Is it necessary for a candidate to attempt all questions in GATE?
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3 Answers
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No, in fact a Candidate should note that if he or she is not sure about an answer to a question, they should surely try to avoid that question since there is a negative marking in the GATE examination. It is not mandatory to solve all the 65 questions and one must be totally sure while answering a question and not rely on the luck of guessing.
To know more about the GATE examination, refer to the official website from the examination or Shiksha.
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The question paper is divided into two sections: the subject-specific GATE paper worth 85 marks, and the general aptitude (GA), worth 15 marks. 10 questions make up the GA section. There are 2 marks for each question from 1-5 and 1 mark for each question from 6-10. There are 55 questions in the subject-specific GATE paper, out of which 1-22 are of 1 mark, and 26-55 are of 2 marks each.
There will be no marks awarded for any questions that are not answered. Negative marks will be awarded for incorrect answers to MCQs. Negative marking does not apply to questions with numerical answer types.
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No, it is not mandatory to attempt all questions in GATE. Attempt only those which you are sure of, as the exam follows negative marking. However, you can still put some guesswork for NATs and MSQs, as there is no negative marking for this.
Negative marking is only applicable on MCQ questions. where 1/3rd mark will be deducted for 1 mark question and 2/3rd mark will be deducted for 2-mark question.
Similar Questions for you
The GATE exam is conducted once a year. The entrance test takes place on multiple dates and shifts for 30 test papers. For 2026, IIT Guwahati is conducting the exam on February 7, 8, 14, and 15.
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
The GATE cutoff changes every year depending on seat intake, number of applicants appeared in exam, toughness of question paper, and previous cutoff trends. Candidates who meet cutoff score can participate for counselling.
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam, etc.
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
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