The official GATE 2026 organising institute is IIT Guwahati. The GATE 2026 Information Brochure and the AR syllabus were published on the GATE 2026 website (IIT Guwahati) in August 2025, and the exam is scheduled across February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026 (forenoon & afternoon sessions).
The AR syllabus for 2026 follows the standard three-part structure: General Aptitude (GA), Part A (Common) and Part B (choose Architecture B1 or Planning B2).
- Registration for GATE 2026 opened in late August 2025 (registration window announced on the official portal).
- Exam dates: Feb 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2026 (two sessions each day).
- Total marks: 100 (GA = 15 marks; Subject parts = 85 marks). Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes). Question types: MCQ, MSQ, NAT.
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Key Summary
If you’re aiming for GATE Architecture and Planning 2026, here’s everything you need to know:
- GATE 2026 will be conducted by IIT Guwahati and the official syllabus was released in August 2025 on the GATE 2026 portal.
- The AR paper has 65 questions for 100 marks: 15 marks for General Aptitude and 85 marks for the Architecture & Planning section.
- The syllabus has three parts — General Aptitude (common), Part A (common to all), and Part B (choose B1: Architecture or B2: Planning).
- The exam is 3 hours long and fully computer-based, with MCQ, MSQ, and NAT type questions and negative marking for MCQs.
What is GATE Architecture and Planning?
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national exam for admission to M.Tech, M.Plan, and research programmes in top institutes. The Architecture and Planning paper (code AR) is meant for students from B.Arch or B.Plan backgrounds.
It has three components:
- General Aptitude (GA) – 15 marks
- Part A (Common) – fundamentals of design, building science and planning
- Part B (B1 – Architecture / B2 – Planning) – specialization section chosen by the candidate
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper Code | AR |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Sections | General Aptitude, Part A (Common), Part B (Architecture / Planning) |
| Mode | Computer-Based (Online) |
| Marking | +1/+2 for correct, -1/3 negative for MCQs |
Ques. When is GATE AR held and how do I apply?
Ans. GATE AR is held once a year as part of the GATE exam window. For GATE 2026 the organising institute published dates and the registration window in 2025.
- Typical timeline: registration opens in Aug–Sept (previous cycle: Aug 2025), exam takes place in Feb (multi-day window).
- Application steps: create an account on the official GATE portal → fill form (personal + academic) → upload required documents → select exam city & session → pay fee → submit.
- Keep scanned copies ready: photo, signature, degree/provisional certificate (or certificate from college if in final year) and valid photo ID.
Ques. What documents do I need on exam day?
Ans. You must carry valid, original ID and the admit card to the exam centre. Rules are strict with no admit card or valid ID means you will not be allowed to sit the test.
- Must-have on exam day: Printed GATE admit card and one original valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, PAN, voter ID, driving licence).
- Carry only allowed items: pen (for rough work, if offline), water bottle; electronic devices, notes, calculators are not allowed.
- Follow centre instructions: report at the time printed on the admit card, carry face mask/medical items if required, and follow any COVID/health instructions listed.
Ques. How is the GATE AR score used and how long is it valid?
Ans. GATE AR score is used for admissions to M.Arch / M.Plan / PhD programmes and for PSU recruitment in some cases. A good GATE score + valid normalization/percentile can earn admission or financial support.
- Uses of the score: PG admissions (IITs, NITs, other universities), scholarships/fellowships, some PSUs for recruitment.
- Score validity: GATE score is generally valid for 3 years from the date of result (check current official notice for any changes).
- After results: institutes publish their own cutoffs and shortlists; GATE score alone does not guarantee admission as institute cutoff, interview/portfolios/GPAs matter too.
Check: GATE Application Form 2026
GATE Architecture and Planning Syllabus 2026
The AR paper follows the standard GATE marking and timing rules. GA is fixed at 15 marks while the subject part is 85 marks; expect the usual mix of 1-mark and 2-mark questions, with negative marking applicable to MCQs. Details of sessions and test dates are published in the GATE 2026 brochure.
Part A – Common Section
All students (Architecture + Planning) attempt this. It covers visual perception, space planning, graphics, and building basics.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Architectural Graphics | Orthographic & isometric drawings, 3D views, sections, scales, line types |
| Visual Composition | Principles, colour, balance, rhythm, proportion, visual hierarchy |
| Computer Applications | CAD, BIM basics, GIS overview, digital drawings |
| Human Factors | Anthropometrics, ergonomics, universal design, barrier-free design |
| Space Planning | Organisation of spaces, circulation, building byelaws, functional standards |
| Building Science | Climate responsive design, lighting, ventilation, acoustics, energy efficiency |
Part B1 – Architecture
If you choose the Architecture track, this section focuses on building design, construction, and professional practice.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| History & Theory | Indian & World architecture, modern movements, conservation |
| Materials & Construction | Brick, concrete, steel, timber, sustainable materials, detailing |
| Structures | Loads, structural systems, stability basics for architects |
| Building Services | Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, acoustics, fire safety |
| Design & Detailing | Foundations, walls, roofs, fenestration, finishes |
| Professional Practice | Project management, contracts, specifications, ethics, valuation |
Part B2 – Planning
If you choose Planning, the syllabus shifts to urban and regional development, transport, housing, and GIS.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Regional Planning | Settlement hierarchy, regional growth models, rural development |
| Urban Planning | Land-use planning, urban form, public spaces, master plans |
| Housing & Community | Housing standards, policies, social housing schemes |
| Infrastructure & Transport | Urban infrastructure systems, transportation planning, mobility |
| Planning Techniques | Surveys, planning laws, statistical analysis, decision-making models |
| GIS & Remote Sensing | Spatial data, mapping, spatial planning tools |
Section-wise weightage
Based on patterns from recent years (2021–2025) and 2025 question paper trends, Part A (common) and the Architecture/Planning specialisation together form the 85-mark subject section.
