GATE 2026 GG Exam Timeline
IIT Guwahati has officially scheduled the Geology and Geophysics (GG) paper for the very first morning of the 2026 examination window.
Event
Official Date / Time
Admit Card Release
January 13, 2026
GG Exam Date
February 7, 2026 (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
Result Declaration
March 19, 2026
Understanding the GG Paper Structure
The GATE GG paper is divided into a common section and a specialized elective section. Candidates must choose their specialization during the application process.
• Part A (Compulsory): 25 Marks. Common to both Geology and Geophysics candidates.
• Part B (Elective): 60 Marks. Candidates attempt either Section 1 (Geology) OR Section 2 (Geophysics).
• General Aptitude (Compulsory): 15 Marks.
Major Marks Distribution
The 100 marks are structured to test broad Earth Science knowledge through Part A and specialized technical depth through Part B.
Section
Total Marks
Weightage %
General Aptitude
15 Marks
15%
Part A (Common)
25 Marks
25%
Part B (Geology or Geophysics)
60 Marks
60%
Part A: The Foundation of Earth Sciences
Part A is the "qualifying" core for both streams. Focus on these multidisciplinary topics:
1. Earth and Planetary System: Origin of Earth, internal structure, and plate tectonics.
2. Weathering and Erosion: Landforms produced by rivers, wind, and glaciers.
3. Basic Structural Geology: Concepts of stress/strain, faults, and folds.
4. Elements of Crystallography: Symmetry elements and crystal systems.
Part B: Geology vs. Geophysics Core
Section 1 (Geology): Focuses heavily on Mineralogy, Igneous/Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentology, and Paleontology.
Section 2 (Geophysics): Focuses on Seismology (P/S waves), Geodesy, Gravity and Magnetic fields of Earth, and Electrical/Electromagnetic prospecting.
Success Roadmap for GG 2026
1. Prioritize Part A: Since it's only 25 marks but covers a wide range, ensure you master the "basic" concepts of both Geology and Geophysics.
2. PSU Target: For ONGC/OIL recruitment, a score of 75+ is generally required. Accuracy in MSQs is the key to reaching this threshold.
3. Numerical Practice: Geophysics candidates must practice NAT questions on gravity anomalies and seismic travel time. Geology candidates should focus on unit cell and dip/strike calculations.
4. Virtual Calculator: Master the official tool for complex logarithmic and trigonometric Earth Science calculations.
Official Links & Reference Portals
Refer to the Organizing Institute for authentic syllabus and mock test links:
- Marks booster + cheatsheet: most-asked concepts in 2 lines each
- 8 high-yield rules
- 14 grammar rules GATE tested
- 16 algebra formulas with solved PYQs
- 130+ past questions solved in a line
- 16% since 2021: spatial reasoning
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