The GATE 2026 Chemistry (CY) exam was conducted on 7th February 2026 from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

Many candidates said that the paper was "balanced but challenging in physical and organic sections," with NATs requiring precise calculations leading to 5-8 unattempted questions.

The experts at Ved Prep also confirmed that the exam was moderate but with lengthy questions, suggesting 45-50 questions with 80-90% accuracy for a strong score (potentially 50-60 marks).

  • General Aptitude: Easy to moderate; scoring section with basic verbal, numerical, and reasoning questions.
  • Core Chemistry: Moderate to difficult; concept- and application-based questions across organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, with tricky NATs and multi-concept MSQs.

The Paper Analysis will cover the overall difficulty, topic-wise difficulty, and good attempts to help candidates check their performance and prepare for the next shifts.

Also Read: Download GATE 2026 CY Question Paper (Available) with Solution Pdf

GATE 2026:Chemistry (CY) Paper Analysis

As per feedback from experts and candidates, the Geomatics Engineering (GE) was moderately tough, with a balanced distribution of questions.

  • All 3 core chemistry sections will have balanced weightage.
  • The paper was time-consuming. NAT questions in physical chemistry required extensive calculations.
Subjects Difficulty Level Key Topics and High Weightage
General Aptitude Easy Verbal ability, reasoning, spatial aptitude
Physical Chemistry Moderate Quantum ChemistryThermodynamicsChemical Kinetics
Inorganic Chemistry Moderate to Hard OrganometallicsCoordination chemistryMain group elements
Organic Chemistry Moderate Reaction mechanicsOrganic synthesisSpectroscopy

Check: What is the rank of 40 marks in GATE?

Expected Good Attempts & Cutoff For Chemistry Paper Analysis:

As per the previous year's paper analysis, you need to attempt about 45-55 questions with very high accuracy to score a good mark.

GATE Paper Expected Good Attempts Expected Cutoff Marks (General) Expected Cutoff marks (OBC/EWS) Expected Cutoff Marks (SC/ST)
Chemistry (CY) 45-55 26-28 23-25 17-19

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