GATE Exam Pattern 2024: New Changes, Subject-Wise Mark Scheme, Total Number of Questions

Updated By Falak Khan on 16 Feb, 2024 15:51

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GATE Exam Pattern 2024

GATE 2024 exam pattern was released by IISc Bangalore on its official website at gate2024.iisc.ac.in. GATE exam pattern 2024 includes the type of questions, mode of examination, marks allotted to each question, number of questions, total marks, the time duration in the entrance examination, negative marking, etc. The GATE 2024 exam was conducted in online mode by IISc Bengaluru for a time duration of 3 hours for a total of 100 marks. The GATE 2024 exam consists of 65 questions for both the general aptitude section and the core specialized sections. The GATE 2024 question paper had multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-selection questions (MSQs), and questions with numerical answers (NATs).

Quick Link: List of Topics to Score 60+ in GATE Biotechnology (BT)

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a well-known entrance exam used for postgraduate engineering admissions. Additionally, the GATE exam enables candidates to apply for lucrative job positions in PSUs, or Public Sector Undertakings. Candidates for GATE may also wish to undertake research in a range of engineering-related fields.

Important Note: For ES (Environmental Science and Engineering) and XH (Humanities and Social Sciences), the exam pattern will be different. The below GATE exam pattern has been specified for the Engineering subjects. All the details with regard to the GATE 2024 exam pattern can be checked on this page.  

GATE Exam pattern

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GATE 2024 Latest Updates

  • Jan 31, 2024 10:29 AM: GATE 2024 exam is scheduled to be conducted from February 3, 2024. Check here GATE previous year question paper to enhance your preparation for the exam.

Highlights of GATE 2024 Exam Pattern

Candidates can get an insight into the exam details of GATE 2024 from the table below -

ParticularsDetails
Mode of ExaminationComputer-Based Test
Total No. of Papers30
Time3 Hours
Sections
  • General Aptitude
  • Paper Selected by Candidate
Kind/ Nature of QuestionsRecall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis
Total No. of QuestionsGeneral Aptitude 10 + Subject Specific 55
Total Marks100
Type of QuestionsMCQs, MSQs & NAT
Distribution of Marks in all Papers (Except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH,
XH and XL)
  • General Aptitude - 15 Marks
  • Engineering Mathematics - 13 Marks
  • Subject-Specific Questions - 72 Marks
Distribution of Marks in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH,
XH and XL
  • General Aptitude - 15 Marks
  • Subject Specific - 85 Marks
Marking Scheme1 Mark & 2 Mark Questions
Negative Marking
  • 1 Mark MCQ - 1/3 Deduction for Wrong Attempt
  • 2 Mark MCQ - 2/3 Deduction for Wrong Attempt
  • No Negative Mark for NAT Questions
  • No Negative Mark for MSQ Questions
Language of Question PaperEnglish
Sectional Time-LimitNo
Colleges Accepting Exam GATE :

Is there any change in the GATE 2024 Exam Pattern?

The GATE exam pattern 2024 has not undergone any significant modifications. GATE 2024 was held in CBT mode (online) for 3 hours, much like the previous year. One modification, however, is the addition of a new Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper. As a result, this year the GATE exam had 30 subject papers. The question paper featured 65 questions from General Aptitude and other core subjects combined. The full marks allotted to each paper are 100 marks. Candidates must refer to the above sections of this page for more information regarding the allocation of marks and other important details.

GATE Paper-Wise Exam Pattern 2024

The detailed paper-wise exam pattern of GATE 2024 is as follows -

Paper Code

General Aptitude Marks

Compulsory Marks

Subject Specific Marks

Total Marks

Total Duration 

AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF*

15

-

85

100

3 hours

CY, DA, EY, MA, PH, ST

15

-

85

100

3 hours

Architecture (AR) Part A + Part B1 or B2

[B1: Architecture or B2: Planning]

15

60

25

100

3 hours

Geomatics Engineering (GE) - Part A + Part B

[B1: Surveying and Mapping or B2: Image Processing and Analysis]

15

55

30

100

3 hours

Geology & Geophysics (GG) - Part A + B

[B1: Geology or B2: Geophysics]

15

25

60

100

3 hours

XE (Engineering Mathematics)**

15

15

2 x 35

100

3 hours

XH (Reasoning and Comprehension)***

15

25

60

100

3 hours

XL (Chemistry)****

15

25

2 x 30

100

3 hours

* Subject marks in these papers include questions on Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), which are paper-specific

** Section A (Engineering Mathematics) is Common and Compulsory for all Applicants must select any TWO additional Sections during the Examination. 

*** Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) is Common and Compulsory for all. Applicants must select any ONE additional Section at the time of Application.

**** Section P (Chemistry) is Common and Compulsory for all. Applicants must select any TWO additional Sections during the Examination.

Top Engineering Colleges :

GATE Exam Pattern 2024: Subject-wise Question Paper Pattern

Candidates can find the subject-wise GATE 2024 paper pattern in the section below.

GATE 2024 Exam Pattern for CSE

The GATE 2024 exam pattern for CSE comprises details regarding the exam mode, the total number of questions asked in the exam, the marking scheme and so on. Here we have provided the GATE CSE exam pattern key highlights -

  • The GATE question paper for CSE will have 65 questions from 3 different sections, namely General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core Computer Science Engineering. 

  • The paper will comprise MCQs, MSQs, and Numerical Answer Type questions 

  • The total marks allotted to the GATE CSE question paper are 100

  • The General Aptitude section has 15 marks allotted to it while the Engineering Mathematics and subject-specific papers are conducted for 13 marks and 72 marks respectively.

  • The mode of the examination is online and the total time allotted is 3 hours

  • ⅓ marks for 1-mark MCQs and ⅔ marks for 2-mark MCQs are deducted for each wrong answer

  • Negative marking is not applicable for MSQ and NAT questions

GATE 2024 Exam Pattern for ECE

Students preparing for GATE ECE 2024 can check out the GATE 2024 exam pattern for ECE shared below -

  • The total marks allotted to the GATE ECE question paper are 100

  • Three types of questions are asked in the exam - Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Select Questions, and Numerical Answer Type questions

  • The exam is conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test

  • All the questions in the exam paper will have 1 mark or 2 marks 

  • There are a total of 65 questions in the GATE 2024 ECE exam paper. Of these, 10 questions are asked from the General Aptitude section and the remaining 55 questions are based on Electronics and Communications Engineering.

  • The total exam duration is 180 minutes

  • ⅓ marks for 1-mark MCQs and ⅔ marks for 2-mark MCQs are deducted for each wrong answer

  • Negative marking is not applicable for MSQ and NAT questions

GATE Exam Pattern 2024 for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) Paper

The following pointers highlight the GATE exam pattern 2024 for NM -

  • The GATE NM question paper is conducted online for a duration of 3 hours

  • All the questions are based on MCQs, MSQs, and NATs

  • Three sections, namely the General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core Marine Engineering comprise the GATE 2024 NM exam paper. 

  • A total of 65 questions are asked in the examination and the total marks allotted to the paper are 65.

  • The General Aptitude section consists of 10 questions. Of these, 5 questions are worth 1 mark each and the remaining 5 questions carry 2 marks each. 

  • ⅓ marks for 1-mark MCQs and ⅔ marks for 2-mark MCQs are deducted for each wrong answer

  • Negative marking is not applicable for MSQ and NAT questions

Sections

Number of questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

General Aptitude

10

(5 x 1) + (5 x 2)

15

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

55

(25 x 1) + (30 x 2)

85

Total

65

-

100

GATE 2024 Exam Pattern for Geomatics Engineering (GE) Paper

The GATE GE question paper is divided into two parts - Part A and Part B. Thus, the exam pattern is slightly different from GATE CSE or GATE ECE. Candidates taking the GATE 2024 GE paper can check out the detailed exam pattern here -

  • The GE paper for the GATE exam 2024 will contain one section on General Aptitude worth 15 marks as applicable for all papers in GATE.

  • The rest of the exam paper comprises two parts (Part A and Part B) covering the whole GATE exam syllabus 2024. 

