GATE Exam Pattern 2025 - The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive exam that opens doors for postgraduate admissions in top institutes and job opportunities in prestigious public sector undertakings (PSUs). As you prepare for this crucial exam, understanding the GATE 2025 exam pattern is essential to ensure efficient and focused preparation.
The GATE exam is conducted in an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and spans three hours, featuring 65 questions worth a total of 100 marks. The questions are divided into three types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions​.
GATE exam dates are out—check the latest updates on the GATE 2025 page.
This article breaks down the GATE 2025 Exam Pattern, ensuring that you grasp every detail, from the types of questions to the marking scheme
GATE 2025 Exam Pattern Highlights
The GATE 2025 exam will follow a well-defined structure, ensuring that candidates can gauge the scope of the exam and prepare accordingly. Here are the key highlights.
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Total Number of Questions | 65 questions |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Negative Marking | Yes, only for MCQs (1/3 for 1-mark questions, 2/3 for 2-mark questions) |
| Sections | General Aptitude (15 marks)
Subject-specific questions (85 marks) |
| Languages | English |
| Question Format | 1-mark and 2-mark questions |
Jumpstart your preparation by reviewing the GATE 2025 Syllabus to align your study plan effectively.
GATE 2025 Exam Subject-wise Marking Scheme
Every subject in GATE 2025 has its own distinct structure. While the General Aptitude Section is common across all papers, the subject-specific questions vary. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the subject-wise question paper pattern:
| Paper Code | Marks Distribution |
|---|
| Core Engineering Papers (AE, CE, ME, EE, CS, EC) | 15 marks (General Aptitude)
13 marks (Engineering Mathematics)
72 marks (Core Subject) |
| Non-Engineering Papers (XH, XL, ST) | 15 marks (General Aptitude)
85 marks (Subject-specific Questions) |
| Architecture & Planning (AR) | 15 marks (General Aptitude)
60 marks (Part A - Compulsory)
25 marks (Part B - Choose between Architecture or Planning) |
| Geology & Geophysics (GG) | 15 marks (General Aptitude)
25 marks (Part A - Common)
60 marks (Part B - Choose between Geology or Geophysics) |
| Engineering Sciences (XE) | 15 marks (General Aptitude)
15 marks (Section A - Engineering Mathematics)
70 marks (Two optional sections like Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, etc.) |
The General Aptitude section accounts for 15% of the total marks, while the subject-specific section takes up the remaining 85%.
1. Core Engineering Papers (AE, CE, ME, EE, CS, EC)
In core engineering papers like Aerospace Engineering (AE), Civil Engineering (CE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Science (CS), and Electronics & Communication Engineering (EC), the marks are distributed as follows:
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks.
- Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks (compulsory for engineering disciplines).
- Core Subject: 72 marks.
This means the core subject, which focuses on technical concepts specific to each discipline, takes up the majority of the exam, while Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude form a smaller, but crucial, part of the total.
Check out the GATE CS Syllabus to guide your Computer Science preparation effectively.
2. Non-Engineering Papers (XH, XL, ST)
For non-engineering papers such as Humanities and Social Sciences (XH), Life Sciences (XL), and Statistics (ST), the marking scheme is slightly different:
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks.
- Subject-Specific Questions: 85 marks.
Unlike engineering papers, these papers don’t have a dedicated Engineering Mathematics section, and the entire weightage beyond GA is focused on subject-specific questions.
3. Specialized Papers (AR, GG, XE)
In specialized papers like Architecture and Planning (AR), Geology & Geophysics (GG), and Engineering Sciences (XE), the distribution of marks varies with optional sections:
- Architecture (AR):
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks.
- Part A (Compulsory): 60 marks.
- Part B: 25 marks (choose between Architecture or Planning).
- Geology & Geophysics (GG):
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks.
- Part A (Common for all candidates): 25 marks.
- Part B (Choose between Geology or Geophysics): 60 marks.
- Engineering Sciences (XE):
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks.
- Section A (Engineering Mathematics): 15 marks (compulsory).
- Two Optional Sections: 70 marks (choose two from areas like Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, etc.).
GATE 2025 Exam Subjects and Paper Code
There are 30 subjects in GATE 2025, each identified by a unique code. It’s important to know the code for your subject to ensure proper registration and understanding of the syllabus.
| Subject Name and Paper Code | Subject Name and Paper Code |
|---|
| Aerospace Engineering - AE | Agricultural Engineering - AG |
| Architecture and Planning - AR | Biotechnology - BT |
| Civil Engineering - CE | Chemical Engineering - CH |
| Computer Science and Information Technology - CS | Electronics and Communication Engineering - EC |
| Electrical Engineering - EE | Environmental Science and Engineering - ES |
| Geology and Geophysics - GG | Instrumentation Engineering - IN |
| Life Sciences (XL) - XL | Mechanical Engineering - ME |
| Metallurgical Engineering - MT | Mining Engineering - MN |
| Petroleum Engineering - PE | Physics - PH |
| Textile Engineering and Fibre Science - TF | Engineering Sciences (XE) - XE |
| Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) - XH | Statistics - ST |
| Ecology and Evolution - EY | Chemistry - CY |
| Biomedical Engineering - BM | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - DA |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering - NM | Production and Industrial Engineering - PI |
| Aerospace Systems - AS | Environmental Science and Engineering - ES |
Ensure that you are familiar with your subject’s code to avoid confusion during registration and when accessing the syllabus​.
GATE 2025 Exam Pattern: Two Paper Combination
In GATE 2025, students have the option to choose two papers from a list of combinations. This opens up additional opportunities for students, particularly those interested in interdisciplinary studies or who want to increase their chances for admission and job prospects.
Available Two-Paper Combinations for GATE 2025
The following table lists the primary papers and the allowed second paper options for GATE 2025. Not all papers are eligible for combinations, so it is important to select wisely based on your strengths and career aspirations.
| Primary Paper (Code) | Allowed Second Paper(s) (Code) |
|---|
| AE (Aerospace Engineering) | ME (Mechanical Engineering), XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| AG (Agricultural Engineering) | ES (Environmental Science) |
| AR (Architecture and Planning) | CE (Civil Engineering) |
| BM (Biomedical Engineering) | BT (Biotechnology), XL (Life Sciences) |
| CE (Civil Engineering) | ES (Environmental Science), AR (Architecture) |
| CH (Chemical Engineering) | XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| CS (Computer Science) | EC (Electronics and Communication) |
| CY (Chemistry) | XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| EC (Electronics and Communication Engineering) | CS (Computer Science), EE (Electrical Engineering), IN (Instrumentation Engineering) |
| EE (Electrical Engineering) | EC (Electronics and Communication), IN (Instrumentation Engineering), PH (Physics) |
| ES (Environmental Science) | AG (Agricultural Engineering), CE (Civil Engineering) |
| GG (Geology and Geophysics) | None |
| IN (Instrumentation Engineering) | EC (Electronics and Communication), EE (Electrical Engineering), PH (Physics) |
| MA (Mathematics) | PH (Physics), XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| ME (Mechanical Engineering) | AE (Aerospace Engineering), PI (Production and Industrial Engineering), XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| MN (Mining Engineering) | None |
| MT (Metallurgical Engineering) | XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| PE (Petroleum Engineering) | None |
| PH (Physics) | EE (Electrical Engineering), IN (Instrumentation Engineering), MA (Mathematics), XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| PI (Production and Industrial Engineering) | ME (Mechanical Engineering), XE (Engineering Sciences) |
| ST (Statistics) | MA (Mathematics), XH (Humanities and Social Sciences) |
| XE (Engineering Sciences) | AE (Aerospace Engineering), CH (Chemical Engineering), ME (Mechanical Engineering), MT (Metallurgical Engineering), PI (Production and Industrial Engineering), PH (Physics) |
| XH (Humanities and Social Sciences) | ST (Statistics) |
| XL (Life Sciences) | BM (Biomedical Engineering), BT (Biotechnology) |
Key Points:
- Candidates can choose one primary paper and one secondary paper from the available combinations, giving them the flexibility to explore interdisciplinary fields.
- Both papers will be scheduled in different sessions or on different dates to avoid any conflicts, ensuring candidates have the time to appear for both.
- The two-paper option provides a great advantage for those aiming to broaden their knowledge, enhance career opportunities across multiple disciplines, or target various academic and job prospects.
- For papers like GG (Geology and Geophysics), MN (Mining Engineering), and PE (Petroleum Engineering), no second paper option is allowed. Candidates in these disciplines must focus solely on their primary paper.
GATE Exam Pattern 2025 Sectional Options
XE Paper: Sectional Options
The XE (Engineering Sciences) paper in GATE 2025 offers candidates the opportunity to select two sections out of seven optional sections, in addition to the compulsory Engineering Mathematics section. This gives students the flexibility to focus on subjects they are more confident in or have stronger academic knowledge about. The available optional sections include:
- Fluid Mechanics (XE-B)
- Materials Science (XE-C)
- Solid Mechanics (XE-D)
- Thermodynamics (XE-E)
- Polymer Science and Engineering (XE-F)
- Food Technology (XE-G)
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (XE-H)
By choosing sections that align with their strengths, candidates can optimize their chances of scoring higher in the exam. This sectional choice allows for a more tailored approach to the exam, helping students target areas where they are better prepared.
XL Paper: Sectional Options
In the XL (Life Sciences) paper, Chemistry (XL-P) is a compulsory section for all candidates. Along with this, students must choose two optional sections from the following:
- Biochemistry (XL-Q)
- Botany (XL-R)
- Zoology (XL-S)
- Microbiology (XL-T)
- Food Technology (XL-U)
This structure allows candidates to focus on the areas of life sciences they are most comfortable with or have the best understanding of. For example, someone with a background in Microbiology can select that section along with Biochemistry, making their preparation more focused and improving their overall performance.
By selecting the right sections, candidates can play to their strengths, thereby maximizing their chances of scoring well in the GATE exam.
GATE 2025 Negative Marking Scheme
Understanding the negative marking scheme is essential to avoid unnecessary loss of marks. Here’s how negative marking is applied in GATE 2025:
- MCQs:
- 1-mark questions: Deduction of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer.
- 2-mark questions: Deduction of 2/3 mark for each incorrect answer.
- MSQs and NATs: No negative marking.
To optimize your score, attempt NAT and MSQ questions first, as there’s no penalty for incorrect answers​.
Conclusion
Understanding the GATE 2025 exam pattern is critical for efficient preparation. With 65 questions over 3 hours, the exam includes General Aptitude, subject-specific sections, and various question types like MCQs, MSQs, and NATs. Knowing the marking scheme—especially the negative marking rules—can help you strategize your attempts effectively. The option to take two papers and the flexibility of sections in papers like XE and XL can give you a competitive edge.
By focusing on high-weightage areas, practicing with past papers you can significantly boost your chances of success. With this detailed understanding of the pattern, you’re well-prepared to navigate the exam and maximize your score. Best of luck with your GATE preparation!
Explore
GATE Syllabus
GATE CS Tutorials
GATE DA Tutorials
Aptitude
Practice Content