GATE 2026 Exam Pattern for Chemistry has been released by IIT Guwahati on the official website at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. According to the GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026, the paper will be designed to test the candidate's comprehension of the concepts of chemistry and their applications.
- The Question Paper consists of General Aptitude and Chemistry (Core Subject) sections.
- General Aptitude carries 15% and Chemistry carries 85% weightage.
- The paper consists of 65 questions (MCQs, MSQs, and NATs) for a total of 100 marks.
- +1 or +2 marks are given for correct answers, while ⅓ and ⅔ negative marking for 1-mark and 2-mark questions is done, respectively.
- Candidates selecting Chemistry as one of the papers can also choose XE or PH as the second paper.
Refer to the detailed pattern and marking scheme in the GATE Chemistry Question Paper Pattern 2026.
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Key Summary
- GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026 comprises 65 questions in total. Out of these, 10 questions are from the General Aptitude (GA) section, and 55 questions are from Chemistry-specific subjects.
- The total time allowed for GATE Chemistry 2026 is 3 hours (180 minutes).
- 1 or 2 marks will be awarded for each correct answer, the maximum possible marks being 100.
- In the case of an incorrect answer to a 1-mark question, ⅓ marks will be subtracted.
- If the incorrect answer is for a 2-mark question, then ⅔ marks will be deducted.
- What is the pattern of the GATE Chemistry Exam?
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- Section-wise GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
- GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026-Section-Wise Weightage
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- GATE 2026 – Overview, Eligibility & Career Opportunities
- GATE Chemistry Exam Previous Year Question Papers
- GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026 For FAQs
What is the pattern of the GATE Chemistry Exam?
The GATE 2026 Chemistry (CY) exam will be a 3-hour computer-based test (CBT) of 100 marks. 15 marks are allotted for General Aptitude (GA) and 85 marks for Chemistry (CY).
- The paper will consist of MCQ, MSQ, and NAT-type questions.
- Each question will be worth 1 or 2 marks.
- Negative marking will only be accounted for in MCQs, while there will be no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions.
The GATE Chemistry 2026 exam is a test of the student’s concepts and their analytical skills. The exam does this by having different types of questions and a balanced marking scheme.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Number of Sections | 2 (GA & Chemistry) |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Question Types | MCQs, MSQs, NATs |
| Marking Scheme | +1 or +2 for correct, −1/3 for incorrect 1-mark MCQs, −2/3 for incorrect 2-mark MCQs; no negative marking for MSQs and NATs |
| Language of Exam | English |
| Expected Exam Date | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
Source: https://gate2026.iitg.ac.in/question-paper-pattern.html
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Ques. What will be the difficulty level of GATE Chemistry 2026?
Ans. Based on previous years’ trends, the GATE Chemistry paper is expected to be of moderate to high difficulty, testing both conceptual clarity and problem-solving speed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High |
| Focus Areas | Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical & Applied Chemistry |
| Question Type | MCQs, MSQs, NAT |
| Scoring Strategy | Accuracy and time management are crucial; negative marking (-1 for wrong MCQs) applies |
| Tip for Candidates | Practice previous year papers, focus on high-weightage topics, revise formulae and reaction mechanisms |
Ques. Who is eligible for GATE Chemistry 2026?
Ans. Candidates must hold a relevant undergraduate degree and meet GATE eligibility criteria to appear for the Chemistry paper.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | B.Sc, B.Tech, B.E, or equivalent in Chemistry or related fields |
| Minimum Marks | Varies by institute; generally passing marks in qualifying degree |
| Age Limit | No age restriction |
| Foreign Nationals | Eligible through GATE application, following specific guidelines |
| Other Requirements | Must fulfill institute-specific eligibility if applying for M.Tech/Ph.D. admissions |
Changes in the GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
IIT Guwahati is conducting the GATE Chemistry (CY) 2026. The exam format will be almost similar to that of the 2025 exam, with slight changes in distribution and more numerical-type questions.
- The paper is aimed at testing the concepts and the application-based understanding in continuous chemistry.
- The examination shall consist of 65 questions bearing 100 marks to be conducted through Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- This will be marginally increased with the NAT questions becoming more demanding, especially in Physical Chemistry.
