GATE DA Exam Pattern 2026

# GATE DA Exam Pattern 2026 The GATE DA paper is unique because it tests **conceptual depth** over speed. Understanding the question types is crucial for a high rank. ### Sectional Breakdown | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Focus Area | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **General Aptitude (GA)** | 10 (5 x 1m, 5 x 2m) | 15 Marks | Verbal & Numerical Ability | | **Core Discipline (DA)** | 55 (25 x 1m, 30 x 2m) | 85 Marks | Math, AI, ML, CS | ### Question Types & Marking Scheme 1. **Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):** * One correct option. * **Negative Marking:** 1/3 deducted for 1-mark Qs, 2/3 deducted for 2-mark Qs. 2. **Multiple Select Questions (MSQ):** * One or *more* correct options. * **No Negative Marking.** * **No Partial Credit:** You must select ALL correct options to get marks. *This is the rank decider section.* 3. **Numerical Answer Type (NAT):** * Enter the numerical value using a virtual keypad. * **No Negative Marking.** **Strategic Insight:** In DA, MSQs typically comprise **15-20%** of the paper, often testing deep properties of Linear Algebra and Machine Learning algorithms.

# Question Pattern Analysis (2024-2025 Trend) We have analyzed every single question from the last two years. Here is the DNA of the GATE DA paper: * **Trap Options:** Setters love to put "0", "1", or "Infinity" as trap options in Probability questions. Always solve fully. * **Linked Questions:** Common in Probability. (e.g., Q1 asks for the PDF, Q2 asks for the Expectation based on that PDF). If you get Q1 wrong, you lose Q2 too. * **MSQ Dominance:** The "Rank Decider" questions are almost always **MSQs in Linear Algebra**. They test if you truly understand subspace properties. * **One-Liners are Rare:** Most questions involve a small scenario, a snippet of code, or a mathematical derivation. Rote memorization fails here.