GATE 2026 Computer Science (CS) Paper Analysis: Difficulty, Weightage & IIT Cutoffs
Detailed Shift-wise Review, Subject Weightage Analysis, and Expected IIT Admission Scores for 2026.
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Categories: GATE 2026, Paper Analysis, Computer Science & IT.
GATE 2026 Computer Science (CS) Detailed Paper Analysis
Exam Date: Feb 8, 2026
Status: Shift 1 & 2 Complete
Overall Difficulty & Student Reaction
The GATE 2026 CS paper presented a balanced but challenging set of questions. Shift 1 was reported as moderate-to-difficult with tricky MSQs in Computer Networks, while Shift 2 felt more approachable but featured lengthy NATs in COA.
Shift 1:
Shift 2:
Subject-Wise Weightage (2026 Trends)
| Core Subject | Weightage (Approx) | High-Priority Topics in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithms & DS | 15-18 Marks | Graph Theory, Dynamic Programming, Hashing. |
| Discrete Math | 12-14 Marks | Propositional Logic, Combinatorics, Set Theory. |
| Operating Systems | 8-10 Marks | Paging, Deadlocks, CPU Scheduling. |
| Databases (DBMS) | 7-9 Marks | Indexing (B/B+ Trees), SQL, Normalization. |
| Computer Networks | 8-10 Marks | TCP Congestion, IPv4/IPv6, Flow Control. |
| Aptitude & EM | 28 Marks | Linear Algebra, Probability, Verbal Ability. |
Expected Qualifying Cutoff 2026
Compared to 2025 (29.2 marks for General), the 2026 qualifying marks are expected to remain in a similar range due to the increased number of applicants offsetting the paper's difficulty.
| Category | 2026 (Exp.) | 2025 (Actual) | 2024 (Actual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (GEN) | 29.5 - 31.0 | 29.2 | 27.6 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | 26.5 - 28.0 | 26.2 | 24.8 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 19.5 - 21.0 | 19.4 | 18.4 |
Target Scores for Top IITs (M.Tech CSE)
For the 2026 admissions cycle, securing a seat in the "Old IITs" will likely require the following GATE scores:
IISc / IIT Bombay
Score: 850+ | Marks: 72+
IIT Delhi / Kanpur
Score: 780+ | Marks: 65+
Top NITs (T/W/S)
Score: 680+ | Marks: 55+
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