GATE 2026 Exam Live Updates: Feb 14 Shift 2 (over), Check Shift Wise Analysis, Question Paper, Difficulty Level and Student Reactions

The GATE 2026 Feb 14^th Shift 2 CE-2 paper was conducted in the afternoon session. Some important topics included - Slope, Foundation, Earth Pressure, Air Pollution, Matrices, and Verbal and Spatial Reasoning.

Based on the GATE 2026 ME paper today, the cutoff is expected to fall between 32 and 26 marks, depending on other factors as well.

You can get the memory-based question paper along with the solutions pdf of GATE 2026 Feb 14^th shift 1 in the links given below:

• BM
• CE-2
• ME
• MT

As per the students' reaction, the GATE ME paper on Feb 14^th, shift 2, was on the moderate side. The exam was slightly easier than the 2024 paper and tougher than the 2025 paper. Some questions were lengthy and time-consuming. 

Candidates can check the GATE 2026 ME paper marking distribution in the table below -

The General Aptitude Section carries 15 marks. Accurately attempting GATE GA questions can instantly boost scores in the exam. Also, there is negative marking for GA questions. Therefore, make sure to attempt smartly. 

GATE CE-2 paper consisted of the following questions -

• Geotechnical – Slope, foundation, earth pressure
• Environmental – air pollution
• Mathematics – Matrices
• Aptitude: Verbal and Spatial

Overall: NAT - 15 MSQ - 4 OR 5 Others were MCQ

As of now, the GATE 2026 Feb 14 shift 2 CE-2 paper was moderate with topics such as soil engineering and geotechnical engineering.

The GATE 2026 Feb 14 shift 2 exam is now over. The GATE CE shift 2 paper was overall moderate, and the GATE ME paper was moderate with a few lengthy questions.

The GATE 2026 February 14 Shift 2 BM, CE-2, ME, and MT exam just got over. It was moderate, questions tested fundamental understanding and application, not just direct formula. Many NAT and MSQ questions required multi-step thinking. 

Several numerical questions were lengthy. Candidates who prioritised easy GA and Mathematics first and managed time well performed better, as spending too long on a few core numericals reduced overall attempts.
 

The afternoon session is about to end in 10 minutes. You can check the live paper analysis and difficulty level based on the students' reactions in this article.

As per the rotational pattern of IITs and IISc, it is expected that IIT Madras will conduct the GATE 2027. 

Some NITs have lower cutoff scores than others, so you may get in better if you apply to less competitive NITs. It is advisable to target for certain branches or specializations that have lower demand, leading to a lower cutoff score.

The GATE exam, also known as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is conducted online for 3 hours and consists of 65 questions, divided into general aptitude, engineering mathematics, and the core disciplines. 

The qualifying cutoff in GATE 2026 is the minimum mark required to qualify for the exam. The conducting body releases the qualifying cutoff along with result. It determines whether a candidate is eligible to participate in the counselling round or not. 

The cutoff score in GATE varies every year (category-wise), depending on the number of students registered, the difficulty level of the paper, and previous year's trends. The GATE cutoff scores are mainly of two types: admission and qualifying cutoff.

You can get the memory-based question paper along with the solutions pdf of GATE 2026 Feb 14^th shift 1 in the links given below:

• CE-1
• EE
• PI

The overall difficulty level of the GATE 2026 CE paper was moderate, with a balanced mix of easy, medium, and a few tough questions. The Geotechnical Engineering section had the maximum weightage along with GA and Engineering Mathematics. 

During the GATE 2026 February 14 exam shift 2, BM, CE- 2, ME, and MT subject papers are ongoing. Shift one has concluded with CE-1, EE, and PI papers. 

IIT Guwahati is conducting the GATE 2026 Feb 14 shift 2 exam for BM, CE-2, ME, and MT. The paper has started, and it will end at 5:30 pm.

No, digital watches or any other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the GATE exam hall. The timer to attempt GATE CBT will be installed in the system. Once the exam is completed, candidates have to click on the submit button to end the exam.

It is mandatory to carry a valid ID proof to the exam centre. The ID proof must be original and updated with correct information. Students must note that the valid ID proof must be the same as the one they provided during GATE 2026 registration. 

