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GATE ME 2026 : Exam Pattern
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Mechanical Engineering Exam 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati this time. It is very important to understand the pattern of this exam so that the candidates can take their preparation in the right direction.
The GATE ME 2026 question paper will be divided into three main sections –
- General Aptitude
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical Engineering – Core Subject)
In this, the highest weightage will be given to the Mechanical Engineering subject, which will be about 70% of the total marks. General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics will get about 15%–15% weightage.
The pattern of GATE ME 2026 exam will remain the same as before, which will include MCQ, MSQ and NAT questions. The total question paper of 100 marks has to be solved in 3 hours. The Mechanical Engineering subject will be given the highest importance.
Candidates must understand that not only the core subjects but also general aptitude and mathematics play an important role in the exam. Success in GATE ME 2026 can be achieved only with the right strategy, time management and a clear understanding of the pattern.
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Language of Examination | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Number of Papers (Subjects) | 30 Test Papers |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate's Selected Subject(s) |
| Type of Questions | (a) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)(b) Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)(c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Testing of Abilities | (a) Recall(b) Comprehension(c) Application(d) Analysis & Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks (for all papers except AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | General Aptitude: 15 marksEngineering Mathematics: 13 marksSubject Questions: 72 marksTotal: 100 marks |
| Distribution of Marks (for AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | General Aptitude: 15 marksSubject Questions: 85 marksTotal: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry either 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For 1-mark MCQ → -1/3 markFor 2-mark MCQ → -2/3 markNo negative marking for MSQ or NAT questions |
| Partial Marking | Not available in MSQ questions |
GATE 2026: Paper-wise Marks Distribution
| Paper Code | General Aptitude (GA) | Compulsory Section | Optional Section(s) | Total Marks | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF | 15 | 85 (including Engg. Maths 13 marks) | -- | 100 | 180 min |
| CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST | 15 | 85 | -- | 100 | 180 min |
| AR | 15 | 60 | 25 (B1: Architecture / B2: Planning) | 100 | 180 min |
| GE | 15 | 55 | 30 (B1: Surveying & Mapping / B2: Image Processing & Analysis) | 100 | 180 min |
| GG | 15 | 25 | 60 (B1: Geology / B2: Geophysics) | 100 | 180 min |
| XE | 15 | 15 (Engg. Maths Section A) | Any 2 sections × 35 marks each | 100 | 180 min |
| XH | 15 | 25 (Reasoning & Comprehension) | Any 1 section × 60 marks | 100 | 180 min |
| XL | 15 | 25 (Chemistry – Section P) | Any 2 sections × 30 marks each | 100 | 180 min |
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