Updated on 01 Mar 2026
By Jiya Tyagi, Content Manager
Candidates must check the updates below for GATE exam 2026:
GATE Exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is a national-level entrance examination for admission into various postgraduate programs (M.Tech, M.S., PhD, etc.) and for recruitment in the prestigious Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), held every year. In 2026, GATE exam will be conducted by IIT Guwahati, covering students in 30 papers among Engineering, Science, Humanities, and Commerce.
It is a computer-based examination that assesses the candidate's understanding of the subject and other analytical abilities. A valid score in the GATE 2026 exam will help the students apply to IITs, NITs, and IIc, and, most importantly, provide a good opportunity to apply for jobs in the government sector, which are high-paid.
Below is a quick overview of the major features of GATE exam 2026, including exam mode, number of papers, marking pattern, score validity, and question formats.
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Body | IIT Guwahati |
| Total Papers | 30 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 65 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| GA Marks | 15 |
| Question Types | MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Score Validity | 3 Years |
| Negative Marking | Only in MCQs |
| Two-Paper Option | Available |
| Official Brochure | Released by IITG |
GATE 2026 – February 7 (Day 1) Analysis
Overall, the Shift 1 papers were easy to moderate. The XE paper was easier than last year, though a few questions were lengthy and slightly challenging.
GATE 2026 – February 8 CSE (CS-1 & CS-2) Analysis
The Shift 1 exam was moderately difficult. The Mathematics and General Aptitude sections were moderate, while the Computer Science section included several lengthy questions. A higher number of MSQ and NAT questions were asked.
The CSE-2 paper was easy to moderate. Around three questions were from Discrete Mathematics (1 and 2 marks combined), and Compiler Design had about four questions carrying 1 and 2 marks. As per students, this paper was easier compared to the first shift.
IIT Guwahati has officially announced the GATE 2026 dates in the Information Brochure. The schedule includes registration dates, exam dates, admit card release dates, result dates, and scorecard download dates. Candidates must be careful to note all deadlines to apply to take the exam before they run out. Check the below table for GATE 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule:
| Date | Event |
| 07 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Forenoon (AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL) |
| 07 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Afternoon (AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH) |
| 08 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Forenoon (CS1, ST) |
| 08 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Afternoon (CS2, EY, NM, PE) |
| 14 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Forenoon (CE-1, EE, PI) |
| 14 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Afternoon (BM, CE-2, ME, MT) |
| 15 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Forenoon (EC) |
| 15 Feb 2026 | GATE 2026 Exam – Afternoon (AR, DA) |
| 13 Jan 2026 | GATE 2026 Admit Card |
| Feb 2026 (Tentative) | GATE 2026 Answer Key & Response Sheet |
| Feb–Mar 2026 (Tentative) | GATE 2026 Objection Window |
| Mar 2026 (Tentative) | GATE 2026 Final Answer Key |
| 19 Mar 2026 | GATE 2026 Result |
| 27 Mar–31 May 2026 | GATE 2026 Scorecard (Free Download) |
| Jun–Dec 2026 | GATE 2026 Scorecard (Paid) |
| May 2026 (Tentative) | COAP 2026 / CCMT 2026 |
| 28 Aug–07 Oct 2025 | GATE 2026 Application (Without Late Fee) |
| 08 Oct–13 Oct 2025 | GATE 2026 Application (With Late Fee) |
| 28 Oct 2025 | GATE 2026 Application Correction Starts |
| 10 Nov 2025 | Last Date for Application Correction |
GATE exam 2026 admit card has been released on January 2, 2026, on the official GATE website. Candidates who successfully submitted their application can download the admit card by logging in with their Enrollment ID and password. Applicants are advised to preserve the hall ticket until the entire admission process is completed, as it is required during counselling and admission stages.
Details on GATE Admit Card
The admit card includes important information such as:
Name, photo, and signature
Paper code
Exam date and time
Test centre details
Exam-day instructions
How to Download GATE 2026 Admit Card
Visit the official GATE website
Open the Candidate Login (GOAPS)
Enter enrollment ID & password
Click Download Admit Card
Check details and print
Note: For errors, contact your respective GATE zone office.
