GATE Negative Marking: Learn All About the GATE Negative Marking Scheme Here
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is the modern-era gateway for having a flourishing career in the different fields of Engineering. The GATE exam not only evaluates a candidate’s understanding of engineering and science but also opens doors to prestigious postgraduate programs and research opportunities. So, understanding the negative marking scheme in GATE is crucial because careless guessing can significantly reduce your overall score, especially in high-weightage subjects. Smart preparation involves not just mastering the syllabus but also developing the judgment to skip questions you’re unsure about, because in GATE, accuracy is as important as knowledge.
GATE 2026 Question Paper Pattern: Marking Scheme and Question Distribution
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 marks |
| Applied Mathematics (XE-A) | 13 marks |
| Subject Questions (XE-B to XE-H) | 72 marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
Note:
The Applied Mathematics section (XE-A) is compulsory and contributes 13 marks, while General Aptitude adds another 15 marks. The remaining 72 marks come from the two optional subject sections (XE-B to XE-H), making up the total of 100 marks.
GATE Marking Scheme – Papers: AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15 marks |
| Subject Questions | 85 marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
| Question Type | Marks per Question |
|---|---|
| All Questions | 1 mark or 2 marks each |
Read More: GATE Marking Scheme 2026: Subject Wise Paper Pattern
GATE Negative Marking Scheme
| Question Type | Negative Marking | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ – 1 mark | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | — |
| MCQ – 2 marks | 2/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | — |
| MSQ (Multiple Select Questions) | No negative marking | No partial marking for partially correct answers |
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | No negative marking | — |
Types of Questions
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
These are the most common questions in GATE. Each MCQ has four answer options, but only one is correct. They are simple in format but include negative marking: 1/3 for 1-mark questions and 2/3 for 2-mark questions. MCQs test both your understanding of concepts and accuracy. Their difficulty can vary from easy (basic recall or formula-based) to very hard (application or multi-step reasoning). - Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
In MSQs, more than one option can be correct out of the four given. There is no negative marking, which encourages you to try them. However, there is no partial credit—you must select all correct answers to get points. These questions are usually moderate to difficult because they test a deeper understanding and careful analysis of concepts. - Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
These questions ask you to calculate and enter a numerical answer without any options, using a virtual keyboard. Like MSQs, there is no negative marking, so they are less risky to attempt. However, they can be tricky and take time, especially when units, approximations, or detailed calculations are involved. Their difficulty ranges from moderate to very hard, depending on the steps needed to solve them.
Read More: GATE Syllabus 2026
How to manage GATE negative marking – Experience-based suggestions:
Negative marking has a big impact on overall GATE scores. To reduce its effect in GATE 2026, candidates should try these strategies:
1. Strong Preparation: Understanding basic concepts well and preparing all subjects thoroughly can help avoid mistakes. Candidates should carefully study the GATE syllabus for their chosen subjects.
2. Good Time Management: Managing time wisely during the exam helps focus on questions they are confident about, lowering errors caused by rushing. Practicing with mock tests or past GATE papers under timed conditions can improve time management skills.
3. Smart Guessing by Eliminating Options: If unsure about an answer, candidates can eliminate wrong choices to increase their chances of guessing correctly. This method should be used carefully, keeping in mind the marking scheme and how confident they feel.
Read More: How to Prepare for GATE Exam 2026: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Conclusion:
If a candidate wants to get into IIT or NIT for M.Tech., then the candidate can target only easy-to-moderate and moderate-to-hard-level questions. But if you want a coveted PSU job or a seat in IISc for M.Tech., then you’ll have to target all the varieties of questions across all the difficulty levels.
In conclusion, the marking system in the GATE exam is the unseen arbiter, the silent companion in the aspirant’s journey. It is a puzzle that demands intellect and strategy, where success hinges not only on the correctness of answers but also on navigating the GATE negative marking scheme. As candidates embark on their GATE preparation journey, mastering the GATE marking scheme becomes a crucial step towards conquering the challenges that lie ahead.
If you need help preparing for GATE while mastering all the skills, tips, and nuances, you should consider signing up for the IMS GATE Academy Classroom or IMS GATE Academy Live Online programs. Apart from 750+ hours of classes, 350+ hours of recorded lectures, and 127+ sectional, subject-wise, and full-length mock tests, you also get 12 one-to-one mentoring sessions to plan out the perfect exam strategy customised to your strengths and weaknesses. These sessions are taken by our most experienced mentors and are geared towards helping you improve your GATE scores.
