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GATE Exam Pattern for Mechanical Engineering 2025, Total Marks, No. of Questions, Negative Marking, Weightage

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Sonal Vaid

Content Curator | Updated On - Jul 4, 2024

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Exam Pattern will be released on the official website. No new changes have been made to the ME paper pattern this year. As per GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Exam Pattern, the question paper is divided into three sections- General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Core Discipline. The General Aptitude section constitutes 15% of the total weightage while Engineering Mathematics and Core Discipline make up 13% and 72% of the weightage respectively. Check GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus

  • GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Question Paper consists of 65 questions (MCQs, MSQs and NATs) of 100 marks. Check GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Question Papers
  • Candidates are awarded 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer in GATE ME exam. There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs however, each incorrect MCQ leads to a deduction in marks.
    • 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 1 mark MCQ,
    • 2/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 2 mark MCQ.  
  • Candidates appearing for mechanical engineering as their first paper in GATE 2023 can also appear for AE, CH, NM, PI or XE as their second paper. 

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GATE ME Exam Pattern

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Exam Pattern

Feature Description
GATE ME Exam Date 1st week of February, 2023 (Tentative)
GATE ME Exam Session Two- Forenoon (09:00 – 12:00 hrs) and Afternoon (14:30 – 17:30 hrs) Session
GATE ME Examination Mode Computer Based Test (CBT)
GATE ME Exam Language English
GATE ME Duration 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
GATE ME Sectional Time Limit None
GATE ME Total Marks 100
GATE ME Total Number of questions 65
GATE ME Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ);
Multiple Select Questions (MSQ);
Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions
GATE ME Number of Sections Three- General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and Core Discipline
GATE ME Section-wise Number of Questions General Aptitude- 10 questions,
Engineering Mathematics & Core Discipline- 55 questions
GATE ME Section-wise Weightage General Aptitude- 15 marks,
Engineering Mathematics- 13 marks;
Core Discipline- 72 marks
GATE ME Marking Scheme 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer
GATE ME Negative Marking For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer;
For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer;
No negative marking for MSQs and NATs

GATE ME Marking Scheme

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Marking Scheme

  • As per GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) exam pattern, the paper is of 100 marks including 1 mark and 2 marks questions. 
  • There is no negative marking for NATs and MSQs. However, marks will be deducted for each incorrect MCQ in the paper.
Sections Total Questions Total Marks
1 mark Questions 2 marks Questions
General Aptitude 5 5 (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 15
Engineering Mathematics 25 30 (25 x 1) + (30 x 2) = 85
Core Discipline- Mechanical Engineering
Total 30 35 100

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Negative Marking

Type of Question GATE 2023 ME Negative Marking
1 Mark Questions 2 Marks Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 1/3 mark 2/3 mark
Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) No negative marking  No negative marking 
Numerical Answer Type (NATs) No negative marking No negative marking

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GATE ME Syllabus

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus- Important Topics

  • GATE Syllabus 2023 for Mechanical Engineering (ME) consists of topics from- General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and Core Discipline.
  • Each section further includes subjects with important topics and sub-topics. 
  • The section below covers all the important topics from GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus 2023.
Subject Topics
General Aptitude Verbal Ability; Quantitative Aptitude; Analytical Aptitude; Spatial Aptitude
Engineering Mathematics Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Complex Variables, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods
Applied Mechanics and Design Engineering Mechanics; Mechanics of Materials; Theory of Machines; Vibrations; Machine Design
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences Fluid Mechanics; Heat-Transfer; Thermodynamics and its Applications
Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering Engineering Materials; Casting, Forming and Joining Processes; Machining and Machine Tool Operations; Metrology and Inspection; Production Planning and Control; Industrial Engineering; Operations Research; Computer Integrated Manufacturing

GATE ME Weightage of Topics

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Expected Weightage of Important Topics