What to Carry on Exam Day
Allowed:
Printed GATE hall ticket
Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License)
Transparent water bottle
Pen/Pencil
Not Allowed:
Mobile phones, smartwatches, electronics
Notes/books
Food items
GATE 2026 Branch-Wise Exam Dates
| Date | Shift | Papers |
| Feb 7 | 9:30am–12:30pm | AG, ES, GG, IN, MA, MN, TF, XE, XL |
| 2:30pm–5:30pm | AE, BT, CH, CY, GE, PH, XH | |
| Feb 8 | 9:30am–12:30pm | CS-1, ST |
| 2:30pm–5:30pm | CS-2, EY, NM, PE | |
| Feb 14 | 9:30am–12:30pm | CE-1, EE, PI |
| 2:30pm–5:30pm | BM, CE-2, ME, MT | |
| Feb 15 | 9:30am–12:30pm | EC |
| 2:30pm–5:30pm | AR, DA |
GATE exam 2026 is being held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026, in two shifts each day i.e., Forenoon (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM). The exams scheduled on February 7 and 8 have already been conducted. The remaining GATE exam 2026 papers will take place on February 14 and 15, 2026.
The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and the question paper is in English. Candidates appearing in the upcoming exams should check the GATE 2026 exam pattern for marking scheme and question types. The complete GATE 2026 paper pattern is provided below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Dates & Shifts | February 7, 8, 14, 15, 2026Forenoon: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PMAfternoon: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of Papers | 30 Test Papers |
| Sections in All Papers | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate’s Selected Subject |
| Types of Questions | - MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)- MSQ (Multiple Select Questions)- NAT (Numerical Answer Type) |
| Abilities Tested | Recall, Comprehension, Application, Analysis & Synthesis |
| Marks Distribution (Most Papers) | GA: 15 marksEngineering Mathematics: 13 marksSubject Questions: 72 marksTotal: 100 marks |
| Marks Distribution (AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, XL) | GA: 15 marksSubject Questions: 85 marksTotal: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry 1 or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | Applies only to MCQs:- 1-mark MCQ → ⅓ deducted- 2-mark MCQ → ⅔ deductedNo negative marking for MSQ & NAT |
| Partial Marking | Not available for MSQs |
The official GATE 2026 syllabus is published by IIT Guwahati with the information brochure. The exam has three sections: General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and the Core Subject selected by the candidate. General Aptitude is common to all papers, while Engineering Mathematics is relevant to most papers in the technical subjects.
| Section | Topics |
| General Aptitude | Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude, Spatial Aptitude |
| Engineering Mathematics | Linear Algebra, Calculus & Differential Equations, Complex Analysis & Numerical Methods, Probability & Statistics, Discrete Mathematics |
| Core Subject | Subject-specific topics based on chosen paper (CE, CS, ME, EC, EE, XE, XL, XH, etc.) |
IIT Guwahati has activated the GATE 2026 mock test links on the official website. Candidates can choose their subject and attempt the mock test for free. Previous year GATE question papers are essential for understanding the exam’s difficulty level, marking scheme, and question patterns. The official GATE exam 2026 question papers will be available after the exam. Until then, students are advised to practice as many past papers as possible to boost accuracy and speed.
Understand difficulty level
Identify repeated topics
Improve accuracy and time management
Learn the real exam pattern
Analyse marking style for MCQ, MSQ & NAT
IIT Guwahati is responsible for conducting the GATE exam 2026, and the question pattern is expected to show similarities to the previous cycle, which was conducted by IIT Guwahati. Renewed assumptions of previous analyses can be made, and it can be expected that there would be various patterns in various types of questions such as numerical, conceptual, and analytical-heavy questions.
Expected Trends
The overall level of difficulty is expected to range from moderate to difficult for most branches.
Questions may tend to be more focused on concept clarity and analytical reasoning.
General Aptitude and Engineering Mathematics are expected to be moderately easy;
Numerical questions are likely to increase; some may be lengthy and/or tricky, as GATE has shown in the previous cycle.
Principles of weightage distribution should not differ from previous year’s distribution.
GATE exam 2026 application correction window has now closed. Candidates were able to edit their details through the GOAPS portal until November 10. Below are the key dates for GATE 2026 registration.
