IIT Madras GATE 2027 Key Changes:  Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has released the GATE 2027 notification for 30 papers, and here we bring you complete details on the changing pattern, newly added subject, and revised syllabus. The exam will now include a fresh Robotics & Automation (RA) paper, along with a merged Textile Engineering & Fibre Science section under XE.

Each candidate can appear in either one paper or a valid two-paper combination. The syllabi for all GATE 2027 papers have been revised, and candidates are strongly advised to check the updated syllabus for their chosen subject before beginning preparation for the exam.

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List of GATE 2027 Test Papers, Codes And Syllabus Direct Link

GATE 2027 will be conducted for 30 test papers, each identified by a specific code required during both application and examination. Candidates must click on the Paper/Code link to download the respective syllabus PDF directly

Key Changes In XE, XH And XL Sections:

Under XE (Engineering Sciences), the Textile Engineering & Fibre Science paper has now been converted into a section (XE9) instead of a standalone paper, while other optional sections like Fluid Mechanics, Materials Science, and Thermodynamics remain unchanged with new codes. In XH (Humanities & Social Sciences), candidates must choose one optional section such as Economics, English, Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology or Sociology alongside the common Reasoning and Comprehension section. In XL (Life Sciences), Chemistry remains common, with candidates selecting two optional sections from Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology and Food Technology.

GATE 2027 Question Paper Pattern:

Particulars

Details

Mode of Examination

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Language of Examination

English

Duration

3 Hours

Number of Papers (Subjects)

30 test papers

Sections

General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate's Selected Subject(s)

Type of Questions

MCQ, MSQ, NAT

Abilities Tested

Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis

Marks Distribution (All Papers Except AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH, XL)

GA: 15 marks; Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks; Subject Questions: 72 marks; Total: 100 marks

Marks Distribution (AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, RA, ST, XH, XL)

GA: 15 marks; Subject Questions: 85 marks; Total: 100 marks

Marking Scheme

Questions carry 1 or 2 marks each

Negative Marking (1-Mark MCQ)

1/3 mark deducted for a wrong answer

Negative Marking (2-Mark MCQ)

2/3 mark deducted for a wrong answer

Negative Marking (MSQ/NAT)

No negative marking

Partial Marking (MSQ)

Not applicable

Special Structure For AR, GE, GG And RA Papers

Papers like AR (Architecture and Planning), GE (Geomatics Engineering), GG (Geology & Geophysics) and RA (Robotics & Automation) follow a distinct structure with a common Part A and optional Part B sections. For RA specifically, candidates can select between B1 - Electrical or B2 - Mechanical during the exam itself, with the common section carrying 60 marks and the optional section carrying 25 marks, alongside the standard 15 marks for General Aptitude, totalling 100 marks over 180 minutes.

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DigiLocker & Facial Recognition Mandatory for Applicants

In a major move to curb identity fraud and cut down processing delays at physical examination centres, the GATE 2027 online registration system will now link directly with DigiLocker for verified retrieval of candidate documents.

This is expected to reduce manual document scrutiny and speed up verification during the application process. Additionally, the system will use facial recognition during biometric capture, adding an extra layer of authentication for applicants. Together, these measures are aimed at strengthening identity checks and ensuring a smoother, more secure registration and examination experience for candidates appearing in GATE 2027.

Important Note On Application

Candidates must familiarise themselves with their paper code, as it is required at both the application and examination stages. Each candidate is allowed to fill only one application; if appearing for a second paper under a valid two-paper combination, it must be added within the original application itself. In case multiple applications are submitted, only one will be accepted, and the remaining will be rejected without any refund of the fee already paid.