GATE 2026: DS & AI Preparation Guide
If you're preparing for the GATE 2026 Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the syllabus, understand the exam pattern, and get access to focused MCQs and preparation resources. The DA paper is a relatively new addition to GATE, and this page is designed to provide a structured roadmap for your preparation.
General Aptitude for GATE 2026 – Common for All Papers
The General Aptitude (GA) section is a crucial part of the GATE DA paper, contributing 15% of the total marks. This section is designed to test your command over basic language skills, mathematical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Here's what you need to focus on:
📘 Verbal Aptitude
Basic English grammar (tenses, articles, conjunctions, prepositions)
Vocabulary in context, idioms, and phrases
Reading comprehension and sentence sequencing
📐 Quantitative Aptitude
Data interpretation using graphs, tables, and charts
Numerical computation: ratios, percentages, exponents, logarithms
Permutations, combinations, elementary statistics, and geometry
🧠 Analytical & Spatial Aptitude
Logical deduction, induction, analogies, numerical reasoning
Shape transformations, paper folding, mirroring, 2D and 3D visualization
Core Subject Syllabus for GATE 2026 Data Science and AI
The core part of the DA paper is divided into seven key subject areas. Below is a breakdown of each domain along with major topics covered:
🎲 Probability and Statistics
Probability rules, Bayes’ theorem, expectation, variance
Discrete & continuous distributions: Bernoulli, Binomial, Normal, Poisson
Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing (z-test, t-test, Chi-square)
Correlation, covariance, random variables, Central Limit Theorem
➕ Linear Algebra
Vector spaces, subspaces, matrices (orthogonal, projection, idempotent)
Linear dependence, eigenvalues & eigenvectors
LU decomposition, SVD, determinants, Gaussian elimination
📈 Calculus and Optimization
Functions, limits, continuity, differentiability
Taylor series, maxima and minima
Optimization with single-variable functions
💻 Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms
Python programming basics
Data structures: stacks, queues, trees, hash tables
Sorting algorithms (bubble, insertion, quicksort)
Graph algorithms and traversals
🗃️ Database Management & Warehousing
ER model, relational algebra, SQL queries
Indexing, normalization, file organization
Data transformation techniques and warehouse schema modeling
🤖 Machine Learning
Supervised learning: regression, classification, decision trees, SVM
Neural networks: perceptrons, MLPs, feedforward
Unsupervised learning: k-means, PCA, clustering algorithms
Model evaluation: bias-variance, cross-validation techniques
🧠 Artificial Intelligence
Search strategies: BFS, DFS, A*, adversarial search
Logic: propositional and predicate
Reasoning under uncertainty, inference techniques, independence modeling
GATE 2026 DA Exam Pattern – What to Expect
GATE 2026 for DA will be a computer-based test held for a total of 100 marks, and the duration of the paper is 3 hours. The paper consists of 65 questions:
General Aptitude: 15 marks (10 questions)
Core Subjects: 85 marks (55 questions)
Total: 100 marks
✍️ Marking Scheme
1-mark and 2-mark questions
Negative marking applies only to MCQs:
For 1-mark MCQs: ⅓ mark deduction
For 2-mark MCQs: ⅔ mark deduction
NAT (Numerical Answer Type) questions have no negative marking
📄 Download GATE 2026 DA Syllabus PDF
You can download the official GATE Data Science and AI syllabus 2026 PDF below for offline reference and preparation planning.
📚 Practice MCQs by Topic – GATE 2026 DS & AI
Prepare smarter with these topic-specific multiple choice questions based on the official GATE 2026 Data Science and Artificial Intelligence syllabus:
🔹 Machine Learning
🔹 Artificial Intelligence
🔹 Neural Networks & Deep Learning
🔹 Dimensionality Reduction
🔹 Programming & Data Structures
Why This Page Matters – Your Ultimate GATE 2026 DA Resource Hub
Since the DA paper is relatively new, aspirants often struggle to find reliable study material. Our team at aimcqs.com is committed to:
Creating topic-wise MCQ practice sets
Sharing study notes and summaries for each subject
Providing mock tests and detailed answer explanations
Regularly updating resources based on syllabus revisions
Start your preparation with confidence and strategy. Bookmark this page to stay updated as we continuously expand each subject section.