| Section | Weightage (approx.) |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 marks (fixed) |
| Part A — Common | ~40–50 marks |
| Part B1 — Architecture | ~35–45 marks (if chosen) |
| Part B2 — Planning | ~35–45 marks (if chosen) |
Also read: GATE Eligibility 2026
Exam schedule & registration
GATE 2026 exam dates were published in the GATE 2026 Information Brochure (Institute brochure PDF). Registration opened in late August 2025 (specific portal dates announced on official site).
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration start (GATE 2026) | Late August 2025 (portal: gate2026.iitg.ac.in). |
| Exam dates | Feb 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 (FN & AN sessions). |
| Syllabus/PDF upload | August 2025 on gate2026.iitg.ac.in (AR syllabus link). |
| Result & scorecard | As per GATE 2026 schedule (check portal after tests). |
Ques. What are the dates for GATE 2026?
Ans. The official GATE 2026 exam dates were announced by IIT Guwahati, which is the organising institute for this cycle. The exam will be held over two weekends in February 2026, with registrations starting months earlier.
- Registration window: Opens in August 2025, closes in September 2025
- Admit card release: Expected by January 3, 2026
Exam dates: February 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2026 (includes Architecture & Planning paper)
- Result declaration: March 16, 2026 (tentative as per current calendar)
Ques. Who will conduct the GATE in 2026?
Ans. The GATE exam is organised by a different IIT or IISc each year. For the 2026 cycle, the organising institute is IIT Guwahati, which has released the official syllabus and schedule for all papers including Architecture & Planning (AR).
- Organising Institute: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
- Responsible for releasing syllabus, notifications, admit cards, and results
- Manages the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) portal for 2026
Ques. Which exam centres are in GATE 2026?
Ans. GATE 2026 will be held in over 200 exam centres across India, divided into eight zonal regions. Candidates can choose three preferred cities when applying, and the system will allocate one of them.
- Number of cities: 200+ cities across India
- Zonal regions: IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee
- City examples: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Kanpur, Roorkee, Bhopal, Patna, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Trivandrum
- International centres may be announced (were paused in 2024–25, yet to be confirmed for 2026)
Get more information at: GATE 2026 Exam Date
Cutoff & qualifying marks for GATE Architecture and Planning
The qualifying cutoff for GATE AR varies yearly. Recent qualifying cutoffs (examples from 2023–2025) have hovered around 30–42 marks for General category depending on difficulty and number of candidates.
| Year | General (approx) | OBC-NCL / EWS (approx) | SC/ST/PwD (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (qualifying) | ~40 (general) | ~36 | ~26.6 |
| 2024 (qualifying) | ~41.5 (IISc reported) | ||
| 2023 (qualifying) | ~33.7 (IIT Kanpur) |
Ques. What is the cut off for GATE Architecture and Planning?
Ans. The cut-off for GATE Architecture and Planning (AR) varies every year based on factors like difficulty level and number of candidates. The cut-off is released after the results, and it differs for General, OBC-NCL/EWS, and SC/ST/PwD categories.
| Year | General | OBC-NCL/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 33.7 | 30.3 | 22.4 |
| 2024 | 35.4 | 31.8 | 23.6 |
| 2025 (expected) | 36+ | 32+ | 24+ |
- Cut-offs are qualifying marks to be eligible for scorecard and admission
- They do not guarantee admission as actual college cut-offs may be higher
- GATE 2026 cut-off will be announced in March 2026 with results
Ques. What is the marks distribution for GATE 2026?
Ans. The GATE Architecture & Planning paper has a fixed pattern and marks distribution. The paper has two sections: General Aptitude and Architecture & Planning with a total of 65 questions for 100 marks.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 |
| Architecture & Planning (Core) | 55 | 85 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
- Each correct MCQ/MSQ/NAT question carries 1 or 2 marks
- Negative marking: -1/3 for 1-mark MCQs and -2/3 for 2-mark MCQs
- No negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions
Ques. What is a good GATE rank for Architecture?
Ans. A good GATE rank depends on your goal — whether you want admission in top IITs/NITs or just a qualifying score. Generally, only a few hundred seats are available for M.Arch and M.Plan, so competition is tight.
- Top IITs/NITs: Rank under 200 is considered excellent
- Other reputed institutes: Rank under 500 is usually safe
- Qualifying only: Any rank under 1000 can help in PSU or other institute applications
Ques. Is 40 a good score in the GATE?
