The total marks for ME in the GATE exam are 100. The paper has 65 questions. It covers General Aptitude (Subject 1) Engineering Mathematics (Subject 2), and core Mechanical Engineering (Subject 3) subjects.
- There are three different sectio: . 10 questions carrying 15 marks are asked from the General Aptitude section. From the Engineering Mathematics section, around 13 questions are asked carrying 13 marks. From the Core ME subjects, 40 - 42 questions carrying 72 marks are asked.
- Question Types are MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
- Negative Marking is applicable only for MCQs. For NATs and MSQs, there is no negative marking
- The exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes)
- A useful preparation tip is that you must focus on accuracy in MCQs and attempt all NATs carefully for maximum score
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Key Summary
- The GATE ME exam is a computer-based test. It contains 65 questions totalling 100 marks. It covers General Aptitude along with Engineering Mathematics and core Mechanical Engineering subjects.
- In the GATE ME exam, questions come in three formats which are MCQs (with negative marking), MSQs (multiple correct answers, no negative marking) and NATs (numerical answers, no negative marking).
- You have 3 hours for 65 questions in the GATE exam. Thus roughly you have 2 - 3 minutes per question.
GATE Exam Total Marks for ME
GATE exam for ME is an online exam. In the exam you will be asked 65 questions in total. You can secure a maximum of 100 marks in the exam. The questions are a mix of Numerical Answer Type and Multiple Choice Questions
- General Aptitude (GA): 10 questions, 15 marks
- Engineering Mathematics (if applicable): around 13 questions, 13 marks (for ME, some math questions appear depending on the syllabus)
- Core Mechanical Engineering subjects: 40-42 questions, 72 marks
Every question in GATE ME weighs either 1 or 2 marks which depends on the type of question. Some questions which are mostly MCQs have negative marking. So you must carefully answer the questions. You must know the GATE exam total marks for ME as it can help you to decide which topics you need to focus on and how you can divide your time during the preparation stage.
Check:
GATE 2025 ME Question PaperWhat is the GATE ME Syllabus 2026?
The GATE exam ME (Mechanical Engineering) syllabus for 2026 is divided into four main sections:
- General Aptitude (GA)
- Engineering Mathematics
- Core Mechanical Engineering Subjects
- Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering
Every section has specific topics that you need to study. Here is a breakdown
General Aptitude (GA)
This section is common for all GATE papers and tests your basic reasoning and English skills. It includes:
- Verbal Ability - This section encompasses Basic English grammar and vocabulary. It also contains and reading comprehension.
- Numerical Ability - In this section you will be asked about Arithmetic and algebra. You must also be familiar with data interpretation.
Engineering Mathematics
This section focuses on mathematical concepts that are essential for solving engineering problems. The topics include:
- Linear Algebra - The topics you need to be proficient with include Matrices and systems of linear equations. Other important topics are eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
- Calculus - In this specific area you must have a solid understanding of concepts relating to Limits, and continuity along with differentiation and integration. You must possess knowledge on partial derivatives as well as multiple integrals.
- Differential Equations - In this area you must have knowledge in First-order and higher-order equations. You must also understand concepts such as Laplace transforms and boundary value problems.
- Complex Variables - Some of the most important areas that you need to look at include Analytic functions and Cauchy-Riemann equations along with contour integration.
- Probability and Statistics – You must have a solid understanding of Probability theory and random variables. Similarlrly distributions and statistical methods are also of high importance.
- Numerical Methods – You need to look at solutions of algebraic equations and numerical integration. You must have a solid insight into differential equations.
Check:
GATE 2024 Mechanical Engineering Question Paper PDFCore Mechanical Engineering Subjects
These are the main topics that form the bulk of the GATE ME syllabus:
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Applied Mechanics & Design | Engineering mechanics, strength of materials, theory of machines, vibrations, and machine design |
| Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences | Fluid properties, fluid statics, dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, refrigeration, and air conditioning |
| Materials, Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering | Material properties, manufacturing processes, and industrial engineering concepts |
GATE Exam ME: Subject-Wise Weightage
Understanding the weightage of each subject can help you prioritise your study efforts. Here is an approximate distribution
| Subject | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | 15% |
| Engineering Mathematics | 12.25% |
| Applied Mechanics & Design | 7.5% |
| Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences | 7.5% |
| Materials, Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering | 14.25% |
| Other Core Subjects | Remaining |
GATE ME Exam Pattern Highlights
If you are preparing for the GATE exam 2026 it is important to know the exam pattern.
