GATE 2026 Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern Explained

Preparing for GATE 2026? Firstly, understanding the GATE syllabus, eligibility criteria, and exam pattern is your first step toward success. Here’s an easy overview of these topics:

 1. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)-

·       Educational Qualification: You must have a Bachelor’s (B.E., B.Tech., B. Pharm.) or a Master’s degree in a relevant science or engineering stream.

·       Final Year Students: If you’re in the final year of your degree, you can also apply for GATE 2026.

·       Age Limit: There is no age limit for GATE 2026 aspirants.

·       Nationality: Open to Indian citizens and international students from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and Ethiopia.

         2. What to Study? (GATE Syllabus)-

Subject	Syllabus
General Aptitude	It includes Verbal Skills and Quantitative Reasoning
Engineering Mathematics	It includes Linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics
Core Subjects	Based on the paper you choose, you’ll study topics related to your branch, like Computer Science, Mechanical, ECE, etc.

 

 Pro Tip: Visit the official website of GATE for more updates about the syllabus, dates, etc. 

 3. How’s the Exam Structured? (Exam Pattern)-

·       Mode: Online Computer Based

·       Duration: 3 hours

·       Question Types:

o   Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – 1 or 2 marks each.

o   Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) – more than one correct option.

o   Numerical Answer Type (NAT) – fill-in-the-blank answers.

·       Marks Distribution: 65% core subject, 15% Engineering Mathematics, 20% GA.