- The questions will be at a medium level most of the time and a little bit higher than in 2025 because more application-oriented questions have been included.
| Component | GATE Chemistry 2025 | GATE Chemistry 2026 (Expected) | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 65 | 65 | No change |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 | No change |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Same | No change |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA), Chemistry (CY) | Same | No change |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT | MCQ, MSQ, NAT | Slight increase in NAT share |
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 questions (15 marks) | 10 questions (15 marks) | No change |
| Chemistry Section | 55 questions (85 marks) | 55 questions (85 marks) | No change |
| Weightage Distribution | Physical (30%), Inorganic (35%), Organic (35%) | Physical (32%), Inorganic (33%), Organic (35%) | Minor shift towards Physical Chemistry |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate to Slightly Tough | More conceptual and numerical-based |
| Marking Scheme | 1 or +2 for correct; -⅓ or -⅔ for wrong (MCQ only) | Same | No change |
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | No change |
| Paper Code | CY | CY | No change |
| Expected Cut-off (General) | 25–28 marks | 26–30 marks | Slight increase expected |
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Ques. What are the total marks and structure of the GATE 2026 Chemistry paper?
Ans. The GATE Chemistry (CY) 2026 paper is of 100 marks, consisting of 1- and 2-mark questions. The paper has 2 main sections: General Aptitude (GA) and Chemistry (CY).
| Section | Total Questions | Total Marks | 1-mark Qs | 2-mark Qs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 | 15 | 5 | 5 |
| Chemistry (CY) – Core Subjects | 55 | 85 | 30 | 25 |
| Total | 65 | 100 | 35 | 30 |
Ques. Are there any special considerations for partial answers?
Ans. The details are given below for the GATE 2026 Chemistry exam pattern:
- MSQs (Multiple Select Questions): No partial credit – all selected options must be correct.
- NATs (Numerical Answer Type): Marks awarded if the answer is within the accepted range to account for rounding or calculation differences.
Section-wise GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
The 2026 GATE Chemistry Exam will be divided into two parts: General Aptitude and Chemistry. The total duration will be 3 hours for a maximum of 100 marks. The total number of questions will be 65. Only MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions shall be present.
GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026
- The candidate's understanding of the following topics in Chemistry: Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and General Chemistry, will be the focus of the Chemistry section.
- Questions based on the concepts, numbers, and applications will be there.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Section Time | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| MCQs | Approx. 35–40 |
| MSQs | Approx. 10–15 |
| NATs | Approx. 10–15 |
| GA Questions | 10 questions (15 marks) |
| CY Questions | 55 questions (85 marks) |
GATE General Aptitude (GA) Exam Pattern 2026
- The GA section of GATE Chemistry 2026 would test the candidates' proficiency in language and analytical skills.
- It would be common for all GATE papers and carry a total of 15 marks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 10 |
| Total Marks | 15 |
| Section Time | 3 hours (shared with CY section) |
| Question Types | MCQ, NAT |
| MCQs | Approx. 5–6 |
| NATs | Approx. 4–5 |
| Topics Covered | Verbal Ability (Grammar, Vocabulary) and Numerical Ability |
Ques. What Subjects are Covered in GATE Chemistry 2026?
Ans. The GATE Chemistry exam will test candidates on core chemistry topics, including Physical, Organic, Inorganic, and Analytical & Applied Chemistry.
| Subject | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Quantum Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Electrochemistry |
| Organic Chemistry | Reaction Mechanisms, Stereochemistry, Organic Synthesis, Functional Group Transformations |
| Inorganic Chemistry | Coordination Chemistry, Main Group Chemistry, Transition Metals, Bioinorganic Chemistry |
| Analytical & Applied Chemistry | Instrumental Analysis, Chromatography, Material Chemistry, Polymers, Environmental Chemistry |
Ques. Is GATE Chemistry the same as a Chemistry Degree?
