GATE RA (Robotics and Automation) is the new paper introduced for GATE 2027. It is an interdisciplinary paper combining mechanical (kinematics, dynamics), electronics (sensors, actuators), control systems, computing/AI and industrial automation — aimed at the fast-growing robotics and Industry 4.0 sector.

Who is eligible for GATE RA 2027?

Engineering graduates from any discipline are eligible — the paper is deliberately interdisciplinary. Mechanical, ECE, EEE, CS and mechatronics backgrounds can all prepare from their strengths and fill gaps in the remaining sections.

What is the GATE RA exam structure?

GATE RA follows a part-structure like AR: General Aptitude (15 marks), a common Part A (about 60 marks) covering the shared robotics core, and a Part B choice section (about 25 marks) where you select between options in the exam hall. Download the official GATE 2027 syllabus PDF for the definitive section list, since this is a first-year paper.

Which combination pairs with GATE RA as a second paper?

GATE's two-paper rule lists RA in several allowed combinations — for example CS→RA, ME→RA and EC→RA per the official 2027 combination table. A second paper doubles the application fee.

Are previous year papers available for GATE RA?

No — RA debuts in 2027, so there are no past papers. Prepare from the official syllabus plus the overlap sections of GATE ME (mechanics, control), ECE (signals, sensors) and CS (programming, AI). Expect the first real paper analysis after the February 2027 exam.

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GATE RA Preparation Guide

IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027)

Your Complete Preparation Guide for GATE RA 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyHard

Total Marks100

Duration180 min

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Exam Overview

Mode

Online (CBT)

Frequency

Annual (February)

Next Exam Date

6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 Feb 2027

EEligibility Criteria

BTech/BE in any engineering discipline — open eligibility for the new interdisciplinary paper

ANumber of Attempts

No limit

Study Plan by Subject

Part A (Common): Mechanics, Sensors, Control, Computing

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Part B (Choice Section)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

General Aptitude

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

Start from the official RA syllabus PDF — as a new paper there are no coaching standard materials yet, so the syllabus is your syllabus

Revise rigid-body kinematics and dynamics (D-H parameters, Jacobians) — the mechanical core every robotics paper tests

Brush up control systems (transfer functions, PID, state space) from GATE EE/ECE material — the overlap is direct

Practise programming and basic AI/ML questions from GATE DA material for the computing sections

Complete the official mock interface on the GATE 2027 site — first-year paper surprises usually come from format, not content

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Part A (Common): Mechanics, Sensors, Control, Computing	22	33	60 min
Part B (Choice Section)	22	33	60 min
General Aptitude	22	33	60 min
Total	65	100	180 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

2 Sep - 5 Oct 2026 (late fee until 12 Oct 2026)

Next Exam Date

6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 Feb 2027

Conducted By

IIT Madras (organising institute for GATE 2027)

Frequently Asked Questions

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