GATE Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme: MCQ, MSQ, NAT, Negative Marking
Every GATE paper follows the same overall structure: 100 marks in 3 hours, with 65 questions across two sections — General Aptitude (15 marks, 10 questions) and the subject paper (85 marks, 55 questions). Understanding the three question types and their negative-marking rules is essential for strategy.
Question types and marking rules
| Type | How it works | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) | One correct answer from four options. 1-mark or 2-mark questions. | Yes — 1/3 mark deducted for wrong 1-mark; 2/3 mark for wrong 2-mark |
| MSQ (Multiple Select Question) | One or more correct answers from four options. 2-mark questions. Full marks only if all correct answers are selected and no wrong ones. | No negative marking for MSQ |
| NAT (Numerical Answer Type) | Enter a numerical value using the virtual keyboard. 1-mark or 2-mark questions. No options given. | No negative marking for NAT |
Verify the exact marking scheme in the current official GATE notification and question-paper pattern page.
NAT and MSQ have no negative marking: For NAT and MSQ questions, there is no penalty for a wrong answer. Attempt all NAT and MSQ questions — leaving them blank guarantees zero, while an educated attempt costs nothing. For MCQs, apply the same caution you would in any negative-marking exam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the virtual calculator in GATE?
GATE provides a virtual scientific calculator in the exam interface — the same TCS iON calculator used in the real exam. Physical calculators are not permitted. Practise the virtual calculator before exam day so you are comfortable with its interface under time pressure. The official GATE mock test links also embed the same calculator.
Is the MSQ marking scheme all-or-nothing?
Yes. For MSQ, you receive full marks only if you select exactly the correct set of options — all correct answers and no incorrect ones. Partial marking does not apply to MSQ in GATE.
How is the General Aptitude section structured?
10 questions: 5 of 1 mark each and 5 of 2 marks each, totalling 15 marks. GA covers verbal ability (reading comprehension, sentence completion, vocabulary), numerical ability, and critical reasoning. It is common to all 30 GATE papers.