GATE 2027 Exam Pattern has been officially released by IIT Madras. The examination will be conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) in English. Each paper carries 100 marks and the total duration is 3 hours. Candidates can appear for one or up to two test papers from the permitted combinations (Official GATE 2027 Pattern).
1. GATE 2027 Exam Pattern – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Language / Medium | English |
| Total Questions | 65 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Question Types | MCQ MSQ NAT |
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 Marks (10 Questions) |
| Subject Section | 85 Marks (55 Questions) |
| Number of Test Papers | 30 Papers (Including New RA Paper) |
| Papers Allowed | 1 or up to 2 (From permitted combinations) |
| Negative Marking | Only for MCQs (Zero negative for MSQ & NAT) |
2. Section-wise Marks Distribution
The marks distribution across different GATE test papers is categorized as follows:
For Standard Engineering Papers (AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI):
- General Aptitude (GA):15 Marks
- Engineering Mathematics:13 Marks
- Subject Questions:72 Marks
- Total:100 Marks (65 Questions)
Papers with Specific Subject Distribution:
Some papers such as CY, DA, EY, MA, PH and ST have a different subject distribution with 15 marks for GA and 85 marks for the subject section (No separate Engineering Mathematics component). Special sectional patterns also apply to AR, GE, GG, RA, XE, XH and XL (IIT Madras Pattern).
3. Question Types in GATE 2027
GATE 2027 includes three types of questions in the Computer Based Test:
Multiple Choice Questions
Each question has 4 options with only one correct option.
Negative Marking AppliesMultiple Select Questions
Each question has 4 options with one or more options correct.
Zero Negative MarkingNumerical Answer Type
Candidates enter numerical answers using the virtual on-screen keypad.
Zero Negative Marking4. GATE 2027 Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks in the examination:
| Question Type | 1-Mark Questions | 2-Mark Questions | Partial Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Multiple Choice) | -1/3 mark deduction for wrong answer | -2/3 mark deduction for wrong answer | Not Applicable |
| MSQ (Multiple Select) | 0 (No Deduction) | 0 (No Deduction) | No Partial Marking |
| NAT (Numerical Answer) | 0 (No Deduction) | 0 (No Deduction) | Not Applicable |
5. GATE 2027 Two-Paper Option
A candidate may appear for one or two GATE papers. The second paper must be selected only from the officially permitted combinations. Candidates need to submit one single application; a separate application is not required for the second paper (Official Combinations).
- CS (Computer Science): Allowed with DA, EC, GE, MA, ME, PH, RA, ST
- RA (Robotics & Automation - NEW): Allowed with CS, DA, EC, EE, IN, ME
- EE (Electrical): Allowed with DA, EC, IN, PH, RA
- ME (Mechanical): Allowed with AE, CS, DA, IN, NM, PI, RA, XE
6. Important for GATE 2027 Preparation
The official website states that the GATE 2027 syllabi have been revised. A new Robotics & Automation (RA) paper has also been introduced, while changes have been made to the XE, XH and XL sectional codes and other paper details.
7. PwD Candidates Guidelines & Scribe Rules
Eligible PwD candidates may receive compensatory time (20 minutes per hour of examination, i.e., 1 hour extra for the 3-hour test) and/or scribe facilities according to the applicable Government of India guidelines and documentary requirements (GATE 2027 Guidelines).
8. GATE 2027 Exam Pattern – FAQs
9. Official GATE 2027 Links
| Official Purpose | Direct Official URL |
|---|---|
| GATE 2027 Official Website | gate2027.iitm.ac.in |
| Official Question Paper Pattern | Question Paper Pattern |
| Official Test Papers & Syllabus | Syllabus & Papers |
| Official Two-Paper Combinations | Permitted Combinations |
| Official Important Dates | Important Dates |