This page lists GATE PH previous year question papers for 8 years, 2016 to 2026, with 15 official PDFs (question papers and answer keys). GATE PH (GATE Physics) is conducted by IISc Bangalore or one of the IITs, in rotation, and covers General Aptitude and Physics 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
GATE PH 2026
GATE PH 2026 paper and answer key from IIT Guwahati, 17 NAT and 37 MCQ, 11 MSQ.
GATE PH 2025
GATE PH 2025 paper and answer key from IIT Roorkee, 13 NAT and 34 MCQ, 18 MSQ.
GATE PH 2024
GATE PH 2024 paper and answer key from IISc Bangalore, 12 NAT and 36 MCQ, 17 MSQ.
GATE PH 2023
GATE PH 2023 answer key from IIT Kanpur, 10 NAT and 46 MCQ, 9 MSQ.
GATE PH 2019
GATE PH 2019 paper and answer key from IIT Madras, 22 NAT and 43 MCQ.
GATE PH 2018
GATE PH 2018 paper and answer key from IIT Guwahati, 25 NAT and 40 MCQ.
GATE PH 2017
GATE PH 2017 paper and answer key from IIT Roorkee, 26 NAT and 39 MCQ.
GATE PH 2016
GATE PH 2016 paper and answer key from IISc Bangalore, 22 NAT and 43 MCQ.
Not hosted: 2020, 2021, 2022. We could not retrieve a complete PH PDF from an official GATE site or its Internet Archive capture for those years, so no page is shown rather than a partial file.
Answer first
For GATE PH (PH), solve paper-code-specific previous year questions under timed conditions, keep General Aptitude alive weekly, and build a subject-weight tally from every PH paper you can get. Mixed-branch PDF dumps destroy the signal you need.
Why PH-only PYQs matter
- Official structure: Physics has its own subject mix: Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics and more.
- NAT precision: Typed-answer questions reward unit discipline and the rounding range printed in the key. Log a correct setup with a wrong unit as a silly miss.
- MSQ logic: From 2021 the keys include multi-select questions, which score only when every correct option, and no wrong one, is chosen. Practise them with a written option audit.
- M.Tech, PhD and PSU alignment: The same PH papers feed several 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 Physics questions (85 marks, with Engineering Mathematics inside the core). Question types are MCQ, NAT and, from 2021, MSQ. Wrong MCQ answers lose 1/3 or 2/3 of the question’s marks; MSQ and NAT have no negative marking.
| Block | Role in PH prep |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | Fixed short daily or weekly block; high ROI marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | Weekly NAT pairs from sticky chapters |
| Core PH | Subjects chosen from your own paper tally; MSQ option audits |
Core topic map for GATE PH
Mathematical Physics
Linear algebra, vector calculus, complex analysis, Fourier and Laplace transforms, special functions, differential equations.
Classical Mechanics
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism, central forces, small oscillations, rigid bodies, special relativity.
Electromagnetic Theory
Electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell equations, waves, radiation, optics.
Quantum Mechanics
Schrodinger equation, operators and commutators, angular momentum, perturbation theory, scattering.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Laws and potentials, ensembles, quantum statistics, phase transitions.
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Spectra, fine structure, Zeeman and Stark effects, molecular rotation and vibration, lasers.
Solid State Physics
Crystal structure, lattice dynamics, band theory, semiconductors, magnetism, superconductivity.
Electronics
Diodes, transistors, amplifiers, op-amps, digital circuits.
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Nuclear models, decays, reactions, fundamental interactions, particle classification and conservation laws.
Pareto guidance: Mark counts per subject are not tabulated on this hub, 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 PH PYQs
3-month plan
In month 1, sit one full PH paper to see where you stand, and work on your three weakest areas. In month 2, practise PH 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 PH PYQ tagging. In the second half, sit one full paper most weeks plus subject revision from misses only. Use older papers for topic drills and keep the latest two years for timed mocks.
12-month plan
Syllabus, then subject-wise PH PYQs, then full papers, then revision cycles. Keep GA alive all year. Common weak spots to watch: quantum mechanics, statistical physics, solid state and nuclear physics.
Common mistakes
- Solving mixed-paper dumps from other GATE codes.
- Ignoring the latest official PH syllabus PDF.
- No NAT re-entry practice.
- Skipping GA because core feels endless.
FAQ
Where can I find GATE PH previous year question papers?
On this hub: the official Physics papers and answer keys for 8 of the 11 years from 2016–2026, from the organising institutes’ sites. Each year page links the original source.
How many years of GATE PH PYQs should I solve?
Aim for 8-10 recent years of paper code PH for subject weightage, with every recent year timed at least once.
Are GATE PH 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 PH?
No for core subject practice. GA can be cross-practised and mathematics templates transfer, but core questions should stay PH-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.
Where to get the official papers
GATE PH 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.