GATE 2026: Registration Last Date Extended, Eligibility, Fees, Pattern, Syllabus, Exam Centres, and Question Papers
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Registration - 28 Aug '25 - 6 Oct '25
GATE 2026: IIT Guwahati have extended the GATE 2026 registration last date without late fees. Candidates can now fill the application with regular fees till October 6. The application form is available on the official website. However, candidates can still fill out their application form till October 9, by paying late fees. The GATE 2026 exam is scheduled for February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2025.
This year, IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026 exam for 30 subject papers. The exam will take place in more than 200 cities across eight zones. Candidates appearing for the entrance test must go through the GATE dates to miss out any deadline. The GATE is a national-level entrance examination that is conducted every year to offer MTech and research admissions in top institutions, like IITs, IIITs, NITs.
👉NPCIL will be using GATE 2026 scores for executive trainee recruitment. Candidates with valid GATE 2026, 2025 or 2024 scores are eligible to apply. Detailed notification will be OUT soon. Eligible branches are- ME, CE, IN, CH, and EE.
Latest Update: GATE 2026 Registration Last Date: Check dates, steps, eligibility, fees, and more
- What is GATE Exam?
- GATE 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
- GATE 2026 Highlights
- GATE 2026 Application Form OUT
- GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who can give the GATE exam?
- GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combination List and Paper Codes
- GATE 2026 Exam Centres
- GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
- GATE 2026 Syllabus
- GATE Question Papers: Exam Predictions and Mock Test
- GATE 2026 Admit Card
- GATE 2026 Result
- GATE 2026 Counselling: Cutoff and PSU Opportunities
- FAQs Regarding GATE 2026
What is GATE Exam?
- GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering.
- It is a national-level entrance examination conducted in India to offer admission to M.Tech and research programmes in top institutions, such as IITs, IIITs, NITs, and IISc.
- The exam is conducted by IISc and seven IITs (Bombay, Madras, Roorkee, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Delhi) on a rotational basis.
- This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting the GATE 2026 exam.
What’s New in GATE 2026?
- The GATE 2026 application fees have been revised.
- A new sectional paper, called Energy Science, is introduced under Engineering Sciences. The GATE Energy-Science paper code is XE-I.
Purpose of the GATE exam
The GATE exam is primarily conducted to assess the analytical and problem-solving skills of candidates’ understanding of engineering, science, architecture, technology, arts, and humanities concepts at the undergraduate level.
What benefits do you get after qualifying for GATE?
- Ticket to MTech and PhD programmes in top institutions like IITs, NITs, and top NIRF-ranked institutions, as a badge of honour.
- Research fellowships at reputable government organisations.
- Recruitment to top PSUs like GAIL, AAI, BHEL, IOCL, GRID-INDIA, etc.
- Financial Assistance of INR 12,400 per month is offered to MTech students with a valid GATE score for 22 months.
- For PhD applicants with a valid GATE score, financial assistance of INR 37,000 (first two years) and INR 42,000 (third to fifth year) is offered.
- Allows studying abroad. Some accepting universities include - National University of Singapore, University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, etc.
GATE Application, Exam, and Admission Timeline
- The GATE exam is conducted once a year.
- Registrations usually start in the fourth week of August and close by October.
- Admit cards are usually released in the first week of January.
- Exams are conducted over multiple days (two shifts) in the first and second week of February.
- Results are announced by March, and counselling starts from June/July.
GATE Exam Changes and Evolution Made Throughout the Years
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering was first introduced in 1983, and has built a strong and demanding reputation over the years. Here is a brief timeline and shifts in the exam pattern, syllabus, fees, exam mode, etc. made since.