  • Topics such as Thermodynamics and its Application, Mechanics of Materials, Theory of Machines and Manufacturing from GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Syllabus are seen to have a higher weightage in exam as compared to other topics.
  • Based on the previous years’ paper analysis for GATE ME, the section below covers the expected weightage of important topics for GATE 2023 ME-
Topics GATE 2023 ME Weightage of Important Topics- Expected (Marks)
General Aptitude 14-15
Engineering Mathematics 15
Applied Mechanics and Design
Engineering Mechanics 2-3
Mechanics of Materials/ Strength of Materials 9-10
Theory of Machines 9-10
Vibrations
Machine Design 4-5
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
Fluid Mechanics 6-7
Heat-Transfer 5-6
Thermodynamics 12-13
Applications
Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Engineering Materials 1-2
Casting, Forming and Joining Processes;
Machining and Machine Tool Operations;
Metrology and Inspection;
Production Planning and Control
14-15
Industrial Engineering;
Operations Research;
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
7-8

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Previous Years’ Weightage of Important Topics

Topics Year-wise Weightage of Important Topics (Marks)
GATE 2021 GATE 2020 GATE 2019 GATE 2018 GATE 2017
Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 1 Slot 2
General Aptitude 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Engineering Mathematics 13 16 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 14
Applied Mechanics and Design
Engineering Mechanics 0 4 3 4 5 3 5 3 4 0
Mechanics of Materials/ Strength of Materials 9 5 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 8
Theory of Machines 8 6 7 7 8 12 10 8 4 11
Vibrations 6 2 3 1 3 2 3 0 3 3
Machine Design 3 4 3 2 5 1 0 3 4 5
Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
Fluid Mechanics 4 9 7 8 5 6 10 7 9 8
Heat-Transfer 4 3 3 5 8 7 2 3 5 6
Thermodynamics 9 7 4 5 4 5 5 4 4 7
Applications 5 7 9 9 6 5 4 9 7 4
Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Engineering Materials 0 1 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 2
Casting, Forming and Joining Processes;
Machining and Machine Tool Operations;
Metrology and Inspection;
Production Planning and Control
16 16 14 15 14 15 18 19 16 10
Industrial Engineering;
Operations Research;
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
8 5 9 6 5 4 5 6 4 7
GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Previous Years' Weightage of Important Topics


GATE ME Preparation

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Preparation

GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper receives the most applications as compared to other GATE papers. The preparation strategy differs for each candidate depending on their learning and retaining capabilities. However, candidates with the best preparation resources can prepare better for the exam. The section below covers a few tips for GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Preparation-

  • Start Early
    • While creating a study plan, analyze the time and number of days required to complete each topic;
    • Create a list of all the important topics in order to the levels of difficulty and number of sub-topics to ensure allocation of the right preparation time to all the topics.
  • Know your GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Exam Pattern and Syllabus well-
    • You must be aware of all the important topics and the marking scheme of the exam before you start preparing.
    • Divide your syllabus in increasing order of difficulty level and weightage so that you can spend more time on topics with much higher weightage and difficulty.
  • Gather the Best Study Resources for ME
    • Select proper material to study such as books, modules, online references, articles, videos, etc.
    • You can also refer to online videos through NPTEL which have access to video lectures by IIT professors. The portal also has previous year GATE ME Question Paper video solutions for students.
  • Revision and Solve Mock Tests/Sample Papers/Previous Years’ Question Paper
    • Dedicate at least an hour for revision every day.
    • Appear for various mock tests right from the start of your GATE 2023 ME preparation.
    • Apart from mock tests also solve previous years’ GATE ME Question papers and various sample questions.

