This page lists GATE XE previous year question papers for 9 years, 2016 to 2026, with 26 official PDFs (question papers and answer keys). GATE XE (GATE Engineering Sciences) is conducted by IISc Bangalore or one of the IITs, in rotation, and covers General Aptitude, XE-A Engineering Mathematics and two optional sections. 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 XE 2026
GATE XE 2026 paper and answer key from IIT Guwahati.
GATE XE 2025
GATE XE 2025 paper and answer key from IIT Roorkee.
GATE XE 2024
GATE XE 2024 paper and answer key from IISc Bangalore.
GATE XE 2023
GATE XE 2023 answer key from IIT Kanpur.
GATE XE 2022
GATE XE 2022 answer key from IIT Kharagpur.
GATE XE 2019
GATE XE 2019 paper and answer key from IIT Madras.
GATE XE 2018
GATE XE 2018 answer key from IIT Guwahati.
GATE XE 2017
GATE XE 2017 paper and answer key from IIT Roorkee.
GATE XE 2016
GATE XE 2016 paper and answer key from IISc Bangalore.
Not hosted: 2020, 2021. We could not retrieve a complete XE 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 XE (XE), solve paper-code-specific previous year questions under timed conditions, keep General Aptitude alive weekly, and build a subject-weight tally from every XE paper you can get. XE is a choose-your-sections paper, so your tally should cover only GA, XE-A and the two optional sections you pick.
Why XE-only PYQs matter
- Official structure: XE pairs the compulsory XE-A mathematics section with two optional sections chosen from B to H, so each candidate sits a different core.
- 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 XE 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 subject questions (85 marks). 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 XE prep |
|---|---|
| General Aptitude | Fixed short daily or weekly block; high ROI marks |
| XE-A Engineering Mathematics | Weekly NAT pairs from sticky chapters |
| Optional sections | Two sections fixed early; full-section drills |
Core topic map for GATE XE
XE-A Engineering Mathematics
Compulsory for every candidate: linear algebra, calculus, vector calculus, differential equations, complex variables, probability and statistics, numerical methods.
XE-B Fluid Mechanics
Fluid properties, statics, integral and differential analysis, potential flow, viscous and boundary-layer flow, turbulence.
XE-C Materials Science
Structure of materials, defects, phase diagrams, diffusion, mechanical, electrical, magnetic and optical properties.
XE-D Solid Mechanics
Stress and strain, beams, torsion, columns, energy methods, plasticity and failure theories.
XE-E Thermodynamics
Laws of thermodynamics, properties of pure substances, cycles, mixtures, equilibrium.
XE-F Polymer Science and Engineering
Polymer chemistry and synthesis, characterisation, properties, processing, polymer blends and composites.
XE-G Food Technology
Food chemistry and nutrition, food microbiology, food process engineering, preservation, quality and packaging.
XE-H Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Atmospheric structure and thermodynamics, dynamics, ocean circulation, waves, climate basics.
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 XE PYQs
3-month plan
In month 1, sit one full XE paper to see where you stand, and work on your three weakest areas. In month 2, practise XE 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 XE 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 XE PYQs, then full papers, then revision cycles. Keep GA alive all year. Common weak spots to watch: your chosen optional pair of sections.
Common mistakes
- Solving mixed-paper dumps from other GATE codes.
- Ignoring the latest official XE syllabus PDF.
- No NAT re-entry practice.
- Skipping GA because core feels endless.
FAQ
Where can I find GATE XE previous year question papers?
On this hub: the official Engineering Sciences papers and answer keys for 9 of the 11 years from 2016–2026, from the organising institutes’ sites. Each year page links the original source.
How many years of GATE XE PYQs should I solve?
Aim for 8-10 recent years of paper code XE for subject weightage, with every recent year timed at least once.
Are GATE XE PYQs enough?
They are the best practice available, but they do not replace the official syllabus, studying the concepts, and keeping up General Aptitude.
Should I mix other GATE paper codes with XE?
No for core subject practice. GA can be cross-practised, but core questions should stay XE-only.
How should I use an error log?
Same day: tag each miss by block (GA, core), subject, and miss type (concept, silly, time or misread). Next sessions repair logged items only.
How do I choose XE sections?
Everyone attempts General Aptitude and the compulsory XE-A (Engineering Mathematics) section, then picks two from XE-B to XE-H. Fix your pair early and practise only those sections.
Where to get the official papers
GATE XE 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.