100+ Free GATE PH Practice Questions
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Key Facts: GATE PH Exam
100 marks
Total marks across 65 questions in 3 hours
GATE 2026 official information brochure
15 + 85
General Aptitude marks + Physics subject marks
IIT Guwahati GATE 2026
−1/3 / −2/3
Negative marks for wrong 1-mark / 2-mark MCQs (MSQ/NAT have none)
GATE 2026 marking scheme
3 years
GATE score validity for admissions and PSU recruitment
GATE Office, IISc/IITs
100
Free GATE Physics practice questions here
OpenExamPrep
GATE Physics (PH) is a 3-hour, 65-question, 100-mark computer-based postgraduate entrance test by IIT Guwahati for GATE 2026. 15 marks General Aptitude + 85 marks physics across 9 sections (Math Physics, Classical, EM, QM, Stat/Thermo, Atomic, Solid State, Electronics, Nuclear). MCQ negative marking only; MSQ/NAT have none.
Sample GATE PH Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your GATE PH exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1If 'CAT' is coded as 24, 'DOG' is coded as 26, then 'BAT' is coded as which of the following?
2A train 200 metres long crosses a platform 300 metres long in 25 seconds. What is the speed of the train in km/h?
3Select the word most opposite in meaning to 'PROFLIGATE':
4In a class of 60 students, 35 like mathematics, 30 like physics, and 15 like both. How many students like neither mathematics nor physics?
5Read the passage: 'The new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 through aggressive renewable energy adoption. Critics argue that the targets are unrealistic without nuclear power expansion.' Which inference is best supported?
6If x + 1/x = 3, what is the value of x³ + 1/x³?
7A bar chart shows that company X's revenue grew from INR 200 crore in 2023 to INR 250 crore in 2024 and INR 320 crore in 2025. What was the highest year-on-year growth rate?
8If LOGIC = MPHJD using a +1 shift, then PHYSICS = ?
9A clock shows 3:15. What is the angle (in degrees) between the hour and minute hands?
10Find the next term: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
About the GATE PH Exam
GATE Physics (paper code PH) is the postgraduate entrance examination for admission to M.Tech, M.Sc, and PhD programmes in physics at the IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs, IIITs, and several centrally-funded research institutes. A valid GATE score is also used for recruitment to scientific positions in PSUs such as BARC, ISRO, DRDO, and IPR. The 2026 edition is being conducted by IIT Guwahati on 7, 8, 14 and 15 February 2026 as a computer-based test. The paper has 65 questions for 100 marks split across General Aptitude (15 marks) and the subject-specific physics syllabus (85 marks), with a 3-hour time limit. Questions are a mix of MCQ, Multiple-Select (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT); only MCQs carry negative marking.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
180 minutes (3 hours)
Passing Score
Qualifying mark set yearly (typically ~25/100 general); separate from GATE score used for admissions
Exam Fee
INR 1000 (women/SC/ST/PwD); INR 2000 (others) per paper (IIT Guwahati for GATE 2026, on behalf of National Coordination Board-GATE, IISc & seven IITs)
GATE PH Exam Content Outline
General Aptitude (GA)
Verbal aptitude (vocabulary, grammar, reading), quantitative aptitude (arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation), analytical and spatial reasoning. Common to all GATE papers.
Mathematical Physics
Linear algebra (eigenvalues, vector spaces), complex analysis (residues, contour integrals), Fourier series and transforms, Laplace transforms, ODE/PDE, vector calculus, tensors, group theory basics.
Classical Mechanics
D'Alembert's principle, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation, central force motion and Kepler problem, small oscillations and normal modes, rigid body dynamics, special relativity (Lorentz transformations, 4-vectors).
Electromagnetic Theory
Electrostatics and magnetostatics, boundary value problems, Maxwell's equations, EM wave propagation, reflection and refraction (Fresnel, Brewster), waveguides, radiation from accelerating charges (Larmor).
Quantum Mechanics
Schrödinger equation, one-dimensional potentials (well, barrier, oscillator), hydrogen atom, angular momentum and spin, time-independent perturbation theory, identical particles (Pauli), scattering theory (Born approximation).
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Laws of thermodynamics, microcanonical/canonical/grand canonical ensembles, classical and quantum statistics (MB, BE, FD), ideal Bose and Fermi gases, black-body radiation, phase transitions.
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Spectra of hydrogen, helium, alkali atoms; LS and jj coupling; Zeeman and Stark effects; X-ray spectroscopy; rotational, vibrational, electronic molecular spectra; lasers and Einstein coefficients.
Solid State Physics
Crystal structure and X-ray diffraction (Bragg's law), free electron theory, band theory, semiconductors (intrinsic and doped), superconductivity, magnetism (dia, para, ferro).
Electronics
Semiconductor devices (diode, BJT, FET), op-amp circuits, combinational and sequential digital electronics, ADC/DAC.
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Nuclear properties and binding energy (SEMF), nuclear models, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, elementary particles, quark model, conservation laws.
How to Pass the GATE PH Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Qualifying mark set yearly (typically ~25/100 general); separate from GATE score used for admissions
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Exam fee: INR 1000 (women/SC/ST/PwD); INR 2000 (others) per paper
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
GATE PH Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GATE Physics 2026 exam pattern?
GATE PH 2026 is a 3-hour computer-based test with 65 questions for 100 marks. The paper has 10 General Aptitude questions (15 marks total: 5×1-mark + 5×2-mark) and 55 Physics questions (85 marks: 25×1-mark + 30×2-mark). Questions are MCQs, MSQs (multiple correct), or NATs (numerical answer).
What is the marking scheme — does GATE Physics have negative marking?
Only MCQs carry negative marking: −1/3 for a wrong 1-mark MCQ and −2/3 for a wrong 2-mark MCQ. There is NO negative marking for MSQ (Multiple Select) or NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions. Unattempted questions score zero, so it is safe to attempt every MSQ and NAT but cautious to skip uncertain MCQs.
Who is conducting GATE 2026 and when is the Physics paper?
GATE 2026 is being conducted by IIT Guwahati. The exam is scheduled across four dates: 7, 8, 14 and 15 February 2026. The Physics (PH) paper falls in one of these slots — the exact session is announced with the admit card. Results are typically declared in mid-March.
What are the eligibility criteria for GATE Physics?
Candidates who have completed or are in the final year of a Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc Research) or a Master's degree in Physics, or equivalent recognised qualifications can appear. There is no age limit. Foreign nationals from select SAARC and other countries can also apply.
What is the application fee for GATE Physics 2026?
Regular registration fee is INR 2000 per paper for general candidates and INR 1000 per paper for female / SC / ST / PwD candidates. Late registration adds INR 500. Fees are paid online during application on GOAPS via the official GATE 2026 portal.
Where is the GATE PH score accepted?
GATE Physics scores are accepted for M.Tech/M.Sc/Integrated PhD/PhD admissions at IISc Bangalore, all IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, and many universities. The score is also used by PSUs and research labs (BARC, ISRO, DRDO, IPR, IUCAA, RRCAT, etc.) for direct recruitment to Scientific Officer or research-fellow positions. Score validity is 3 years.