GATE 2026 Test Series

About GATE

GATE tests comprehensive understanding of undergraduate engineering, science and humanities subjects. It is conducted jointly by IISc Bengaluru and the seven older IITs on a rotating basis, normally across weekends in February.

The paper is 65 questions for 100 marks in 180 minutes. Every paper includes a 15-mark General Aptitude section common to all disciplines, with the remaining 85 marks drawn from the candidate's chosen subject paper — around thirty are offered, and candidates may sit up to two.

Question types are mixed: multiple-choice questions with negative marking, multiple-select questions with no negative marking, and numerical-answer questions typed in directly, also without negative marking. Knowing which is which as you answer is part of the exam.

What a good score unlocks

• A GATE score governs admission to M.Tech, M.E. and direct PhD programmes at the IITs, IISc, NITs and other institutions, generally with a monthly stipend for qualified candidates.
• Many public sector undertakings recruit through GATE scores, and the score is also used for certain research and faculty-track opportunities. A GATE score is valid for three years.