Quick answer: GATE NM 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude carries 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics 13 marks and core Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering subjects 72 marks. The exam is a Computer Based Test conducted by IIT Madras on 6 to 21 February 2027. MCQs carry negative marking (1/3 or 2/3); MSQ and NAT questions do not. Below is the complete, official GATE NM 2027 syllabus with the section-wise structure, GATE 2026 cutoffs and a preparation plan.
📋 Table of Contents
- GATE NM 2027 overview
- Exam pattern and marks distribution
- Question types and marking scheme
- GATE NM 2027 syllabus (official)
- General Aptitude syllabus
- GATE 2026 cutoff and statistics
- Allowed second papers
- Important dates and eligibility
- Preparation strategy
- What a GATE NM score gets you
- GATE NM course, notes and test series
- FAQs
GATE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) 2027: Overview
GATE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) is the smallest engineering paper by candidate count (419 appeared in 2026), which makes it a focused route to M.Tech and PhD programmes in naval architecture, ocean engineering and marine technology at IITs. The syllabus spans applied mechanics, marine hydrodynamics, naval architecture and ocean engineering, and marine engineering.
Who usually takes this paper: B.Tech. Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering, and Mechanical or Civil graduates interested in ocean technology.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | GATE 2027: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering |
| Paper code | NM |
| Organising institute | IIT Madras |
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT), English only |
| Exam dates | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027 (two sessions a day) |
| Duration | 3 hours (4 hours with compensatory time for eligible PwD candidates) |
| Questions / marks | 65 questions / 100 marks |
| Question types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Calculator | On-screen virtual scientific calculator only |
| Result date | 19 March 2027 |
| Score validity | 3 years |
| Official website | gate2027.iitm.ac.in |
GATE NM 2027 Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution
GATE NM 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude carries 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics 13 marks and core Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering subjects 72 marks.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Aptitude (GA) | 10 | 15 | 5 × 1 mark + 5 × 2 marks |
| Engineering Mathematics | Part of 55 | 13 | Paper-specific maths questions |
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (core subject) | Part of 55 | 72 | Mix of 1-mark and 2-mark questions |
| Total | 65 | 100 | 3 hours, CBT |
Question Types and Marking Scheme
| Question type | What it is | Marks | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | Four options, exactly one correct | 1 or 2 | −1/3 for a 1-mark MCQ, −2/3 for a 2-mark MCQ |
| MSQ | Four options, one or more correct; full marks only for the exact correct combination | 1 or 2 | None (and no partial marks) |
| NAT | Numerical answer typed on a virtual keypad (integer or decimal) | 1 or 2 | None (and no partial marks) |
GATE questions test four abilities: Recall, Comprehension, Application, and Analysis and Synthesis. For NAT answers, round off only at the final step, to the number of decimal places asked in the question.
GATE NM 2027 Syllabus (Official, IIT Madras)
The GATE 2027 syllabus has been revised for most papers, so use this version rather than older lists. Here is the section-wise summary of the GATE NM 2027 syllabus, followed by the complete official topic list as published in Appendix D of the GATE 2027 Information Brochure.
| # | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering Mathematics |
| 2 | Applied Mechanics and Structures |
| 3 | Fluid Mechanics and Marine Hydrodynamics |
| 4 | Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering |
| 5 | Thermodynamics and Marine Engineering |
Complete GATE NM 2027 syllabus: topic-wise
Section 1: Engineering Mathematics
Determinants and matrices, Systems of linear equations, Eigen values and eigen vectors. Functions, gradient, divergence, curl, chain rules, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, line surface and volume integrals, theorems of Stokes, Gauss and Green. Linear, non-linear, first and higher order ordinary and partial differential equations, separation of variables.
Laplace transformation, analytical functions of complex variables, Fourier series, numerical methods for differentiation and integration, complex analysis, probability and statistics.
Section 2: Applied Mechanics and Structures
Engineering Mechanics: Free-body diagrams and equilibrium; trusses and frames; virtual work; kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies in plane motion; impulse and momentum (linear and angular) and energy formulations.
Mechanics of Materials: Stress and strain, elastic constants, Poisson’s ratio; Mohr’s circle for plane stress and plane strain; shear force and bending moment diagrams; bending and shear stresses; torsion; Euler’s theory of columns; energy methods; theories and failure, material testing methods.
Vibrations: Free and forced vibration of damped and undamped systems, single and multi DOF systems.