| Year |
Changes made in the GATE Examination |
|---|---|
| 1983 |
Establishment of the GATE exam |
| 2002 |
The CSIR introduced the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme to allow GATE-qualified candidates to pursue research programmes at CSIR Labs. |
| 2010 |
The GATE exam was conducted online only for two papers - textile engineering and fibre science engineering |
| 2012 |
Based on the trouble-free pilot project in 2010, four GATE papers (AE, GG, MN, and TF) were then conducted online. Also, the application process was completely held online. Candidates could view their responses to the ORS. Also, GATE introduced official solutions for GATE papers. |
| 2013 |
The online mode was later expanded, and the exam was conducted for 15 out of 21 papers. |
| 2014 |
Normalisation of the GATE score for multi-session papers was introduced. GATE for all 22 papers were conducted online with a virtual calculator introduced. Also, GATE scorecard validity increased from 2 years to 3 years. |
| 2015 |
The entire GATE admission process was made online. Scorecards were no longer sent to the candidates. The University Grants Commission and MHRD announced that the scholarship for GATE candidates to be increased by 56% from INR 8000/per month to INR 12,400 |
| 2017 |
A new section (Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences) was introduced in the Engineering Sciences (XE) paper. International applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and United Arab Emirates were now eligible for the GATE exam. |
| 2018 |
While choosing the GATE exam centre, the first two choices had to be from the same zone. On the other hand, the third zone can be from any other GATE zone. Removal of uploading scanned thumb impression while filling the GATE application form |
| 2020 |
Introduction of a new GATE paper, called Biomedical Engineering (BM) |
| 2021 |
Eligibility for GATE third-year candidates was adapted. Introduction to the GATE two paper combination, allowing candidates to expand their knowledge and skill set. |
| 2022-23 |
The total number of GATE papers increased to 29. Introduction of two GATE papers - Geomatics Engineering (GE) and NM (Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering) |
| 2024 |
Introduction to GATE Data Science Paper, with which GATE papers increased from 29 to 30. |
| 2025 |
BSBE Dept, NPCIL, GRID-India, GAIL, EIL, OPTCL, NHAI, and AAI accepted GATE scores for recruitment. New paper combinations were introduced for the GATE 2025 exam. |
| 2026 |
New sectional paper - Energy Science was introduced Hike in the GATE application form fees for all categories |
GATE Organising Institutes
| Year |
Organizing Institute |
|---|---|
| 2026 |
IIT Guwahati |
| 2025 |
IIT Roorkee |
| 2024 |
IISc Bengaluru |
| 2023 |
IIT Kanpur |
| 2022 |
IIT Kharagpur |
| 2021 |
IIT Bombay |
| 2020 |
IIT Delhi |
| 2019 |
IIT Madras |
| 2018 |
IIT Guwahati |
| 2017 |
IIT Roorkee |
| 2016 |
IISc Bengaluru |
| 2015 |
IIT Kanpur |
| 2014 |
IIT Kharagpur |
| 2013 |
IIT Bombay |
| 2012 |
IIT Delhi |
| 2011 |
IIT Madras |
| 2010 |
IIT Guwahati |
| 2009 |
IIT Roorkee |
| 2008 |
IISc Benagluru |
| 2007 |
IIT Kanpur |
| 2006 |
IIT Kharagpur |
| 2005 |
IIT Bombay |
| 2004 |
IIT Delhi |
| 2003 |
IIT Madras |
| 2002 |
IISc Bengaluru |
| 2001 |
IIT Kanpur |
| 2000 |
IIT Kharagpur |
| 1999 |
IIT Bombay |
| 1998 |
IIT Delhi |
| 1997 |
IIT Madras |
| 1996 |
IISc Benagluru |
| 1995 |
IIT Kanpur |
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of GATE 2025 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 28 Aug ' 25 - 06 Oct ' 25 | GATE 2026 Application form availability without late fees ONGOING |
| 09 Oct ' 25 | GATE 2026 Registration with late fees |
| Oct ' 25 | Start Date for GATE 2026 Application Form Correction TENTATIVE |
| Nov ' 25 | Last Date for GATE 2026 Application Correction (for other candidates) TENTATIVE |
| 02 Jan ' 26 | GATE 2026 Admit Card |
| 07 Feb ' 26 | GATE 2026 Exam |
| 08 Feb ' 26 | GATE 2026 Exam |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 15 Mar ' 25 | GATE 2025 Form Correction Facility for Provisional Candidates Last Date |
| 12 Mar ' 25 | GATE 2025 Correction Facility (last date) for provisional candidates |
| 22 Nov ' 24 | Last Date for GATE 2025 Application Correction (PwD candidates) |
GATE 2026 Highlights
The IIT Guwahati has started the GATE online application form 2026. The official website of GATE 2026 is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The GATE 2026 admission process comprises various stages, which are as follows -
- Pre-Exam Stage - eligibility checks, submission of the application form, downloading of the admit card and appearing for the exam.
