As per the latest notification, the GATE Physics(PH) exam will be conducted in February 2026 by IIT Guwahati. The exam will consist of 65 questions for 100 marks to be answered in 3 hours.
- General Aptitude will ask 10 questions for 15 marks.
- The Core Physics subject will ask 55 questions for 85 marks.
- Engineering Mathematics is excluded from this paper.
- Negative marking of (1/3) for 1-mark MCQs and (2/3) for 2-mark MCQs applies, but there is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs.
You can download the official GATE Physics syllabus and exam pattern from its official website.
Key Summary
- The GATE Physics exam pattern is released by IIT Guwahati for February 2026.
- The GATE Physics exam pattern will be of 65 questions, for 100 marks total.
- Negative marking of (1/3) for 1-mark MCQs and (2/3) for 2-mark MCQs applies, but there is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs.
- General Aptitude will have 15 marks, and Core Physics will have 85 marks.
Also Read:
- What is the GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026?
- GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026: Highlights
- GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026 Analysis
- GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026: Marking Scheme
- GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
- GATE Physics 2026 Preparation
- GATE Physics 2026 Previous Year Questions
- GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026 FAQs
What is the GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026?
The GATE exam pattern for Physics(PH) 2026 describes the number of questions, division of sections, and the marking scheme.
- A total of 65 questions for 100 marks will be asked.
- 55 questions from Core Physics and 10 questions from General Aptitude will be asked.
- The exam will have questions across MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.
- No negative marking will be there for MSQs and NATs.
Also Read:
GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026: Highlights
A table below highlights the GATE exam pattern for Physics(PH) 2026:
| PARTICULARS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| EXAM NAME | GATE Physics(PH) |
| ORGANIZING INSTITUTE | IIT Guwahati |
| MODE | Computer-Based Test (CBT), i.e., online on a computer. |
| DURATION | 3 hours (i.e., 180 minutes). |
| TOTAL QUESTIONS | 65 questions. |
| TOTAL MARKS | 100 marks. |
| TYPE OF QUESTIONS |
|
| MARKING SCHEME |
|
Also Read:
Ques. Who will organise the GATE Physics exam for 2026?
Ans. Every year, a different IIT organises the GATE exam.
- For 2026, IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE Physics 2026 exam.
- The IITs who have organised the GATE exam for the last 5 years are listed below:
| Year | Conducting Institute |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 | IIT Guwahati |
| GATE 2025 | IISc Bangalore |
| GATE 2024 | IIT Kanpur |
| GATE 2023 | IIT Kanpur |
| GATE 2022 | IIT Kharagpur |
| GATE 2021 | IIT Bombay |
Ques. When will the GATE 2026 Physics exam be conducted?
Ans. The GATE Exam 2026 will be conducted following the schedule below:
| PARTICULARS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| GATE PHYSICS EXAM DATE 2026 | FEBRUARY, 2026 |
| GATE PHYSICS EXAM REGISTRATION 2026 | AUGUST- SEPTEMBER, 2026 |
GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026 Analysis
In the following video, Collegedunia describes what big changes have been introduced in the GATE Physics Exam pattern. You can refer to this video for a detailed explanation of the new changes in the exam.
- The exam pattern remains the same with 65 questions for 100 marks for 3 hours.
- The exam paper is divided into two sections:
- General Aptitude
- Core Physics Syllabus
An analysis of the change in trend of questions from the last two years and an expected question paper trend for 2026 is given below for you to follow:
- A notable trend over recent years is the gradual rise in MSQs focusing on deeper conceptual clarity because they often require identifying multiple correct answers.
- The proportion of NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions has remained steady but slightly increased in complexity.
- Topics like Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Thermodynamics have consistently carried higher weight (around 11–16% each), but subtopics within them may vary.
| Feature | Older years (2022-2023) | Changes seen in 2024-2025 | Expected Trend for 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Question Types | MCQs and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) were always present; Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) became more common. | Inclusion of MSQs (questions with multiple correct options) is more regular. | Same three types: MCQ, MSQ, NAT. |
| Number of Questions / Subject Questions | Subject questions ~55; GA ~10 (so 65 total) in 2022-2024. | Same as before. | Expected to be the same: 65 questions total (10 GA + 55 Physics core) |
| Marking scheme / Negative marking |
| Same as before. | For 2026 also confirmed: same negative marking scheme. |
| Weightage of topics | Certain topics had more or less emphasis; e.g., Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics often have ~11-16% each. | Weights seem to hold broadly, though question counts may vary slightly. | Likely similar, though slight variation each year. |
| New additions | Earlier, core discipline + GA only. | No major structural shifts in the Physics subject paper, but across GATE, there are some new optional subjects, new papers in other streams. | For Physics, the pattern seems stable; overall, GATE has added Energy Science option under Engg Maths cluster in 2026. |
Also Read:
Ques. How has the GATE Physics exam pattern changed in the past three years?