Candidates are not allowed to carry the following items to the GATE 2026 exam centre -

• Personal calculators
• Mobile phones
• Watches
• Pagers, Bluetooth devices or any electronic devices 

Candidates must also not carry other items, such as charts, notes, books, papers, sheets, etc. Candidates must not wear metal embellishment accessories, jewellery, caps, hats, etc. 

The GATE paper will be conducted in two shifts- forenoon and afternoon. The exam timing for the afternoon session or shift 2 is as follows:

• Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

The Feb 14^th shift 1 students have advised the 2^nd shift candidates that focus should be on basics, as in-depth questions are not being asked. The exam is moderate with both numerical and theoretical questions. However, the exam was lengthy and time-consuming, so time management is crucial.  

As per the live students' review from the exam centre, some students have said that the cutoff will remain similar to the previous year. However, some students have said that the cutoff will increase as the paper was easier. 

As per the students' review, there were questions from Duty Delta, Highway, Environment, and Survey. Steel, Irrigation, etc had 1 question each. 

As per experts' analysis, the GATE 2026 Electrical Engineering paper was moderate, with numerical questions of higher weightage. 10 to 15 NATs were asked, MCQs had 35 to 40 questions, and MSQs had 12 to 15 questions. 

Overall moderate paper. Maths was moderate. MSQ: 10 to 12 questions around. Students said that, Question from Highway, Railway, and Structure. Structure questions were time-consuming. Matrices in Maths were moderate. 

According to exam centre review from students, a few students found the GATE CE paper easy, while some shared that the paper was moderate and lengthy, with 10 to 20 safe attempts (approx).

The shift 2 on 14^th Feb will start at 2:30 pm and will last till 5:30 pm. The subjects for this shift are BM, CE-2, ME, and MT. 

The exam was moderate according to the candidates, with some questions repeated from PYQs. 

• Students have faced time issues due to lengthy numericals. 
• Numerical questions and theory questions are both doable, according to some students.
• The questions were asked from the basic concepts and are very much doable. 
• Deep formula-based questions were less and basic questions were present.
• Questions from all topics, such as Duty delta, Highway, and Environment, were there.  

The GATE 2026 February 14 Shift 1 CE-1, EE, and PI exam just got over. It was moderate, with more focus on concept clarity and multi-step numerical application. MSQs and NATs were designed to test deep understanding.

Many questions were lengthy and calculation-intensive. Candidates who attempted questions in General Aptitude and Mathematics first, and avoided getting stuck on tough core numericals, achieved better overall attempts. 
 

The forenoon session is about to end in 10 minutes. You can check the live paper analysis and difficulty level based on the students' reactions in this article. 

The validity of the GATE scorecard is three years. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE scorecard on March 27. Candidates can download it at GOAPS using their enrollment ID and password.

The GATE exam, also known as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, is conducted online for 3 hours and consists of 65 questions, divided into general aptitude, engineering mathematics, and the core disciplines. 

As per the analysis of GATE 2026 Feb 7 and 8 exam, experts have stated that 

• Questions have a greater blend of topics, requiring deep concept clarity and problem-solving agility. 
• Heavy inclination towards NATs and MSQs - With a rising trend, answers must be exact, no partial scoring, increasing pressure on accuracy.
• Increased competition - More aspirants eyeing PSUs and M.Tech seats may push question setters to increase difficulty.
• Should focus more on MSQs and NATs, since there is no negative marking, it can really help fetch good marks.

During the GATE 2026 February 14 exam, CE Shift 1, EE, and PI papers are ongoing in the forenoon session. In the afternoon session, BM, CE- 2, ME, and MT exams will be conducted.

IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026 Feb 14 shift 1 exam for CE-1, EE, and PI. The paper has started, and it will end at 12:30 pm.

Candidates are not allowed to carry the following items to the GATE 2026 exam centre -

• Personal calculators
• Mobile phones
• Watches
• Pagers, Bluetooth devices or any electronic devices 

Candidates must also not carry other items, such as charts, notes, books, papers, sheets, etc. Candidates must not wear metal embellishment accessories, jewellery, caps, hats, etc.

Ready for the GATE Exam 2026? Check the schedule here. 

