The GATE 2026 Aerospace Engineering (AE) exam was conducted on 7th February 2026 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Based on experts’ reviews and initial candidate feedback, the overall difficulty level of the GATE 2026 AE paper was moderate to difficult, aligning with expectations and trends from previous years.

  • GA: Moderate, lengthy but scoring for strong reasoning skills. Focused on vocabulary, numerical, logical, and spatial reasoning.
  • Aerospace: Moderate -difficult; application-based. Flight Mechanics & Aerodynamics tough, Structures & Propulsion easier.

Also Read: Download GATE 2026 AE Question Paper (Available) with Solution Pdf

GATE 2026: Aerospace Engineering (AE) Paper Analysis

As per the experts and previous year’s Aerospace Engineering (AE) paper analysis, the difficulty level will be moderate to difficult.

  • The Aptitude section was lengthy and challenging.
  • Flight mechanics and Aerodynamics dominated the core section.
  • Core subjects required deep conceptual understanding.
Section Key Topics with High Weightage Approximate Weightage (Marks/Questions)
General Aptitude Vocabulary, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, analogies, spatial aptitude 15 marks (10 questions)
Engineering Mathematics Linear algebra (eigenvalues/vectors), calculus (maxima/minima), differential equations ~12-15 marks (~8-10 questions)
Flight Mechanics Static stability (roll/longitudinal), airplane performance (V-n diagram, range/endurance) ~15-20 marks (~10-12 questions)
Aerodynamics Potential flow (vortex theory), compressible flow (normal/oblique shocks), airfoils and wings ~15-18 marks (~9-11 questions)
Structures Mohr’s circle, failure theories, SDOF systems ~10-15 marks (~7-9 questions)
Propulsion Turbomachinery (axial/centrifugal compression), rocket performance (thrust equation) ~10-15 marks (~7-9 questions)
Space Dynamics Orbital mechanics, basic concepts ~5-8 marks (~4-6 questions)

Check: What is the rank of 40 marks in GATE?

Expected Good Attempts & Cutoff For Aerospace Engineering Paper Analysis:

As per the previous year's paper analysis, you need to attempt about 55-65 questions with very high accuracy to score a good mark.

GATE Paper Expected Good Attempts Expected Cutoff Marks (General) Expected Cutoff marks (OBC/EWS) Expected Cutoff Marks (SC/ST)
Aerospace Engineering (AE) 55-65 27-30 24-26 18-20

Also Read: