GATE Exam Pattern 2025 (Released): Subject-Wise Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, Chapter-Wise Weightage

Updated By Falak Khan on 15 Oct, 2024 15:51

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GATE Exam Pattern 2025

GATE exam pattern 2025 has been released by IIT Roorkee at gate2025.iitr.ac.in. The GATE 2025 exam pattern includes important details like marking scheme, section-wise weightage, exam duration, exam mode, total number of questions, etc. The GATE exam 2025 will be held on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025 in online mode as a Computer Based Test. GATE registrations 2025 have been started on August 28, 2024. The GATE exam duration is 3 hours. The GATE 2025 exam consists of 65 questions for both the general aptitude section and the core specialized sections. The GATE 2025 question paper will have multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-selection questions (MSQs), and questions with numerical answers (NATs). The exam will be held for 100 marks. There are a total of 30 papers in GATE 2025. As per the GATE marking scheme 2025, each question will be worth 1 or 2 marks. Along with the exam pattern, the GATE syllabus 2025 has also been released. 

The below GATE exam pattern 2025 has been specified for the Engineering subjects. All the details with regard to the GATE 2025 exam pattern can be checked on this page.  

GATE Exam pattern

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Highlights of GATE Exam Pattern 2025

Students appearing for the upcoming GATE exam can get an insight into the GATE 2025 exam pattern from the table below -

ParticularsDetails
Mode of ExaminationComputer-Based Test
Total No. of Papers30
Time3 Hours
Sections
  • General Aptitude
  • Paper Selected by student
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

Related Questions

Q1- Who will set the GATE 2025 paper?

Ans- The IIT Roorkee will set the GATE 2025 paper. The GATE 2025 has eight zonal centres - IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Madras. Each year GATE paper is set by different IIT or IISc. For the academic year 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee is conducting the GATE exam 2025.

Q2- What is the structure of the GATE 2025 exam?

Ans- The GATE 2025 exam will be held in CBT mode for a duration of 3 hours. There is no sectional limit in GATE 2025. A total number of 65 questions will be asked from which 10 questions will be from General Aptitude and 55 questions will be subject-specific. The GATE exam 2025 will be held for a total of 100 marks. There will be a negative marking in GATE for the wrong answer. 

Q3- How many papers are there in the GATE exam?

Ans- There are a total number of 30 papers in the GATE 2025 exam. You can attempt two papers in the GATE exam 2025. However, you have to pick two papers that are provided by the authorities in the GATE two paper combinations only. 

Q4- How many attempts for GATE?

Ans- There are no restrictions on the number of attempts in the GATE exam. If you failed this year you can take the GATE exam again in another year. 

Q5- Is GATE tougher than JEE?

Ans- The GATE exam is definitely more difficult than the JEE (Advanced or Mains) exams. The JEE papers concepts and questions at the 11th and 12th-grade levels, whereas the GATE exam tests undergraduate subject knowledge as well as the student's general aptitude. The GATE exam is for master’s admission for which more knowledge and preparation is required. Therefore, the GATE exam is tougher than the JEE Main.

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Is there any change in the GATE 2025 Exam Pattern?

The GATE exam pattern 2025 has not undergone any significant modifications. GATE 2025 will be held in CBT mode (online) for 3 hours, much like the previous year. There will be 30 subject papers in GATE 2025. The question paper features 65 questions from General Aptitude and other core subjects combined. The full marks allotted to each paper are 100 marks. students must refer to the above sections of this page for more information regarding the allocation of marks and other important details.

Related Questions

Q1- Has the GATE exam pattern 2025 changed by the authorities?

Ans- No, there have been no changes in the GATE 2025 exam pattern compared to the previous year's GATE paper pattern. 

Q2- Does the GATE exam pattern change every year?

Ans- No, the GATE exam pattern mostly doesn't change every year, it remains the same. Any changes to the GATE 2025 exam pattern will be notified on the official website at gate2025.iitr.ac.

Q3- Can I write two subjects for GATE?

Ans- Yes, you can appear for two GATE papers. IIT Roorkee has released the GATE two-paper combination 2025. You choose two papers in which you wish to appear from a list of GATE two combinations. 

Q4- If the GATE exam pattern 2025 doesn't change yearly, does the difficulty level of the paper remain the same?

Ans- Though the GATE exam pattern doesn't change yearly, the difficulty level of the paper varies. Every year, the GATE paper is set by a different IIT or IISc, and questions from the syllabus and cutoff changes are asked. Therefore, the difficulty level of the GATE exam varies every year. However, one important factor in judging the difficulty of the GATE exam is your exam preparation. If you studied hard for the GATE exam you will find the paper easy to solve. If your GATE exam preparation is not up to the mark you will find questions tough. 

GATE Exam Pattern 2025: Paper-Wise

The detailed paper-wise exam pattern of GATE 2025 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.

Related Questions

Q1- Does questions from Engineering Mathematics will be asked in all the GATE papers?

Ans- No, Engineering Mathematics will not be included in all the GATE papers. Engineering mathematics questions are not included in question papers with the codes AR, CY, EY, GG, M.A., PH, and XL. Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude are the compulsory sections, GATE papers with codes AE, AG, BT, CE, CH, CS EC, EE, IN ME, MN, MT, PE, PI TF, and XE.   

Q2- How many questions are asked in the GATE General Aptitude section?

Ans- In the GATE 2025 exam, students will answer 10 questions from the General Aptitude section, with 5 questions worth 2 marks and 5 questions worth 1 mark. In total, there will be ten questions worth fifteen marks from the General aptitude section in the GATE exam. 

Q3- What is the GATE exam pattern for aerospace engineering?

Ans- The GATE Aerospace Engineering paper will have a total of 65 questions. The questions will be asked from General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and core Aerospace Engineering syllabus. There will be MCQ and NAT-type questions asked in the GATE Aerospace Engineering exam. 

Q4- What is the GATE exam pattern for computer science engineering?

Ans- The GATE CSE Exam Pattern 2025 consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks. There will be three types of questions asked: multiple choice questions (MCQ), multiple select questions (MSQ), and numerical answer type (NAT).

Q5- Is Engineering Mathematics part of the GATE Mechanical Engineering paper?

Ans- Yes, GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) will include Engineering Mathematics questions for 13 marks, General Aptitude questions for 15 marks, and core ME-specific questions worth 72 marks. 

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Types of Questions in GATE 2025

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, students 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 students 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 students will have to pick up all the right options.

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

Related Questions

Q1- What are the question types in GATE?

Ans- The GATE 2025 exam will include 3 types of questions namely Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT).

Q2- Is GATE an MCQ-type exam?

Ans- In the GATE 2025 exam, MCQ-type questions will be asked along with the  MSQs, and NAT questions. 

Q3- Is the GATE exam subjective or objective?

Ans- The GATE question paper includes both multiple-choice (MCQ) and numerical response-type questions. The GATE exam for all papers is administered as a Computer Based Test (CBT), with questions given in a random order on a computer screen. You must either choose the answer (for MCQ questions) or enter the answer (for numerical questions) using a mouse on a virtual keyboard. You will be given blank paper sheets to use for rough work.

Q4- What is MSQ in GATE?

Ans- MSQ stands for Multiple-select Questions (MSQ) in the GATE exam. MSQ-type questions include more than one correct option from the four options provided. students have to mark all the correct options in MSQ questions. These questions do not have any negative markings.

GATE 2025 Marking Scheme

Students must take a look at the below-marking scheme of GATE 2025. 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 2025

  • 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 2025

Related Question

Q1- Does MSQ have a negative marking in the GATE?

Ans- No, MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) type questions will not have negative marks in the GATE 2025 exam. 

Q2- What is the GATE marks distribution for the Chemistry paper?

ANs- The GATE Chemistry paper will have two sections namely General Aptitude carrying  15 marks and Subject-specific questions which will carry 85 marks. There will be no Engineering Mathematics section in the GATE Chemistry paper.

Q3- What is the marks pattern for GATE 2025?

Ans-  Each GATE 2025 paper carries 100 marks; General Aptitude (GA) is common to all papers (15 marks), while the remaining paper covers the specific test paper syllabus (85 marks).

Q4- Will there be negative markings for NAT questions in GATE 2025?

Ans- No, there will be no negative marking for the NAT question in GATE 2025. 

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FAQs about GATE Exam Pattern

How many times in a year is the GATE exam conducted?

The GATE exam is conducted only once a year.

Can I use a physical calculator during the GATE 2025 exam?

No, students are offered a virtual scientific calculator during the GATE exam 2025.

Is the GATE exam pattern 2025 released?

Yes, the GATE exam pattern 2025 has been released by IIT Roorkee.

What are the two paper combinations for the GATE exam?

Students can take two papers in the GATE exam. Students have free choice between the two papers, but only from the paired combinations provided. This facility is known as the two-paper combo facility. The student must understand that the selection of two papers must be made based on their qualifying degree and the course for which they desire to pursue further studies.

 

Will GATE 2025 be tough?

GATE 2025 is a national level exam so its difficulty level is tough. However, if you prepare well for the exam, dedicate yourself to your studies, focus on the syllabus, solve several previous year papers, mock tests, etc then you will surely pass the exam 

 

Is GATE exam pattern the same for all branches?

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

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 there a sectional time limit for GATE exam?

No there is no sectional time limit for GATE exam.

Which sections are there for GATE exam?

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

What is the time duration for GATE exam?

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

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 type of questions are asked in GATE exam?

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

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