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GATE Physics Previous Year Question Papers Free PDF Download — 2018 to 2026
Download official GATE Physics (PH) question papers from 2018 to 2026 — 9 papers covering all sections: General Aptitude + Physics core. Free PDF download, no account needed. Solutions are available for most years.
9
Question Papers
2018–2026
Years Covered
100
Marks Total
Free
Always
- GATE Physics PH
- IISc / IITs
- MTech / PhD Admission
- PSU Recruitment
- PDF Download
EXAM STRUCTURE
GATE Physics Paper Pattern
GATE Physics (PH) is a 3-hour Computer Based Test of 65 questions for 100 marks. Understanding the pattern is critical for time management and attempt strategy.
Section 1 — General Aptitude
MCQ — Verbal & Numerical Ability
15 Marks
- 10 questions
- Common to all GATE papers
- Quick, scoring section
Section 2 — Physics Core
MCQ + MSQ + NAT (Numerical)
85 Marks
- 55 questions
- MCQ, multiple-select and numerical-answer types
- Covers the complete PH syllabus
Total: 65 Questions
100 Marks
Duration: 3 Hours (CBT)
TOPIC DISTRIBUTION
Approximate Marks Distribution by Topic
Based on PYQ analysis across 2018–2026. The distribution shifts slightly each year, but Quantum Mechanics and General Aptitude consistently carry the highest combined weight.
ALL PAPERS
Download GATE Physics Question Papers (2018–2026)
All official GATE Physics (PH) question papers in PDF format. Click Download PDF for any year. Solutions are available for selected years via the green Solutions button.
GATE 2024
NEW
GATE 2024 Physics Question Paper
February 2024 official question paper
GATE 2023
GATE 2023 Physics Question Paper
February 2023 official question paper
GATE 2022
GATE 2022 Physics Question Paper
February 2022 official question paper
GATE 2021
GATE 2021 Physics Question Paper
February 2021 official question paper
GATE 2020
GATE 2020 Physics Question Paper
February 2020 official question paper
GATE 2019
GATE 2019 Physics Question Paper
February 2019 official question paper
GATE 2018
GATE 2018 Physics Question Paper
February 2018 official question paper
STUDY STRATEGY
How to Use GATE Physics PYQs Effectively
1. Timed Full Mock First
Attempt the full 65-question paper in 3 hours before checking answers. This calibrates your actual pace and reveals weak topics.
2. Prioritise NAT Questions
NAT questions have no negative marking. Always attempt every NAT — even partial reasoning often gets you close to the answer.
3. Track Topic Gaps
After each paper, list the topics where you lost marks and address them one by one using free study material before the next mock.
4. Solve Latest 5 Years Deeply
Deep analysis of 2022–2026 papers reveals the current trend — GATE Physics has become more numerical and applied in recent years.
GATE Physics Previous Year Question Papers — Complete Guide
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Physics paper (code PH) is conducted once a year, typically in February, by IISc Bangalore and the IITs on a rotating basis. The GATE Physics score is used for admission to MTech and PhD programmes at IITs, NITs, and central universities, and for recruitment at several PSUs and research organisations. It is also accepted by several research institutes for integrated PhD programmes.
GATE Physics has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude (15 marks) and Physics core (85 marks). Question types include MCQs (with negative marking), MSQs (no negative marking), and NAT — Numerical Answer Type questions (no negative marking). GATE scores are valid for 3 years.
GATE Physics vs CSIR NET — Key Differences
- Syllabus overlap: ~80%. Strong CSIR NET preparation covers virtually the entire GATE Physics syllabus.
- Difficulty: GATE Physics is generally considered easier than CSIR NET Part C, but harder than CSIR NET Part B.
- Electronics: Electronics carries noticeable weight in GATE Physics (around 10% of marks); CSIR NET also tests it, with slightly lower emphasis.
- General Aptitude: GATE has a mandatory 15-mark GA section; CSIR NET has Part A, which is different in style.
- Score validity: the GATE score is valid for 3 years; the CSIR NET JRF fellowship must be activated within 2 years.
Who Should Attempt GATE Physics?
- BSc Physics graduates seeking MTech or integrated PhD admission at IITs, NITs, and IISc.
- MSc Physics students seeking PhD admission at national institutes such as the IITs and IISERs.
- Students targeting PSU and research-organisation jobs where a GATE score is part of the eligibility criteria.
- CSIR NET aspirants who want a parallel qualification with a 3-year valid score.
About Pravegaa Education
Pravegaa Education is a physics-only coaching institute at 28B/7, Jia Sarai, Near IIT Delhi, New Delhi, founded by Atul Gaurav (JNU alumnus) and Dr. Alok Shukla (IIT Delhi alumnus). With 8,000+ selections and AIR 1 results, Pravegaa’s CSIR NET courses comprehensively cover the GATE Physics syllabus. Book a free demo class or call 8920759559.
GATE Physics — Key Facts
- Paper code: PH
- Conducted by: IISc & IITs on rotation
- Held: once a year, usually February
- Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- 65 questions · 100 marks · 3 hours
- Score validity: 3 years
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading GATE Physics question papers from Pravegaa free?
Yes. All GATE Physics question papers on Pravegaa.com are completely free to download. No login, registration, or payment is required. Click any year to download the PDF directly.
Which years of GATE Physics papers are available?
GATE Physics question papers from 2018 to 2026 are available — 9 papers in total. The page is updated every year with the latest paper as soon as it is released after the exam.
Are the question papers the official IIT/IISc papers?
Yes. All papers are official GATE Physics (PH) question papers. They cover the complete exam including General Aptitude (Section 1) and Physics (Section 2) as per the official GATE pattern.
Are GATE Physics solutions available?
Yes. Pravegaa provides detailed solutions for GATE Physics papers. Visit the GATE Physics Solutions page to download year-wise solutions with step-by-step explanations.
How many years of GATE Physics papers should I solve?
Solving the latest 6-8 years thoroughly is highly recommended. GATE Physics has a consistent pattern — mastering recent papers reveals the exact difficulty level, question types, and topic distribution expected in your exam.
Is GATE Physics preparation compatible with CSIR NET preparation?
Yes. GATE Physics and CSIR NET Physical Sciences have a very high syllabus overlap — approximately 80%. Students preparing for CSIR NET Part C will find GATE Physics significantly easier. Pravegaa’s CSIR NET courses cover the full GATE Physics syllabus.
What is the GATE Physics exam pattern?
GATE Physics (PH) consists of 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours. Section 1 is General Aptitude (10 questions, 15 marks). Section 2 is Physics (55 questions, 85 marks). It includes MCQs, MSQs (multi-select), and NAT (numerical answer type) questions. Negative marking applies to MCQs only.
MORE FREE RESOURCES
Other Exam PYQs and Free Resources
Explore previous year papers, solutions, and free study material for all major physics examinations.
Preparing for GATE Physics?
Pravegaa’s CSIR NET courses comprehensively cover the GATE Physics syllabus — live faculty, PYQ-driven classes, doubt sessions, and test series. Join 8,000+ students who cleared CSIR NET, GATE, and IIT JAM.
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