  • Part A of the GATE GE exam paper contains 55 marks while Part B comprises 30 marks

  • Part A of the question paper is compulsory for all candidates

  • Part B comprises two optional sections (Section I and Section II) for candidates to choose from during the exam.

Sections

Number of Questions

Marks Allotted to Each Question

Total Marks

General Aptitude

10

(5 x 1) + (5 x 2)

15

Part A (Compulsory)

36

(17 x 1) + (19 x 2)

55

Part B (Section I or Section II)

16

(8 x 1) + (11 x 2)

30

Total

55

-

100

GATE 2024 Exam Pattern Geology and Geophysics Paper (GG)

Here is a look at the GATE 2024 exam pattern for GG -

  • The GATE 2024 Geology and Geophysics paper consists of two parts - Part A and Part B.

  • While Part A is compulsory for all, Part B comprises two sections – Geology (Section I) and Geophysics (Section II). Of these, candidates are to choose one as per their interest.

  • Part A of the GATE GG question paper 2024 contains 25 questions worth 1 mark each

  • The questions are based on MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.

  • The optional Part B (Sections I or II) consists of 30 questions, each carrying 2 marks

Sections

Sub-section

Number of Questions

Marks Allotted to Each Question

Total Marks

General Aptitude

-

10

1 or 2

15

Part A (Compulsory)

-

25

1

25

Part B (Section I or Section II)

Geology

30

2

60

Geophysics

30

2

60

Total

-

-

-

100

GATE Exam Pattern 2024 Architecture and Planning (AR) New Pattern

Candidates appearing for the GATE Architecture and Planning (AR) paper can go through the latest GATE exam pattern 2024 for AR here -

  • The GATE 2024 AR exam paper consists of one section on General Aptitude worth 15 marks

  • The paper is further divided into two parts - Part A and Part B covering the entire GATE exam syllabus 2024. 

  • Part A of the GATE AR question paper is compulsory for all candidates. The total marks allotted to this section are 60.

  • Part B of the exam paper is optional wherein candidates are to choose between Section I and Section II. 

  • GATE AR Part B1 comprises questions on Architecture while Section B2 focuses on Planning. The total marks allotted to Part B are 25 marks. 

  • The paper is conducted online for a duration of 3 hours

Sections

Number of Questions

Marks Allotted to Each Question

Total Marks

General Aptitude

10

(5 x 1) + (5 x 2)

15

Part A (Compulsory)

39

(18 x 1) + (21 x 2)

60

Part B: Section B1 (Architecture) or Section B2 (Planning)

16

(7 x 1) + (9 x 2)

25

Total

55

-

100

GATE Exam Pattern 2024 Engineering Sciences (XE)

The GATE exam pattern 2024 for XE will help candidates know about the section-wise marks distribution, question pattern and so on. Students can find the important highlights of the GATE XE question paper below - 

  • The GATE XE paper comprises General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics (Section A), which are compulsory for all candidates.

  • Candidates are to choose any two additional portions from Section B

  • The General Aptitude section features 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks

  • 11 questions carrying 15 marks are asked from Section A of Engineering Mathematics

  • Section B (XE-B to XE-H) carries 22 questions worth 35 marks in total

  • The questions asked are mostly of MCQ, MSQ and NAT-type questions

  • The total marks allotted to GATE XE 2024 paper are 100 and the total time allotted is 180 minutes

  • The various subjects under Section B include - 

  1. XE-B – Fluid mechanics

  2. XE-C – Material Science

  3. XE-D – Solid mechanics

  4. XE-E – Thermodynamics

  5. XE-F – Polymer Science and Engineering

  6. XE-G – Food technology

  7. XE-H – Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Section

Number of Questions carrying 1 mark

Number of Questions carrying 2 marks

Total Number of Questions

Total Marks

General Aptitude

5

5

10

15

Section A (Engineering Sciences)

7

4

11

15

Section B (Any two)

9+9

13+13

22+22=44

35+35= 70

Total

30

70

65

100

GATE Exam Pattern 2024 Life Sciences (XL)

Candidates can check the GATE 2024 Life Sciences exam pattern mentioned below:

  • GATE XL paper comprises three sections - General Aptitude, Chemistry (Section P), and another Section with two additional subjects. 

