The GATE exam does not repeat the same questions from the previous year, but the pattern and concepts often remain similar.
You may have the query, “Do PYQ repeat in GATE?” The truth is that, although you will not see the same question asked, you will see questions based on the same concepts, and the same logic, but with different diagrams, wording, or numbers
That is why solving previous years' papers for your GATE preparation is so important. Solving Previous year questions will improve not only accuracy, but also confidence in being familiar with the style and level of difficulty that you will encounter in the exam.
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Key Summary
- GATE 2026 is on 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th February 2026. Check GATE 2026 Schedule here.
- Although no exact previous year questions (PYQs) are repeated, you can see questions with similar concepts and question patterns.
- GATE 2026 has an eligibility criterion that does not restrict age or number of attempts.
- The paper has 65 questions, divided into General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Subject sections, with a total duration of 3 hours.
- GATE scores are valid for three years from the day of result declaration.
- Do PYQ Repeat in GATE
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- Does the GATE Exam Pattern Change Every Year?
- Do GATE Questions Repeat?
- Topics with Repeated Questions in GATE
- How Many Questions Should You get Correct in GATE?
- Can you use Last year's GATE Score?
- Should You Attempt All Questions of GATE?
- Do PYQ Repeat in GATE – FAQs
Do PYQ Repeat in GATE
To answer, do PYQs repeat in GATE? The GATE 2026 exam will most likely not have the same questions from previous years; however, patterns and concepts are likely to reappear with a different wording or numerical value.
For instance, the same topic of areas such as control systems, thermodynamics, or digital logic may all have questions which follow the same method of solving the problem; however, it may be based on different numbers.
Practising them helps candidates understand the level of difficulty of the exam, reflex speed, time management, and lessen anxiety by being familiarised with the environment of the actual test.
| Year | GA | Engineering Mathematics | Subject Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 13 | 72 | 180 minutes |
| 2024 | 15 | 13 | 72 | 180 minutes |
| 2023 | 15 | 13 | 72 | 180 minutes |
| 2022 | 15 | 13 | 72 | 180 minutes |
How Many PYQ Repeat in GATE?
In the GATE exam, you rarely see the exact previous year questions (PYQ), but you will likely see related patterns and underlying concepts. To perform in the GATE exam, a candidate needs to master the GATE syllabus, as well as attempt diverse GATE PYQ, so they become comfortable with all the question formats that keep coming up.
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GATE 2025 Question Paper with Answer KeysDoes the GATE Exam Pattern Change Every Year?
The GATE exam pattern has not changed significantly in question structure and marking scheme in the past few years. The paper typically has 65 questions totalling 100 marks with a combination of MCQs, MSQs, and NATs.
Based on all patterns shown previously, the GATE 2026 exam should approximately look the same in format as previous years. However, aspirants commonly ask, Do PYQ repeat in GATE? GATE does not repeat exact questions, but it does often contain the same concepts and ways to work problems. Candidates should always check the official notices from IITs or IISc for any announcements if things change with respect to pattern, syllabus, or exam length.
Do GATE Questions Repeat?
The question Do PYQ repeat in GATE is often asked by aspirants. Students rarely see the exact questions; they do see the concepts, patterns of questions, and methods of problem solving repeated many years apart.
Many educators and students highlight that practising GATE previous year questions helps them discover these patterns that repeat and helps them with their accuracy rate. You can check a detailed discussion on Quora:
Topics with Repeated Questions in GATE
Some areas are more prone to conceptual repetition due to their importance.:
- Engineering Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability, Differential Equations.
- General Aptitude: Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability
- Core Subjects: Exercises will change based on the branch (e.g., Control Systems for EE, Strength of Materials for ME, Network Theory for ECE).
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Topper Interview with GATE CSE 2025 AIR 8 Rishi SharmaHow Many Questions Should You get Correct in GATE?
