GATE Physics (PH) — Syllabus, PYQs & Preparation

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, paper PH (Physics). GATE 2027 is organised by IIT Madras. A GATE score is used for admission to postgraduate programmes and by public sector companies for recruitment.

Important dates

Registration Opens: 2 Sept 2026
Regular Registration Closes: 5 Oct 2026
Extended Registration Closes (with late fee): 12 Oct 2026
Application Correction Window Opens: 14 Oct 2026
Application Correction Window Closes: 21 Oct 2026
Exam City Allotment: 4 Jan 2027
GATE 2027 Exam Window Begins: 6 Feb 2027
GATE 2027 Exam Window Ends: 21 Feb 2027
Results: 19 Mar 2027

Eligibility

Qualification: Candidates currently in the 3rd or higher year of any undergraduate degree programme, or who have completed any government approved degree programme in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities.

Candidates with a degree from outside India must be in the 3rd or higher year of, or have completed, a Bachelor's degree of at least three years. See the eligibility table on the GATE 2027 website for each degree type.

Selection process

GATE Examination: Computer based test of 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours. Qualifying in GATE does not guarantee admission, scholarship, or employment; admission to any institute is solely subject to that institute's own eligibility and selection criteria

Exam pattern

GATE PH, 65 questions, 100 marks, 180 minutes, Online CBT, negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted for a wrong 1-mark MCQ and 2/3 mark for a wrong 2-mark MCQ; no negative marking for MSQ or NAT; no partial marking in MSQ

How to apply

Apply online through the GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) linked from the GATE 2027 website.

Application fee (Female/SC/ST/PwD - one paper (regular period)): Rs 1000
Application fee (All other candidates - one paper (regular period)): Rs 2000
Application fee (Female/SC/ST/PwD - two papers (regular period)): Rs 2000
Application fee (All other candidates - two papers (regular period)): Rs 4000
Application fee (Female/SC/ST/PwD - one paper (extended period)): Rs 1500
Application fee (All other candidates - one paper (extended period)): Rs 2500
Application fee (Female/SC/ST/PwD - two papers (extended period)): Rs 2500
Application fee (All other candidates - two papers (extended period)): Rs 4500

GATE Physics (PH) syllabus

General Aptitude (10Q/15M)