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GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering Difficulty Level Prediction by Subject ExpertCollegeDekho News Desk, Hyderabad : CollegeDekho recently engaged in a detailed discussion with Dr. Skandha, who holds an M.Tech and a PhD and serves as the Head of the Computer Science & Engineering department at a reputed college in Hyderabad, about the GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering (ME) examination scheduled for February 14, 2026. During the conversation, Dr. Skandha shared his expert perspective on the exam’s structure and also highlighted the importance of a disciplined study plan, regular practice, and taking mock tests to prepare effectively.
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Subject Expert Insights on GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering Difficulty Level
Here are the insights shared on GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering Difficulty Level by our subject expert:
CollegeDekho: How do you think the difficulty level of GATE 2026 ME will change in comparison to previous years?
Dr. Skandha : If I look at the previous year's trend, the difficulty level is likely to be between moderate and difficult. Previously, Mechanical Engineering has been one of the toughest papers as it has a vast syllabus. So this year, it is quite likely that the questions will test deeper conceptual depth than numerical accuracy, with more focus likely on Thermodynamics and Manufacturing.
CollegeDekho: Which subjects do you think might carry the highest weightage this year within the syllabus?
Dr. Skandha : I think Manufacturing Engineering, Thermodynamics, Engineering Mathematics, and General Aptitude might be of the highest weightage in the examination. These four sections might comprise 60% of the paper.
CollegeDekho: What impact do you think Multiple Select Questions will have on the overall difficulty?
Dr. Skandha : Multiple-Select Questions will be the real rank deciders because they will have no partial marking and will require candidates to answer 100% conceptually. MSQs combined with NATs might comprise 32-40% of the paper. Since these sections will not have much scope for guessing, those students who rely on rote memorisation can perform well in these sections and secure good marks.
CollegeDekho: What do you think is the safe target score to secure a PSU job or an IIT seat in 2026?
Dr. Skandha : I feel a safe score would be 72 to 80%, given the increasing competition and expected moderate difficulty.
CollegeDekho: Any message you want to give to GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering aspirants?
Dr. Skandha : As a subject expert partner, my core message to GATE 2026 Mechanical Engineering aspirants is this: Master the "Art of Application" over the "Act of Memorization." Mechanical Engineering is a discipline where the syllabus is vast, but the fundamental laws (Newtonian Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Material Science) remain constant.
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