100+ Free GATE XE Practice Questions
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If a Cauchy-Riemann analytic function f(z) = u(x, y) + i v(x, y) has u(x, y) = x² − y², then v(x, y) is:
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Key Facts: GATE XE Exam
65 questions / 100 marks
GATE XE 2026 exam structure
gate2026.iitg.ac.in
180 minutes
Total exam duration (CBT)
GATE 2026 Information Brochure
XE-A compulsory + 2 of 8 optional
Section choice (XE-B to XE-I; XE-I is new in 2026)
GATE 2026 XE syllabus, IIT Guwahati
-1/3 and -2/3
Negative marking on 1- and 2-mark MCQs (no penalty on MSQ/NAT)
GATE 2026 Information Brochure
100
Free GATE XE practice questions here
OpenExamPrep
GATE XE 2026 is a 180-minute, 65-question, 100-mark CBT with compulsory GA (15 marks) + Engineering Mathematics XE-A (15 marks) + any two optional 35-mark sections from XE-B through XE-I. GATE 2026 is conducted by IIT Guwahati; negative marking is -1/3 (1-mark) and -2/3 (2-mark) on MCQ only.
Sample GATE XE Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your GATE XE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In the GATE General Aptitude section, choose the word most similar in meaning to 'ubiquitous'.
2A train travels 240 km in 4 hours and another 180 km in 3 hours. What is its average speed for the entire journey?
3If 'TREE' is coded as 'UQFD', then 'BOOK' is coded as which of the following using the same letter-shift rule?
4A bar chart shows a country's GDP grew from 100 (2020) to 144 (2026). What is the approximate compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the six-year period?
5In a class of 60 students, 35 study Physics, 30 study Chemistry, and 15 study both. How many study neither?
6Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The committee's decision was ____ by the unexpected resignation of its chairperson.
7If x² - 5x + 6 = 0, what are the possible values of x?
8A pie chart shows that out of total monthly expenses of ₹40,000, food accounts for 25% and rent 35%. What is the combined amount spent on food and rent?
9Three pipes A, B, and C can fill a tank in 6, 8, and 12 hours respectively. If all three are opened together, how long will they take to fill the tank?
10The probability of a defective bulb is 0.05. In a random sample of 4 bulbs, what is the probability that none is defective?
About the GATE XE Exam
GATE XE (Engineering Sciences) is a multi-section GATE paper jointly conducted by the Indian Institute of Science and seven IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee). GATE 2026 is organised by IIT Guwahati. The paper has 65 questions for 100 marks in 180 minutes and follows a modular structure: 10-mark General Aptitude (compulsory) plus 15-mark Section XE-A Engineering Mathematics (compulsory) plus any TWO optional sections of 35 marks each, chosen from XE-B (Fluid Mechanics), XE-C (Materials Science), XE-D (Solid Mechanics), XE-E (Thermodynamics), XE-F (Polymer Science and Engineering), XE-G (Food Technology), XE-H (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences), and XE-I (Energy Science, newly introduced for GATE 2026). The score is used for admission to M.Tech/M.E./M.S./PhD programmes at IITs, NITs, and IISc, and for recruitment by central PSUs including BARC, IOCL, NTPC, and PGCIL.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
180 minutes
Passing Score
Varies; XE qualifying cut-off typically ~25-30/100 (General)
Exam Fee
INR 1000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD); INR 2000 (others); USD 50-100 (international) (IISc Bangalore and seven IITs; GATE 2026 organised by IIT Guwahati)
GATE XE Exam Content Outline
General Aptitude (GA)
Verbal aptitude (English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension), quantitative aptitude (numerical computation, data interpretation), analytical and spatial aptitude. Common to all GATE 2026 papers and tests basic reasoning.
XE-A Engineering Mathematics (compulsory)
Linear algebra (matrices, eigenvalues), calculus (limits, differentiation, integration, partial derivatives), vector calculus (gradient, divergence, curl, Stokes/Green/Gauss theorems), complex variables (analytic functions, Cauchy-Riemann), ordinary and partial differential equations, probability and statistics, numerical methods (Newton-Raphson, trapezoidal, Simpson).
XE-B Fluid Mechanics (optional)
Fluid properties, fluid statics, kinematics, control-volume analysis, Bernoulli's equation, dimensional analysis (Buckingham π), Navier-Stokes equations, internal flows (Hagen-Poiseuille, Moody), external flows (boundary layers, drag), bluff-body wakes and vortex shedding.