• Forenoon Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM – CE-1, EE, PI paper
• Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM – BM, CE-2, ME, MT paper

Students who will appear for the GATE 2026 Feb 14 and Feb 15 must note that:

• You do not need to bring rough sheets, blank paper, or written material of any kind.
• Scribble pads will be provided for rough work and must be returned after the exam;
• You must write your name and registration number on them.

Check: GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Reporting Time, Items Allowed, Rules

A GATE score of 800+ is ideal for top PSUs such as NPCIL, AAI, ONGC, etc.

• To apply, candidates have to register on their official website once the notification is released.
• Qualified candidates have to participate in GATE PSU selection process 2026, and appear for written and personal interview. 

IIT Guwahati will announce GATE result 2026 on March 19 based on the final answer key.

• Students who appeared for the exam this year can check their result at GOAPS using their enrollment ID and password.
• The GATE scorecard will be available for download from March 27 to May 31 (for free).
• Later, candidates can download their scorecard by paying a fee of INR 500 till December 31, 2026. 

As per the GATE 2026 Exam Guidelines, a few items are allowed, and a few items are prohibited to conduct the exam smoothly.

• The details will be mentioned on the GATE 2026 admit card or on gate2026.iitg.ac.in for any last-minute updates.
• A virtual calculator is provided on-screen during the computer-based test—no physical one is needed.

GATE will conduct biometric authentication and document verification for every student. So you must reach the exam center on time. Late entry will not be permitted under any circumstances once the entry gates close.

• Must report to the GATE exam center at least 90 minutes before the exam start time.
• Carry your printed GATE 2026 admit card and a valid original photo ID proof.
• Biometric and document checks will take place before entry into the exam hall.
• Transparent water bottles and simple writing tools (pen/pencil) are permitted.

• Candidates will be permitted to occupy their seats before the start of the GATE MTech exam.
• Candidates will not be allowed to log in 30 minutes after the start of the exam. 
• However, candidates can log in and start reading instructions 20 minutes before the start of the exam. 
• The GATE online calculator will be available on the candidate’s computer.
• A scribble pad will be provided for doing rough work. Students have to fill in their registration number and name before using it. 
• Candidates can take only one scribble pad at any point of time. 
• If the GATE scribble pad is finished, then it has to be returned, and you have to ask for another one after returning the previous one to the invigilator. 
• Scribble pads, once returned, cannot be returned to the candidate. Once the exam is completed, the applicant has to return the scribble pad to the invigilator. 
• No applicant is allowed to leave the GATE 2026 exam hall before the completion of the exam. 

If you face any technical glitch during the GATE 2026 exam, you must report it to the invigilator immediately.
A new system will be allocated, and you will be able to resume from where you left off (in the timer). 

The GATE 2026 schedule for the last 2 days of the exam is as follows:

On Feb 14, the following papers will be conducted  -

• CE-1, EE, and PI in the first shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
• BM, CE-2, ME, and MT in the second shift (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

The expected qualifying marks for the General category for

• CS can range between 30-33,
• for EC 29-32,
• ME 37-40, and
• EE 26-29.

Read More: GATE Cutoff 2026 Expected for Different Branches

• Out of 22 papers conducted on Feb 7 and 8, as per the student reactions and expert analysis, the GATE CS 1 paper was the toughest. 
• Most of the candidates also find XE paper moderately difficult.

Based on initial reaction from a few students, the GATE 2026 CS 2 paper was marked:

• Moderate to difficult
• More conceptual and calculation-based questions
• Statement-based questions and MSQs were moderate.

The GATE 2026 for February 8, 2nd shift, is now officially over. We will soon share the memory-based questions and GATE Paper Analysis 2026 here. 

To calculate GATE scores for 2026 using memory-based questions, you must first download GATE 2026 Answer Key with Solutions PDF. Then, compare the GATE answer key with your responses. Make sure to take a note of the correct and incorrect answers. 

Use the GATE scores to mark your paper as per the GATE official marking scheme. You can then get your probable GATE 2026 scores. 

The most important part is that GATE has negative marking for incorrect answers. For the GATE CS paper 2026, you can check the marking scheme below:

•  For 1-mark MCQ, +1 for correct, -1/3 for incorrect
• For 2-mark MCQs, +2 for correct, -2/3 for incorrect

NOTE: There is no negative marking and partial marking for GATE CSE MSQs and NAT.

• IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 official answer key in the last week of February (tentative).
• The GATE provisional answer key will be released so that students can also challenge by paying a fee of INR 500.
• After all the GATE answer key challenges are finalized, the GATE 2026 final answer key and result will be announced. 

• As per the candidates who appeared in the GATE 2026 Exam, a good attempt in the Computer Science & IT - Paper 1 will be 40 to 45.
• Candidates who can attempt this score with maximum accuracy can clear the cutoff easily.
• A safe score, as per the students, can be around 37-40. This can help them clear the GATE CS paper, but not score the highest.

The GATE Feb 8 Shift 2 starts at 2:30 PM. 

What is GATE Login?

GATE login is an online portal facility for exam-related activities. It is also called as GATE online application processing system (GOAPS). 

• Initial reports say that the minimum qualifying mark for GATE CSE will typically range around 32 to 36 marks.
• Some experts do say that it can be around the last year's GATE cutoff, probably around 29 - 33 marks.

Statement-Based Question

Question.  Statement: True or False

• Statement 1: For Grammar to be LL (1) 9t must be Left Factored
• Statement 2: For Grammar to be LL (1) 9t must be Left Recusion
• Statement 3: LL (1) Parser uses Backfiring
• State 4: LL (1) Parser are more powerful than SLR (1) Parser

• The database has 1 MCQ of 1 mark and 1 question 2 marks MCQ
• The operating system had 2 questions from 2-mark MSQ and 2 one-mark NAT

Based on the initial reaction of students, the GATE 2026 CSE Shift 1 exam was moderately difficult.

• Mathematics and Aptitude were moderate
• CS section had some lengthy questions.

The GATE 2026 Shift 1 exam for February 8 is now officially over. We will update the memory-based questions and paper analysis here. Till then, you can check the GATE Paper Analysis 2026 for February 7 here. 

• The GATE 2026 official answer key and question paper will be made available in the last week of February.
• Candidates who have appeared for the GATE 2026 exam can access the question paper and answer key along with the GATE response sheet.
• GATE authorities will release the final answer key and GATE result on March 19.

Want to check the GATE 2026 Question Paper with Solutions PDF? Download Subject-wise Answer Keys Here. 

For GATE 2026 Computer Science, the difficulty level mainly ranges from easy to moderate

• Engineering Mathematics is rated moderate
• Core CS subjects incline into moderate-to-difficult.
• GATE 2026 is expected to be moderate to difficult or consistent as GATE 2025.
• Questions are expected to be trickier and conceptually based.

The GATE exam pattern includes these types of questions:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)
• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions.

MCQs have one correct option out of four, MSQs may have more than one correct option, and NAT questions require candidates to enter the answer using an on-screen virtual keypad.

Candidates can check the past year's GATE CSE paper analysis below:

• All PwD candidates will get compensatory time of one hour to complete their exam.
• In addition, they are allowed to bring their assistive devices and get them checked at the entry for the scrutiny process.

• IIT Guwahati has started GATE 2026 Feb 8 shift 1 exam.
• IIT Guwahati has started the GATE 2026 CSE 1 and ST paper forenoon shift.
• Once the exam is completed at 12:30 pm, students can find important topics, question paper answer key solutions, and detailed paper analysis here.

• Many candidates found real analysis and linear algebra slightly challenging due to conceptual depth and lengthy calculations.
• Attempting 35–45 questions with good accuracy is generally considered safe for a strong score.

Candidates can check GATE Feb 7 shift 2 overall diffculty level analysis here

GATE 2026 AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH and XH Paper Analysis

Candidates can check the GATE Feb 7 shift 2 overall difficulty level analysis here

The GATE exam for 7^th February is now officially over. The second shift ended at 5:30 P.M.

You can appear for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering multiple times if you meet the required GATE eligibility criteria. There is no attempt limit for GATE 2026. 

GATE 2026 Shift 2 paper will end at 5:30 pm. Candidates who have appeared for AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH and XH can find the GATE question paper analysis here.

