Exam Conducted by: IIT Guwahati | Date: 7th February 2026
1. Overall Paper Difficulty
The GATE 2026 GG paper was rated Moderate. Part A (Common) was relatively easy, focusing on general Earth Science concepts. However, the specialized Part B sections—both Geology (B1) and Geophysics (B2)—featured a high density of NATs that required precise numerical values, particularly in Seismic and Structural segments.
Seismology (P/S waves), Magnetic Methods, Gravity Corrections, Well Logging.
Tough
3. Expected Qualifying Cutoff 2026
The cutoffs for GG are generally higher than many engineering branches due to a smaller, more focused candidate pool (approx. 6,000–8,000 test-takers).
Category
Geology (Exp.)
Geophysics (Exp.)
2025 Actual (GG1/GG2)
General (GEN)
39.5 - 41.5
42.0 - 45.0
38.4 / 40.0
OBC-NCL / EWS
35.5 - 37.0
37.5 - 40.5
34.5 / 36.0
SC / ST / PwD
26.0 - 27.5
28.0 - 30.0
25.5 / 26.6
4. IIT & PSU Admission Targets
For the top rankers, PSUs like ONGC and GSI (Geological Survey of India) are the primary goals, followed by M.Tech in Earth Sciences at Tier-1 IITs.
PSU Recruitment (ONGC): Marks 78+ | AIR Under 80
IIT Bombay / IIT Roorkee: Score 680+ | AIR Under 200
IIT ISM Dhanbad / IIT Kharagpur: Score 600+ | AIR Under 400
Short tests, one topic at a time, with every answer explained.
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SampleGATE Geology and Geophysics · Free sample (4 questions)A few questions in the exact player you get after buying: the clock, the question palette, then your score and every answer explained.
#1
Miller Indices and Crystal Systems Fundamentals | GATE Geology and Geophysics
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10 Qs · ~10 min
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#2
Plate Boundaries and Tectonics Fundamentals | GATE Geology and Geophysics
10 Qs · ~10 min
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#3
Paleostress Analysis from Faults Advanced Challenge | GATE Geology and Geophysics
10 Qs · ~10 min 4aj leads with 3/10
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#4
GATE General Aptitude — Grammar and Vocabulary (GATE 2026 pattern)
10 Qs · ~10 min
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#5
GATE General Aptitude — Statements and Logical Inference (GATE 2026 pattern)
10 Qs · ~10 min
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#6
GATE General Aptitude — Arrangements and Puzzles (GATE 2026 pattern)
10 Qs · ~10 min
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#7
GATE General Aptitude — Numbers, Algebra and Logarithms (GATE 2026 pattern)
10 Qs · ~10 min
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#8
GATE General Aptitude — Counting, Probability and Geometry (GATE 2026 pattern)
10 Qs · ~10 min
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