GATE 2026 Virtual Calculator- Check How to Use Virtual Calculator

Sajad Ahmad Dar's profile photo

Sajad Ahmad Dar

Content Writer | Updated on - Aug 18, 2025

GATE Virtual Calculator is provided to all the candidates who are appearing for the Mathematics-related papers of GATE 2026. This includes all the engineering papers (XE), as Engineering Mathematics is a compulsory subject according to the GATE Exam Pattern 2026. Candidates will not be permitted to use a normal calculator or bring one inside the GATE Exam Center as per the GATE Exam Guidelines.

  • The GATE Question Paper will be set with consideration of the requirement for a virtual calculator by the authorities, which will not be an issue for candidates if practiced well beforehand.
  • The GATE virtual calculator allows candidates to perform basic and complex mathematical operations.
  • GATE Virtual Calculator has several features, like trigonometric, hyperbolic functions, etc.

GATE Virtual Calculator 2026: How to Use and Why?

Key Summary

  • Physical calculator is prohibited in the GATE 2026 examination; however, a GATE virtual calculator will be provided on the computer screen for calculations.
  • GATE Virtual Calculator supports operations like arithmetic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential, and also has memory functions.
  • Students can only use a mouse for calculations using GATE virtual calculator.
  • Students can download GATE Virtual calculator from TCS iOn official website for pre-exam practice.

Related Articles

GATE Virtual Calculator 2026: How to Use and Why?

While there is not much difference between the online virtual calculator and the physical calculator, getting familiar with the online virtual calculator can make things easier during the exams. Before appearing for the GATE exam 2026, students must get used to online virtual calculators.

  • Aspirants can simply use the GATE Virtual Calculator provided on the side of the screen on their computers.
  • The online scientific calculator would be helpful for candidates in solving problems quickly.
  • They don’t need to write down the numerical values on paper every time and calculate; they just have to solve on the screen.
  • This Online scientific calculator will be available for all the candidates who will attend GATE 2026, i.e. same calculator for all.
  • While in the case of physical calculators, some candidates have more functioning calculators than others. Such candidates always have an advantage over the other candidates.

This method will also help the candidates during exam time, whose calculator stops working, and will also help those who forgot to carry their scientific calculator with them to the exam center.

Also Read

Download GATE Practice Papers

Features of GATE Virtual Calculator 2026

  • The right side of the virtual calculator contains all the keys for simple operations, while scientific calculation keys are on the left-hand side.
  • There is no need for a shift key and inverse key, as inverse functions have separate keys.
  • All function keys are grouped.
  • Candidates need not press the SHIFT or INV keys since the inverse functions have separate keys.
  • Trigonometric functions and Hyperbolic functions will be grouped.
  • The inverse functions will be placed below the respective functions.
  • At the top of the virtual calculator, two display boxes will be provided. The top box will indicate the sequence of the keys pressed during calculation for reference.
  • The second box indicates the actual values entered or obtained after calculations.

Instructions for using GATE Virtual Calculator 2026

Source @tcsion.com

Instructions for using GATE Virtual Calculator 2026

Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 can check below things to keep in mind while using the virtual calculator.

GATE Virtual Calculator: Do’s

  • Be sure to press [C] before starting a new calculation.
  • Use the predefined operations such as p (Pi), log, Exp to save time during calculation.
  • Use the memory function for calculating cumulative totals. As listed below.

    [M+]: Will add displayed value to memory

    [MR]: Will recall the value stored in memory

    [M-]: Subtracts the displayed value from memory

  • Be sure to select the angle unit before beginning any calculation.

Note: By default, the angle unit is set as degrees.

GATE Virtual Calculator: Don'ts

  • Do not perform multiple operations together.
  • Leave parentheses unbalanced.
  • Change the angle unit while performing a calculation.

What are the Limitations of GATE Virtual Calculator 2026?

  • The output for a factorial calculation is limited to 14 digits.
  • The keyboard operation will be disabled.
  • The output for Logarithmic and Hyperbolic calculations is limited to 5 digits.
  • The modulus operation performed on decimal numbers with 15 digits would not be precise. Use the mod operation only if the number comprises fewer than 15 digits.
  • The range of values supported by the calculator is 10(-323) to 10(308).

Practice GATE Virtual Calculator 2026

Candidates must practice the calculation on a virtual calculator before the exam so that they will be familiar with its use of the same.

  • This online virtual calculator will be a part of the online test system for GATE 2026.
  • Candidates must start using the use of online Virtual Calculator as soon as possible.
  • Candidates must know that they will not be allowed to carry a calculator with them to the examination hall for the GATE 2026 examination.
  • Candidates are advised to get sufficient practice on this virtual calculator so that their GATE examination proceeds without a hitch.
  • Make sure that you familiarize yourself with all its aspects and functions.
  • Pick up speed and learn all the keys where they are placed and have command on them so that they are not new for you on the day of the exam.
Example of Some Calculations Usingthe GATE Virtual Calculator
Arithmetic Calculations To calculate 70 + 55 x 85 candidates must enter 70, +, 55, *, 85, =
Function value To calculate 2 + log(60) x 10 candidates must enter 60, log, *, 10, +, 2, =
Sin, cos, tan Calculations To calculate sin(25) or cos(25) or tan(25) candidates must enter 25, sin or cos or tan

Also Read

GATE 2026 Syllabus- PDF Download

Download GATE Virtual Calculator App

Candidates can easily download the GATE Virtual Calculator Application on their mobile phone by visiting the PlayStore in Android Phones, whereas it can be found on the AppStore in devices running iOS.

