Marking Scheme and Number of Questions

Duration of GATE Exam

The duration of GATE examination is 3 hours, at the end of the stipulated time (3-hours), computer automatically closes the screen inhibiting any further action.

Distribution of Marks and Questions

• General Aptitude (GA) : In all papers, GA questions carry a total of 15 marks. The GA section includes 5 questions carrying1-mark each (sub-total 5 marks) and 5 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total of 15 marks and 10 questions).

• Technical Papers: These papers would contain 25 questions carrying 1-mark each and 30 questions carrying 2-marks each (sub-total 55 Qestions and 85 marks).

Paper Pattern

Types of Questions

GATE paper contain questions of two different types in all the papers:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): These are objective tpe questions. MCQ questions have four choices out of which only one is correct. Each MCQ can have weightage of 1 or 2 mark.
2. Numerical Answer Type (NAT):  These are fill in the blank type questions for which no option is given. Each question carry weightage of 1 or 2 marks. The answer for these type of questions is a signed real number, which is to be entered with the help of a virtual numeric keypad on the monitor of PC. The keyboard of PC remains disabled.

Negative Marking for Wrong Answers:

1.  For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be negative marking. For 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. Likewise, for 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer.
2. There is NO negative marking for a wrong answer in NAT questions.

Note:

• GATE examination is conducted for 24 subjects. A candidate can appear for only one of the 24 subjects.

• The examination for all the papers is conducted in an ONLINE Computer Based Test (CBT) mode where the candidates will be shown the questions on a computer screen.

• A Virtual Scientific Calculator will be available on the computer screen during the examination. Candidates have to use the same during the examination.

• Personal calculators, wristwatches, mobile phones or any other electronic devices are NOT allowed inside the examination hall. Candidates should not bring any charts/tables/papers into the examination hall.

• Scribble pads will be provided to the candidates for any rough work. The scribble pad must be returned to the invigilator at the end of the examination.

Subjects in GATE