GATE DA 2027: Exam, Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation
Everything you need to understand the GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence exam — what it is, who it's for, how it's structured, and how to prepare for it the right way.
Source note: Official syllabus and exam details should always be verified with the latest GATE notification — see the official GATE website. Registration data referenced here is from the GATE 2026 official statistics (IIT Guwahati). Weightage and priority guidance is based on The ML Hub's analysis of recent GATE DA papers and mentor experience.
In short
GATE DA (Data Science & Artificial Intelligence) is a GATE paper introduced in 2024 for aspirants in data science, machine learning and AI. It is a 3-hour, 100-mark computer-based test covering probability & statistics, linear algebra, calculus, Python programming, DBMS, machine learning and AI, plus 15 marks of General Aptitude. A good score opens doors to M.Tech/MS at IITs and IISc, PSU recruitment, and data science careers. It is a distinct paper from GATE CS and should be prepared from the DA syllabus directly.
GATE DA 2027 — Key Facts
Full form
GATE Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Conducted by
IITs / IISc (rotating)
Introduced
2024
Duration
3 hours
Total marks
100 (65 questions)
Question types
MCQ, MSQ, NAT
General Aptitude
15 marks
Negative marking
MCQs only
What is GATE DA?
GATE DA stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It was introduced in 2024 as a dedicated GATE paper for the fast-growing data and AI fields, and is conducted by the IITs and IISc on a rotating basis. Unlike older papers, it is built around the skills that actually matter in data science: statistics, machine learning and Python.
Who Should Appear?
- Students targeting M.Tech / MS in Data Science, AI or ML at IITs, IISc and other institutes.
- Candidates aiming for PSU recruitment through GATE.
- Final-year students of any discipline (engineering, science, maths, statistics) — all are eligible.
- Working professionals wanting a recognised credential in data science and AI.
Eligibility note: GATE has no age limit, and final-year candidates can appear. Always confirm details against the official GATE notification for your year.
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude | ~10 | 15 | Common to all GATE papers |
| DA technical subjects | ~55 | 85 | Probability, ML, Python, LA, AI, etc. |
| Total | 65 | 100 | 3-hour computer-based test |
Syllabus Overview
GATE DA has 7 core technical subjects plus General Aptitude. Probability & Statistics and Machine Learning carry the most weight, with Python programming close behind. For the full topic list, weightage and priority, see the dedicated reference page.
Preparation Roadmap
A simple, proven sequence — the same flow our toppers followed.
Build the maths base
Linear Algebra and Probability & Statistics first — they decide how easily Machine Learning will click later.
Programming & core ML
Get hands-on with Python and data structures, then move into machine learning, the highest-return subject.
Practice + mocks
Pair concepts with daily problems and full-length DA mocks. Practising under exam conditions is what builds rank.
Revise & analyse
Track weak areas through test analysis, revise General Aptitude weekly, and time your final-month full mocks.
GATE DA Resources from The ML Hub
GATE DA syllabus 2027
Subject-wise topics, weightage and prep order — the full reference.
GATE DA online course & coaching
How to choose an online course, and why ML Hub is built only for DA.
GATE DA course details
Curriculum, lecture structure, live classes and the test series.
GATE DA course fees
Transparent pricing for Core, Elite and the Test Series.
GATE DA test series
61 tests, 1,685 problems built for the DA exam pattern.
Meet our GATE DA toppers
5 in the Top 100 in GATE DA 2026, with video testimonials.
New to GATE DA? Read our in-depth complete GATE DA guide for 2027, or learn how to study the GATE DA syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GATE DA?+
GATE DA is the GATE paper in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, introduced in 2024. It tests probability & statistics, linear algebra, Python programming, machine learning and AI, plus General Aptitude, and is conducted by the IITs and IISc.
Who should appear for GATE DA?+
Students aiming for M.Tech/MS in data science, AI or ML at IITs, IISc and other institutes; candidates targeting PSU recruitment through GATE; and professionals wanting a recognised data science credential. Final-year students of any discipline are eligible.
What is the exam pattern for GATE DA?+
A 3-hour computer-based test for 100 marks with 65 questions — MCQs, MSQs and NATs. General Aptitude carries 15 marks; DA subjects carry 85. MCQs have negative marking; MSQs and NATs do not.
How do I prepare for GATE DA 2027?+
Master the maths first, then Python, machine learning and the remaining subjects, pairing concepts with daily practice and DA-specific mock tests. A structured course and test series built for the DA pattern speeds this up considerably.
Is GATE DA difficult?+
It is conceptually demanding but has a focused syllabus. With strong fundamentals and consistent practice, students from non-CS backgrounds have reached top ranks — The ML Hub had 5 in the Top 100 in GATE DA 2026.