  • After downloading the application, you can use it not only for practicing calculation, but there are various other helpful features that you can use.
  • You can also check the detailed syllabus of all the subjects from this application.
  • You can also attend tutorials of Arithmetic functions, Logarithmic functions, Trigonometric functions, and much more.

How to download GATE Virtual Calculator?

Candidates can test the GATE Virtual Calculator by downloading it onto their devices. Here are the steps to download the GATE Virtual Calculator:

  • Windows: Google “GATE Virtual Calculator” and click on the first link that pops up in the results. Install the resultant download and use.
  • Android/ChromeOS: Download the GATE Virtual Calculator app from the Play Store.
  • iOS/Mac: Download the GATE Virtual Calculator app from the App Store.

NOTE: Please do not install any suspicious-looking apps and regularly test your device for viruses.

Know your GATE 2026 Exam Pattern before Using Virtual Calculator

As per the GATE exam pattern 2026, the examination will be conducted in CBT mode. GATE question paper will include sections like General Aptitude and Domain subjects. Type of questions asked in GATE 2026 includes MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions.

  • General Aptitude section of GATE 2026 will include 10 questions.
  • From domain subjects, a total of 55 questions will be asked in GATE 2026.
  • A total of 65 questions will be asked for a total of 100 marks, and students must solve the GATE 2026 paper in 3 hours.
  • For each correct answer, 1-2 marks will be awarded.
  • ⅓ mark will be deducted for each 1 mark MCQ and ⅔ for each incorrect 2 mark MCQ.
  • There is no negative marking for MSQ and NAT questions in GATE 2026.
Particulars Details
GATE Mode of Examination Online CBT
GATE Total Number of Subjects (papers) 30
GATE Subjects Included
  • General Aptitude
  • Domain Specific (chosen by candidates)
Type of Questions in GATE
  • MCQ
  • MSQ
  • NAT
GATE Number of Questions
  • General Aptitude- 10
  • Subject- 55
GATE Total Number of Questions 65
GATE Total Marks 100
GATE Exam Duration 3 hours
Distribution of Marks (AE, AG, BM, BT, CE, CH, CS, EC, EE, ES, IN, ME, MN, MT, NM, PE, PI, TF, and ST)
  • General Aptitude- 15
  • Engineering Mathematics- 13
  • Subject Questions- 72
Distribution of Marks (AR, CY, DA, EY, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL)
  • General Aptitude- 15
  • Subject Questions- 85
GATE Marks for Each Question 1 or 2 marks
GATE Marking Scheme
  • Correct Answer- 1-2 marks
  • Incorrect MCQ- (-⅓) for 1 mark question and (-⅔) for 2 mark question
  • No negative marking for MSQs and NAT

Know More

GATE 2026 Exam Pattern

GATE Virtual Calculator 2026 FAQs

Question: How to calculate simple arithmetic problems using GATE Virtual Calculator?

Ans. To calculate the simple arithmetic problem like 70 + 35 x 5 candidates must enter 70, +, 35, *, 5, = . This way,

you can do your calculations.

Question: Can I use GATE Virtual Calculator to do fractional calculations?

Ans. No. GATE Virtual Calculator can only be used for decimal numbers calculation. You cannot use it for doing fractional calculations. Questions with fractional numbers should be solved by candidates on their own.

Question: Is GATE Virtual Calculator helpful to solve quadratic equations or matrix operations?

Ans. No. GATE Virtual Calculator is not meant for such calculations. Candidates have to perform such calculations manually.

Question: What type of calculations can be done using GATE Virtual Calculator?

Ans. The following can be solved using the same:

  • Arithmetic Problems
  • Log functions problems
  • Trigonometry problems
  • Root Values
  • Cube values or cube roots
  • Square roots
  • Factorial values
  • Exponential Values
  • 10x values

Question: How to use the GATE Virtual Calculator app?

Ans. Candidates can simply download the GATE Virtual Calculator app from the Play Store or the App Store and use it directly by opening it.

Ques. Is there any way to download the GATE Virtual Calculator APK file?

Ans. Candidates are recommended not to install or download any GATE Virtual Calculator APKS. That is because such files may contain viruses, so it is recommended that you download them directly from the Play Store.

Ques. Can a physical calculator be used instead of the GATE Virtual Calculator?

Ans. Physical Calculators or any other kind of electronic device is not permitted inside the GATE Exam Center. Hence, candidates cannot use a physical calculator; instead of GATE Virtual Calculator

Ques: Is the exam also conducted in offline mode?

Ans: GATE exam for all 27 papers will be conducted in online mode only.

Ques. Is the GATE Virtual Calculator quick?

Ans. Yes, GATE Virtual Calculator is extremely fast.

Ques. What to do if the GATE Virtual Calculator is not working at the time of the exam?

Ans. In the very unlikely chance that the GATE Virtual Calculator is not working, candidates can contact the Exam Proctor or Invigilator, and they will allot alternate accommodations.

Fees Structure

Structure based on different categories

CategoriesState
General1800
Women900
sc900
pwd900

Note: GATE 2024 Application Fee needs to be paid online through net banking or debit card or credit card facilities. Additional charges will be applicable as per the rule of the bank from where the money is being transferred. This charge will be specified on the payment portal.

In case of any inaccuracy, Notify Us! 

Comments


No Comments To Show