• A factorial calculation has a maximum output of 14 digits
• For logarithmic and hyperbolic, the maximum output is 2 digits
• Mod operation can be used only if the number is less than 12 digits

Candidates can check brief overview of GATE 2026 Feb 7 papers and GA difficulty level below:

The second shift for GATE 2026 February 7 has now begun. You can check the GATE Paper Analysis 2026 for the first shift. 

GATE Instrumentation Engineering Questions Mirror Last Year's Paper

Experts have stated that most of the questions were pretty much similar to last year's questions.

• Amplifier-based questions were asked.
• Many questions were doable with an average attempt of 45 to 55+.

The following papers will be conducted in the second shift of GATE 2026—AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH and XH. 

1. Number of comparators in 6-bit flash-type ADC- 

Ans: 63

What is the overall difficulty level of GATE 2026 Life Sciences?

The overall difficulty level of GATE 2026 is moderate and similar to previous years. 

• Sections like biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and ecology had good weightage.

What is the overall difficulty level of GATE 2026 Mathematics?

The overall difficulty level of GATE 2026 Mathematics is moderate to difficult, similar to previous years.

• The Calculus section was the most challenging
• Real analysis and complex analysis tend to be more manageable.

• As per the students’ initial reaction, the GATE Aptitude and GATE Maths papers were on the easier side.
• Students who took ES (Environmental Science) also reported that the paper went well. Questions were easy in nature.

The GATE 2026 February 7 Shift 1 is now officially over. 

Yes, you must return the GATE scribble pad to the invigilator.

Also, after completing the exam, you must click on the submit button to conclude the exam. If you forget to hit submit, the responses will be saved automatically. 

• The GATE paper analysis for Feb 7 will be shared here once the first shift is complete.
• We will also update memory-based questions based on student feedback here. 

Worried about your belongings before entering the GATE 2026 exam hall? Check details on what to do and what not to do. 

The video by GATE Wallah provides details about the real experience at the GATE 2026 exam center:

The first shift for GATE 2026 has already commenced. Students who will appear for the GATE 2026 Feb 7 Shift 2 must note that:

• You do not need to bring rough sheets, blank paper, or written material of any kind.
• Scribble pads will be provided for rough work and must be returned after the exam;
• You must write your name and registration number on them.

Check: GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Reporting Time, Items Allowed, Rules

GATE 2026 Feb 7 exam (first shift) is being held for the following papers:

• AG - Agricultural Engineering
• ES - Environmental Science and Engineering
• MA - Mathematics
• TF - Textile Engineering and Fibre Science
• MN - Mining Engineering
• XE - Engineering Sciences and 
• XL - Life Sciences
• GG -  Geology and Geophysics (Geology) - GG1 and Geology and Geophysics (Geophysics) - GG2

• PwD candidates will get compensatory time of one hour to complete their exam.
• In addition, they are allowed to bring their assistive devices and get it checked at the entry for scrutiny process. 

The GATE 2026 Februray 7 Shift 1 exam has already begun.  

• In the first shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm), the GATE will be conducted for AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL papers.
• In the second shift (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm), GATE 2026 will be held for AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH and XH papers. 

The GATE 2026 Feb 7 shift 1 paper has begun. The exam timing is 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Students have entered the exam hall and will be allowed to login 20 minutes before the start date to go through instructions. 

As per the GATE 2026 Exam Guidelines, a few items are allowed, and a few items are prohibited to conduct the exam smoothly.

• The details will be mentioned on the GATE 2026 admit card or on gate2026.iitg.ac.in for any last-minute updates.
• A virtual calculator is provided on-screen during the computer-based test—no physical one is needed.

Ready for GATE 2026 exam tomorrow? Check the GATE 2026 last-minute preparation tips here. 

Also Read Subject-Wise Preparation:

• GATE 2026 Preparation Strategy CSE
• GATE 2026 Preparation Strategy Civil

GATE will conduct biometric authentication and document verification for every student. So you must reach the exam center on time. Late entry will not be permitted under any circumstances once the entry gates close.

• Must report to the GATE exam center at least 90 minutes before the exam start time.
• Carry your printed GATE 2026 admit card and a valid original photo ID proof.
• Biometric and document checks will take place before entry into the exam hall.
• Transparent water bottles and simple writing tools (pen/pencil) are permitted.