- Post-Exam Stage - answer key and objection raise facility, result declaration, scorecard check, and counselling process, held by COAP (for IITs) and CCMT (for NIITs and GFTIs)
DIRECT LINK - Apply Here
GATE 2026 Highlights
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| GATE Full Form |
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering |
| Organizing Body |
IIT Guwahati |
| Official website |
gate2026.iitg.ac.in |
| Application fee |
UR category (INR 2000) and SC/ST/Female/PwD (INR 1000) |
| Exam Level |
National Level |
| Mode of Application |
Online |
| Mode of exam |
Computer-based Test (Online) |
| Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
| Exam Duration |
3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Number of Subject Papers |
30 |
| Number of Questions |
10 (GA) + 55 (subject)= 65 |
| Question Type |
MCQ, MSQ, NAT |
| Applications Per Year |
More than 8 Lakhs |
| Number of Exam Centres |
Over 200 cities across 8 zones |
GATE 2026 Revised Dates
| Activity | Day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Date of GATE Online Application Processing System (GOAPS) | Thursday | August 28, 2025 (Activated) |
| Closing Date of REGULAR online registration/application process (Without Late Fee) | Sunday | October 6, 2025 |
| Closing Date of EXTENDED online registration/application process (With Late Fee) | Thursday | October 09, 2025 |
| GATE 2026 Examinations | Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday |
February 07, 2026 February 08, 2026 February 14, 2026 February 15, 2026 |
| Announcement of results | Thursday | March 19, 2026 |
Also read:
- GATE registration 2026: What GATE subjects have been introduced since 2021
- GATE information brochure 2026 released: check what's new, eligibility, fees, and more
Important Details to Note Before Applying for the GATE 2026
- The GATE application form process 2026 is available online only, and registration is mandatory. No sending of printed copies is required.
- Multiple application form submissions are not accepted. This will disbar the candidature. Only one application form will be accepted; the result will be rejected with no fee refund.
- The GATE application fees must be paid online. The accepted payment modes include UPI, debit card, credit card, and online banking.
- If a candidate wishes to appear in two papers, then the fees to be paid will be twice that mentioned for a single paper.
- Candidates can download the GATE admit card 2026 from the official website only. The admit card will carry the details of the exam centre and address.
- Requests for a change in the centre or location specified in the admit card are not allowed.
- For candidates appearing for Geology and Geophysics (GG) and Humanities and Social Sciences (XH) papers, separate scores and ranking will be provided based on their selection of the sections.
- For candidates appearing for Architecture and Planning (AR) and Geomatics Engineering (GE) papers, no separate ranking or score will be provided based on their selection of sections.
- No international exam centres are available. International applicants will have to travel to India to appear for the exam.
Download GATE 2026 Poster |
Download GATE 2026 Information Brochure | GATE 2025 Statistical and Performance Report Download |
The GATE 2026 exam will be held on February 7, 8, 14, and 15. The computer-based exam will be held in two sessions for 30 GATE test papers. Candidates can check out more information on GATE below -
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Application Form OUT
Registration: 28 Aug ' 25 - 06 Oct ' 25
The GATE 2026 application form is now available at gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The mode of application form is online. Registrations are done at the GATE GOAPS portal 2026. Candidates who want to apply for the GATE 2026 exam must go through the eligibility, fees, and documents required before applying. The GATE 2026 registration last date is as follows -
- GATE registration 2026 last date (without late fees) - October 6
- GATE registration 2026 last date (with late fees) - October 9
The GATE 2026 application form link is available at goaps.iitg.ac.in.
What is the GOAPS Portal for GATE registration 2026?
To apply, candidates need to visit the GOAPS portal. The GOAPS portal, also known as the GATE online application process system, is the official online portal where candidates can do the following-
- Register for the GATE exam
- Fill out the application form
- Edit their application form
- Download the admit card, scorecard, and
- Check their GATE results, etc.
In short, the GOAPS is the central hub for all the GATE-related activities.
Documents Required for Filling Out the GATE 2026 Application Form
The following are the documents that must be uploaded at the time of registration -
- Photograph and signature
- Valid ID proof
- Category or PwD certificate
Also read:
- How to resize and upload photo and signature in the GATE application form 2026: guidelines and specifications
- What is the scribe facility for PwD in GATE 2026: check eligibility, documents, instructions, and compensatory time
GATE 2026 Application Form Process
The step-by-step process to apply for the GATE application form 2026 is as follows -
- Visit the official website - gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Click on the GATE GOAPS 2026 portal and register
- Create a GATE 2026 enrollment ID and password for accessing further GATE-related activities.
- Log in using your credentials and fill out the application form
- Upload the documents as per the specifications.
- Pay the fees and confirm the declaration.
- Submit the application form and save a copy for future reference.
Candidates must provide error-free details, and uploaded scanned copies of documents must be legible.