Machine Design: Design for static and dynamic loading; Design of machine elements such as shafts, gears, rolling and sliding contact bearings; Joining techniques such as bolting, riveting and welding.
Section 3: Fluid Mechanics and Marine Hydrodynamics
Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties; fluid statics, stability of floating bodies; Conservation laws: Mass, momentum and energy (Integral and differential form); Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity; sources, sinks, doublets, line vortex and their superposition; Stoke’s integral theorem. Generalised Bernoulli’s equation, sources, sinks, dipole, Flow with circulation, potential flow with rotational symmetry, hydrodynamical lift, Kutta-Joukowski theorem. Vortex motion- Fundamental concepts, vortex analogy to Biot-Savart’s law, straight parallel vortex filaments, vortex sheets. Viscous flow – Navier-Stokes equations, Couette flow, Plane poiseuille flow. Equation of continuity, Euler’s equation, Bernoulli’s equation, Viscous flow of incompressible fluids, elementary turbulent flow, boundary layer, flow through pipes.
Boundary layer theory- Prandtl’s boundary layer equations, criterion for separation, Blasius solution, Skin friction, displacement thickness, momentum thickness, Turbulent boundary layer, Boundary layer control. Airfoils- Lift, drag, circulation, pressure distribution-theory of thin aerofoils, wings of infinite and finite span, circulation distribution, Cavitation.
Vorticity and Kelvin’s theorem, Potential flow theory, Sources, Sinks and Doublets, hydrodynamic forces in potential flow, D’Alembert’s paradox, added-mass, slender-body theory, hydrodynamic model testing, scaling laws, application of potential theory to surface waves, energy transport, wave/body forces, linearised theory of lifting surfaces.
Section 4: Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Ship geometry and physical fundamentals – Archimedes’ principle, buoyancy and weight of ship, laws of flotation, heel and trim, stable and unstable equilibrium of ships, importance of streamlined hull shape, ship main particulars, hydrostatic calculations,
Stability and Trim of Ships: Statical stability at small angles of heel, Inclining experiment. Shift of centre of gravity due to addition or removal of mass, transverse movement of mass and effect, Free surface effect, Effect of suspended mass, Stability at large angles of heel, angle of loll, curves of statical stability, dynamical stability, Probabilistic and deterministic Damage Stability Different Characteristic curves of dynamic stability. Floodable length calculations and curves. Loss of stability due to grounding, docking stability.
Resistance and Propulsion: Components of ship resistance, form factor, hull roughness, model testing and ship resistance prediction methods, tank wall effects, determination of ship resistance different series test results, resistance of advanced vehicles, appendage and added resistance. Geometry of screw propeller, propeller theories, hull-propeller interactions, different propulsive efficiency definitions. Propeller cavitation and effects. Propeller design and series. Open water and self-propulsion model tests. Different types of propellers and their working principles. Propeller material, strength and manufacturing. Unconventional propellers.
Ship Manoeuvring and Motions: Ship path keeping and changing, equations of motion, linearised equations and control fixed stability indexes, model tests. Stability and control in the horizontal and vertical planes – definitive manoeuvres and sea trials. Rudder hydrodynamics, design and operation. Influence of propeller, hull, appendages etc. on rudder performance. Experimental methods for the determination of hydrodynamic derivatives.
Ocean waves – regular, irregular, trochoidal. Wave spectrum, encounter frequency. Types of ship motions, coupled and non-coupled motions, equations of motion. Dynamic effects of ship motion in seaway. Different ship motion stabilisers – passive and active. Different numerical and experimental methods to determine ship motions – strip theory, BEM, FEM. Seakeeping features of high-performance marine vehicles.
Ship Structures and Strength: Shipbuilding materials, joining techniques, ship structural and framing systems – bottom, side, deck, bulkhead, end structures, and structural connections. Primary and secondary structural members, superstructure, hatch covers, machinery foundations, cargo handling systems and support structures.
Loads acting on ships in seaway, longitudinal and transverse strength considerations and estimation methods. Strength of hull girder, stiffened plate analysis, torsion of hull girder, deformation and stresses, local strength analysis; Reliability analysis and ultimate strength of hull girder, structural vibrations, fatigue and fracture.
Physical Oceanography: Physical properties of seawater, Different types of ocean waves – tides and wind waves, and their importance. Offshore Structures: Fixed offshore platforms – Jackets, Gravity platforms; Floating platforms – semi-submersibles, jack-ups, TLPs, FPSOs; Mooring, station keeping. Port and Harbour Engineering: Ports and Harbours, Port structures – Jetties, Dolphins, Liquid berths, Dredging, Navigation.
