GATE Ecology and Evolution 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus & High-Weightage Topics
Master the EY Paper: A deep dive into Evolutionary Mechanisms, Population Ecology, and 2026 Strategy.
Updated : 1 week ago
Categories: GATE Exam, Life Sciences, Ecology & Evolution
View Complete ArticleGATE 2026 EY Exam Timeline
For the 2026 cycle, IIT Guwahati has scheduled the Ecology and Evolution (EY) paper for the first Sunday of the examination window. Finalize your preparation for this afternoon slot:
Event
Official Date / Time
Admit Card Release
January 13, 2026
EY Exam Date
February 8, 2026 (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Result Declaration
March 19, 2026
Scorecard Download
March 27, 2026
Exam Pattern & Question Types
The GATE EY paper consists of 65 questions for a total of 100 marks. Unlike engineering papers, EY does not have a separate Engineering Mathematics section; instead, mathematics and statistics are integrated into the core 85 marks.
• MCQ (Multiple Choice): 1 or 2 marks. Penalty of 1/3 or 2/3 respectively for wrong answers.
• MSQ (Multiple Select): One or more options can be correct. No negative marking. Tests deep conceptual knowledge.
• NAT (Numerical Answer): Requires precise calculation. No negative marking. Common in Biostatistics and Population Genetics.
Major Marks Distribution
The paper is divided into two main sections. The core EY section (85 marks) is further broken down into five distinct sub-sections.
Section
Approx. Marks
Weightage %
General Aptitude
15 Marks
15%
Ecology (Sec 1)
22-25 Marks
~24%
Evolution (Sec 2)
20-22 Marks
~21%
Math & Quantitative Ecology (Sec 3)
15-18 Marks
~16%
Core Syllabus: High Yield Areas
For 2026, focus on these technical pillars that consistently appear in both theoretical and numerical questions:
1. Population Ecology: Density-dependent/independent growth, Lotka-Volterra models, and meta-population dynamics.
2. Evolutionary Mechanisms: Natural selection, fitness, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and molecular evolution (Neutral theory).
3. Behavioral Ecology: Optimal foraging theory, sexual selection, altruism, and kin selection.
4. Applied Ecology: Conservation biology, ecosystem services, global climate change impacts, and epidemiology.
Mathematics and Quantitative Ecology
Section 3 is the "rank-decider." Proficiency in basic probability and statistical distributions is mandatory for scoring the 15-18 marks in this section.
• Statistics: Normal, Poisson, and Binomial distributions; t-tests, Chi-square tests, and regression.
• Math Foundation: Logarithmic functions, derivatives, permutations, and combinations.
Success Roadmap for 2026
1. Master the Quantitative Section: Many biology students skip math. Mastering these 15+ marks can significantly boost your AIR.
2. Practice NATs Constantly: Population genetics and growth models are calculation-heavy. Use the virtual calculator early to build speed.
3. Revision through Case Studies: Evolution questions often use real-world examples (like mimicry or island biogeography). Study these to excel in MSQs.
4. General Aptitude Buffer: Ensure you score 12+ in Aptitude to secure a high base before the technical section starts.
Official Links & Reference Portals
Stay updated with official notifications and response sheet links:
