This article will talk about the GATE 2026 vs GATE 2025. It will compare GATE 2026 with GATE 2025 by considering multiple factors and changes that have taken place. Let’s go in-depth into this article to understand the main difference between GATE 2025 and GATE 2026.
Download Free GATE Previous Year Question Papers with Official Answer Key
GATE 2026 vs GATE 2025: Will the Competition Get Tougher?
The primary distinction is that GATE 2025 was administered by IIT Roorkee, whereas GATE 2026 will be administered by IIT Guwahati. The syllabus for 2026 has been upgraded with more sophisticated subjects, and although the degree of difficulty is anticipated to be comparable to that of 2025, competition may be more fierce because PSUs and postgraduate admissions are becoming more popular.
GATE 2026 Overview
In India, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a nationally recognised entrance exam for postgraduate engineering and science programs such as Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Technology (MTech), and direct PhD admissions in esteemed universities such as IITs, NITs, and IIITs, as well as entry-level positions in prestigious public sector jobs (PSUs).
Every year, the National Coordination Board-GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI), is represented by the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
GATE 2026 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | GATE 2026 |
| GATE Full Form | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati (Tentative) |
| Registration Start | August 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (No Late Fee) | September 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Late Fee) | October 09, 2025 |
| Exam Date | 7,8,14,15 (February) |
| Purpose | Admission to M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D. programs, PSU recruitment eligibility |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Number of Papers | 30 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| Score Validity | 3 years |
| Official Website | https://www.iitg.ac.in/ |
What’s New for GATE 2026?
The main changes for GATE 2026 are the addition of a new sectional paper, Energy Science (XE-I), under the Engineering Sciences (XE) category, and revised application fees. Candidates may still present for up to two papers, but only certain combinations are allowed. A sample paper for the new part is available.
Significant changes for GATE 2026
- A fresh sectional paper. There is now a new sectional paper named Energy Science (XE-I) in the Engineering Sciences (XE) paper.
- Although they are restricted to a specific list, combinations of two papers are still allowed.
- Application fees: The fee for all candidates is still Rs. 2000, but it has been reduced to Rs. 1000 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
- Sample paper: To help you prepare for the upcoming part, a sample Energy Science (XE-I) question paper with a solution is provided.
- Exam dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 will be the dates of the computer-based exam.
Competition Comparison: GATE 2026 vs GATE 2025
| Comparison Aspect | Details (Based on Image Analysis) |
|---|---|
| Competition Intensity | |
| Applicant Trend (2025 vs 2022) | The number of GATE applicants has been steadily increasing, with 2025 seeing a rise of over 10% compared to 2022. |
| 2026 Competition Forecast | Trend is anticipated to continue, leading to a surge in competition, especially in popular branches (CS, EC, EE). |
| Score & Rank Impact | Increased competition means a candidate’s normalized score and rank might be lower in 2026 compared to 2025, even with a similar raw score. |
| Exam Difficulty and Pattern (2026 vs 2025) | |
| Overall Difficulty | GATE 2026 is predicted to be moderately difficult, similar to the 2025 paper. |
| Question Type Trend | Expected to feature more tricky and conceptually-based questions. |
| Weightage Shift | There may be a higher weightage (30-40%) for Numerical Answer Type (NAT) and Multiple Select Questions (MSQ). |
| Preparation Strategy (Based on 2026 Pattern) | |
| Core Focus | Build a strong conceptual foundation to tackle tricky questions. |
| Practice | Practice NAT and MSQ questions frequently, as they will likely form a significant portion of the exam. |
| Initial Priority | Prioritize accuracy and conceptual clarity over speed initially. |
Difficulty Level: Will GATE 2026 Be Tougher?
