In the GATE 2026 Computer Science exam, you will attempt 65 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The paper will include three sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and key Computer Science topics, each contributing significant weightage to your final score.
GATE 2026 CS Subject-Wise Marks: If you plan to take the GATE 2026 Computer Science paper, you will need a clear idea of the subject wise marks so that you can plan your strategy with confidence. The paper will still carry 100 marks, with around 15 marks from General Aptitude, 13 to 15 marks from Engineering Mathematics and the remaining 70 to 72 marks from core Computer Science topics. Key scoring areas will include Programming and Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Databases and Computer Networks, each contributing roughly 8 to 13 marks based on recent trends. By 2026, you will most likely follow a pattern where mastering General Aptitude and Mathematics will secure close to 28 to 30 marks, while the technical subjects will decide your final rank. IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026 exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in two shifts. You can check the GATE Computer Science syllabus 2026 weightage, important topics, exam pattern, marking scheme and more here.
GATE CS Subject Wise Weightage and Marks 2026
IIT Guwahati has released the GATE CS subject-wise weightage, along with syllabus and pattern at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE CS weightage 2026 comprises the details about the marks for each topic. If appearing for the GATE 2026 exam, then you must be well aware of the subject-wise weightage & marks. The expected GATE CSE 2026 subject-wise weightage 2026 and number of questions can be checked below -
Name of the Subject | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
Data Structures | 5 - 6 |
C-Programming | 3 - 4 |
Algorithms | 7 - 8 |
DBMS | 7 - 8 |
Computer Architecture | 6 - 7 |
Digital Logic | 6 - 7 |
| Theory of Computation | 7 - 8 |
Operating Systems | 6 - 7 |
Computer N/W | 9 - 11 |
Discrete Maths and Engineering Mathematics | 18 - 21 |
General Aptitude | 15 |
Compiler Design | 2 - 3 |
GATE 2026 CS Topic Wise Percentage of Questions
The topic-wise percentage of questions in GATE CS 2026 is as follows -
Name of the Topic | Percentage of Questions |
|---|---|
| 20% |
| 20% |
| 20% |
| 25% |
| 15% |
From the above analysis, it is quite clear that DBMS and Computer N/W have almost 25% weightage in the total marks, and the students need to revise the GATE Syllabus accordingly.
Also Read:
GATE 2026 Last Minute Tips and Tricks
GATE 2026 CSE Subject Wise Weightage Important Topics
According to the previous year's paper analysis, GATE CS syllabus 2026 topics like Computer Networks, Operating Systems, Programming and Data Structures, Computer Organisation, and Architecture have a number of questions asked of them. These topics in the GATE CSE syllabus 2026 carried a high weightage in the previous year. Therefore, while preparing for the upcoming GATE CSE exam, focus on these important topics. The list of important topics for GATE Computer Science and Engineering in 2026 is given below.
Topics | Weightage of Marks |
|---|---|
Programming and Data Structures | 15 |
General Aptitude | 15 |
Computer Networks | 10 |
Engineering Mathematics | 13 |
Operating System | 9 |
Computer Organization and Architecture | 8 |
Databases | 7 |
Algorithms | 7 |
Discrete Mathematics | 6 |
Digital Logic | 6 |
Theory of Computation | 6 |
Compiler Design | 4 |
GATE CSE Exam Pattern 2026
The GATE CSE exam takes place via online mode for the duration of 3 hours, involving MCQs and NAT questions. There are a total of 65 questions in the GATE CSE exam comprising the sections of General Aptitude, Mathematics, and Core Discipline (CS). Check the GATE 2026 exam pattern for CSE below.
Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
Engineering Mathematics | 55 | 13 |
Core Discipline- Computer Science and Information Technology | 72 | |
Total | 65 | 100 |
GATE CSE Marking Scheme 2026
Students can check the GATE 2026 marking scheme below. There will be negative markings in the GATE Computer Science and Information Technology paper.
Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks | |
|---|---|---|---|
1 mark Questions | 2 marks Questions | ||
General Aptitude | 5 | 5 | (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 15 |
Engineering Mathematics | 25 | 30 | (25 x 1) + (30 x 2) = 85 |
Core Discipline- Mechanical Engineering | |||
Total | 30 | 35 | 100 |
There is no provision of negative marking in NAT and MSQs. However, MCQs do have a negative marking.
1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong 1 mark MCQ.
2/3 mark is deducted for every wrong 2 marks MCQs.
Also check: GATE 2026 Exam Centres
Advantages of GATE 2026 CSE Subject Wise Weightage Analysis
Analysing the GATE 2026 CSE subject wise weightage of marks has a number of benefits that can greatly enhance preparation strategies and study efforts. You can achieve good results in GATE by making the best use of your time and effort. Some of the advantages of being aware of the GATE CSE subject wise weightage 2026 have been mentioned below.
- Comprehending the GATE CSE subject wise weightage allotted to every topic enables you to allocate your study time and effort strategically.
- By prioritising the topics with higher weightage, you can ensure thorough coverage and an in-depth understanding of the most important topics.
- The GATE CSE Subject wise weightage analysis helps you to focus your attention on specific subjects as per their importance.
- It helps to develop a deep understanding of the core concepts, key formulas, and problem-solving techniques related to the high-weightage subjects.
- GATE CSE subject wise weightage analysis helps you manage time effectively by giving sufficient time to important topics and not spending days studying low-weightage topics.
- In case of a shortage of time, students can prioritise the high-scoring subjects and topics while minimising efforts in areas with lower weightage, and vice versa.
We hope that the above analysis shall help you with the last-minute revision for GATE CS 2026. For the latest updates on the CS exam of GATE, stay tuned to CollegeDekho.
FAQs
Yes, there is negative marking in the GATE 2026 CSE exam. For each 1 mark incorrect answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted and for each 2 mark incorrect answer 2/3 mark will be deducted.
The subject-wise weightage for the GATE CSE 2026 exam varies each year. However, Programming and Data Structures is allotted the highest weightage of 12-13 marks, followed by Algorithms (8-9 marks), Theory of Computation (7-8 marks), Computer Networks (7-8 marks), Operating Systems (7-8 marks), and other subjects.
Discrete Mathematics and Engineering Mathematics have the highest weightage in the GATE subject-wise weightage for Computer Science Engineering. It carries 18-21 marks in the weightage analysis of the GATE exam for CSE.
Scoring 60+ marks in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) CSE 2026 exam can be difficult, as it calls for a solid understanding of the subjects covered in the GATE CSE exam and efficient preparation.
GATE CSE Exam 2026 involves 65 questions. The question types include - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer type Questions (NAT) like other GATE papers. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is considered one of the toughest papers of the GATE exam.
As per the GATE exam pattern, Computer science and information technology will cover 72 % of the syllabus, whereas Engineering mathematics 13%, and General Aptitude will cover 15% weightage. The GATE CSE question paper pattern 2026 will have three major types of questions including MCQ, MSQ, and NAT.
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