Ans. The GATE Chemistry exam is an entrance test, whereas a Chemistry degree (B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) is the academic qualification candidates possess to appear for GATE.
| Aspect | GATE Chemistry (CY) | Chemistry Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Entrance exam for M.Tech/Ph.D admissions | Undergraduate or graduate academic qualification |
| Purpose | Admission to postgraduate programs in IITs, NITs, IISc, and other institutes | Provides fundamental and advanced knowledge in chemistry |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati | Universities or colleges |
| Duration | 3-hour exam | 3–4 years (B.Sc/B.Tech) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field | Completion of curriculum requirements for degree |
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GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026-Section-Wise Weightage
- In GATE 2026 Chemistry exam pattern, the question paper, around 85% of the total marks questions come from the core Chemistry syllabus consisting of Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry, with the remaining 15% consisting of General Aptitude.
- The distribution below is based on previous years' papers and trends, thus giving a clear understanding of what exactly to stress in the preparatory work.
| Section | Weightage (%) | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15% | 7–8 |
| Physical Chemistry | 25–27% | 14–16 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 22–24% | 12–14 |
| Organic Chemistry | 33–35% | 19–21 |
Ques.What’s the weightage of Core Chemistry?
Ans.The core Chemistry portion (excluding GA) makes up around 85 marks in total - that’s roughly 55-58 questions out of 65.
| Topic | Approx. Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | (25–27%) |
| – Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy | 5–7% |
| – Thermodynamics & Kinetics | 6–8% |
| – Electrochemistry / Surface / Statistical | 4–6% |
| – Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure | 4–6% |
| Inorganic Chemistry | (22–24%) |
| – Coordination & Organometallic Compounds | 6–8% |
| – Main Group Elements & Bonding | 6–7% |
| – Bioinorganic / Descriptive Chemistry | 4–6% |
| Organic Chemistry | (33–35%) |
| – Reaction Mechanisms & Named Reactions | 8–10% |
| – Spectroscopy (NMR, IR, MS) & Stereochemistry | 6–8% |
| – Organic Synthesis & Functional Groups | 8–10% |
| – Physical Organic (Reactivity, Acids/Bases) | 4–6% |
GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern Comparison (2026 vs 2025)
- There are very minor variations in the distribution of the marks and type of questions that have come in the GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026 compared to Chemistry 2025. General Aptitude will also be the same with 15 marks.
- While in the Chemistry section, the MSQs have increased marginally, MCQs have been reduced in a bid to give way to concept-based evaluation.
- NAT questions are still a significant portion of it, in which problem-solving and analytical reasoning have been emphasized.
Overall, GATE 2026 Chemistry would keep a proper balance in conceptual and numerical understanding to judge your depth in core chemistry.
| Section | GATE 2025 Marks Distribution | GATE 2026 Marks Distribution (Expected) | MCQs (approx.) | MSQs (approx.) | NAT (approx.) | Notable Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 15 Marks | 15 Marks | 10 | – | 5 | No change |
| Physical Chemistry | 25 Marks | 25 Marks | 10 | 5 | 10 | Slight rise in MSQs |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 25 Marks | 25 Marks | 12 | 6 | 7 | More conceptual MSQs |
| Organic Chemistry | 35 Marks | 35 Marks | 14 | 7 | 14 | Increase in NAT-type questions |
| Total | 100 Marks | 100 Marks | 46 | 18 | 36 | More MSQ & NAT emphasis for concept testing |
Read more :
GATE 2026 – Overview, Eligibility & Career Opportunities
- This video comprises all the information related to GATE 2026, covering everything from eligibility and syllabus to exam pattern and career prospects.
- The engineering graduates, MSc students, and final-year students of B.Sc. in sciences and humanities are the beneficiaries of this exam.
- It is a 3-hour computer-based test comprising General Aptitude and subject-specific questions; it consists of MCQs, MSQs, and NATs, with negative marking applicable only for MCQs.
- So, the selection of an applicable subject is important at the time of application. The syllabus and pattern of the examination are also different for different disciplines like Chemical Engineering and Chemical Sciences.
- A good score in GATE will grant admission to M.Tech and Ph.D. courses in IITs and IISc; qualify for a Junior Research Fellowship; and recruitment by PSUs such as ONGC, DRDO, ISRO, IOCL, and NTPC.
- This is very similar to NET. The GATE syllabus for chemistry students consists of physical, inorganic, organic, analytical, and instrumental topics.
- Preparing for GATE not only enhances academic opportunities but also boosts professional prospects.