We are giving you the anticipated level of difficulty for GATE 2026 based on our team’s analysis of the GATE exam questions from the last few years. Factors influencing the prediction are also included in this table. See the estimated level of difficulty for the GATE 2026 questions below.
| Branch | Predicted Difficulty Level | Key Factors Driving Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| CSE (Computer Science & Engg.) | Moderate-to-Tough | More MSQs/NATs on algorithms, DBMS, OS, Computer Networks, ToC, and competition among working professionals |
| EE (Electrical Engineering) | Tough | Heavy on numerical problems; power systems, machines, and signals expected to be lengthy. |
| EC (Electronics & Communication) | Moderate-to-Tough | More focus on communication, signals, and digital circuits; VLSI weight may rise. |
| ME (Mechanical Engineering) | Moderate | Standard mix of theory + numericals; design and thermodynamics will remain scoring. |
| CE (Civil Engineering) | Moderate | Structural and environmental expected to dominate; numericals in geotech and transportation. |
| DS (Data Science & AI) | Moderate-to-Tough | Paper still evolving; focus on ML, probability, statistics, data interpretation, and coding logic. |
Is CSE expected to be tough this year?
This year aspirants are all set to perform good with the engineering skills as only 84-85 days left for the GATE 2026. One of the prestigious institutes IIT Guwahati, will going to set GATE 2026 exam paper which is well known for its Computer Science department. So, due to their expertise in CSE, many aspirants may get let behind in thinking about a common question – What will be the difficulty level of exam?
So according to the past year trend analysis also, CSE would expected be of Moderate-to-Tough level. Aspirants should be effective across major areas like DBMS, Computer Networks, ToC, Programming, OS and more.
Also check the GATE 2026 CSE syllabus
Impact of PSU Recruitment Trends
The sections show the PSU recruitment trend, and since PSU is becoming the highlight among the GATE aspirants, this trend is going to be tougher in the coming years.
| Recruitment Aspect | Generic GATE PSU Trend |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Mode | PSUs use the GATE Score as the mandatory primary screening tool for shortlisting candidates. |
| Participating PSUs | A wide range of major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) consistently recruit, including Maharatnas and Navratnas (e.g., IOCL, NTPC, ONGC, HPCL, PGCIL, BHEL, SAIL, GAIL). |
| Cutoff Variability | Cutoffs are highly dynamic and fluctuate significantly year-to-year based on the specific PSU, Engineering Branch, Category, and the number of vacancies/exam difficulty. |
| Highest Competition | Cutoffs tend to be highest for core engineering branches like Mechanical (ME), Electrical (EE), Civil (CE), and Computer Science (CS) in the most sought-after PSUs. |
| Selection Stages | The selection process typically involves two stages: 1) Shortlisting based on the GATE score, and 2) Subsequent rounds, usually comprising a Group Discussion (GD) and/or Personal Interview (PI). |
| Final Merit | The final merit list is determined by a weighted composite score that includes the GATE score and the performance in the GD/PI rounds. |
| Application Criteria | A candidate must not only qualify the GATE exam but also score **above the specific PSU’s internal cutoff for their branch and category to be eligible for the interview. |
Higher Studies Demand & Academic Trends
Demand for Higher Studies specially through GATE is increasing every year by approximately 15 to 20%. The table below shows the complete statistics of GATE 2024 and GATE 2025, and this trend will increase in the coming GATE 2026.
| Particulars | GATE 2024 (Count) | GATE 2025 (Count) | Percentage Increase (2024 to 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total students who applied | 826,239 | 938,019 | +13.53% |
| Total students that appeared | 653,292 | 747,319 | +14.39% |
| Total students who qualified | 129,268 | 155,750 | +20.48% |
Preparation Strategy for GATE 2026
Candidates should follow the proper strategy for excelling in GATE 2026 exam. Below mentioned are some of them.
- Recognise the GATE Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Make a Successful Study Schedule
- Select High-Quality Study Resources
- Take Regular mocks and solve previous year question paper
- Regularly practise and revise to improve the time management.
FAQs on the GATE 2026 vs GATE 2025
For the GATE 2026 exam, how many papers may I take?
As long as the exam conducting authority permits it, candidates may take up to two GATE papers.
How reliable or valid is the GATE score?
After the results are announced, the GATE score is good for three years.
Are those with diplomas eligible to take the GATE exam?
No, holders with diplomas are not qualified to take the GATE exam. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a related science is required of candidates.
How many times a year is GATE held?
Every year, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is held to help in PSU recruitment and M.Tech. and Ph.D. admission.
Can students pursuing an M.Tech take the GATE exam?
Indeed, people studying an M.Tech are qualified to take the GATE exam in order to investigate better employment options in the PSU Jobs and Research industry.
