What is the GATE Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme?
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination conducted for assessing the comprehensive understanding of candidates in various engineering and science subjects. The exam evaluates both technical knowledge and general aptitude skills.
Understanding the GATE exam pattern and marking scheme is crucial for candidates to effectively prepare for the test. Below is a comprehensive and up-to-date guide on the GATE exam pattern and marking scheme.
1. GATE Exam Pattern Overview
The GATE exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), numerical answer type questions (NATs), and sometimes multiple select questions. The structure and the type of questions can vary depending on the paper you choose, but the overall exam follows a general format.
A. Type of Questions
The GATE exam is composed of three main types of questions:
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions have four options, out of which one is correct. You must choose the most appropriate option.
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: These are questions that require you to calculate the answer. No options are provided for these questions; you must type in the correct numerical value.
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): These questions have more than one correct answer. You will need to select all correct options. If you select an incorrect option, no marks are awarded.
B. Sections in the GATE Exam
The exam is divided into two main sections:
General Aptitude (GA): This is a compulsory section for all candidates, and it tests your general reasoning, analytical ability, and numerical skills.
- The General Aptitude section has 10 questions (total 15 marks).
- It includes questions related to verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, and basic mathematics.
Core Subject: This section includes questions from the engineering discipline you choose (e.g., Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.).
- The core subject section has 55 questions (total 85 marks).
- These questions are based on the technical content of your chosen paper, testing your knowledge in engineering, science, and technical concepts related to the discipline.
2. GATE Exam Paper Format
The GATE exam consists of a total of 65 questions. These 65 questions are split into two main sections:
General Aptitude (GA) – 10 questions
- Total Marks: 15
- Type of Questions: Multiple-Choice and Numerical Answer Type
- Topics Covered: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Reasoning
Core Subject – 55 questions
- Total Marks: 85
- Type of Questions: Multiple-Choice and Numerical Answer Type
- Topics Covered: Subject-specific topics in your chosen field of engineering/science
Total Marks for GATE: 100 marks
3. GATE Exam Duration
The total duration of the GATE exam is 3 hours. Candidates are required to complete all 65 questions within this time frame.
4. Marking Scheme
The GATE exam follows a specific marking scheme for different types of questions. Here's a detailed explanation of the marking system:
A. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1-Mark Questions:
- For each correct answer to a 1-mark question, 1 mark is awarded.
- If the answer is wrong, there is a negative marking of -1 mark.
2-Mark Questions:
- For each correct answer to a 2-mark question, 2 marks are awarded.
- For a wrong answer, there is a negative marking of -2 marks.
B. Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
- No Negative Marking: In the case of Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions, there is no negative marking for wrong answers.
- For each correct answer, the full marks assigned to the question are awarded, and no marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
C. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
- For MSQs, there are multiple correct answers. To receive full marks, you must select all the correct answers. If you select one incorrect answer, no marks will be awarded for the question.
5. GATE Marking Summary
| Question Type | Marks per Question | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer | Marking Details |
|----------------------------|--------------------|------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1 mark or 2 marks | +1 mark (for 1-mark) or +2 marks (for 2-mark) | -1 mark (for 1-mark) or -2 marks (for 2-mark) | Negative marking applies (if MCQ) |
| Numerical Answer Type (NAT) | 1 mark or 2 marks | +1 mark (for 1-mark) or +2 marks (for 2-mark) | No Negative Marking | No negative marking for wrong answers |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | 1 mark or 2 marks | Full marks if all correct options are selected | No marks if any wrong option is selected | No partial marking or negative marking |
6. GATE Exam Paper Codes and Questions Distribution
Different GATE papers have specific subject content, but the overall distribution of marks and question types is consistent across disciplines.
For Example:
- Computer Science (CS): 10 General Aptitude questions (15 marks) + 55 Core Subject questions (85 marks)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME): 10 General Aptitude questions (15 marks) + 55 Core Subject questions (85 marks)
Across all disciplines, the exam paper typically consists of:
- 1-mark questions: Around 15-20 questions
- 2-mark questions: Around 30-35 questions
- NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions: No negative marking
- MCQs (Multiple Choice): Negative marking applies
7. No Negative Marking for MSQs and NAT Questions
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: These questions have no options, and you must input a numerical value as the answer. If the answer is correct, you get the assigned marks, but if it's wrong, you don’t get any marks. No negative marking for these.
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): These questions may have more than one correct option. You must select all correct answers to score full marks. If you miss even one correct answer or select an incorrect answer, no marks will be awarded for that question. There is no negative marking for MSQs, but partial marking is not allowed.
8. Important Marking Details
Negative Marking in MCQs:
- 1-mark MCQs: -1 mark for incorrect answers.
- 2-mark MCQs: -2 marks for incorrect answers.
No Negative Marking in NAT and MSQs:
- In NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions, there is no negative marking. However, if the answer is incorrect, no marks will be awarded.
- MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) require the selection of all correct answers, and no partial marks are given for partially correct answers. No negative marking applies here.
General Aptitude Section:
- The General Aptitude (GA) section will contribute 15 marks (10 questions) to your total score, with questions ranging from basic mathematics and verbal ability to logical reasoning and numerical ability.
9. Important Points to Remember About GATE Exam Pattern
No Negative Marking in MSQs and NAT: While MCQs have negative marking, NAT and MSQs do not, making them less risky but still requiring precision in your answers.
No Partial Marking in MSQs: For multiple-select questions, you must get all options correct to score full marks. This requires careful consideration of each option before selecting your answer.
General Aptitude (GA) Section: The GA section tests your quantitative reasoning, verbal ability, and logical thinking. You cannot skip this section, as it is mandatory for all candidates.
Consistency in Marks: The number of questions and marks across disciplines are consistent, so no matter which paper you choose, the structure is quite similar.
10. Example of Marking in a Sample GATE Paper
Let’s say you are attempting a Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper:
- The GA section consists of 10 questions (1-mark and 2-mark) totaling 15 marks.
- The Core Subject section consists of 55 questions (1-mark and 2-mark) totaling 85 marks.
Let’s assume:
- You answer 5 of the 1-mark MCQs correctly: 5 x 1 = 5 marks
- You answer 5 of the 2-mark MCQs correctly: 5 x 2 = 10 marks
- You answer 3 of the 2-mark NAT questions correctly: **3 x 2 = 6