The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026 for Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) is being organized by IIT Guwahati. The exam has been conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in multiple shifts across various sessions (Forenoon: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM). Specifically for CS, the exam was held on February 8, 2026 (CS-1 in Forenoon and CS-2 in Afternoon). The official answer key is expected to be released after the exam, along with results on March 19, 2026. The GATE score remains valid for 3 years from the date of result announcement, making it important for postgraduate admissions and public sector jobs.
As per latest updates, The official GATE 2026 website (gate2026.iitg.ac.in) confirms that Candidate Response URL (Response Sheet), Master Question Paper, and Answer Key of the Master Question Paper have now been released and uploaded in the GOAPS Portal.
Download: GATE CSE 2026 Question Paper and Answer
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) – Conducted in a secure exam environment with on-screen question display and virtual calculator. |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) – No additional time allowed for any section; candidates manage time across all sections. |
| Total Questions | 65 questions – Divided across General Aptitude (10 questions) and Core Technical Sections (55 questions). |
| Total Marks | 100 marks – General Aptitude contributes 15 marks, and Technical Sections contribute 85 marks. |
How to Download GATE 2026 Answer Key
- Visit the official GATE 2026 portal.
- Click on the Answer Key / Response Sheet link.
- Login using Enrollment ID / Email ID and Password.
- View your answer key (PDF) and response sheet.
- Download or print for reference.
GATE 2026 CS Answer Key with PDF
The Shift 1 (Forenoon, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) exam was rated Moderate to Difficult by most candidates and experts. It featured lengthy, theoretical, and conceptual questions, with time management being a challenge due to tricky and application-based problems.
Key topics covered:
- Algorithms (difficult, tricky questions, graph theory lengthy)
- Operating Systems (moderate to difficult, process-related conceptual)
- Theory of Computation (moderate to difficult)
- Compiler Design (difficult)
- Computer Organization & Architecture (moderate)
- Engineering Mathematics (moderate)
- Others: DBMS, Computer Networks (mixed, some conceptual)
GATE 2026 CSE Answer Key for Shift 1 – Released – Available via Candidate Response URL in GOAPS Portal
Official GATE 2026 CSE Quiz - Set 1 – To be announced
GATE 2026 CS Answer Key with PDF
The Shift 2 (Afternoon, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) exam was rated Easy to Moderate overall. It was generally more straightforward and direct compared to Shift 1, with better balance and fewer lengthy questions.
Key topics covered:
- Discrete Mathematics (prominent)
- Computer Organization & Architecture (COA) (easy to moderate)
- Computer Networks (CN) (balanced)
- Programming & Data Structures (moderate)
- DBMS (moderate)
- Engineering Mathematics (easy to moderate, fewer questions)
- Others: Algorithms, OS (present but more direct)
GATE 2026 CSE Answer Key for Shift 2 – Released – Available via Candidate Response URL in GOAPS Portal
Official GATE 2026 CSE Quiz - Set 2 – To be announced
Sections and Topic-Wise Weightage Distribution
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sections | 1. General Aptitude (GA) – 10 questions (15 marks) 2. Engineering Mathematics – ~13-15% weightage 3. Core CS Subjects – ~70-72% weightage |
| Question Types | 1. MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions): 4 options, only one correct 2. MSQs (Multiple Select Questions): More than one correct answer possible 3. NAT (Numerical Answer Type): Answer to be entered as a numerical value |
| Negative Marking | MCQs: 1-mark questions: -0.33 penalty per incorrect answer 2-mark questions: -0.66 penalty per incorrect answer MSQs: No negative marking NAT: No negative marking |
| Virtual Calculator | Available on-screen for numerical calculations Physical calculators not allowed |
| Exam Language | English only – The entire exam is conducted in English |
| Answer Submission | Candidates must submit answers before the timer expires System auto-submits when time is up |
Good Attempt – GATE CS 2026 A good attempt refers to the number of accurate responses that can help candidates secure a high score. As the exam has concluded, the expected good attempt for GATE CS 2026 based on difficulty level will be updated after official analysis and candidate feedback. For reference (general estimates, subject to actual difficulty):
| Difficulty Level | Estimated Good Attempts (Accurate Answers) |
|---|---|
| Easy | 55+ |
| Moderate | 48-55 |
| Difficult | 40-48 |
