The GATE 2027 test papers and syllabus were revised in July 2026. Here is the NM paper structure, the marking scheme and the syllabus area by area.
The GATE 2027 test paper list and syllabus were revised in July 2026. GATE 2027 is organised by IIT Madras and will run 30 test papers, with Robotics & Automation (RA) added as a new paper. Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering remains paper code NM. Candidates who began preparing from the GATE 2026 syllabus should check the revised syllabus for their paper before continuing.
GATE NM assesses the fundamentals of naval architecture, marine hydrodynamics, structures and marine engineering, plus general aptitude and engineering mathematics. Scores are used for M.Tech admission and for recruitment by public sector undertakings, and they remain valid for three years.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Questions | 65 |
| General Aptitude | 15 marks, common to every GATE paper |
| Subject (NM) | 85 marks |
| Question types | Multiple choice, multiple select, and numerical answer type |
| Papers permitted | One, or up to two from the allowed combinations |
Negative marking applies to multiple choice questions but not to numerical answer type questions. Multiple select questions carry no negative marking but award no partial credit, so a single wrong selection loses the whole mark.
Linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, complex variables, probability and statistics, and numerical methods. This section repays preparation disproportionately because it is stable year to year and the question style barely changes.
Statics and dynamics, stress and strain, bending and shear, torsion, buckling, and the basics of finite element analysis. Ship structures builds on this: hull girder loading, section modulus, longitudinal strength and structural response.
Fluid statics, continuity and momentum, boundary layers, potential flow, and wave theory. This underpins resistance and propulsion, and it is where the numerical questions concentrate.
Curves of form, KN and GZ curves, initial and overall stability, free surface effect, trim, and damage stability including the probabilistic approach. Simpson's rules appear regularly, and the interval must be in radians when integrating a GZ curve — an error that costs marks every year.
Frictional and residuary resistance, model testing and extrapolation, propeller geometry, open water characteristics, thrust and torque coefficients, cavitation, and hull-propeller interaction.
Prime movers, auxiliary machinery, piping systems, electrical systems and control. Broader but shallower than the naval architecture core.
The design spiral, weight estimation, general arrangement, block construction, and an introduction to offshore structures, moorings and station keeping.
Verbal ability and quantitative reasoning, worth 15 marks. Candidates routinely neglect it and then lose marks that were among the easiest available on the paper.
Two habits separate strong scores. The first is working numerical questions to a written answer rather than recognising the method and moving on — recognition is not the same as being able to execute under time. The second is treating aptitude and mathematics as core rather than as filler, since together they are roughly a third of the paper and the most predictable third.
Always verify the current syllabus, exam dates and eligibility on the official GATE 2027 site before finalising a study plan.
Hydrostatics, stability, resistance, propulsion, structures, vibration, marine systems, design, ocean engineering, mathematics and aptitude — worked explanations throughout.
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