Introduction:
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national level examination conducted in India for admission to postgraduate programs in various engineering disciplines. It is organized by the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on a rotational basis.

Total Number of Questions:
The total number of questions asked in the GATE exam varies from year to year. However, the exam generally consists of a total of 65 questions.

Question Types:
The questions in the GATE exam can be categorized into three types:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions have four options, out of which only one is correct. Candidates are required to select the correct option.

2. Multiple Select Questions (MSQs): In these questions, there are four options, and candidates need to select multiple correct options. However, partial marks are awarded for partially correct answers.

3. Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions: These questions do not have any options. Candidates have to enter the answer using the virtual numeric keypad on the computer screen.

Marking Scheme:
The marking scheme for the GATE exam differs based on the question type. Here is a breakdown of the marking scheme:

1. MCQs: For correctly answering MCQs, candidates are awarded +1 or +2 marks, depending on the question. However, for an incorrect answer, 1/3 or 2/3 marks are deducted.

2. MSQs: For correctly answering MSQs, candidates are awarded full marks. However, there is no negative marking for incorrect or unattempted answers.

3. NAT Questions: NAT questions carry 1 or 2 marks each, and there is no negative marking for these questions.

Section-wise Distribution:
The questions in the GATE exam are divided into two sections, namely General Aptitude and Technical. The distribution of questions in these sections may vary depending on the specific discipline. However, as a general guideline, the exam usually consists of:

- 10 questions in the General Aptitude section (15 marks)
- 55 questions in the Technical section (85 marks)

Conclusion:
The GATE exam consists of a total of 65 questions, including MCQs, MSQs, and NAT questions. The marking scheme varies for each question type, and candidates should be aware of the specific rules while attempting the exam. It is essential to thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus to prepare effectively and perform well in the GATE exam.