GATE 2026: Rectification Window Open, Status, Admit Card, Pattern, and Question Paper details

This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting GATE 2026, and two things have been modified - 

• The GATE fees have been revised for all categories
• A new sectional paper has been introduced, called Energy Science (under Engineering Sciences).

The details are available on the official website as well as in the information brochure. 

The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, will be conducting the GATE 2026 exam. The dates are OUT now. IIT Guwahati last conducted the GATE exam in 2018. Candidates who want to apply for M.Tech or any research programmes can apply for GATE. The application window is available till October 7 without late fees (revised), till October 13 (with late fee) and the exam will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15. 

The GATE exam 2026 dates are February 7, 8, 14, and 15. The exam will be conducted in two shifts. However, the branch-wise dates will be announced a few days before the exam. Candidates must check the official website carefully to get latest updates on the GATE examination. 

The official website of GATE is gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The website carries complete details regarding the GATE examination, such as dates, registration process, pattern, syllabus, fees, and more. It is advised to go through all the details carefully before applying. Registrations for GATE are now OPEN on the website. The last date to apply without late fees was October 7 and with late fees was October 13. 

The IIT Guwahati has released the GATE application form on August 28 at the GOAPS portal. The registration window is now active on the official website of IIT Guwahati GATE. The last date to apply has been revised to October 7 - without late fees. Incase, you've missed out the deadline, you can still submit the application form till October 13, but you need to pay a late fee during this timeline. 

This year, the application form for GATE 2026 has been revised. Candidates appearing must check the fees before filling the application form. The GATE fees are as follows -

• For female, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the fee is INR 1000 (during the regular period) and INR 1500 (during the extended period)
• For all other applicants, including foreign nationals, the fee is INR 2000 (during the regular period) and INR 2500 (during the extended period)

Candidates can pay the application form using credit card, debit card, UPI or netbanking. 

The GATE 2026 application form can be filled online. To apply, candidates can check the following steps below -

• Visit the official website of GATE - gate2026.iitg.ac.in
• Click on the application form portal (GOAPS)
• Register to generate enrollment ID and password
• Login using credentials and fill out the details. 
• Upload the documents as per specifications. 
• Pay the GATE application form fees
• Confirm the declaration and submit the application form

Candidates are advised to keep multiple printout of the application form for future reference. 

Yes, candidates having qualifying degree in B.Com can apply for GATE exam to get admission to the master's programmes in IITs and IISc. Candidates must go through the GATE information brochure carefully before applying. Also, students in 3rd year or final year in commerce are also eligible for GATE. 

Attempting two papers in GATE allows students to broaden their skills and career options in different disciplines. Implemented in 2021, the GATE two paper combination can be chosen from the given list of paper combinations (already set by the authorities). With the GATE two paper combination list, also, you have better chances of qualifying the examination. 

No, applicants cannot opt for any paper from the combination list. Candidates can only select from the options provided by the GATE authorities in the GATE 2026 paper combination list. For example, a CS student has the free will to choose from the following set of exam papers: DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST. 

Introduced in 2021, the two paper combination in GATE is a new approach by the conducting authorities that allows candidates to atleast two papers in the examination. The main objective of the GATE 2026 two paper combination facility is to broaden the skill set and techniques of the aspirants in the relevant field they are applying for. 

IIT Guwahati has released the GATE two paper combination list for 2026 exam. Aspirants can choose two papers from the given combination while filling the application form. The first paper is termed the primary paper, and the second paper is termed as the secondary paper. However, it must be noted it is not mandatory to opt for two papers. 

The GATE zones are the authorities that perform any operations related to the GATE examination. These are managed by the GATE offices of IISc and IITs. The list of GATE zones is as follows-

• IISc Bengaluru
• IIT Delhi
• IIT Bombay
• IIT Guwahati
• IIT Kanpur
• IIT Kharagpur
• IIT Madras
• and IIT Roorkee

Candidates can choose at least three exam centres while filling their GATE 2026 application form. The list of GATE exam cities (zone-wise) is available on the website. Besides that, it has to be noted that the three centres must be from the same zone. Thus, based on the availability, the centre will be allotted to the candidate for appearing the GATE 2026 exam. 

The MCQ, MSQ, and NAT are the types of questions asked in the GATE examination. 

• MCQs are the multiple-choice questions
• MSQs are the multiple select questions
• and NAT are numerical answer type questions 

Each question type has a different marking scheme, which the candidates must go through the information brochure carefully. 

The GATE general aptitude (GA) section is common for all branch papers. The section carries 15 marks in the question paper.

