GATE 2026 MT Exam Timeline
IIT Guwahati has scheduled the Metallurgical Engineering (MT) paper for the first Saturday of the examination window. With PSUs like SAIL often using these scores, your preparation timeline is critical.
Event
Official Date / Time
Admit Card Release
January 13, 2026
MT Exam Date
February 7, 2026 (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Result Declaration
March 19, 2026
Exam Pattern & Question Types
The MT paper consists of 65 questions totaling 100 marks. The exam evaluates your understanding of material properties, extraction processes, and manufacturing techniques.
• MCQ (Multiple Choice): 1 or 2 marks with 1/3 or 2/3 negative marking.
• MSQ (Multiple Select): One or more options can be correct. No negative marking. Ideal for testing Phase Diagrams and Crystal Structures.
• NAT (Numerical Answer): Precise calculation required. No negative marking. Common in Thermodynamics and Mechanical Metallurgy.
Major Marks Distribution
For 2026, focus on these core technical pillars that consistently provide over 50% of the total marks.
Section
Expected Marks
Priority Level
General Aptitude
15 Marks
Mandatory
Engineering Mathematics
13 Marks
High
Thermodynamics & Kinetics
12-14 Marks
Critical
Physical Metallurgy
12-14 Marks
Critical
Extractive Metallurgy
10-12 Marks
High
Core Syllabus: The "Big Three" Focus Areas
To target an AIR under 100, you must master these technical pillars:
1. Thermodynamics and Kinetics: Laws of thermodynamics, Ellingham diagrams, and Rate phenomena.
2. Physical Metallurgy: Crystal structures, Diffusion, Phase diagrams (Fe-C diagram), and Heat treatment.
3. Extractive Metallurgy: Roasting, Smelting, Refining, and Iron/Steel making processes (Blast Furnace, LD Converter).
4. Mechanical Metallurgy: Stress-strain behavior, Dislocation theory, and Fracture mechanics.
Success Roadmap for AIR Under 100
1. Master the 28 Foundation Marks: General Aptitude (15) and Math (13) are consistent. Securing 25+ here is essential for PSU shortlisting.
2. Numerical Precision in NAT: Thermodynamics and Mechanical Metallurgy are calculation-intensive. Practice with the virtual calculator daily.
3. Phase Diagram Clarity: MSQs often test minute details of the Iron-Carbon and TTT diagrams. Ensure you can draw and label these from memory.
4. PYQ Analysis (2014-2025): Metallurgy patterns are highly repetitive. Solve at least 12 years of papers to understand the IIT Guwahati trend.
Official Links & Reference Portals
Refer to the official portal for mock tests and syllabus PDFs:
- 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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