GATE 2026 Application Fee
Paying the application fee is a mandatory step in the GATE 2026 registration process. Without the fees, the candidate's application form will not be accepted. IIT Guwahati has released the revised GATE 2026 Application fees.
- Candidates must know that the paid application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Candidates can pay the application fee using the provided gateways such as UPI/net banking/debit card/credit card/E-wallet.
- The authorities have added acceptance of international Visa cards and Maestro cards for fee payment.
- According to the prevailing norms, additional bank charges may apply to the fee payment. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 Application fee below:
| Category | Regular Period | During the Extended Period |
|---|---|---|
| Female/SC/ST/PwD candidates (per test paper) | INR 1000 | INR 1500 |
| All other candidates, including foreign nationals (per test paper) | INR 2000 | INR 2500 |
GATE 2026 Application Form Status
Once the application form is submitted, candidates can check their status. The GATE 2026 application status check notifies candidates of the status or position of their application form. To check the form status, candidates must visit the official website or the GOAPS portal and log in with their enrollment ID and password. After logging in, candidates can view their GATE application status for 2026. If a candidate has successfully submitted their form, then the following status is displayed on the screen -
Your application is submitted, and payment is received successfully.
However, if a candidate's application form is under scrutiny, the conducting authorities will mail a request for specific changes, which must be made within a stipulated period.
GATE 2026 Application Form Correction
The GATE 2026 application form correction facility will be available for a short period of time. The last date to make changes is November 6, 2025. Candidates who have submitted their application form incorrectly will be eligible to make changes to their registration form. A GATE 2026 MTech correction window opens after completing the application form to rectify mistakes.
According to the last year data, the following are the details and fees that can be changed during the GATE 2026 application form correction -
| Description of Changes/Modification |
Fee Charges (per paper) |
|---|---|
| Change in name |
INR 500 |
| Change in Date of Birth |
INR 500 |
| Change in Choice of Examination Cities |
INR 500 |
| Change in Existing Cities |
INR 500 |
| Adding the second paper (from the given combinations relevant the primary paper) |
INR 500, including the application fee for the additional paper |
| Change of gender to female |
INR 500 |
| Change of gender from female to any other gender |
INR 500 + INR 900 = INR 1400 (for all other candidates) |
| Change of category from SC/ST to any other |
INR 500 (for female candidates or PWD candidates) INR 500+ INR 900 = INR 1400 (for all other candidates) |
| Change from Non-PWD/ Dyslexic to PWD/Dyslexic |
INR 500 |
| Change from PWD/ Dyslexic to Non-PWD/Dyslexic |
INR 500 (for female candidates or PWD candidates) INR 500+ INR 900 = INR 1400 (for all other candidates) |
| Any other change in category (not mentioned above) |
INR 500 |
| Details of Parents/Guardian/Correspondence Address |
- |
| College Name and Location, Roll Number, Registration Number |
- |
GATE 2026 Help Desk
Candidates appearing for the GATE 2026 examination can contact the following GATE helpdesk for any queries related to the exam or other related details, such as the GATE hall ticket, scorecard, etc.
Candidates can check the GATE 2026 helpdesk details (zone-wise) below -
| Zone | Contact Number | Email ID |
|---|---|---|
| Zone I - IISc Bengaluru | 080 2293 2644 | helpdesk.gate@iisc.in |
| Zone II - IIT Bombay | 022-25767068, 022-25767022 | gateoffice@iitb.ac.in |
| Zone III - IIT Delhi | 011-26591749 | gate@admin.iitd.ac.in |
| Zone IV - IIT Guwahati | 0361-2582751, 0361-2582755 | gate@iitg.ac.in |
| Zone V - IIT Kanpur | 0512-2596962, 0512-2596963 | gate@iitk.ac.in |
| Zone VI - IIT Kharagpur | 03222-282091, 03222-282095 | gateonline@adm.iitkgp.ac.in |
| Zone VII - IIT Madras | 044-22578200 | gate@iitm.ac.in |
| Zone VIII- IIT Roorkee | 01332-284531 | helpdesk.gate@iitr.ac.in |
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who can give the GATE exam?
To apply for the exam, it is very important to meet the GATE eligibility criteria 2026, as the complete admission process depends on this. The eligibility criteria are mainly divided into four factors: age and nationality, educational qualifications, and category.
Who is eligible to appear for the GATE 2026 exam?