GATE Chemistry Exam Previous Year Question Papers
Check the previous years’ GATE Chemistry question papers from the table:
| Year | GATE Chemistry Question Paper PDF Download Link |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Click Here |
| 2022 | Click Here |
| 2021 | Click Here |
| 2020 | Click Here |
| 2019 | Click Here |
| 2018 | Click Here |
| 2017 | Click Here |
| 2016 | Click Here |
| 2015 | Click Here |
| 2014 | Click Here |
| 2013 | Click Here |
| 2012 | Click Here |
| 2011 | Click Here |
| 2010 | Click Here |
| 2009 | Click Here |
| 2008 | Click Here |
| 2007 | Click Here |
GATE Chemistry Exam Pattern 2026 For FAQs
Ques. What is the GATE exam for Chemistry 2026?
Ans . GATE Chemistry exam, hence, CY, is conducted at the national level to test the aptitude in undergraduate knowledge for the award of M.Sc., Ph.D., and research degrees or for recruitment purposes in PSUs.
- The paper contains topics from Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry, besides General Aptitude.
- It is a conceptual clarity and an analytical ability test rather than rote memorization.
- With a valid GATE CY score, candidates can go for higher studies at premier institutes like IITs, IISc, NITs, or apply for research fellowships and PSU positions.
| Section | Weightage | Major Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | ~30% | Thermodynamics, Quantum Chemistry, Kinetics |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ~30% | Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, Periodicity |
| Organic Chemistry | ~30% | Reaction Mechanisms, Spectroscopy, Biomolecules |
| General Aptitude | 15 marks | Verbal & Numerical Ability |
Ques. What is the pattern of GATE exam 2026?
Ans. In the GATE 2026 Exam, the exam will be held in Computer-Based Test mode.
- It contains 65 questions with a total of 100 marks, to be finished within 3 hours.
- MCQs, MSQs and NAT questions Multiple select Questions and Numerical Answer Type questions. Negative marking only for MCQs.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 | 15 | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Subject-specific (Chemistry) | 55 | 85 | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Total | 65 | 100 | — |
Ques. Who will conduct the GATE exam in 2026?
Ans. The GATE 2026 exam could be conducted by IIT Guwahati.
- The conducting body keeps on changing every year amongst the IISc Bangalore and seven IITs-Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, and Roorkee.
- Once declared, the official notification, detailed syllabus, registration link, and admit card will be made available on the official GATE website of the conducting institute
| Year | Conducting Institute |
|---|---|
| 2023 | IIT Kanpur |
| 2024 | IISc Bangalore |
| 2025 | IIT Roorkee |
| 2026 (Expected) | IIT Guwahati |
Ques. What is the two-paper combination in GATE 2026?
Ans. GATE 2026 permits the candidate to take two papers, provided both come under the combination approved list.
- In the case of Chemistry (CY), the option for another related paper is XH for Humanities or XL for Life Sciences, where the candidate feels interested and is eligible.
- It also helps in finding the interdisciplinary fields like Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or Biotechnology.
| Primary Paper | Allowed Second Papers |
|---|---|
| CY (Chemistry) | XL (Life Sciences), XH (Humanities) |
| CH (Chemical Engineering) | CY, XE |
| BT (Biotechnology) | XL, CY |
Ques. Is GATE paper 2 compulsory?
Ans. No, GATE Paper 2 is not compulsory. The candidate can appear in either one or two papers.
- Yes, it does prove to be advantageous for students who are targeting interdisciplinary programs or research fields.
- If you intend to specialize deep, you may apply for only one paper in your primary discipline.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Paper | Default and most common choice |
| Two Papers | Optional; must be from allowed combinations |
| Compulsory? | Not mandatory |
Ques. What is the easiest paper in GATE?
Ans. Some papers in GATE are generally considered easier owing to a more manageable level of difficulty with respect to the syllabi and moderate competition.
- Papers such as Environmental Science (ES), Engineering Sciences (XE), and Life Sciences are usually undemanding in comparison with the technical branches like CSE, EE, or ME.
- For Science students, Chemistry CY is set as a moderately competitive subject with a stable cutoff trend.
| Paper | Difficulty Level | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science (ES) | Easy | Moderate |
| Life Sciences (XL) | Easy–Moderate | Low |
| Chemistry (CY) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Computer Science (CS) | Tough | Very High |
*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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