Section 5: Thermodynamics and Marine Engineering
Thermodynamics: First law of thermodynamics – Closed system undergoing a cycle; closed system undergoing a change of state; Internal energy of a system; Expansion work; Process using ideal gas – constant pressure, constant volume, isothermal; adiabatic and polytropic process -work done and heat added in different process; First law applied to one – dimensional steady flow process, flow energy, steady flow energy equation (ID). Second law of Thermodynamics – Different statements; Reversible and irreversible process; Corollaries of second law – Absolute temperature scale; Carnot cycle – Carnot engine, refrigerator and heat pump. Clausius inequality and definition of entropy, change of entropy of an ideal gas; Gas power cycles and I.C.Engines; Gas power cycles: Carnot cycle, Brayton cycle, Erricson cycle, Sterling cycle etc.; Air standard cycles- Otto- Diesel, Dual and Joule cycle; Evaluation of thermal efficiency and mean effective pressure; Internal Combustion engine – Classification of I.C. engines -Principle of operation of spark Ignition and Compression Ignition engines both two stroke and four stroke; Stages of combustion in S.I. and C.I. engines; Knocking and detonation- factors controlling knock and detonation, methods of preventing Knocking and detonation; Refrigeration – principle of operation of Simple vapour compression system, Comparison with vapour compression systems; Air conditioning principles – Sensible heating and cooling, Humidification and dehumidification, Cooling and humidification, Cooling and dehumidification-Heating and humidification, Heating and dehumidification, Adiabatic mixing of air streams –cooling and heating load calculation.
Marine Diesel Engines: General engine principles, Low speed and medium speed diesel engines, Two and Four stroke engines, Scavenging and turbo charging, Fuel oil system, Lubricating oil systems, cooling systems, torque and power measurement, Starting air systems and reversing systems, controls and safety devices, Couplings and Gearboxes, Specific Fuel Consumption. Waste heat recovery system, MARPOL regulations and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).
Marine Steam Turbines: Types of turbines, compounding, reheat, turbine construction, rotors, blades, casing, Gland sealing, diaphragms, nozzles, bearings etc. Lubrication systems, expansion arrangements, Gearings. Marine gas turbines – fundamentals of G.T, Structure of gas turbines, gearing, operational features, controls, combined cycles. Nuclear propulsion – physical principles of the operation of nuclear reactors – use of nuclear propulsion on seagoing vessels, Electrical Propulsion,
Marine Boilers: Types – fire tube, water tube boilers, Package boilers, Cochran Boilers, Composite boilers, steam to steam generators, double evaporation boilers, exhaust gas heat exchangers, auxiliary steam plant systems, exhaust gas boilers, composite boilers. Boiler mounting, combustion, feed system, feed water treatment.
Engine Dynamics: Torsional vibration of engine and shafting, axial shaft vibration, critical speeds, engine rating, rating corrections, trial tests etc. Relationship of engine to the propeller classification society rules on engine construction, Engine room arrangement. Automation of ship propulsion plants, Maintenance requirements and reliability of propulsion plants.
Marine Auxiliary Machinery & Systems: Different types of pumps and piping systems in ships – hot water, drinking water, cooling water and seawater, fuel oil systems, lubricating oil system filters, coolers, centrifuges, purifiers and clarifiers, bilge and ballast systems, sewage disposal, oily water separator, air compressors, boilers, heat exchangers, waste heat recovery systems; Heat, ventilation and air conditioning systems; Dech machinery and cargo handling systems; Propulsions and steering gear systems.
General Aptitude (GA) Syllabus: 15 Marks, Common to All Papers
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Aptitude | Basic English grammar, vocabulary (words, idioms, phrases in context), reading comprehension, narrative sequencing |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data interpretation (graphs, charts, maps, tables), ratios, percentages, powers, exponents, logarithms, permutations and combinations, series, mensuration and geometry, elementary statistics and probability |
| Analytical Aptitude | Deduction and induction, analogy, numerical relations and reasoning |
| Spatial Aptitude | Translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, assembling and grouping, paper folding, cutting and patterns in 2D and 3D |
GATE NM 2026 Cutoff, Qualifying Marks and Statistics
These are the official GATE 2026 figures for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the GATE 2026 Statistical and Performance Report (IIT Guwahati). They are the best guide to what to expect in GATE NM 2027. Qualifying marks are out of 100; the qualifying GATE score for the general category is always 350.