Candidates can check the GATE 2026 exam eligibility details below -
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess either of the undergraduate degrees mentioned below. Students who have passed or are appearing in the third or final years of any undergraduate degree are also eligible to appear for the exam.
Pass Percentage: No minimum passing percentage criteria are defined for the GATE 2026 exam.
Age Limit: No age limit is defined for applying for the GATE exam.
Nationality: Indian citizens can take the GATE exam, and international students meeting the necessary educational qualifications can also apply. Candidates must note that there are no international exam centres for foreign nationals.
GATE Eligible International Students: Candidates from Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates can apply for GATE 2026.
Who is not Eligible for the GATE 2026 Examination?
- Students who are in the first or second year of the bachelor's programme are clearly not eligible for GATE 2026.
- Applicants studying the first year of the master's programme (science/math/statistics) are not eligible for the exam.
- Diploma candidates (unless combined with a UGC/AICTE-recognised bachelor's degree).
Also Read: Can Commerce Students Apply for the GATE Examination: career scope, eligible papers and more
GATE 2026 Detailed Eligibility Criteria (Course-Wise)
| Degree/Program | Qualifying Degree/Examination | Description of Eligible Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech./B. Pharm. | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc./Diploma in Engineering/Technology) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| B. Arch. | Bachelor’s degree of Architecture (5-year course)/Naval Architecture (4-year course)/Planning (4-year course) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| B.Sc. (Research)/B.S. | Bachelor’s degree in Science (Post-Diploma/4 years after 10+2) | Currently in the 3rd year or higher or already completed |
| Pharm. D. (after 10+2) | A Professional Pharmacy doctoral program of 6 years duration after 10+2 which includes 1 year of internship or residency | Currently in the 3rd/4th/5th/6th year or already completed |
| M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc. | Professional Medical degree programs - M.B.B.S./B.D.S./B.V.Sc. | 5th/6th/7th or higher semester or already completed |
| M.Sc./M.A./MCA or equivalent | Master’s degree in any branch of Arts/Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications or equivalent | Currently in the 1st year or higher or already completed |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech. (Post-B.Sc.) | Post-B.Sc. Integrated Master’s degree programs in Engineering/Technology (4-year program) | Currently in the 1st/2nd/3rd/4th year or already completed |
| Int. M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm. or Dual Degree (after Diploma or 10+2) | Integrated Master’s degree program or Dual Degree program in Engineering/Technology (5-year program) | Currently in the 3rd/4th/5th year or already completed |
| B.Sc./B.A./B.Com. | Bachelor’s degree in any branch of Science/Arts/Commerce (3-year program) | Currently in the 3rd year or have already completed |
| Int. M.Sc./Int. B.S./M.S. | Integrated M.Sc. or 5-year integrated B.S. - M.S. program | Currently in the 3rd year or higher, or already completed |
| Professional Society* Examinations (equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch.) | B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. equivalent examinations of Professional Societies, recognised by MoE/UPSC/AICTE (e.g. AMIE by Institution of Engineers-India, AMICE by the Institute of Civil Engineers-India and so on) | Completed Section A or equivalent of such professional courses |
| B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) | 4-year program | Currently in the 3rd/4th year or already completed |
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Two-Paper Combination List and Paper Codes
The GATE two-paper combination allows candidates to opt for at least two papers for the GATE 2026 exam. Paper I is the primary paper, and Paper II is the secondary paper. Candidates must choose the paper combination from the subject list curated by the conducting authorities. For a paper conducted in multiple sessions, a candidate will be mapped to appear for the exam in one of the sessions only. The official subject combinations for the GATE 2026 exam are listed in the table below. The paper combinations for GATE 2026 are now AVAILABLE. Candidates can check below -
| Code of the First Paper | Code of the Second Paper | Code of the First Paper | Code of the Second Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted for 30 test papers. Candidates can check the list of the GATE 2026 papers and their branch codes -
Also read: GATE 2026 two-paper combination: steps to add, paper codes, and instructions
| GATE Test Paper | Branch/Subject Code | GATE Test Paper | Branch/Subject Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | AE | Geology and Geophysics | GG |
| Agricultural Engineering | AG | Instrumentation Engineering | IN |
| Architecture and 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 and Marine Engineering | NM |
| Computer Science and Information Technology | CS | Petroleum Engineering | PE |
| Chemistry | CY | Physics | PH |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | DA | Production and Industrial Engineering | PI |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC | Statistics | ST |
| Electrical Engineering | EE | Textile Engineering aNd Fibre Sciences | TF |
| Environmental Science and Engineering | ES | Engineering Sciences | XE |
| Ecology and Evolution | EY | Humanities and Social Sciences | XH |
| Geomatics Engineering | GE | Life Sciences | XL |
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Exam Centres
IIT Guwahati has released the GATE 2026 exam cities list on the website. Candidates who will be appearing for the GATE 2026 exam will be allotted centres, as per their choices submitted while filling out the application form. Candidates must note that there are no international exam centres for the examination. Foreign and Indian nationals will have to travel to India to appear for the test.
