GATE Exam and Shift Timing: Check Branch-wise Reporting Time, Dates, Schedule
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2026 ( GATE )
GATE 2026 Scorecard (free download)
27 Mar '26 - 31 May '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.
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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 Yesterday
Yes, you can secure a seat in M.Tech course at IcfaiTech by taking the IMET. This is the school's own entrance test for those who do not have a GATE score. If you pass the IMET and personal interview, you are eligible for admission.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, students can get admission in Atharva School of Engineering and Technology M.Tech without GATE. The college also accepts PERA CET or Atharva University All India Entrance Test scores.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MANIT M.Tech fellowship is paid every month based on your attendance. You need to fill out a simple form and get it signed by your teacher. This shows you attended your classes and did your lab assistant work. Once the department confirms this, the money goes straight to your bank account.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
MANIT M.Tech application starts by qualifying the GATE. Next, you register on the CCMT portal during the month of May. You will fill in your personal details and upload your scorecard. Then, you must list your preferred branches at MANIT in order. If you are allotted a seat, pay the fee and verify y
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
This year, 10,11,719 candidates registered for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, and 797434 candidates appeared for the GATE. The number of qualified students list will be available once statistical report is released.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, COAP is only for M.Tech and PhD admissions at IITs and IISc Bangalore. The portal also updates job offers for some PSUs. Overall, around 23+ IITs participate in GATE COAP counselling every year.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
With a GATE EC 2026 score of 609 and EWS category rank, you are well within the cutoff range for M.Tech in VLSI/Microelectronics at several IITs (like IIT Guwahati, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee) and top NITs (like NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal, NIT Calicut). Your score is strong enough to target premier in
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can join NIT Puducherry without GATE, but only through specific alternative admission channels such as the Self-Support M.Tech program, Sponsored/QIP (Quality Improvement Program), or DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad). Regular M.Tech seats are primarily filled via GATE and CCMT cou
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The GATE exam is conducted in the month of February. Registrations can be done on respective website. The application forms are generally out in last week of August. The application fee is INR 1,000 (female/SC/ST/PWD) and INR 2,000 (Male/General/OBC/EWS). Students have to register separately on univ
B
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, Indian students don't need JEE, NEET, or GATE exam score to get a seat at Imperial College. However, programs like MBBS (UCAT), MBA (GMAT), and some STEM programs (ESAT, TMUA, GRE) do ask for additional test scores.
Make sure to check entry requirements for desired course before applying at Impe
A
Contributor-Level 10