GATE 2026 Mathematics (MA) Paper Analysis: Difficulty, Weightage & Cutoffs

In-depth Review of Feb 7 MA Paper, Topic-wise Marks Distribution, and Expected IIT Admission Cutoffs.

Updated 9 months agoGATE 2026 · Paper Analysis · Mathematics.

#GATE 2026 MA Analysis#Mathematics Paper Review#GATE MA Expected Cutoff#Real Analysis Weightage

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GATE 2026 Mathematics (MA) Paper Analysis: Difficulty, Weightage & Cutoffs

GATE 2026 Mathematics (MA) Detailed Paper Analysis

Exam Date: Feb 7, 2026 | Session: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Overall Difficulty & Student Reaction

The GATE 2026 MA paper was Moderate to Difficult. Many candidates reported that the NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions were particularly time-consuming, while MSQs (Multiple Select Questions) in Algebra required deep conceptual elimination strategies. Real Analysis remained conceptual but fair.

Good Attempts: 38-42 Qs

Difficulty: Moderate-Tough

Subject-Wise Marks Weightage

Subject Domain	Approx. Weightage	Critical Topics (2026 Trends)
Linear Algebra	12-15%	Eigenvalues, Vector Spaces, Linear Transformations.
Real Analysis	10-12%	Sequences, Series, Metric Spaces, Riemann Integration.
Complex Analysis	8-10%	Cauchy’s Residue Theorem, Analytic Functions.
Algebra (Group/Rings)	8-10%	Normal Subgroups, Field Extensions, Ring Theory.
ODE & PDE	12-15%	Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms, Initial Value Problems.
General Aptitude	15%	Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability.

Expected Qualifying Cutoff 2026

The expected qualifying marks for 2026 are slightly higher than 2025 due to a more competitive pool, though the paper difficulty was similar.

Category	2026 (Expected)	2025 (Actual)	2024 (Actual)
General (UR)	26.0 - 27.5	25.0	25.0
OBC-NCL / EWS	23.4 - 24.8	22.5	22.5
SC / ST / PwD	17.3 - 18.5	16.6	16.6

IIT & PSU Admission Targets

IISc / Top IITs (Ph.D.)

Marks: 65+ | Rank: Under 100

Top NITs (M.Sc.)

Marks: 45+ | Score: 600+

PSU Opportunities

Marks: 75+ | Rank: Under 50

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16% since 2021: spatial reasoning

Page 1 free about 8 min read, Full kit about 1 h 5 min read

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Read page 1 freeabout 8 minView details

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