Difference in the Marking Scheme for Different Sections of GATE CE Paper

Introduction
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a highly competitive examination conducted for various engineering disciplines, including Civil Engineering (CE). The GATE CE paper consists of multiple sections, each assessing different aspects of the candidate's knowledge and skills. It is essential to understand the marking scheme for each section to effectively prepare for the exam.

Marking Scheme for GATE CE Paper
The GATE CE paper follows a specific marking scheme, which is common for all sections of the paper. However, the distribution of marks and the nature of questions may vary across different sections. Let's discuss the marking scheme in detail:

1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Each MCQ carries 1 or 2 marks, as specified in the question.
- For a correct answer in 1-mark MCQs, 1 mark is awarded.
- For a correct answer in 2-mark MCQs, 2 marks are awarded.
- In both cases, there is negative marking for wrong answers:
- For 1-mark MCQs, 1/3 mark is deducted.
- For 2-mark MCQs, 2/3 mark is deducted.
- Unanswered or unattempted questions do not have any negative marking.

2. Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions:
- NAT questions also carry 1 or 2 marks, as specified in the question.
- The answer to NAT questions is a real number that needs to be entered using a virtual keyboard.
- There is no negative marking for NAT questions.
- The answers are evaluated using appropriate accuracy criteria.

3. Linked Answer Questions:
- Linked answer questions consist of a primary question followed by two or three linked questions.
- The answer to the primary question is required to solve the linked questions.
- The primary question carries 1 or 2 marks, and the linked questions carry 1 mark each.
- The marking scheme for correct and incorrect answers is similar to MCQs.

4. General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics:
- These sections are common for all GATE papers.
- The General Aptitude section carries 15% of the total marks, while the Engineering Mathematics section carries 15% or 13% marks, depending on the paper.
- The marking scheme for MCQs and NAT questions in these sections follows the same pattern as mentioned earlier.

Conclusion
The marking scheme for different sections of the GATE CE paper is similar, with slight variations in the distribution of marks and the nature of questions. It is crucial for candidates to understand the marking scheme to strategize their preparation accordingly. By familiarizing themselves with the specific marking scheme, candidates can effectively manage their time, attempt questions wisely, and maximize their scores in the GATE CE examination.