Ans. The core structure has remained the same—3-hour CBT mode, 65 questions for 100 marks.
- However, the number of MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) has increased in recent years, emphasizing conceptual clarity and analytical problem-solving.
- The number of NATs has also increased significantly.
Ques. Are there any new subjects or changes planned for GATE 2026?
Ans. While the Physics overall paper structure remains unchanged, some minute changes have been made:
- GATE 2026 has introduced new interdisciplinary subjects (like Energy Science).
- These additions don’t affect the Physics exam directly but expand opportunities for candidates interested in cross-disciplinary fields.
GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026: Marking Scheme
A table for the marking scheme for the GATE exam pattern for Physics 2026 is given below.
An official marking scheme released by IIT Guwahati should be followed to excel in the upcoming exam.
| SUBJECT | NO. OF QUESTIONS | MARKS DISTRIBUTION | MARKS WEIGHTAGE% | NEGATIVE MARKING | TOTAL TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 10 |
| 15 |
| 3 hours |
| Physics | 55 |
| 85 | ||
| Total | 65 | 100 |
Also Read:
Ques. Is there any negative marking for the GATE Physics 2026 exam?
Ans. Yes, there is negative marking for every wrongly answered question. The negative marking scheme is as follows:
- -1/3 for 1 mark wrong answer
- -2/3 for a 2-mark wrong answer
- No negative marking for MSQs and NATs
| Type of Question | 1 Mark Questions | 2 Mark Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 1/3 mark | 2/3 mark |
| Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) | No negative marking | No negative marking |
| Numerical Answer Type (NATs) | No negative marking | No negative marking |
Ques. What are the qualifying marks for the GATE 2026 Physics exam?
Ans. The cutoff and qualifying marks for the GATE 2026 Physics exam have not been released yet. Although a prediction can be made on the basis of previous years' cutoffs.
| YEAR | CUTOFF MARKS | |
|---|---|---|
| General | SC/ST/PwD | |
| 2026(Expected) | 29 | 22 |
| 2025 | 26.8 | 17.8 |
| 2024 | 32 | 21.3 |
GATE Physics Syllabus 2026
You must follow the GATE Physics Syllabus for 2026 to excel in the examination. The entire syllabus is divided into two sections of General Aptitude and Core Physics subjects.
The GATE PH Syllabus is listed below:
GATE PH Syllabus for General Aptitude (GA)
General Aptitude of 15 marks comes from 10 question,s and its syllabus is listed below:
| Subject | GATE Physics Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Verbal Aptitude | English grammar – articles, verb-noun agreement, tenses, adjectives, conjunctions, prepositions, other parts of speech, etc.; vocabulary – words, phrases, idioms; comprehension & reading; narrative sequencing. |
| Analytical Aptitude | Logic – Induction & Deduction; analogy; number relations & reasoning. |
| Spatial Aptitude | Shape transformation – mirroring, rotation, translation, grouping, assembling, and scaling;Papercutting, folding & 2-D and 3-D patterns. |
| Numerical Aptitude | Elementary statistics & probability; geometry; data and graphs (bar graph, histogram, pie chart, and other data graphs), 2- and 3- dimensional plots, maps, and tables; mensuration; numerical computation & estimation – powers, exponents, percentages, permutations & combinations, ratios, logarithms, etc. |
GATE PH Syllabus for Physics
The core physics syllabus for GATE 2026 includes topics from diverse areas of Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, and other core areas, listed below:
| Subject | GATE Physics Syllabus |
|---|---|
| MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS |
|
| CLASSICAL MECHANICS |
|
| ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY |
|
| QUANTUM MECHANICS |
|
| THERMODYNAMICS & STATISTICAL PHYSICS |
|
| ATOMIC & MOLECULAR PHYSICS |
|
| SOLID-STATE PHYSICS |
|
| ELECTRONICS |
|
| NUCLEAR & PARTICLE PHYSICS |
|
Also Read:
Ques. Which topics carry the highest weightage in GATE Physics?
Ans. Based on previous year papers and analysis, the following topics generally carry higher weightage. These weightages may vary slightly each year, but the overall pattern remains consistent.