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GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Nature of Questions

Questions in GATE 2023 ME paper are formed to test a candidate’s recall, comprehension, application, analysis & synthesis abilities. Candidates can check the nature of questions asked in the exam based on the previous year analysis-

  • Application & Formula Based Questions
    • To solve application-based questions you must have good knowledge of basic principles, facts, laws, or formulae.
    • However, in formula-based questions, you can answer the questions from your memory or a one-line computation.
    • You will have to apply learned knowledge by computing or logical reasoning.
  • Figures Based Questions
    • Most of the questions in GATE mechanical engineering (ME) are figure-based. 
    • These questions look tricky but they are usually easy to solve.
    • Based on the figures and some data given, you have to answer the questions.
  • Questions Based on Core Topics
    • These questions test your understanding of the discipline of mechanical engineering. 
    • You will be required to bring out simple conclusions from fundamental ideas.
    • Questions from the core subject will be direct in nature.
  • Questions based on Analysis or Common Data Questions
    • In these types of questions, you will find questions in a linked format where an answer must be given to the first pair of questions in order to be able to answer the question that succeeds it. 
    • Sometimes common data will also be provided that means the same data would be shared by 2 questions that are or might be independent of each other.
  • Linked Questions
    • You will find a problem statement after which you will have to answer questions. 
    • These questions will be connected to each other, which means that the second question will rely on the first question’s solution.
    • The chances of such questions to be asked in the paper are very less.

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Best Books

  • Although there are a number of preparation books for GATE 2023 ME, candidates are advised to refer to the latest editions to ensure adherence to the syllabus.
  • Some of the best books for GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) as suggested by previous year toppers are-
GATE Preparation Books for Mechanical Engineering Author Price (Approx.)
Mechanical Vibration GK Grover INR 812
Design Of Machine Elements VB Bhandari INR 309
Engineering Mechanics SS Bhavikatti INR 469
Fluid Mechanics RK Bansal INR 692
Heat & Mass Transfer PK Nag INR 399
Engineering Thermodynamics PK Nag INR 561
Internal Combustion Engine V Ganesan INR 591
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning CP Arora INR 310
Material Science UC Jindal INR 487
Production Engineering Amitabh Ghosh INR 450
Industrial Engineering OP Khanna INR 599

GATE ME Question Paper

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)- Previous Years’ Question Papers

  • Solving previous years' GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) question paper gives an insight into the important topics from the syllabus and helps with the exam preparation.
  • Given below are the links to download the previous year GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) Question Papers along with their answer key PDFs-
Year Slot GATE ME Question Paper GATE ME Answer Key
2021 Slot 1 Download PDF Download PDF
Slot 2 Download PDF Download PDF
2020 Slot 1 Download PDF Download PDF
Slot 2 Download PDF Download PDF
2019 Slot 1 Download PDF Download PDF
Slot 2 Download PDF Download PDF
2018 Slot 1 Download PDF Download PDF
Slot 2 Download PDF Download PDF

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What is Mechanical Engineering and its Scope?

  • Mechanical engineering (ME) is the field where the graduates apply engineering, physics, and materials science principles while designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and maintaining mechanical systems.
  • GATE Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and popular engineering disciplines preferred by lakhs of students each year. 

Scope after GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME)

  • M.Tech Admission after GATE 2023
    • The candidates securing a good score in their GATE 2023 can apply for admission in various top engineering colleges like IITs, NITs or IIITs that can help them in having a great future ahead.
    • There are a number of specializations offered to candidates at these M.Tech colleges such as-
      • M.Tech Machine Design
      • M.Tech Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing
      • M.Tech Mechanical Engineering Energy Technology
      • M.Tech Mechanical Engineering (Spl: Smart Manufacturing)
      • M.Tech Mechanical Engineering (Spl: Mechanical Systems Design)
      • M.Tech Material Science and Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineers from these top IITs and NITs are also able to get wider job opportunities in India and abroad in industries like Aerospace Industry, Automotive Industry, Chemical Industry, Construction Industry, Electronics Industry, Marine Industry, among others.
  • PSU Recruitment after GATE 2023
    • More than 50 PSUs like BARC, BHEL, IOCL, etc. consider GATE ME scores to recruit candidates for the post of management trainees in their organization.
    • A job in a successful PSU means that you keep in touch with recent developments in engineering and work on exciting country development initiatives, as well as obtain security and government job benefits. 
    • Some of these jobs offer high packages such as INR 50,000 per month to deserving candidates. Check PSU Recruitment through GATE
  • Research Work
    • Candidates can also opt for research work-related jobs in their field after qualifying GATE examination. 
    • Institutes such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) hire GATE-qualified candidates for research positions.
    • Although some of these institutes also have a separate qualifying examination to be eligible for the opportunity.
  • ​Other Academic Options such as PGDM-
    • Apart from M.Tech, there are other professional degrees that GATE qualified candidates can pursue.
    • The National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) offers various courses in PGDM which require GATE qualified candidates. Some of the courses offered are- 
      • Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering (PGDIE)
      • Post Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Management (PGDMM)
      • Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management (PGDPM)

