A forensic breakdown of 195 GATE DA previous year questions from 2024 to 2026. Learn exactly which chapters yield the highest marks and how to structure your revision for maximum efficiency.
Last verified: October 5, 2026
If you are analyzing the GATE DA chapter wise weightage, the data from 195 previous year questions between 2024 and 2026 reveals a clear hierarchy. Supervised Learning alone accounts for 10.77 percent of all questions, making it the single highest yielding chapter. Probability and Statistics leads the subject categories at 17.95 percent, followed closely by Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms at 15.9 percent. This forensic breakdown tells you exactly where to allocate your study hours for maximum mark acquisition.
Most candidates waste weeks mastering niche calculus derivations while ignoring Supervised Learning, which yields nearly three times the marks. They treat all 85 core marks equally, spending 20 hours on a 2 percent weightage topic and only 5 hours on a 10 percent topic. Your goal is not to know everything. Your goal is to solve the right questions accurately.
Your practical next action today is to open your current study plan and highlight Supervised Learning, Random Variables, and Database Systems. Allocate 50 percent of your weekly study hours to these three units immediately.
The GATE DA exam consists of 195 analyzed previous year questions. Probability and Statistics leads with 17.95 percent weightage (35 questions), followed by Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms at 15.9 percent (31 questions), and Machine Learning at 13.33 percent (26 questions).
| Subject Area | Total Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Probability and Statistics | 35 | 17.95% |
| Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms | 31 | 15.90% |
| Machine Learning | 26 | 13.33% |
| Database Management and Warehousing | 22 | 11.28% |
| Linear Algebra | 20 | 10.26% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 15 | 7.69% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 14 | 7.18% |
| Calculus and Optimization | 13 | 6.67% |
| Verbal Aptitude | 8 | 4.10% |
| Spatial Aptitude | 6 | 3.08% |
| Analytical Aptitude | 5 | 2.56% |
Note: Unlike GATE CS or ME, Data Science and AI has no separate Engineering Mathematics section. Probability, Linear Algebra, and Calculus are examined as core DA subjects in their own right, carrying direct sectional weight.
Supervised Learning is the single highest yielding chapter, accounting for 10.77 percent of all PYQs (21 questions). Relational Algebra and SQL Queries follow closely at 4.62 percent (9 questions), making them mandatory focus areas for optimal score maximization.
During your first pass, skip Data Interpretation (1.54 percent weightage, 3 questions) and Statistical Inference (2.05 percent weightage, 4 questions). These units demand high calculation time for minimal mark returns compared to core high frequency chapters.
"Cold Reality: Spending three hours to master a niche topic that historically yields one 1-mark question is a strategic failure. Secure the 10 percent weightage units first. Only then should you touch the 2 percent units."
Based on historical GATE 2024 to 2026 trends. Exact raw marks to percentile conversion varies by exam slot due to normalization.
| Target Metric | Raw Score | Scaled Score | Net Correct | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99+ Percentile | 75+ marks | 750+ marks | varies by slot | Based on GATE 2024 to 2026 trends for top IIT admissions. |
| 90 to 95 Percentile | 50 to 60 marks | 500 to 600 marks | varies by slot | Typical range for newer IITs and top NITs. |
| Qualifying Cutoff (General/EWS) | 28 to 31 marks | 280 to 310 marks | varies by slot | Historical qualifying cutoff range for General/EWS category. |
The GATE 2027 DA exam is scheduled within a six day window in February 2027. The specific session and date are assigned per candidate. Ensure your application details are locked in before the rectification window closes.
Application Rectification Window:
Examination Period:
| Milestone | Date (IST) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Rectification Window Closes | October 21, 2026 | Upcoming |
| City Allotment Notification | January 4, 2027 | Scheduled |
| GATE 2027 Exam Window | February 6 to 21, 2027 | Scheduled |
| Result Announcement | March 19, 2027 | Scheduled |
Studying from static weightage tables is only the first step. MastersUp builds each learner a personalized, AI driven study plan. Machine learning tracks your real performance topic by topic, spots weak and strong areas, and adjusts what you practice next. Every practice question is curated for you, not generic random practice.
MastersUp features Cocoon, a dedicated focus mode flow for learning on the go, one topic at a time. You log in, pick your exam, and the platform separates your weak and strong topics. You continue with the default plan or customize it, and every weak spot gets surfaced as you go.
Revision depth tracks your prep window automatically. The system targets 6 full revisions across 12 months, 5 across 8 months, 4 across 6 months, 3 across 4 months, 2 across 3 months or less, and a compact sprint mode when very little time is left. Even at 1 hour of daily practice, you see exactly where you stand, topic by topic, against other students on the platform.
Do not rely on scattered PDFs. Access structured, exam aligned resources directly on MastersUp.
Based on 195 previous year questions, the top chapters are Supervised Learning (10.77 percent), Random Variables (10.26 percent), and Database Systems (9.74 percent). Focusing on these high yield chapters ensures maximum mark acquisition during preparation.
Machine Learning accounts for 13.33 percent of the total weightage, translating to 26 questions out of the analyzed 195 PYQs. Within this, Supervised Learning alone contributes 21 questions, making it the most critical sub topic.