GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Reporting Time, What to Carry, and Hall Instructions
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2027 ( GATE )
GATE 2026 Scorecard by paying a fee of INR 500 per test paper
1 Jun '26 - 31 Dec '26
GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Candidates appearing for GATE 2026 must follow all the exam day guidelines and instructions issued by IIT Guwahati. GATE was conducted from Feb 7 to 15, in two shifts. The authorities conducted a scrutiny check to maintain discipline outside and inside GATE exam centre 2026. In addition, students must also be aware of the GATE 2026 reporting time, dresscode, documents required, etc. Knowing these details will help students reduce stress and perform well in the IITG GATE 2026 exam.
IIT Guwahati conducted GATE paper on scheduled dates February 7, 8, 14, and 15. The postgraduate engineering entrance exam for MTech/PhD admission and PSU recruitment took place in two shifts. Students appearing for GATE 2026 had to download their admit card from GOAPS and carefully go through GATE 2026 exam day guidelines mentioned in hall ticket.
Students must note that following GATE exam hall instructions is important because, if not then authorities have the right to cancel candidature.
| GATE 2026 CE Shift 1 Question Paper | GATE 2026 Exam EE Exam Answer Key Question Paper |
- Documents required on GATE 2026 exam
- GATE Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Hall Instructions and Reporting Time
- GATE 2026 Shift and Report Time
- Items prohibited at the GATE Exam Centre 2026
- GATE Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates
- How to plan travel and accommodation on GATE 2026 exam day?
- GATE College Predictor
Documents required on GATE 2026 exam
Candidates appearing GATE 2026 must carry the following documents along with them
- Valid ID proof (same as that uploaded during registration)
- GATE hall ticket printed on an A4 size paper
- Pen or pencil
- Transparent water bottle
NOTE:
Ensure that the barcode in the GATE admit card 2026 is not tampered. On a safer note, carry at least two to three copies of exam hall ticket, incase it gets tampered during traveling. Also, avoid laminating the admit card, as it cause issue at the time of document verification.
Latest update: GATE 2026: what to carry, list of prohibited items, exam day guidelines, and more
Commonly asked questions
Candidates who have applied for GATE 2026 must check event datesheet so they don't miss out on any dates. IIT Guwahati has released GATE 2026 exam dates along with branch-wise schedule at gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
GATE scorecard 2026 is valid for three years, which means the scorecard can be used till March 31, 2029. Candidates can download their scorecard using their enrollment ID and password. It can be used for MTech, PhD, Research work admissions and PSU recruitment.
The GATE paper code of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is DA. Here are the eligible paper combinations for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence -
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CS)
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)
- Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Mathematics (MA)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Physics (PH)
- Statistics (ST)
- Engineering Sciences (XE)
No, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering examination takes place once a year. Every year, different IITs and IISc conduct exam on rotational basis. GATE is conducted online for three hours for 30 branch papers.
GATE Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Hall Instructions and Reporting Time
- Candidates must carry a physical copy of the GATE admit card printed on a A4 size paper. Candidates can download hall ticket at GATE login.
- Valid ID proof. If quality of the photo in ID proof is unclear, then candidate must bring an additional recent photo ID.
- Students must report to centre at least 90 minutes before to complete GATE biometric and document verification process.
- GATE biometric verification will be done at the gate entry.
- Candidates cannot log in 30 minutes after start of exam.
- Students will be offered to take their allocated seat before exam time. 20 minutes will be provided to login and read instructions.
- While attempting the exam, GATE calculator will be installed in the system for doing calculations.
- A scribble pad will be provided inside the exam hall. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. Students can take only one pad at a time. If GATE scribble pad is filled, candidate has to return previous one and then ask for a new one.
- Once exam is over, candidate has to return scribble pad to the invigilator.
- Candidates cannot leave GATE 2026 exam centre before end time.
- Applicants appearing must follow code of conduct issued by authorities. No following any of rules, can lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Students will have to end exam in front of invigilator.
Important NOTE:
- Students with GATE exam centre code 2082 must download their revised admit card. Check how to download GATE admit card 2026
- IIT Madras introduced GATE Facial Registration 2026 for candidates' verification.
Also check:
| GATE 2026 XE Question Paper | GATE XE Answer Key 2026 with Solutions |
| GATE 2026 XE Cutoff | GATE 2026 XL Question Paper PDF |
| GATE XL Answer Key with Solutions | GATE 2026 CSE cutoff |
GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines for PwD Candidates
- PwD candidates are allowed to carry assistive devices (if any) and show them at the centre for personal scrutiny.
- PwD applicants will get one-hour compensatory time to finish exam.
Also Read:
GATE 2026 Exam Day Guidelines for Students with any Health Issues
- Candidates suffering from any airborne contagious diseases, such as chicken pox or measels can carry their own medications. Such students must inform their respective zonal centres at least a week before GATE exam.
- Such students must carry their medical fitness certificate to centre, and wear masks and gloves for precaution.
- Candidates with any other health issues must bring required medications. Asking for medications during exam day from outside is strictly prohibited.