Frequently Asked Questions

GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) Exam Pattern FAQs

Ques. What is the pattern of GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) exam?

Ans. IIT Kanpur will release GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) exam pattern. However candidates can check previous year GATE (ME) Exam Pattern below.

Feature Description
GATE ME Exam Date 1st week of February, 2023 (Tentative)
GATE ME Examination Mode Computer Based Test (CBT)
GATE ME Exam Duration 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
GATE ME Sectional Time Limit None
GATE ME Total Marks 100
GATE ME Total Number of questions 65
GATE ME Type of Questions MCQs, MSQs and NATs
GATE ME Number of Sections Three- General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics and Core Discipline
GATE ME Marking Scheme 1 or 2 marks for each correct answer
GATE ME Negative Marking For 1 mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer;
For 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer;
No negative marking for MSQs and NATs

Ques: What is the marking scheme in GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper?

Ans: As per the marking scheme for GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME), there are 1 and 2 mark questions asked in the exam. There is no negative marking for MSQs and NATs. However, each incorrect MCQ leads to deduction in marks.

  • 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 1 mark question
  • 2/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect 2 marks question
Sections Total Questions Total Marks
1 mark Questions 2 marks Questions
General Aptitude 5 5 (5 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 15
Engineering Mathematics 25 30 (25 x 1) + (30 x 2) = 85
Core Discipline- Mechanical Engineering
Total 30 35 100

Ques: How many sections are there in GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering paper and what is the weightage of each section?

Ans: GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper is divided into three sections- 

  • General Aptitude with a weightage of 15 marks,
  • Engineering Mathematics with a weightage of 13 marks,
  • Core Discipline with a weightage of 72 marks.

Ques. What is the weightage of important topics for GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper?

Ans. Although the weightage of topics differs with each slot of the exam, topics such as Thermodynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Theory of Machines and Manufacturing constitute the highest weightage in GATE 2023 exam. The table below covers the expected weightage for GATE 2023 ME based on the previous year analysis- 

Topics GATE 2023 ME Weightage of Important Topics- Expected (Marks)
General Aptitude 14-15
Engineering Mathematics 15
Engineering Mechanics 2-3
Mechanics of Materials/ Strength of Materials 9-10
Theory of Machines 9-10
Vibrations
Machine Design 4-5
Fluid Mechanics 6-7
Heat-Transfer 5-6
Thermodynamics 12-13
Applications
Engineering Materials 1-2
Manufacturing  14-15
Industrial Engineering 7-8

Ques: What will be the difficulty level of the questions in GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering (ME) paper?

Ans: Based on the previous year paper analysis, the difficulty level of GATE 2023 Mechanical Engineering paper is usually moderate. However, the difficulty level of the question paper also depends on the candidate's exam preparation. 

  • GATE 2022 ME paper might be inclined majorly towards numerical-type questions. Candidates might require an analytical approach and an in-depth knowledge of concepts to solve the paper.
  • With more number of numerical type questions, the exam may be time-consuming requiring candidates to work on their calculations and speed.
  • Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) in GATE 2021 papers were zero or very less in number. However, GATE 2023 ME paper might also see a gradual increase in the number of MSQs. 

Candidates are advised to prepare all the topics and sub-topics from GATE ME and take as many practice papers as possible. 


*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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