The number of correct answers required to secure a decent rank in the GATE will depend on the GATE paper and which rank you desire. However, for most GATE 2026 papers, about 55-60 correct answers with ~90% accuracy will place you in a good position. This should require solving about to solve 60-65 questions in GATE, in which case, proper accuracy is still the name of the game, as opposed to attempting all questions, as negative marking has great complications on the score.
| GATE Year-wise Question Paper Download | |
|---|---|
| GATE 2025 Question Paper | GATE 2024 Question Paper |
| GATE 2023 Question Paper | GATE 2022 Question Paper |
Can you use Last year's GATE Score?
Yes. GATE scores remain valid for three years from the date of declaration of results. They can be used during this period for admission in postgraduate programs and PSU recruitment. Once expired, one will have to appear for the exam again to reap any benefits from it.
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GATE Preparation TipsShould You Attempt All Questions of GATE?
No, it is not required to attempt all questions in the GATE exam. In fact, in many cases, it can lower your overall score due to negative marking. A better way of preparing for GATE would be to prioritise - get the most total marks as possible. You can do this by focusing on attempting accurate questions, smart question selection, and proper time management.
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GATE Preparation StrategyDo PYQ Repeat in GATE – FAQs
Ques. Will previous year questions repeat in the GATE exam?
Ans. No, GATE exam questions are not repeated in the exact form. More often than not, though, the question pattern and the underlying concepts are similar from year to year. The GATE previous year question papers (PYQs) help candidates get acquainted with the pattern of questions, the difficulty level, and the common topics in GATE, allowing for more effective preparation.
- Solving PYQs of GATE equips one with speed, accuracy, and a thorough understanding of concepts.
- In fact, an analysis of the past papers helps to identify high-weightage topics and question patterns that are usually given.
Ques. Is solving previous year questions enough for the GATE?
Ans. No, only depending on GATE PYQs is not sufficient to clear the exam. PYQ gives one an idea about the GATE exam pattern, topics commonly asked, and sometimes even the difficulty-level trends; however, one must surely complete the whole syllabus and practice new problems alongside timed mock tests.
- Working on PYQ improves accuracy and hones the skill of recognising common problems.
- A strong GATE preparation plan should feature theory study, varied question practice, and successful revision methods.
Ques. Does the GATE syllabus change every year?
Ans. The syllabus for GATE 2026 is likely to remain as it has been in 2022, 2023 and 2024, with no major change. The syllabus was last altered in 2020 for the GATE 2021 exam, and since then the same format has been followed.
- Candidates preparing for GATE 2026 should download the official syllabus PDF to plan and schedule their preparation accordingly.
- With no change in syllabus, one can also learn and build accuracy by attempting recent GATE question papers to be familiar with the exam patterns.
Ques. Can we skip questions in the GATE exam?
Ans. Yes, you can skip questions in the GATE exam. You don't need to attempt every question; in fact skipping questions you doubted about means no chance of negative marking for those questions.
- The best way to tackle the exam is to answer only the questions you are confident about initially and revisit the tough ones, if you have time afterwards.
- By skipping doubtful questions, you protect the score from penalties for incorrect answers when you can be sure.
Ques. Is 3 months enough to crack a GATE?
Ans. Yes, the GATE exam can be cracked in 3 months with a disciplined and well-planned strategy. Such a short span of 3 months teaches one to study high-weightage subjects initially and then go for intermediate-weightage and low-weightage topics. This will help ensure value for your time in studying.
Moreover, when preparing for the exam, you should benefit from strengthening your conceptual competency by preparing and revising previous years' GATE-related questions to familiarise yourself with the question pattern and difficulty of the questions asked in the GATE exams. Timed mock tests will assist with speed, accuracy, and time management. Weekly revision is important for retaining concepts and to prevent last-minute panic. Instead of attempting questionable questions, you should avoid them to decrease any chances of negative marking when you are unsure.
- Choose subjects that have high weightage to maximise your scoring opportunities.
- You can use mock tests and PYQs to help with defining speed, accuracy, and exam strategy.
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