| Paper | Registered | Appeared | Qualified | Qualified % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | 548 | 419 | 96 | 22.9% |
| Paper | GEN | OBC-NCL / EWS | SC / ST / PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | 33.7 | 30.3 | 22.4 |
| Paper | Highest marks | Mean of top 0.1% (or top 10) | Average marks | Std. deviation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) | 56.67 | 52.13 | 21.76 | 11.99 |
What this means for you: in GATE 2026 the average NM candidate scored 21.76 marks, while the top 0.1% averaged 52.13. Crossing the general qualifying mark of 33.7 puts you in the top 23% of candidates, but admissions to top IITs and PSU interview calls usually need a score far above the qualifying line.
How the qualifying marks and GATE score are calculated
For each paper, the general-category qualifying mark is max(25, min(40, μ + σ)), where μ and σ are the mean and standard deviation of the marks of all candidates who appeared. OBC-NCL/EWS qualifying marks are 90% and SC/ST/PwD qualifying marks are about two-thirds of the general value.
Your GATE score (out of 1000) is computed as Score = 350 + 550 × (M − Mq) / (M̄t − Mq), where M is your marks (normalised marks for multi-session papers), Mq is the general qualifying mark and M̄t is the mean marks of the top 0.1% or top 10 candidates, whichever is larger. A score of 350 corresponds to the qualifying mark and 900 to the top-candidate average.
Which Papers Can Be Combined with GATE NM 2027?
You may appear in one or two GATE papers. As per the tentative list in the GATE 2027 brochure, the second paper allowed with NM as the primary paper is: Civil Engineering (CE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Engineering Sciences (XE). The fee for two papers is twice that of one paper.
GATE 2027 Important Dates, Fee and Eligibility
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration (regular period) | 2 to 27 September 2026 (closed) |
| Extended period with late fee | Up to 12 October 2026 (closed) |
| Special window (late fee) | 15 October 2026, 10:30 AM to 16 October 2026, 10:29 AM (closed) |
| Exam city notification | 4 January 2027 |
| Admit card | To be announced on GOAPS |
| GATE 2027 exam | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027 |
| Result | 19 March 2027 |
Application fee per paper (regular period): ₹1,000 for female, SC, ST and PwD candidates and ₹2,000 for all others; ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 respectively in the extended period and special window.
Eligibility: candidates in the third or higher year of any undergraduate degree, or who have completed a government-approved degree in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Science, Commerce, Arts or Humanities, are eligible. M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc. students from the fifth semester and M.Sc./M.A./MCA students from the first year are also eligible. There is no age limit. All dates are as per the brochure and subject to change, so always confirm on the official website.
GATE NM 2027 Preparation Strategy
- Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering is the largest section: ship geometry, hydrostatics, stability, resistance, propulsion, seakeeping and ocean waves.
- Fluid Mechanics and Marine Hydrodynamics is numerical. Potential flow, boundary layers, wave theory and wave loads deserve practice.
- Applied Mechanics and Structures covers strength of materials, ship structures and vibrations.
- Thermodynamics and Marine Engineering brings marine power plant cycles, IC engines and auxiliary systems.
- NM is tough: the 2026 topper scored 56.67 and the general qualifying mark was 33.7. A steady 40+ is a very strong NM score.
- Solve previous GATE papers (2007 to 2026 are available on the official website) section by section, then as timed full-length papers.
- Practise every numerical with the GATE virtual calculator, since no physical calculator is allowed.
- From December, take one full mock a week in the real interface and analyse every mistake, especially negatively marked MCQs.
What Can You Do with a GATE NM 2027 Score?
GATE NM scores are used for M.Tech/MS/PhD admissions in ocean and naval architecture departments, and for roles in shipbuilding and marine organisations such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, which appears in the GATE brochure list.
Under MoE guidelines, admitting institutes give at least 70% weightage to GATE performance for M.Tech admissions with scholarship. Qualifying GATE does not by itself guarantee admission, a scholarship or a job; each institute and employer applies its own criteria.
GATE NM 2027 Course, Notes and Test Series
Get structured guidance for GATE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Piyush Wairale (IIT Madras) on www.piyushwairale.com. Start with the section that is common to every paper, then build your subject preparation:
Best GATE Aptitude Test Series 2027
General Aptitude is 15 of your 100 marks in GATE NM. Topic-wise tests, full GA mocks in the real interface and solved PYQs from 2010 to 2026.