- Quantum Mechanics: 12–15%
- Electromagnetic Theory: 10–12%
- Mathematical Physics: 10–11%
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics: 10–11%
- Classical Mechanics: 8–10%
- Solid State Physics: 8–10%
- Electronics and Nuclear Physics: 6–8% each
Ques. Is Engineering Mathematics part of the GATE Physics syllabus?
Ans. While Engineering Mathematics is not a separate paper component in GATE Physics:
- Mathematical Physics includes many mathematical tools such as differential equations, vector calculus, complex analysis, and linear algebra.
- These topics play a vital role in solving advanced Physics problems.
GATE Physics 2026 Preparation
Here are the most effective preparation tips for GATE Physics 2026, based on the latest exam trends, topic weightage, and guidance:
- A successful GATE Physics preparation requires an early focus on conceptual clarity because the exam increasingly tests multi-concept applications rather than direct formulas.
- Priority must be given to high-weightage subjects such as Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, and Classical Mechanics, as these topics consistently dominate the question paper.
Given below is a strategy table for you to follow:
| Strategy Area | What To Do | How To Execute |
|---|---|---|
| Know the syllabus & weightage | Identify high-yield topics (Quantum, EM Theory, Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics) | Use past year weightage charts and mark topics as A/B/C priority |
| Concept clarity first | Build a strong theory before solving problems | Use standard books (Griffiths, Sakurai, Ghatak, Arfken) |
| PYQs are compulsory | Solve the last 10–15 years PYQs chapter-wise | Schedule daily 10–15 PYQs + weekly full PYQ test |
| Practice numerically daily | Solve both short and multi-step derivation-based numericals | Do timed practice; maintain error log |
| Mock tests & revision cycles | Attempt full-length tests after covering 60–70% syllabus | One full mock each week → increase to 2–3 per week near exam |
Also Read:
Ques. Can I complete the GATE Physics syllabus in 6 months?
Ans. Yes, with a structured plan. A disciplined study schedule can cover the syllabus effectively within 6 months.
- Dedicate 2–3 hours daily to core topics
- Focus on high-weight areas first
- Spend the last 2 months on revision, PYQs, and mock tests.
Ques. How tough is the syllabus compared to other GATE subjects?
Ans. Sources from Reddit state the difficulty level and factors of the GATE PH exam:
- For the most part, on average, the paper is more theoretical.
- More analytical solutions are being introduced, and it can be expected for 2026 too.
GATE Physics 2026 Previous Year Questions
A table below shows the GATE PH Question papers for the past sic years. You must refer to these to get an idea of what you might expect in the exam.
| YEAR | QUESTION PAPER |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Check Here |
| 2024 | Check Here |
| 2023 | Check Here |
| 2022 | Check Here |
| 2021 | Check Here |
| 2020 | Check Here |
GATE Exam Pattern for Physics 2026 FAQs
Ques. Which subject can be taken along with GATE for Physics 2026?
Ans. Candidates who have chosen GATE Physics as their first subject can choose from the following as their second paper:
- EC
- GG
- IN
- MA
- MT
- ST
Ques. Who is eligible for GATE physics?
Ans. To be eligible for the GATE PH 2026 paper, you need to be:
- Enrolled in the third or higher year of any undergraduate degree program
OR
- Finished any government-approved degree program in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, or Arts.
Ques. What is the use of GATE Physics?
Ans. GATE Physics 2026 will open up several arenas for students, namely:
- GATE certificate for admission and/or financial aid to Master's programs and direct Doctoral programs in Engineering, Technology, and Architecture.
- Doctoral programs in important fields of art and science are available at universities subsidized by the Ministry of Education and other government bodies.
Ques. Is GATE PH tougher than JEE?
Ans. Yes, the GATE test is more difficult than the JEE (Advanced or Mains) examinations.
- The JEE papers examine 11th and 12th-grade topics and questions
- The GATE exam tests undergraduate subject knowledge as well as the student's general aptitude.
Ques. What is the key to scoring well in GATE Physics?
Ans. To score well in the GATE Physics 2026 exam, you must follow these tips:
- The key lies in conceptual clarity, numerical accuracy, and smart time management.
- Regularly solve previous year papers, take mock tests to analyze weak areas, and avoid random guessing in MCQs to prevent negative marking.
- Focus on strong fundamentals across all nine syllabus sections.
Ques. How should I manage time between the Physics syllabus and the GA section?
Ans. Managing time between the two sections of the GATE PH exam can be difficult. The following tips can be maintained:
- Devote around 85–90% of preparation time to Physics and 10–15% to GA.
- The Physics syllabus demands conceptual understanding, while GA questions can be mastered through short daily practice sessions.
*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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