduction, induction), Analogy, Numerical Relations, Reasoning. Spatial Aptitude: Transformation of shapes — translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, paper folding, paper cutting.
CS (Computer Science) — 85 marks
Engineering Mathematics (Discrete Maths, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability), Digital Logic, Computer Organization & Architecture, Programming & Data Structures, Algorithms (Time complexity, Sorting, Searching, Graphs, Greedy, DP, Divide & Conquer), Theory of Computation (FA, RegEx, CFG, Turing Machines, Decidability), Compiler Design (Lexical, Parsing, SDT, Code Generation), Operating Systems (Process, Memory, FS, Concurrency, Deadlocks), Databases (ER, Normalisation, SQL, Transactions), Computer Networks (OSI/TCP-IP, Routing, TCP/UDP, IP addressing, App layer protocols).
EC (Electronics & Communication) — 85 marks
Networks (Network solution methods, Steady state, Transient, 2-port), Electronic Devices (Energy bands, Carrier transport, P-N Jn, MOS, BJT), Analog Circuits (Diode, BJT, MOSFET amplifiers, OpAmp), Digital Circuits (Boolean Algebra, Combinational/Sequential, ADC/DAC, Memory), Control Systems, Communications (Random Process, Analog & Digital communications, Information Theory, Spread Spectrum), Electromagnetics (EM Waves, Transmission Lines, Antennas, Optical Fibers).
ME (Mechanical Engineering) — 85 marks
Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mechanics & Design (Engineering Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Theory of Machines, Vibrations, Machine Design), Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences (Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Applications — IC engines, Refrigeration, Power), Materials, Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering (Engineering Materials, Casting, Forming, Joining, Machining, Metrology, CIM, Operations Research, Inventory Control).
CE (Civil Engineering) — 85 marks
Engineering Mathematics, Structural Engineering (Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Concrete & Steel Structures, Construction Materials), Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering), Water Resources (Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Irrigation), Environmental Engineering (Water & Wastewater Treatment, Air Pollution, Solid Waste, Noise Pollution), Transportation Engineering (Highway, Traffic, Pavement Design), Geomatics Engineering (Surveying, GIS, Remote Sensing).
EE (Electrical Engineering) — 85 marks
Engineering Mathematics, Electric Circuits, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals & Systems, Electrical Machines (Transformers, Induction & Synchronous machines, DC machines), Power Systems (Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Protection, Power Electronics, HVDC, FACTS), Control Systems, Electrical & Electronic Measurements, Analog & Digital Electronics, Power Electronics.
Other Papers
GATE 2026 also includes papers in: AE (Aerospace), AG (Agricultural), AR (Architecture & Planning), BM (Biomedical), BT (Biotechnology), CH (Chemical), CY (Chemistry), DA (Data Science & AI), ES (Environmental Science), GE (Geomatics), GG (Geology & Geophysics), HU (Humanities), IN (Instrumentation), MA (Mathematics), MN (Mining), MT (Metallurgical), NM (Naval Architecture), PE (Petroleum), PH (Physics), PI (Production & Industrial), ST (Statistics), TF (Textile), XE (Engineering Sciences), XH (Humanities), XL (Life Sciences). Each has its own subject syllabus on the official GATE website.
Preparation Tips & Strategy
1. Start From the Standard Reference Books — Not Coaching Notes
Coaching notes are good for revision but standard textbooks build conceptual depth. CS: Cormen (Algorithms), Galvin (OS), Korth/Navathe (DB), Tanenbaum (Networks). ME: Shigley, Khurmi. EC: Sedra-Smith, Boylestad, Proakis. Build first principles understanding before solving problems.
2. Engineering Mathematics is Worth 13 Marks — Don't Skip
Eng Math (Linear Algebra, Calculus, ODE, Numerical Methods, Probability) is common, scoring, and predictable. With 60 hours of focused preparation, most students score 11+/13 here. Topics repeat heavily across years.
3. Solve Last 20 Years' GATE PYQs — Subject-Wise
GATE recycles concepts heavily. Solving 20 years of PYQs subject-wise reveals the depth required, frequent topics, and trap patterns. Use Madeeasy / Ace Engineering / GO Classes solved books. Aim for 80% accuracy in PYQ practice within 2 attempts.
