GATE 2026 Feb 15 Live Updates: DA, AR, ECE Paper Analysis OUT, Answer Key Questions Available

The GATE 2026 February 15 exam was successfully conducted across multiple centres in India. Candidates who appeared for the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DA), Architecture and Planning (AR), and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) papers can now check the initial paper analysis and memory-based answer key questions shared by experts.

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is conducted every year for admission into M.Tech, PhD, and PSU recruitment. This year, GATE 2026 saw a large number of applicants for DA, AR, and ECE papers held in the morning and afternoon sessions.

GATE 2026 Feb 15 Exam Overview

The February 15 exam was conducted in two shifts:

• Morning Shift: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

• Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

All three papers – DA, AR, and ECE – followed the standard GATE pattern, including:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

• Numerical Answer Type (NAT) questions

The total duration of each paper was 3 hours, and the question paper carried 100 marks.

GATE 2026 DA Paper Analysis (Data Science & AI)Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

As per initial student reactions and expert reviews, the DA paper was slightly lengthy and concept-based.

General Aptitude

• Easy to Moderate

• Questions from verbal ability and quantitative aptitude

• Scoring section for most candidates

Engineering Mathematics

• Moderate

• Questions from linear algebra, probability, and calculus

Core DA Subjects

• Machine Learning questions were conceptual

• Data Structures and Algorithms had moderate-level problems

• Probability and Statistics section was slightly tricky

Many students felt that numerical questions required detailed calculations, making time management important.

GATE 2026 AR Paper Analysis (Architecture & Planning)

The AR paper was balanced and covered most parts of the syllabus.

Key Highlights

• General Aptitude was easy

• Planning section had analytical questions

• Architecture section included drawing-based and theory-based questions

• Numerical Answer Type questions were manageable

Students reported that the paper was not very lengthy but required clarity in concepts.

GATE 2026 ECE Paper Analysis (Electronics & Communication Engineering)

The ECE paper was considered slightly tougher compared to last year.

Important Topics Covered

• Network Theory

• Signals and Systems

• Electronic Devices

• Analog Circuits

• Communication Systems

• Control Systems

Section Breakdown

• Mathematics section was moderate

• General Aptitude was easy and scoring

• Core ECE subjects had conceptual and numerical-based questions

Some candidates mentioned that a few questions were tricky and required deep understanding of concepts.

GATE 2026 Answer Key Questions (Memory-Based)

Coaching institutes and subject experts have released memory-based questions with unofficial answer keys for DA, AR, and ECE papers.

• These answer keys are unofficial

• They are prepared based on student feedback

• The official answer key will be released on the GATE official website soon

Candidates can use these answer keys to estimate their probable scores.

GATE 2026 Official Answer Key Date

The official answer key for GATE 2026 is expected to be released within a few days after the completion of all exam sessions.

After the release:

• Candidates can download the answer key

• They can raise objections (if any)

• A final answer key will be published after reviewing objections

Expected Cut-Off for DA, AR, ECE

While the official cut-off will be declared with the results, experts suggest:

• DA: Slightly higher cut-off due to moderate difficulty

• AR: Stable cut-off expected

• ECE: Cut-off may slightly decrease due to tougher paper

Final cut-off depends on:

• Difficulty level

• Number of candidates

• Overall performance

What’s Next After GATE 2026 Feb 15 Exam?

Candidates should now:

1. Check memory-based answer keys

2. Calculate estimated scores

3. Prepare documents for counselling and admissions

4. Stay updated for official answer key and result dates

GATE scores are valid for three years and are accepted by IITs, NITs, IIITs, and various PSUs.

Conclusion

The GATE 2026 February 15 exam for DA, AR, and ECE papers has concluded successfully. As per the initial analysis, the overall difficulty ranged from moderate to tough, depending on the paper. Candidates are advised to regularly check official updates regarding the answer key, response sheet, and result announcement.

Stay tuned for more GATE 2026 live updates, detailed solutions, and cut-off analysis.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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