GATE Exam and Shift Timing: Check Branch-wise Reporting Time, Dates, Schedule
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027 ( GATE )
GATE 2027 Application Form Release Date
14 Aug '26
Candidates appearing for the GATE exam must be aware of the GATE exam and shift timings. Candidates must check the reporting time, exam start time and duration of each shift before appearing for the exam. Read more to know about GATE exam.
GATE 2026 Exam Timings: Know Shift-wise Reporting Time and More Details
GATE Exam and Shift Timings: Candidates appearing for GATE exam must be aware of the exam and shift timings. The GATE exam dates will usually be in February every year. The GATE exam will be conducted in multiple shifts. The exam will be conducted in a two-shift format of 3 hours each- forenoon and afternoon shifts. The forenoon shift timings are 09:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon shift timings are 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM. Candidates must reach the exam centre as per the reporting time. The GATE reporting and exam timings are mentioned on the GATE admit card 2026.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level exam for engineering and science graduates in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the exam for admission to postgraduate courses or to apply for PSU recruitment. The GATE exam timing is an important detail that every aspirant should carefully check before appearing for the exam. Check the following article for more details on the GATE exam and shift timings.
Also Read:
| GATE 2026 CE Shift 1 Question Paper with Solutions | GATE 2026 ME Answer Key Solutions PDF |
| GATE 2026 EE Question Paper with Answer Key |
|
- GATE Exam Timings
- Importance of Checking GATE Shift Timing
- Instructions for Candidates on Exam Day
- GATE Exam Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates
- How to Check GATE Exam Timing?
GATE Exam Timings
The GATE exam is conducted in two shifts per day- forenoon and afternoon shifts. Candidates are advised to reach the exam centre well before the reporting time to complete security checks and identity verification smoothly.
| Morning Shift Timing |
Afternoon Shift Timing |
|---|---|
| Reporting Time: 8 AM |
Reporting Time: 1 PM |
| Exam Start Time: 9:30 AM |
Exam Start Time: 2:30 PM |
| Last Entry Allowed: 10 AM |
Last Entry Allowed: 3 PM |
| Exam End Time: 12:30 PM |
Exam End Time: 5:30 PM |
Importance of Checking GATE Shift Timing
Knowing the correct shift timing is extremely important for candidates. Reaching the exam centre late may lead to disqualification, as entry is not allowed after the gate closing time. Shift timing details are mentioned on the GATE admit card, which candidates must download from the official website. Candidates should check:
- Exam date
- Shift (morning or afternoon)
- Reporting time
- Exam centre address
Must Check:
| GATE 2026 CSE Shift 1 Answer Key | |
Instructions for Candidates on Exam Day
On the day of the GATE exam, candidates must follow certain guidelines related to timing:
- Reach the exam centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time
- Carry a printed copy of the admit card
- Bring a valid photo ID proof
- Do not carry prohibited items such as mobile phones, smart watches, or notes
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GATE Exam Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates
Male and female candidates must be aware of what they should wear at the GATE exam centre in order to avoid any issues in the scrutiny process. The GATE exam dress code is important because wearing the right kind of clothing during the GATE paper can save a lot of time and stress.
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
31 Mar '27
20 Sep '26 - 25 Sep '26
How to Check GATE Exam Timing?
Candidates can check their exact GATE exam timing by following these steps:
- Visit the official GATE website, gate2026.iitg.ac.in
- Log in using enrollment ID and password
- Download the GATE admit card
- Check the exam date, shift, and reporting time mentioned on the admit card
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
GATE scholarships do not automatically cover the full annual M.Tech fees, but they provide a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 (amounting to INR 2,97,600 over two years), which closely offsets a major portion of the baseline Category 1 tuition fees.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
No, M.Tech admission at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering is based on the marks obtained by the candidates in a university-level entrance test. Seats are allocated through the counselling conducted by VTU (the affiliating university). However, GATE-qualified candidates are given first preferenc
H
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates with following engineering background are eligible for GATE Robotics and Automation Engineering paper:
GATE Computer Science and Engineering
GATE Data Science
GATE Electrical Engineering
GATE Mechanical Engineering
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
The GATE "Robotics and Automation" (RA) question paper will have a total of 100 marks.
General Aptitude: 15 marks
Subject Questions: 85 marks
The marking scheme and time duration remain the same. GATE "RA" paper structure can be checked below:
Part "A" is common, which carries 60 marks. It is compulsor
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, CSE students can also apply for GATE Robotics and Automation paper. They can either take it as a primary or secondary paper.
I
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
The GATE 2027 registration process remains the same. However, here are a few changes that have been implemented for GATE application form-filling process.
- Create a verified DigiLocker account for a smooth registration process
- Candidates have to provide their facial details/recognition during registra
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, IIT Madras has made it mandatory to register in DigiLocker for GATE 2027 registration. Ensure that the following details are updated properly.
Name
Date of Birth
Mobile Number
Email ID
Profile picture
Address
Verified ID number
The DigiLocker GATE 2027 is only applicable for Indian Nationals.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
JNU M.Tech cutoff 2026 ranged from 327 to 459 for the OBC AI category. As per this range, M.Tech. in Computer Science and Technology was the most sought-after course for admission, with the cutoff being 459. The higher the score, the higher the competition and vice versa.
Students aiming for admissi
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
JNU GATE cutoff 2026 was released up to round 3 for admission to the M.Tech course and its various specialisations.
For the General AI category, the round 3 cutoff was 382 for the M.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering course. Admission to the M.Tech. in Computer Science and Technology c
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
GATE is one of the accepting exams for admission in M.Tech at MIT School of Engineering and Sciences. It is mandatory for admission in M.Tech Fire Engineering. However, aspirants can also apply with PERA CET scores for admission in other M.Tech specialisations.
N
Guide-Level 15