GATE Exam 2026 Registration Dates
Last date without late fee: October 7
Last date with late fee: October 13 (extended; now closed)
Follow the steps below to fill out the GATE exam 2026 application form:
Visit the official website: gate2026.iitg.ac.in
Click on the registration link and create an account
Log in using your enrollment ID and password
Fill in the required details carefully
Upload documents as per the given specifications
Pay the application fee
Submit the form and download a copy for future use
All details must be accurate, and documents should be clear and readable.
IIT Guwahati has revised the registration fees for all categories for GATE 2026. Payment must be completed for the application to be accepted.
Fee is non-refundable
Payment options: UPI, net banking, debit/credit card, e-wallet
| Category | Regular Period | Extended Period |
| Female, SC, ST, PwD | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
| All Other Applicants (including foreign nationals) | ₹2000 | ₹2500 |
After submitting the form, candidates can check their application status through the GOAPS portal. The status feature helps verify whether the form has been accepted.
You will need your enrollment ID and password to check the status.
GATE exam 2026 correction window has been closed. Candidates were allowed to make corrections in the details related to gender, category, college information, and many more during the correction facility. Personal details related amendments or education-related information amendments did not attract any charges.
GOAPS is the official portal used for the complete GATE application process. Through this portal, candidates can:
Register and fill out the GATE application form
Edit or update application details
Download admit card and scorecard
Check GATE results and related updates
Direct Link: Click Here
Candidates must upload the following documents while registering:
Recent photograph and signature
Valid ID proof
Category certificate / PwD certificate (if applicable)
IIT Guwahati will publish the GATE exam 2026 answer keys once the exam has been completed. Two sets of answer keys will be released - the provisional answer key and the final answer key. Candidates can raise objections to the provisional answer keys through the GOAPS portal using their enrollment ID and password. Each objection will require a fee of ₹500 (non-refundable) per question.
After an answer key is released, candidates need to check the answer key against their candidate response sheets to calculate their likely scores before the official announcement of the GATE exam 2026 results. Check below the steps to download GATE 2026 answer key:
Visit the GATE 2026 official website
Open the GATE Candidate Login
Enter your enrollment ID/email ID and password
View the answer key and response sheet on the dashboard
Download the PDF and save it for reference
Download Link: GATE 2026 Answer Key (To be updated)
GATE response sheet will be released along with the provisional answer key and question paper. It contains all answers recorded by the candidate during the exam. Using both the response sheet and answer key, students can calculate their probable score based on the official marking scheme. Check below steps to download GATE 2026 response sheet:
Go to the GATE 2026 official website
Click on Candidate Login (GOAPS)
Enter your enrollment ID/email ID and password
Click on the Response Sheet link
Download and save the PDF
Note:
The response sheet cannot be challenged.
Only the provisional answer key can be challenged.
The answer key, response sheet, and question paper will be released together.
Candidates must check the basic eligibility before applying for GATE 2026. IIT Guwahati allows students from various academic backgrounds to appear. Final-year and third-year students are also eligible, and there is no minimum percentage requirement. International candidates from a few neighbouring countries can also apply. Check below the basic GATE 2026 eligibility:
Must have an undergraduate degree (or be in 3rd/final year)
No minimum marks required
Indian nationals eligible
International students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, UAE can apply
GATE 2026 Course-Wise Eligibility
Check the below table for GATE 2026 course-wise eligibility criteria:
| Programme | Required Qualification | Who Is Eligible |
| BE / BTech / BPharm | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology | 3rd year, final year, or completed |
| BArch | Bachelor’s in Architecture/Planning/Naval Architecture | 3rd year, final year, or completed |
| BSc (Research) / BS | Bachelor’s degree in Science | 3rd year, final year, or completed |
| MSc / MA / MCA | Master’s degree in any field | 1st year or higher, or completed |
| Integrated M.E / M.Tech (Post-BSc) | Integrated Engineering/Tech program | 1st–4th year, or completed |
| Integrated M.E / M.Tech / MPharm (after 10+2 or diploma) | Integrated/Dual degree | 3rd–5th year, or completed |
| BA / BCom / BSc | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) | 3rd year or higher |
| Integrated MSc / BS-MS | 5-year Integrated program | 3rd year or higher |
| Professional Society Exams (B.E/B.Tech/B.Arch equivalent) | Recognized by MoE/UPSC/AICTE | Completed Section A or equivalent |
| BSc Agriculture / Forestry / Horticulture | 4-year degree | 3rd or 4th year, or completed |
GATE 2026 allows candidates to choose two papers if the combination is officially approved. Selecting the right combination enhances admission and PSU chances. IIT Guwahati has released a detailed table specifying valid primary and secondary paper combinations.