  • The Chemistry section consisting of 150 questions worth 25 marks is common and compulsory for all candidates.

  • Numerical Answer Type questions are asked from the Chemistry section

  • The General Aptitude section also comprises 15 marks in total

  • Apart from Chemistry, candidates are to choose two additional subjects from the third Section (XL-Q to XL-U). This section carries 20 questions of 30 marks in total.

  • The various subjects under Section B include - 

  1. XL-Q – Biochemistry

  2. XL-R – Botany

  3. XL-S – Microbiology

  4. XL-T – Zoology

  5. XL-U – Food Technology

Section

Number of Questions carrying 1 mark

Number of Questions carrying 2 marks

Total Number of Questions

Total Marks

General Aptitude

5

5

10

15

Section P – Chemistry (Compulsory)

5

10

15

25

Section B (Any two)

10+10

10+10

20+20=40

30+30=60

Total

30

70

65

100

GATE Exam Pattern 2024 for Humanities and Social Sciences (XH)

Check out the detailed GATE exam pattern 2024 for XH in the section below -

  • The GATE XH exam paper consists of three sections and the total marks allotted are 100.

  • The General Aptitude and Section B1 (Reasoning and Comprehension) are compulsory for all candidates. 

  • 10 questions are asked from the General Aptitude section. Of these, 5 questions are worth 1 mark and the remaining 5 questions are of 2 marks each. The total marks allotted to this section are 15. 

  • The Reading Comprehension section consists of 15 questions

  • Apart from these, the paper comprises an additional subject, which candidates are to attempt. 

  • The various subjects under the additional section (XH-C1 to XH-C6) include:

  1. XH–C1: Economics

  2. XH–C2: English

  3. XH–C3: Linguistics

  4. XH–C4: Philosophy

  5. XH–C5: Psychology

  6. XH–C6: Sociology

Section

Number of Questions carrying 1 mark

Number of Questions carrying 2 marks

Total Number of Questions

Total Marks

General Aptitude

5

5

10

15

Section B1 - Reasoning and Comprehension (Compulsory)

5

10

15

15

Section C (Any one)

20

20

40

60

Total

30

70

65

100

Types of Questions in GATE 2024

The question paper of GATE includes 3 types of Questions- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) & NAT (Numerical Answer Type).

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

  • In MCQs, candidates are provided with 4 choices out of which one answer is correct. 

  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections.

  • There is a negative marking for every incorrect response i.e.

    • For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for marking an incorrect answer.

    • For 2 mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for marking an incorrect answer.

Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

  • Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions carrying 1 or 2 marks each in all the papers and sections.

  • NAT includes questions with a value or a real number as their answer.

  • NAT questions will be mentioned with, up to which decimal places, the candidates need to make an answer.

  • The answer has to be entered using the mouse. 

  • There won’t be any choices for these questions.

  • Using the keyboard must be avoided as it will lock your answer panel.

  • There is no negative marking for a wrong answer in NAT questions.

MSQ (Multiple Select Questions)

  • Each question will have a minimum of 1 to 4 correct answers, and the candidates will have to pick up all the right options.

  • There is no negative marking for the wrong attempt in MSQs

Question Pattern for GATE 2024 Exam

Questions in the GATE 2024 papers are designed to test the candidates' comprehensive and analytical skills. Here is a quick overview of the different forms of questions asked in the GATE exam that will help the students get an idea - 

  • Recall/Memorize – The GATE 2024 question paper had questions directly linked to the facts, formulas, principles, and laws as per the subject chosen. Through these types of questions, the candidates' memory and computational skills are put to the test.

  • Application – These are the questions that require applying the basic concepts learned by candidates to practical knowledge. This helps test the candidates' reasoning and computational skills. 

  • Comprehension – The GATE question pattern 2024 included questions based on comprehension to test the candidates' basic understanding of the respective field of study. To address these types of questions, students must have a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts to be able to draw simple conclusions.

  • Analysis and Synthesis – These refer to the questions comprising a mix of images, diagrams and data. Candidates should be able to solve these questions by analyzing the data provided in these images/diagrams.