- General Aptitude (GA) is common for all papers, so it’s an easy way to score some marks.
- Core Mechanical Engineering makes up most of the marks, so focus more on subjects like Applied Mechanics, Thermal Sciences and Manufacturing.
- Negative marking is only for MCQs. NAT questions don’t have negative marking.
- Time Management: With 65 questions in 180 minutes, you get around 2-3 minutes per question on average.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 65 questions |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Question Types | MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) and NAT (Numerical Answer Type) |
| Sections | 1. General Aptitude (GA) - 10 questions, 15 marks2. Engineering Mathematics - 13 questions, 13 marks3. Core Mechanical Engineering Subjects - 42 questions, 72 marks |
| Marking Scheme | MCQs: 1 or 2 marks per question, with negative markingNAT: 1 or 2 marks, no negative marking |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Language | English only |
Read More
GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2026GATE Exam Marking Scheme 2026 for ME
The GATE ME exam has 65 questions totalling 100 marks. MCQs carry 1 or 2 marks with negative marking (1/3 or 2/3 for wrong answers). NAT questions have 1 or 2 marks anmd there is no negative marking. You must focus on accuracy in MCQs and attempt all NAT questions carefully as it can help maximise your score.
| Question Type | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs (1-mark questions) | 1 mark | 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answer | Four-option multiple choice. |
| MCQs (2-mark questions) | 2 marks | 2/3 mark deducted for wrong answer | Higher weight questions. |
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | 1 or 2 marks | No negative marking | Enter the number; no options. |
GATE ME Paper Format: MCS, MSQs, NAT
The GATE ME exam 2026 has three types of questions: MCQs, MSQs and NAT. MCQs are multiple-choice with negative marking. MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) have more than one correct answer and no negative marking if attempted carefully. NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions require a number as an answer and also have no negative marking. You must know the format since it can help you plan which questions to attempt first for maximum score.
| Question Type | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | 1 or 2 marks | Yes, 1/3 or 2/3 per wrong answer | Four options, only one correct. |
| MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) | 1 or 2 marks | No negative marking | More than one correct option. |
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | 1 or 2 marks | No negative marking | Enter the exact number; no options. |
Also Read
GATE Exam Total Marks for ME FAQS
Ques. How many total marks is the GATE ME 2026 exam?
Ans. The GATE ME 2026 exam is out of 100 marks, divided across different sections:
- Total Marks: 100
- General Aptitude (GA): 15 marks
- Core Mechanical Engineering (ME): 85 marks
- Total Questions: 65
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Conducting Institute: IIT Guwahati
Ques. What is the marking scheme for GATE ME 2026?
Ans. Here’s how marks are awarded in the GATE ME exam:
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions):
- 1-mark questions: 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answers
- 2-mark questions: 2/3 mark deducted for wrong answers
- MSQs (Multiple Select Questions): No negative marking
- NATs (Numerical Answer Type): No negative marking
- Total Marks: 100
Ques. How many questions are there in the GATE ME 2026 exam?
Ans. The GATE ME paper has a total of 65 questions:
- General Aptitude (GA): 10 questions
- Core Mechanical Engineering (ME): 55 questions
- Question Types: MCQs, MSQs, and NATs
Ques. Is there negative marking in GATE ME 2026?
Ans. Yes, but it depends on the question type:
- MCQs:
- 1-mark questions: 1/3 mark deducted for wrong answers
- 2-mark questions: 2/3 mark deducted for wrong answers
- MSQs and NATs: No negative marking
- Total Marks: 100
Ques. What is the duration of the GATE ME 2026 exam?
Ans. The exam timing is simple to remember:
- Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Conducting Institute: IIT Guwahati
Ques. How many marks are allocated to General Aptitude in GATE ME 2026?
Ans. The General Aptitude (GA) section is small but important:
- Marks for GA: 15 marks
- Total Marks: 100
Ques. When will the GATE ME 2026 exam be conducted?
Ans. The exam schedule is as follows:
- Exam Dates: February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026
- Conducting Institute: IIT Guwahati
- Registration Dates: August 25 to October 6, 2025
Ques. What is the eligibility for GATE ME 2026?
Ans. Anyone planning for GATE ME 2026 should know these criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply
- Age Limit: No age limit
- Nationality: Indian nationals and international candidates
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