| First Paper | Allowed Second Paper(s) | First Paper | Allowed Second Paper(s) |
| AE | CE, ME, XE | GG | GE |
| AG | CE | IN | BM, EC, EE, ME |
| AR | CE, GE | MA | CS, DA, PH, ST |
| BM | BT, IN | ME | AE, DA, IN, NM, PI, XE |
| BT | BM, XL | MN | – |
| CE | AE, AG, AR, ES, GE, NM, XE | MT | XE |
| CH | ES, PE, XE | NM | CE, ME |
| CS | DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, ST | PE | CH |
| CY | XE, XL | PH | CS, DA, EC, EE, MA, XE |
| DA | CS, EC, EE, MA, ME, PH, ST, XE | PI | ME, XE |
| EC | CS, DA, EE, IN, PH | ST | CS, DA, MA, XH |
| EE | DA, EC, IN, PH | TF | – |
| ES | CE, CH, GE | XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, PI |
| EY | XL | XH | ST |
| GE | AR, CE, CS, ES, GG | XL | BT, CY, EY |
GATE 2026 will be conducted for 30 test papers. The complete list of subjects and their codes is given below:
| Test Paper | Code | Test Paper | Code |
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology & Geophysics | GG |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| Architecture & Planning | AR | Mathematics | MA |
| Biomedical Engineering | BM | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Biotechnology | BT | Mining Engineering | MN |
| Civil Engineering | CE | Metallurgical Engineering | MT |
| Chemical Engineering | CH | Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | NM |
| Computer Science & IT | CS | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Chemistry | CY | Physics | PH |
| Data Science & AI | DA | Production & Industrial Engineering | PI |
| Electronics & Communication | EC | Statistics | ST |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering & Fibre Science | TF |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE |
| Ecology & Evolution | EY | Humanities & Social Sciences | XH |
| Geomatics Engineering | GE | Life Sciences | XL |
IIT Guwahati has published the official list of GATE 2026 exam centres on the website and in the information brochure. The exam cities are divided into eight zones, and candidates must select their preferred cities while filling out the application form. There are no international exam centres for GATE 2026, so foreign candidates must travel to India to appear for the test.
Note:
Candidates must choose three exam cities, all belonging to the same GATE zone.
Exam city changes are allowed during the correction window, but only within the same zone chosen earlier.
| Zone Number | Organising Institute |
| Zone 1 | IISc Bengaluru |
| Zone 2 | IIT Bombay |
| Zone 3 | IIT Delhi |
| Zone 4 | IIT Guwahati |
| Zone 5 | IIT Kanpur |
| Zone 6 | IIT Kharagpur |
| Zone 7 | IIT Madras |
| Zone 8 | IIT Roorkee |
GATE 2026 result will be announced on March 19, which will confirm whether candidates have qualified the exam. Students can view their results and download the scorecard through the GATE 2026 candidate login using their enrollment ID and password. Scores will be prepared through the official normalisation process, and the scorecard will be available a few days after the results are declared. Candidates can download their GATE 2026 scorecard for free from March 27 to May 31, 2026. From June 1 to December 31, 2026, the scorecard can be downloaded by paying a ₹500 fee.
GATE 2026 scorecard, issued by IIT Guwahati, will be available only to candidates who qualify the exam. It can be downloaded using the candidate’s enrollment ID and password. The scorecard will also display branch-wise cutoff marks, and it will remain valid for three years.
GATE 2026 counselling will begin after the results are announced. The entire process is conducted online and completed in multiple rounds. Admissions to IITs take place through COAP, while CCMT manages counselling for NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. Only candidates who qualify GATE 2026 can participate in the counselling process. Check below the step-by-step GATE 2026 Counselling Process
Register online through COAP (IITs) or CCMT (NITs/IIITs/GFTIs)
Fill and lock choices for courses and institutes
Choices auto-lock if candidates do not lock them manually
Seat allotment results are published after each round
Pay the seat acceptance fee
Upload documents and select seat status (Freeze / Float / Slide / Withdraw)
Report to the allotted institute for online document verification
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