This page lists GATE DA previous year question papers for 3 years, 2024 to 2026, with 6 official PDFs (question papers and answer keys). GATE DA (GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence) is conducted by IISc Bangalore or one of the IITs, in rotation, and covers General Aptitude, Probability, Linear Algebra and Calculus and DA core. Pick a year below for the paper, answer key and a timed practice plan; confirm dates and pattern on gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
Year-wise question papers
Answer first
For GATE DA (DA), solve paper-code-specific previous year questions under timed conditions, keep General Aptitude alive weekly, and build a subject-weight tally from every DA paper you can get. GATE DA is a new paper that was first held in 2024, so there are only three official papers: 2024, 2025 and 2026, one set each year. Mixed-branch PDF dumps destroy the signal you need.
Why DA-only PYQs matter
- Official structure: DA overlaps with GATE CS on programming, data structures and databases, and with mathematics papers on probability, linear algebra and optimization, but machine learning and AI questions appear only in DA.
- NAT precision: DA NATs often need a clean calculation with probabilities, matrices or gradients. Keep a calculator-free habit for small cases and check the answer range in the key.
- MSQ logic: Multi-select questions appear in the recent keys and score only when every correct option, and no wrong one, is chosen. Practise them with a written option audit.
- M.Tech and PSU alignment: The same DA papers feed both goals, with different cut-off arithmetic.
Pattern snapshot (verify brochure)
Single paper, computer-based, three hours. 65 questions for 100 marks: 10 General Aptitude (15 marks) and 55 Data Science and AI (85 marks, with probability, linear algebra and calculus inside the core). Question types are MCQ, MSQ and NAT. Wrong MCQ answers lose 1/3 or 2/3 of the question’s marks; MSQ and NAT have no negative marking.
| Block | Role in DA prep |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | Fixed short daily or weekly block; high ROI marks |
| Probability, linear algebra and calculus | Weekly NAT pairs from sticky chapters |
| Core DA | Subjects chosen from your own paper tally; MSQ option audits |
Core topic map for GATE DA
Probability and Statistics
Bayes rule, distributions, expectation and variance, hypothesis testing.
Linear Algebra
Rank, eigenvalues, SVD, solving systems.
Calculus and Optimization
Gradients, convexity, constrained optimization.
Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms
Python output tracing, tree and graph algorithms, complexity.
Database Management and Warehousing
SQL, relational algebra, normalisation, warehousing.
Machine Learning
Regression, classification, bias-variance, clustering, neural networks.
Artificial Intelligence
Search strategies, logic, Bayesian networks.
Pareto guidance: Mark counts per subject are not tabulated on this hub yet, so build your own tally. After each paper, count how many questions each subject contributed and let the running average decide your order of study.
Prep timelines using DA PYQs
3-month plan
In month 1, sit one full DA paper to see where you stand, and work on your three weakest subjects. In month 2, practise DA PYQs subject by subject, starting with the ones that carry the most marks in your tally. In month 3, alternate full papers with revising the formulas from your error log.
6-month plan
Finish the syllabus with weekly DA PYQ tagging. In the second half, sit one full paper most weeks plus subject revision from misses only. With only three papers in existence, sit them in order from the oldest to the newest and keep one back as your final mock.
12-month plan
Syllabus, then subject-wise DA PYQs, then full papers, then revision cycles. Keep GA alive all year. Focus areas as you go:
- Probability and statistics, the most calculation heavy block.
- Linear algebra and calculus and optimization, which feed machine learning.
- Machine learning and AI, which are new to many candidates.
- Programming, data structures and databases, where GATE CS practice also helps.
Common mistakes
- Solving mixed-paper dumps from other GATE codes.
- Ignoring the latest official DA syllabus PDF.
- No NAT re-entry practice.
- Skipping GA because core feels endless.
FAQ
Where can I find GATE DA previous year question papers?
On this hub: the official Data Science and Artificial Intelligence question papers and answer keys for 3 of the 3 years from 2024–2026, from the organising institutes’ sites. Each year page links the original source.
How many years of GATE DA PYQs should I solve?
All three: 2024, 2025 and 2026 are the only official DA papers, so sit every one of them under timed conditions.
Are GATE DA PYQs enough?
They are the best practice available, but they do not replace the official syllabus, studying the concepts, and keeping up General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics.
Should I mix other GATE paper codes with DA?
No for core subject practice. GA can be cross-practised and mathematics templates transfer, but core numericals should stay DA-only.
How should I use an error log?
Same day: tag each miss by block (GA, mathematics, core), subject, and miss type (concept, silly, time or misread). Next sessions repair logged items only.
How many sets does GATE DA have?
GATE DA is a new paper that was first held in 2024, so there are only three official papers: 2024, 2025 and 2026, one set each year.
Where to get the official papers
GATE DA question papers, answer keys and notifications are published by the IISc or IIT organising that year’s exam on its own GATE website (IIT Madras for GATE 2027: gate2027.iitm.ac.in). Download them from there. We link to the official files and add practice notes, but the latest official notification is the final word on dates, pattern and eligibility.