GATE 2026 Aerospace Engineering (AE) In-Depth Paper Analysis & Cutoff Trends
Detailed Subject-wise Review, MSQ/NAT Distribution, and Tier-1 IIT Admission Cutoffs for 2026.
Updated: 10 seconds ago
Categories: GATE Analysis 2026, Engineering Education, Aerospace Career.
In-Depth Analysis: GATE 2026 Aerospace Engineering (AE)
1. Paper Composition & Question Pattern
The 2026 AE paper followed the standard 65-question format but saw a significant rise in Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) in the Aerodynamics and Propulsion sections, making the paper time-consuming.
MCQs: ~35-38 Questions
NATs: ~20-22 Questions
MSQs: ~7-10 Questions
2. Branch-Wise Subject Analysis
| Subject | Weightage | Key Topics Asked |
|---|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | 16 Marks | Potential Flow, Prandtl Lifting Line Theory, Thin Airfoil Theory. |
| Propulsion | 14 Marks | Axial Compressors, Isentropic Flow through Nozzles, Gas Turbines. |
| Structures | 18 Marks | Thin-walled sections, Shear Center, Vibration (SDF/MDF). |
| Flight Mechanics | 12 Marks | Static Stability, Phugoid Motion, Neutral Point calculations. |
| Math & Aptitude | 28 Marks | Linear Algebra, Calculus, Numerical Methods, Verbal Logic. |
3. Expected Qualifying Cutoff (2026 vs 2025 vs 2024)
Due to the "Moderate-Difficult" nature of the 2026 paper, the qualifying marks are expected to be slightly higher than the record-lows of 2025.
| Category | 2026 (Exp.) | 2025 (Actual) | 2024 (Actual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 33.5 - 35.5 | 28.9 | 33.3 |
| OBC / EWS | 30.1 - 32.5 | 26.0 | 29.9 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 22.0 - 23.5 | 19.2 | 22.1 |
4. IIT-Wise Admission Cutoff (Gate Score 2026)
To secure a seat in M.Tech (Aerospace), you generally need to be in the Top 200 Ranks for Tier-1 IITs.
IIT Bombay (Aerospace)
GEN Score: 750+ | OBC Score: 680+
IIT Madras (Aerospace)
GEN Score: 720+ | OBC Score: 650+
IIT Kanpur / IISc
GEN Score: 800+ | OBC Score: 720+
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