Engineering & science postgraduate exams
GATE 2027: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Eligibility
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering · conducted by IISc Bengaluru and seven IITs, by rotation — IIT Madras is organising GATE 2027
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national computer-based exam, conducted jointly by IISc Bengaluru and seven IITs, that tests undergraduate knowledge in engineering, science and humanities subjects. GATE scores are used for M.Tech/M.E. and direct PhD admissions, often with a scholarship, and by many public sector undertakings for recruitment. Each paper is 3 hours long with 65 questions for 100 marks: 15 marks of General Aptitude and 85 marks of subject questions.
When is GATE?
GATE 2027, organised by IIT Madras, is scheduled for 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21 February 2027, with results on 19 March 2027 (dates may change).
GATE at a glance
- Organising institute (2027)
- IIT Madras
- Exam dates (2027)
- 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21 February 2027
- Mode
- Computer-based test, English
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Questions
- 65
- Total marks
- 100
- Question types
- MCQ, MSQ (multiple select), NAT (numerical answer)
- Papers
- 30; you may take up to two from allowed combinations
- Score validity
- 3 years
GATE exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Subject (includes Engineering Mathematics in most engineering papers) | 55 | 85 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
| Type | Answer format | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ | One correct option out of four | −1/3 for a 1-mark question, −2/3 for a 2-mark question |
| MSQ | One or more correct options | None (no partial marks) |
| NAT | Type a numerical answer | None |
GATE syllabus
General Aptitude (all papers)
- Verbal aptitude
- Quantitative aptitude
- Analytical aptitude
- Spatial aptitude
Engineering Mathematics (most engineering papers)
- Linear algebra
- Calculus
- Differential equations
- Probability and statistics
- Numerical methods (in some papers)
Subject paper
- Core undergraduate syllabus of your paper — e.g. Computer Science and IT, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Data Science and AI
Each of the 30 papers has its own syllabus on the GATE website.
GATE eligibility
- Students in the third year or higher of an undergraduate degree, or graduates, in engineering, technology, architecture, science, commerce, arts or humanities.
- No age limit.
How to prepare for GATE
- 1Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude together are worth roughly 28–30 marks in most engineering papers — the most scoring part of the paper.
- 2Solve previous GATE papers of your branch topic by topic, then as full papers.
- 3NAT and MSQ questions have no negative marking — attempt them.
- 4Use the on-screen virtual calculator during practice; you cannot bring your own.
GATE FAQs
How long is a GATE score valid?
Three years from the date of the result.
Is there negative marking in GATE?
Only for multiple-choice questions: −1/3 for a 1-mark question and −2/3 for a 2-mark question. MSQ and numerical-answer questions have no negative marking.
Who is conducting GATE 2027?
IIT Madras is the organising institute for GATE 2027. The exam is scheduled for 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21 February 2027.
Can third-year students take GATE?
Yes. Students in the third or a higher year of an undergraduate degree are eligible.
How many GATE papers can I take?
One, or two from the allowed paper combinations listed in the brochure.
Which PSUs recruit through GATE?
Several public sector undertakings — for example ONGC, NTPC and IOCL — have recruited using GATE scores. Each PSU announces its own process and the papers it accepts.
Practise GATE on GyanBook
Timed quizzes and mock tests that follow the real marking scheme, instant scores with step-by-step solutions, and progress tracking for every subject. Free to start.
Related exams
GyanBook India is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with the body that conducts GATE. These details were checked against official sources on 13 October 2026. Exam dates, eligibility rules and patterns can change — always confirm them on the official website (gate2027.iitm.ac.in) before you apply.