GATE Exam Pattern

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The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level examination conducted annually for admission to various postgraduate programs in engineering and technology. The GATE exam pattern is designed to test the aptitude of candidates in their respective engineering disciplines.

The GATE exam is a computer-based test that comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. The duration of the exam is three hours, and it is conducted in two sessions each day.

The GATE exam pattern consists of a total of 65 questions, with a maximum of 100 marks. The MCQs carry one or two marks each, while the NAT questions carry one or two marks each, depending on the question. There is also a provision for negative marking, with a one-third mark being deducted for every wrong answer in the MCQs.

The GATE exam pattern varies for different engineering disciplines, and candidates need to be aware of the pattern specific to their discipline. Overall, the GATE exam pattern is designed to test the conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills of candidates in their respective engineering fields.

GATE - EC, EE, ME, CE, PI, IN & CS Exam Pattern

Particulars Details
Examination Mode Computer Based Test (Online)
Duration 3 Hours
No. of Sections There are 2 sections:
  • General Aptitude (GA)
  • Course Subject
GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering Exam Questions
  • General Aptitude – 15 Q’s
  • Subject Paper – 85 Q’s
Type of Questions
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs),
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
Design of Questions
  • Application
  • Analysis and synthesis
  • Comprehension
  • Recall
Number of Questions 10 (GA) + 55 (subject) = 65 Questions
Total Marks 100 Marks
Marking Scheme All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks
Negative Marking Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • For 1-mark question, ⅓
  • For 2 marks question, ⅔

There is NO negative marking
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
Section Number of Questions Marks Total Marks
General Aptitude 10 (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) 15
Technical Paper 55 (25 x 1) + (30 x 2) 85
Total 65 -- 100