GATE 2026 Shift and Report Time
As mentioned above, students must report to centre at least 3 hours before exam time. GATE 2026 exam date, shift and reporting time can be checked below -
| Shift |
Exam timings |
Reporting time |
|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (forenoon session) |
9:30 am to 12:30 pm |
At least 90 mins (3 hours) before exam time |
| Shift 2 (afternoon session) |
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm |
Commonly asked questions
GATE paper code is engineering branch code. Candidates must check paper code carefully while filling application form. The details are available at GATE's official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in.
The GATE exam is conducted for 30 subject papers. In 2024, the GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence was introduced. Each subject or branch is determined by a paper code which applicant must note carefully. While filling out the application form, candidates must check the GATE branch and paper codes and add them.
Qualifying GATE offers the following benefits to the students -
- Admission to the master's programmes in top institutes like IITs, NITs, IIITs, etc.
- Jobs at PSUs like AAI, NHAI, GRID-India, ONGC, BHEL, etc. with high salary and perks
- Stipend of INR 12,400 monthly to adjust expenses.
- Research fellowships at top government organisations.
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Items prohibited at the GATE Exam Centre 2026
Candidates must not carry any of following items to test centre -
- Personal calculators
- Mobile phones
- Watches of any kind
- Any electronic devices
- Charts, log tables, books or any text materials
- Heavy ornaments
GATE Dress Code for Male and Female Candidates
The organising institute does not issue any dress code guidelines. However, we advise students to wear light and comfortable clothing during exam day. To know what to wear and not, students can check GATE dress code details here.
How to plan travel and accommodation on GATE 2026 exam day?
Candidates whose GATE centre is far from their residence, can follow tips mentioned below-
| Tips to plan your travel on GATE exam | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Book your accommodation early | Look for a place that is close to exam centre to avoid last- minute issues |
| Check exam centre address carefully | Double-check your centre address details |
| Plan your travel route | Use a Google map or GPS to locate your centre and find access routes (short-cuts if any) |
| Plan your transport options | Use a public transport, such as cab or personal vehicle with a backup plan. |
| Keep your documents ready night before | Keep your documents and admit card ready. Carry at least two to three copies of admit card. |
| Stay calm and sleep early | Ensure to sleep well before exam day |
Students are advised to recheck GATE 2026 exam date of their respective paper and plan accordingly.
Explore more Engineering exams with upcoming dates
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GATE College Predictor
After the completion of exam, students can refer to GATE college predictor to predict their rank and college for admission. To access, you need to have the following details ready -
- GATE programme/subject applied for
- GATE scores
- Gender
- Category and Domicile state
Also check:
| GATE 2026 ECE Answer Key Solutions with Questions | GATE 2026 Cutoff for ECE | GATE 2026 DA Question Paper |
| GATE 2026 DA Answer Key Solutions with Question Paper | GATE DA cutoff 2026 |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
No, GATE is one of the options to get admission in M.Tech course of KIET University. Aspirants can also apply with their CUET-PG scores. Candidates must also complete graduation with at least 60% aggregate for admission. Selected candidates have to pay the course fees to confirm their seat.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered Yesterday
Yes, Galgotias University provides a supportive academic environment for students preparing for GATE or higher studies. Students can make use of the library, digital resources, faculty guidance, and study groups. Many also prepare through self-study or external coaching while continuing their academ
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Yes, students can get scholarship at ICT Mumbai based on GATE scores. The scholarships are awarded only to the GATE students. Candidates who have passed the GATE examination with valid score can get this scholarship.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Absolutely yes. Every year, BTech graduates from Mysore colleges successfully clear GATE and secure admissions in top institutions like IITs, NITs, and VTU itself for M.Tech programmes.
Apart from M.Tech admissions, a good GATE score also opens the door to PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) jobs in org
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, LMU Munich accepts Indian students with a 3-year UG degree and does not require a GATE or JEE score.
For entry to PG programs, LMU asks for:
- Passing the mandatory APS certificate check (including taking a dMAT for entry to certain PG programs)
- Graduated with a UG degree in a similar field
- Valid pr
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, DCRUST requires GATE as well as CUET-PG for admission to its 2-year PG level M.Tech course along with a minimum 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for reserved category) in any graduation degree from a recognised university. The M.Tech programme is spread across 4 semesters in 2 years. M.Tech program
a
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
A GATE score of 70 would not get you admission at NIT Goa in the third round. As per the NIT Goa GATE cutoff 2026, the General AI category faced a cutoff ranging from 353 to 552. Hence, a score of at least 353 would be required for admission.
Among the OBC AI quota, students need to attain a score o
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The General AI category requires a score of at least 552 in the third round for M.Tech CSE course admission. The minimum score will vary as per the round and category. Students can check the table below to know the minimum score needed by all categories for the M.Tech CSE programme.
| Category | Minimum score required for M.Tech CSE |
|---|---|
| General | 552 |
| OBC | 496 |
| SC | 400 (R2) |
| ST | 334 (R1) |
| EWS | 518 (R2) |
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes its accepted
A
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
NIT Andhra Pradesh M.Tech cutoff 2026 ranged from 410 to 495 for the General AI category in the third round. The NIT Andhra Pradesh cutoff 2026 was released for the third round for admission to the M.Tech course based on the CCMT counselling process.
Students can check the table below to know the
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Contributor-Level 10
Upasana Pradhan is an Mtech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from DTU who specialises in curating postgraduate and undergraduate engineering entrance exam content, such as GATE, TS PGECET, KCET,
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