| NOTE: Candidates can choose three cities from the list given at the time of filling out the application form. All three choices must be from the same GATE 2026 zones. |
The list of the eight GATE 2026 zones is as follows -
- 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
The GATE 2026 exam centres are allotted for all the above zones.
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
IIT Guwahati will conduct the GATE 2026 exam in February 7,8, 14, and 15. The exam will be conducted in two sessions - Morning and Afternoon. Students aspiring for the exam must be aware of the GATE exam pattern 2026, as the question paper will be available as per the exam scheme.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language of examination | English |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Number of papers (Subjects) | 30 test papers |
| Sections | General Aptitude (GA) + Candidate's Selected Subject(s) |
| Type of Questions | (a) Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) (b) Multiple Select Question (MSQ) (c) Numerical Answer Type (NAT) |
| Testing of abilities | (a) Recall (b) Comprehension (c) Application (d) Analysis & Synthesis |
| Distribution of Marks in all Papers EXCEPT papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks Engineering Mathematics: 13 marks Subject Questions: 72 marks Total: 100 marks (XE includes Engineering Mathematics section XE-A of 15 marks) |
| Distribution of Marks in papers AR, CY, DA, EY, GE, GG, MA, PH, ST, XH, and XL | General Aptitude: 15 marks Subject Questions: 85 marks Total: 100 marks |
| Marking Scheme | Questions carry either 1 mark or 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | For a wrong answer chosen in an MCQ, there will be negative marking. For a 1-mark MCQ, 1/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. For a 2-mark MCQ, 2/3 mark will be deducted for a wrong answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answer(s) to MSQ or NAT questions. There is no partial marking in MSQ. |
Click Here to check the detailed GATE 2026 Exam Pattern
GATE 2026 Preparation Tips
Preparing for the GATE 2026 exam requires a consistent and strategic approach, as it is considered one of the top and competitive examinations conducted in India. For GATE aspirants, it is not only important to solve 100s of mock tests or GATE question papers, but also to have a clear understanding of the fundamentals and concepts right from your undergraduate level.
Here are some preparation tips that aspirants can follow to secure an AIR 1 in GATE -
- Go through the syllabus and pattern carefully
- Figure out your strengths and weaknesses
- Track your performance creating weekly and monthly goals.
- Focus on building concepts and stick to that.
- Try solving mock tests and question papers to improve accuracy, and time management.
- Reserve atleast two to three months solely on revision.
- Besides preparation and revision, also take care of your health and practice stress management.
Hence, with steadfast dedication and honesty, candidates can clearly crack GATE.
Also read: 10 signs that you're a true GATE Aspirant
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Syllabus
Commonly asked questions
GATE Question Papers: Exam Predictions and Mock Test
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Admit Card
Admit Card: 02 Jan ' 26
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Result
Result: 19 Mar ' 26
Commonly asked questions
GATE 2026 Counselling: Cutoff and PSU Opportunities
Counselling: May ' 26
Commonly asked questions
FAQs Regarding GATE 2026
Commonly asked questions
GATE Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Well,
As such, the GATE authorities have not mentioned anything regarding the black and white or colour printout of the GATE admit card to be carried or not. But it is better to carry a colour printout of the hall ticket to the exam centre Also, the admit card of GATE must be in A4 size format.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
If there are any details missing in the GATE admit card, then he/she must contact the GATE zone helpline centre. The candidate must raise their concern, mentioning the issue they are facing with the hall ticket. They will have to provide complete details regarding the information that are missing in
S
Contributor-Level 7
2052 Institutes accepting GATE
DTU - Delhi Technological University
Rohini, Delhi • Public
- ₹ 1.23 Lakh
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
BITS Pilani - Birla Institute of Technology and Science
Pilani • Private
4.7Shivaji Nagar, Pune • Public
IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology
Powai, Mumbai • Public
- ₹ 2.03 Lakh
- 18 months
- |
- Full Time
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What factors determine the GATE 2026 cutoff?