XE-C Materials Science (optional)
Material classification (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites), crystal structures (BCC/FCC/HCP), defects, phase diagrams and the lever rule, phase transformations, mechanical properties (modulus, yield, hardness, fracture), thermal/electrical/magnetic/optical properties, materials processing (casting, rolling, sintering).
XE-D Solid Mechanics (optional)
Equivalent force systems and couples, equilibrium of rigid bodies, friction, kinetics, stress and strain analysis, Hooke's law, axial/torsion/bending of beams, deflection formulas, principal stresses and Mohr's circle, yield criteria (Tresca, von Mises), energy methods (Castigliano), Euler column buckling.
XE-E Thermodynamics (optional)
Thermodynamic systems and properties, first law for closed and open systems, second law and entropy, exergy/availability, pure-substance properties (steam tables), ideal-gas mixtures, Dalton's law, psychrometry and dew point, vapour power cycles (Rankine), gas power cycles (Otto, Brayton), refrigeration cycles.
XE-F Polymer Science and Engineering (optional)
Polymer classification (thermoplastic/thermoset/elastomer; addition/condensation), polymerisation mechanisms (free-radical, ionic, coordination, step-growth), molecular weight (M_n, M_w, PDI), characterisation (GPC, DSC, FTIR, NMR), mechanical/thermal/rheological properties, polymer processing (extrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding), polymer blends and composites.
How to Pass the GATE XE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Varies; XE qualifying cut-off typically ~25-30/100 (General)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 180 minutes
- Exam fee: INR 1000 (Female/SC/ST/PwD); INR 2000 (others); USD 50-100 (international)
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 XE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GATE XE 2026 exam pattern?
GATE XE 2026 is a 180-minute computer-based test with 65 questions totalling 100 marks. It has General Aptitude (10 questions, 15 marks), the compulsory Engineering Mathematics section XE-A (about 11 questions, 15 marks), and any two optional sections of 35 marks each chosen from XE-B Fluid Mechanics, XE-C Materials Science, XE-D Solid Mechanics, XE-E Thermodynamics, XE-F Polymer Science, XE-G Food Technology, XE-H Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and the new XE-I Energy Science.
What is the marking scheme and is there negative marking?
GATE XE has Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) items. MCQs carry negative marking: -1/3 mark for a wrong answer on a 1-mark question and -2/3 mark for a wrong answer on a 2-mark question. MSQs and NATs have NO negative marking, so candidates should attempt all of them.
What is new in GATE 2026 XE compared to previous years?
GATE 2026 introduces Section XE-I Energy Science as a new optional section in the Engineering Sciences paper. Candidates can now select XE-I as one of their two optional sections in addition to the existing XE-B to XE-H. The compulsory components — General Aptitude and XE-A Engineering Mathematics — remain unchanged.
Which institutes accept GATE XE scores?
GATE XE scores are accepted for M.Tech, M.E., M.S., and direct PhD admissions at IISc Bangalore, all IITs, NITs, IIITs, and many other technical universities in India. Central PSUs such as BARC, IOCL, NTPC, PGCIL, GAIL, ONGC, and HPCL also use GATE scores for recruitment of graduate engineers in interdisciplinary roles.
When is GATE 2026 held and when do registrations open?
GATE 2026 is conducted in February 2026 by IIT Guwahati. Registrations typically open at the end of August 2025 and close in early October 2025 (with late-fee window extending mid-October). Admit cards are released in early January 2026 and the official notification, schedule, and syllabus are published on gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
Which two optional sections should I pick for GATE XE?
Pick optional sections that align with your undergraduate background and target M.Tech specialisation. The most commonly attempted combinations are XE-D Solid Mechanics + XE-E Thermodynamics (mechanical engineers), XE-B Fluid Mechanics + XE-E Thermodynamics (chemical/mechanical), and XE-C Materials Science + XE-F Polymer Science (materials/chemical/polymer engineers). Read both section syllabi carefully before locking your choice; you select sections during the exam by attempting their questions.
What is the GATE XE qualifying cut-off?
The GATE XE qualifying mark for General-category candidates is typically around 25-30 out of 100, with lower cut-offs for OBC-NCL (~22-27), SC/ST/PwD (~16-20). Qualifying GATE only certifies eligibility; admissions and PSU recruitment require much higher scores — typically 50+ for IITs and 75+ for top PSUs.