4. Master Virtual Calculator + NAT Question Strategy
NAT questions have no negative marking — attempt all of them. The on-screen scientific calculator is slower than a physical calculator; practice with the virtual calculator at gate.iitk.ac.in for at least 50 hours during preparation.
5. Take 25+ Full-Length Mock Tests in Last 90 Days
Mock tests teach time allocation and exam temperament. After each mock: 30 min attempt analysis + 90 min concept revision. Track question-type accuracy (MCQ vs MSQ vs NAT) and topic-wise weaknesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GATE 2026 exam pattern?
GATE is a 3-hour CBT of 100 marks with 65 questions. Each paper has 15 marks of General Aptitude (common) and 85 marks of subject-specific content (with ~13 marks of Engineering Mathematics in most engineering papers). Question types: MCQ (with negative marking 1/3 for 1-mark and 2/3 for 2-mark), MSQ (multiple-select, no negative marking), and NAT (numerical, no negative marking).
How is GATE score validated for PSU recruitment?
A valid GATE score is now used by 25+ Maharatna/Navratna PSUs for direct officer recruitment — IOCL, ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, Power Grid, GAIL, HPCL, BPCL, NLC, CIL, OPGC, NMDC, etc. PSUs release notifications announcing the GATE paper and year they accept (usually current year). Selection is based on GATE marks + interview / GD.
What is the validity of a GATE score?
A GATE score is valid for 3 years from the date of declaration of result. So GATE 2026 score (declared March 2026) will be valid until March 2029 for M.Tech / PhD admissions. PSUs typically accept scores from the recruitment-year notification only.
What is normalisation in GATE?
For papers conducted in multiple sessions (CS, EC, ME, CE, EE etc. due to large candidate volume), GATE applies a normalisation formula to ensure that candidates across different sessions are evaluated fairly. Raw marks of one session are converted to normalised marks based on the difficulty level of that session vs the average.
Can I appear in two GATE papers?
Yes. From GATE 2022 onwards, candidates can appear in two papers from a list of approved combinations — e.g., CS + DA, EC + IN, ME + PI, CE + ES, etc. The exam is conducted on different dates for the two papers. This expands eligibility for both M.Tech specialisations and PSU recruitment.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न (हिंदी में)
GATE 2026 का परीक्षा पैटर्न क्या है?
GATE 3 घंटे का 100 अंकों का CBT है जिसमें 65 प्रश्न होते हैं। 15 अंक General Aptitude (सभी पेपर समान) और 85 अंक विषय-विशिष्ट। प्रश्न प्रकार — MCQ (नेगेटिव मार्किंग के साथ), MSQ (बिना नेगेटिव), और NAT (संख्यात्मक, बिना नेगेटिव)।
GATE स्कोर का उपयोग PSUs में कैसे होता है?
IOCL, ONGC, BHEL, NTPC, Power Grid, GAIL, HPCL, BPCL जैसे 25+ PSUs अपनी अधिकारी भर्ती के लिए GATE स्कोर का उपयोग करते हैं। PSU अधिसूचना में बताते हैं कि किस वर्ष का GATE स्कोर मान्य है।
GATE स्कोर की वैधता कितनी है?
GATE स्कोर परिणाम घोषणा से 3 वर्ष तक M.Tech/PhD प्रवेश के लिए वैध रहता है। PSU भर्ती में सामान्यतः केवल वर्तमान वर्ष का स्कोर मान्य होता है।
GATE में normalisation क्या होता है?
जिन पेपरों की कई सत्रों में परीक्षा होती है (CS, EC, ME आदि), उनमें अलग-अलग सत्रों के अंकों को कठिनाई के आधार पर सामान्यीकृत किया जाता है ताकि सभी उम्मीदवारों का निष्पक्ष मूल्यांकन हो।
क्या मैं दो GATE पेपरों में बैठ सकता हूं?
हाँ, GATE 2022 से अनुमत संयोजनों में दो पेपर दिए जा सकते हैं — जैसे CS+DA, EC+IN, ME+PI आदि।
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