GATE
    GATE DA
    Updated Oct 2026

    GATE DA 2027 Subject-Wise Marks Breakdown for 99 Percentile (195 PYQs)

    Discover the exact subject-wise marks breakdown required for a 99 percentile in GATE DA 2027. Based on 195 PYQs, know your core section targets, net correct quotas, and strategic triage.

    MastersUp EditorialOctober 28, 202614 min read

    To achieve a 99+ percentile in GATE DA 2027, you typically need 65 to 75+ raw marks out of 100. Based on an analysis of 195 previous year questions, this requires securing approximately 18 to 20 marks from Probability and Statistics, 16 to 18 marks from Programming and Data Structures, and 13 to 15 marks from Machine Learning. This targeted breakdown forms the core 85 mark technical section and is your most reliable path to a top rank.

    What is the subject-wise marks breakdown for 99 percentile in GATE DA?

    To achieve a 99+ percentile in GATE DA 2027, aspirants typically need 65 to 75+ raw marks out of 100. Based on 195 analyzed PYQs, this requires securing approximately 18 to 20 marks from Probability and Statistics, 16 to 18 marks from Programming and DSA, and 13 to 15 marks from Machine Learning, forming the core 85 mark technical section.

    The GATE DA exam is a 3 hour computer based test worth 100 total marks across 65 questions. The structure is strictly divided into General Aptitude, which carries 15 marks, and the core Data Science and Artificial Intelligence section, which carries 85 marks. Unlike other engineering papers, DA 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.

    What most candidates get wrong here is assuming they must score uniformly across all seven core sections. The data proves otherwise. Focusing your energy on the top three weighted subjects yields a disproportionately higher return on investment than attempting to master low yield topics like Spatial Aptitude.

    Marks vs Percentile Benchmark Matrix

    Historical data from the 2024 to 2026 editions of the exam provides a clear benchmark. While the exact 2027 slot wise normalization formula is dynamically calculated by the organizing institute post exam, the raw score ranges remain highly consistent.

    Target MetricRaw ScoreScaled ScoreNet CorrectAdmission Note
    99+ percentile65 to 75+800 to 850+~45 to 50 questionsBased on 2024 to 2026 slot wise normalization trends
    95 to 98 percentile55 to 64700 to 799~38 to 44 questionsSafe range for top NITs and newer IITs
    90 to 94 percentile45 to 54600 to 699~30 to 37 questionsQualifies for most IIITs and mid tier NITs

    How many net correct questions are needed for 99 percentile in GATE DA?

    Historical data from 2024 to 2026 indicates that securing a 99+ percentile in GATE DA requires approximately 45 to 50 net correct questions out of 65. This accounts for the slot wise normalization impact and the 1/3 negative marking scheme for 1 mark and 2 mark questions.

    The cold reality of GATE DA is that a 99+ percentile typically requires 65 to 75+ raw marks out of 100. You do not need to solve every complex derivation, but you cannot afford to bleed marks on high frequency, low effort topics like basic probability or standard SQL queries.

    Your practical next action today is to audit your last three mock tests. Count only the net correct questions in Probability, Programming, and Machine Learning. If that sum is below 25, your study plan requires immediate realignment toward these high yield areas before touching advanced Artificial Intelligence topics.

    Which GATE DA subjects have the highest PYQ weightage?

    Probability and Statistics holds the highest weightage at 17.95 percent (35 out of 195 PYQs), followed by Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms at 15.9 percent (31 PYQs), and Machine Learning at 13.33 percent (26 PYQs). These three subjects alone constitute nearly 47 percent of the total historical question pool.

    Core High Yield

    • Probability and Statistics 17.95% of PYQs. Highest subject weightage and foundational for ML and AI sections.
    • Programming, DSA 15.9% of PYQs. High ROI with predictable question patterns from standard algorithms.
    • Machine Learning 13.33% of PYQs. Core DA differentiator. Supervised Learning alone accounts for 10.77%.

    Speed Traps

    • Calculus and Optimization 6.67% of PYQs. Computationally intensive. Maxima and Minima applications often trap aspirants in lengthy derivations.
    • Linear Algebra 10.26% of PYQs. Abstract concepts like Vector Spaces can consume disproportionate time for marginal marks.

    Skip on First Pass

    • Spatial Aptitude 3.08% of PYQs. Low weightage and highly unpredictable. Best attempted only if time permits.
    • Analytical Aptitude 2.56% of PYQs. Low yield compared to core technical subjects with high variance in difficulty.

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    Official GATE 2027 Dates and Deadlines

    The GATE 2027 examinations are scheduled across six days. The specific session and date will be assigned per candidate within this window.

    Exam Window:

    Result Declaration:

    MilestoneDate (IST)Status
    GATE 2027 Examination DatesFeb 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2027Upcoming
    GATE 2027 Result DeclarationMarch 19, 2027Upcoming

    Source: IIT Madras GATE 2027 Official Portal

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I get 99 percentile in GATE DA with 60 marks?

    While 60 marks is a strong score, historical trends from 2024 to 2026 suggest that 99+ percentile typically requires 65 to 75+ raw marks. A score of 60 may yield a percentile in the 95 to 98 range, depending on the specific slot difficulty and normalization.

    Does GATE DA have negative marking?

    Yes, GATE DA follows the standard GATE marking scheme. There is a 1/3 negative marking for incorrect 1 mark and 2 mark Multiple Choice Questions. Multiple Select Questions and Numerical Answer Type questions have no negative marking.

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