GATE Engineering Mathematics courses
Linear Algebra, Calculus and Probability and Statistics taught for GATE, for the 13-mark Engineering Mathematics section.
All GATE courses, notes and test series
Browse every GATE course, notes package and test series in the PiyushAI store.
Engineering Mathematics courses: Linear Algebra · Calculus · Probability and Statistics
GATE 2027 courses, notes and test series by Piyush Wairale (IIT Madras)
Free lessons on YouTube (@piyushwairaleiitm)
GATE NM 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GATE NM 2027 exam pattern?
GATE NM 2027 has 65 questions for 100 marks in 3 hours: General Aptitude carries 15 marks, Engineering Mathematics 13 marks and core Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering subjects 72 marks. Questions are MCQ, MSQ and NAT, and each carries 1 or 2 marks.
Is there negative marking in GATE NM 2027?
Yes, but only for MCQs. A wrong 1-mark MCQ costs 1/3 mark and a wrong 2-mark MCQ costs 2/3 mark. MSQ and NAT questions have no negative marking, and there is no partial marking for any question.
What was the GATE NM 2026 cutoff?
The GATE 2026 qualifying marks out of 100 were Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM): 33.7 (GEN), 30.3 (OBC-NCL/EWS), 22.4 (SC/ST/PwD).
When is the GATE NM 2027 exam?
GATE 2027 will be held on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 February 2027 in forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) sessions. The paper-wise schedule will be published on the official website, and results are scheduled for 19 March 2027.
Which IIT is conducting GATE 2027?
IIT Madras is the organising institute for GATE 2027. The official website is gate2027.iitm.ac.in.
Which papers can be combined with GATE NM 2027?
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM) can be combined with CE, ME or XE.
How many candidates appear for GATE NM?
In GATE 2026, 548 registered, 419 appeared and 96 qualified in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
How long is the GATE NM 2027 score valid?
The GATE 2027 score is valid for three years from the date the results are announced.
Sources: GATE 2027 Information Brochure, IIT Madras (gate2027.iitm.ac.in); GATE 2026 Statistical and Performance Report, IIT Guwahati. Last updated 27 October 2026.
More GATE 2027 guides: GATE 2027 syllabus and exam pattern for all 30 papers | GATE General Aptitude 2027 | GATE AE 2027 | GATE AG 2027 | GATE AR 2027 | GATE BM 2027 | GATE BT 2027 | GATE CE 2027 | GATE CH 2027 | GATE CS 2027 | GATE CY 2027 | GATE DA 2027 | GATE EC 2027 | GATE EE 2027 | GATE ES 2027 | GATE EY 2027 | GATE GE 2027 | GATE GG 2027 | GATE IN 2027 | GATE MA 2027 | GATE ME 2027 | GATE MN 2027 | GATE MT 2027 | GATE PE 2027 | GATE PH 2027 | GATE PI 2027 | GATE RA 2027 | GATE ST 2027 | GATE XE 2027 | GATE XH 2027 | GATE XL 2027
Recent Post
GATE PE 2027 Petroleum Engineering syllabus, exam pattern, marks distribution, 2026 cutoff and prep tips, based on the official IIT Madras brochure.
GATE ES 2027 Environmental Science and Engineering syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, 2026 cutoff and prep tips from the IIT Madras brochure.
GATE RA 2027 Robotics and Automation syllabus, exam pattern, marks distribution, 2026 cutoff and prep tips, based on the official IIT Madras brochure.
GATE MA 2027 Mathematics syllabus, exam pattern, marks distribution, 2026 cutoff and prep tips, based on the official IIT Madras brochure.
GATE MT 2027 Metallurgical Engineering syllabus, exam pattern, marks distribution, 2026 cutoff and prep tips, based on the official IIT Madras brochure.
GATE PH 2027 Physics syllabus, exam pattern, marks distribution, 2026 cutoff and prep tips, based on the official IIT Madras brochure.
Learn Daily, Wherever You Are
Free lectures, exam updates, PYQ discussions, and job alerts — delivered through our YouTube channel and Telegram communities.
[…] Engineering (AE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA), Instrumentation Engineering (IN), Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NM), Production and Industrial Engineering (PI), Engineering Sciences (XE), Robotics and Automation […]