Ans. A raw score of 40/100 can be decent depending on the year’s difficulty, but usually it just crosses the qualifying cut-off. For competitive admissions, higher scores are needed.
- Usually translates to a GATE score around 400–450
- May qualify but not enough for IIT/NIT admissions in most years
- Considered borderline — safe score is generally 55+ marks
Check: GATE Cutoff Marks 2026
GATE Architecture and Planning Study Material
To prepare well, use a mix of textbooks, previous papers and visual guides. You can also search for GATE Architecture Study Material PDF Free Download.
| Resource | Usefulness |
|---|---|
| Architecture: Form, Space & Order (Ching) | Concepts of form, space, design principles |
| Architects’ Data (Neufert) | Anthropometrics, space standards |
| Building Construction (Punmia/Chakraborti) | Construction and materials |
| GATE AR Previous Papers (2021–2025) | Practice for question types, difficulty |
| NCERT Geography & Economics (Class 11-12) | Basics useful for planning theory |
| GIS & Remote Sensing Guides | Spatial data analysis for B2 track |
Preparation tips for GATE Architecture and Planning 2026
Based on analysis of past papers and the 2026 syllabus emphasis, candidates should balance drawing skills (Part A), theory & construction (B1) or GIS/planning methods (B2), and GA practice. Mock tests and time-bound sketching are critical.
Practical tips:
- Download the official GATE Architecture syllabus PDF and make a chapter-wise checklist.
- Start with Part A topics (graphics, composition, anthropometrics) that they are scoring and common to both tracks.
- For Architecture (B1): practice construction detailing and services questions.
- For Planning (B2): strengthen GIS, transport, housing and statistics basics.
- Solve last 8–10 years’ GATE AR papers under timed conditions.
- Keep a one-page crib sheet for codes, dimensions and common formulae.
Get more tips at: GATE Preparation 2026
FAQs
Ques. What is the syllabus for GATE Architecture and Planning?
Ans. The GATE Architecture & Planning syllabus is divided into three parts: General Aptitude (common to all papers), Part A (Common), and Part B (Architecture or Planning). It was officially released by IIT Guwahati on 8 August 2025 for the 2026 exam. This syllabus tests design, planning, construction, sustainability, and management concepts.
Key sections included:
- General Aptitude (15 marks) — Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, Spatial Aptitude
- Part A:
- Architecture and Design Basics
- Visual composition & Graphics
- Computer Applications
- Anthropometrics, Space Standards
Circulation, Universal Design
- Building Byelaws, Codes & Standards
- Part B1 (Architecture):
- History and Contemporary Architecture
- Building Construction & Structural Systems
- Building Services and Sustainability
- Environmental Planning and Design
- Urban Design, Landscape and Conservation
- Part B2 (Planning):
- Regional and Settlement Planning
- Planning Techniques and Management
- Infrastructure Planning
- Housing, Environment, Services and Infrastructure
Ques. Who is eligible for GATE Architecture and Planning?
Ans. Eligibility for GATE AR is based on education and nationality. Students from Architecture or Planning backgrounds can apply if they are in their final year or have completed the degree.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (B.Arch) / Planning (B.Plan) or equivalent.
- Final-year students of these degrees are also eligible.
- No age limit for appearing in GATE.
- Both Indian and foreign nationals can apply.
- Candidates from related fields like Civil Engineering or Design may also apply if they meet degree requirements.
Ques. Is GATE Architecture tough?
Ans. The GATE Architecture exam is considered moderately tough. It combines creative thinking and technical knowledge, which makes it different from science-heavy GATE papers. Success depends on design aptitude, planning concepts, and problem-solving skills.
Difficulty of the paper includes:
- Concept-based and application-oriented questions
- More theoretical and visual than calculation-heavy
- Consistent practice improves accuracy and speed
- Weightage often shifts each year, so mock tests are key
Ques. What is the total marks of GATE Architecture and Planning?
Ans. The GATE AR exam is a 3-hour paper with 65 questions worth 100 marks in total. The marks are split between general aptitude and subject sections.
Exam structure:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 | 15 |
| Part A (Common) | ~39 | Part of 85 |
| Part B (Architecture / Planning) | ~16 | Part of 85 |
| Total | 65 | 100 |
Ques. Which is the hardest subject in GATE?
Ans. This varies by individual, but most students find structural systems and planning techniques challenging due to their technical depth and large syllabus. Visual-based topics are easier but need creativity.
Commonly tough topics:
- Building Construction & Structural Systems
- Environmental Planning & Design
- Planning Techniques & Management
- Services and Infrastructure
- Quantitative Aptitude (for some students)
Ques. Is 3 months sufficient for GATE preparation?
Ans. Yes, 3 months can be enough if you plan well and focus on key topics. Many aspirants crack GATE with 90-day study plans by using previous papers and mock tests to strengthen weak areas.
Preparation tips:
- Make a strict weekly schedule for each topic
- Solve past 10 years’ GATE AR papers
- Focus on high-weightage subjects first
- Give full-length mock tests weekly
- Revise formulas, codes, and standards regularly
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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