GATE 2024 Marking Scheme

Candidates must take a look at the below-marking scheme of GATE 2024. The paper covers a total of 65 questions of 100 marks for each of the 30 subjects.

GATE Marks Distribution

Each GATE paper is divided into subsections and based on it the marking scheme of GATE is defined.

For Engineering Mathematics

  • This will have 5 questions of 2 marks each and 5 questions of 1 mark each. The remaining 70% weightage of total marks is acquired by the subject of the paper.

  • Engineering Mathematics will cover approximately 15% weightage out of 100 marks for the paper bearing codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, IN, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF and XE.]

For General Aptitude

  • This will have 5 questions of 2 marks each and 5 questions of 1 mark each

  • For the paper codes – AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH and XL, the General Aptitude will cover 15% out of 100 marks, and the other 85% of the total question paper will be covered by the subject of the paper.

For Subject Knowledge

This will have 25 questions of 2 marks each and 20 questions of 1 mark each.

Negative Marking in GATE 2024

  • In NAT questions, there is no provision for negative marking in the examination.

  • MCQs carrying 1 mark each, for them 1/3 marks will be deducted as a penalty for marking the incorrect response.

  • MCQs carrying 2 marks, for them 2/3 marks will be deducted for marking the incorrect response.

  • There is no negative marking for MSQs

Quick Link - GATE Admit Card 2024

How to Answer Questions in GATE 2024

Since GATE is an online entrance examination. Therefore, all the questions had to be answered in online mode. Candidates were required to answer the questions as per the question palette which was displayed showing the status of each question. The table below includes all the details regarding the question palette of GATE 2024.

You have answered the question

You have not answered the question, but have marked the question for review

You have not answered the question

You have answered the question, but marked it for review

You have not visited the question yet

----

Along with a good preparation strategy to crack the entrance exam, candidates must have a detailed understanding of the exam pattern of GATE 2024. GATE 2024 was held in online mode for 30 subjects (papers) with 3 sections namely, General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Specific subject of the paper. In all the papers, there were a total of 65 questions carrying 100 marks, out of which 10 questions carrying a total of 15 marks will be on General Aptitude (GA). The question paper of GATE includes 3 types of questions- MSQs (Multiple Select Questions), MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) & NAT (Numerical Answer Type) and GATE 2024 will be 180 minutes in duration.

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FAQs about GATE Exam Pattern

How many questions are asked in GATE exam?

There will be a total of 65 questions in GATE exam.

What type of questions are asked in GATE exam?

MCQ and NAT type of questions are asked in GATE exam.

Can I use a calculator in the GATE exam?

No, the candidates will have to use the virtual scientific calculator provided in the GATE exam.

How many marks are deducted for an incorrect answer in GATE?

There will be a deduction of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers in GATE.

What is the time duration for GATE exam?

GATE exam will be conducted for a total of 3 hours.

Which sections are there for GATE exam?

There will be 3 sections in GATE exam: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and Subject Specification Section.

Which are the highest-scoring sections in GATE exam?

The subject-specific section is the highest scoring section in GATE

Is there a sectional time limit for GATE exam?

No there is no sectional time limit for GATE exam.

What are NAT questions in GATE?

NAT is the numerical answer type in GATe where the answer is an integer or a real number.

Is GATE exam pattern the same for all branches?

No, there are some differences for different branches of GATE.

How many papers are there in the GATE 2024 exam?

The GATE 2024 exam is being conducted for a total of 30 papers after one new paper was added in the current year.

Which is the new subject that has been added to GATE 2024?

In GATE 2024, a new paper on Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA) has been added.

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-AnonymousUpdated on March 29, 2023 12:33 PM
  • 6 Answers
Diksha Sharma, Student / Alumni

Dear Student,

Yes, the students who are in their final year of graduation or are awaiting their results can also apply for GATE Exam. However, it is important for the candidates to generate their qualification degree at the time of admission. Recently, the examination authority has made several changes to the GATE eligibility criteria. To learn about the new GATE eligibility, read GATE Eligibility Requirements.

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Dear Student,

A Diploma in Engineering student cannot apply for GATE exam as the minimum eligibility for GATE exam is to hold a Bachelor's degree.

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