The GATE GA syllabus include: verbal aptitude, quantitative aptitude, analytical aptitude, and spatial aptitude. 

Bonus tip - If you prepare and attempt the general aptitude section, it can help you fetch good marks in the GATE exam. 

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. 

Candidates can download the GATE syllabus 2026 on the official website- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The syllabus is released for all 30 subjects. The steps to download the exam syllabus can be checked below -

• Visit the GATE official website
• Click on the GATE papers and select the subject/discipline you are applying for
• Download the syllabus PDF and start your preparation. 

Yes, the GATE General Aptitude syllabus is common for all branch papers in GATE. Candidates must check the GATE syllabus PDF carefully before starting their preparation. The GATE GA syllabus includes the following -

• Verbal aptitude (basic English grammar and vocabulary)
• Quantitative Aptitude - Data interpretation and numerical computation and estimation
• Analytical Aptitude and Spatial Aptitude

Candidates can download the GATE previous year's question paper on the official website of GATE- gate2026.iitg.ac.in. The question paper are available for students to understand the paper pattern, question format, and difficulty level. The steps to download the GATE previous year's question paper PDF is as follows -

• Visit the official website 
• Click on the download link and 
• Select the year and the desired GATE branch question paper
• Download PDF

So, if you are planning to appear for GATE this year, then it is very important to solve the GATE old question paper, as they come with tons of benefits. 

• First and foremost, the GATE old question paper allows students to understand the GATE exam structure and pattern, with which you can tally and filter out the GATE subject-wise weightage, and which questions are asked more frequently.
• Also, solving the GATE previous year's paper gives you an upper hand in improving your time management skills and accuracy. 
• Besides that, the GATE old question paper also gives you a clear understanding of the difficulty level. 

Therefore, it is advised to keep a habit of solving GATE old question papers. Try to solve atleast one full-length paper per day. 

The GATE 2026 admit card will be released on January 2 (as per the official notification). Candidates who have registered for the exam can download their hall ticket from the GOAPS portal. The credentials required are enrollment ID and password. 

In case, there is an error in the GATE exam hall ticket 2026, then candidates are advised to contact the GATE helpline number. Applicants can also email, mentioning their query. The helpline number is available from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (on Government Working Days only). 

The GATE 2026 admit card contains important details regarding the exam and the candidate for those appearing for GATE. The list of details printed on the admit card is as follows -

• Name
• Registration number
• Exam Date and Time
• Paper code
• Exam centre code
• Signature and photo of the applicant

Candidates who have qualified in GATE can download the GATE scorecard. The scorecard will be available from March 27 onwards at the GOAPS portal. To download the scorecard, candidates can follow the steps below -

• Visit the official website of GATE
• Click on the "application form portal link/GOAPS portal"
• Log in using enrollment ID and password
• The scorecard will be displayed on the screen. 
• Take a printout of the scorecard for future references. 

The GATE scorecard 2026 is valid for three years, which means the scorecard can be used till 2029. Candidates can download the scorecard using their enrollment ID and password. Candidates can use the scorecard for M.Tech or PhD admissions, or PSU recruitment. 

The GATE counselling process starts after the announcement of results. The GATE counselling is conducted by COAP and CCMT. The COAP (Common Offer Acceptance Portal) is the counselling portal that offers admission to IITs. While CCMT (Centralised Counselling for MTech/M.Arch/M.Plan) is the counselling portal that offers admission to NITs, IIITs, and other GFTIs. The GATE CCMT/COAP counselling usually starts in the second or third week of May. 

The GATE counselling is done by the CCMT and COAP to offer admission to M.Tech and research programmes in IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other prestigious institutions. To participate in the GATE counselling process, candidates need to qualify for the GATE exam. The steps involved in the GATE counselling process are as follows -

• Online registration at the respective portal.
• Choice filling and payment of fees
• Choice locking 
• Seat acceptance and downloading the seat allotment letter. 
• Reporting to the allotted institute for document verification. 

NOTE: Candidates must note that the GATE counselling process will be conducted in two to three rounds, followed by additional rounds depending on the availability of seats. 

The GATE cutoff is the minimum mark to be obtained by the candidate to qualify for the exam. The cutoff mark varies every year depending on the various factors, such as the total number of candidates registered, difficulty level of the paper, etc. Based on the previous year's cutoff trends, the GATE 2026 qualifying cutoff may range from 25 to 50 out of 100 for various branches. The cutoff for GATE 2026 will be released after the announcement of the results. 

The following are the most registered subjects/papers in the GATE examination -

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

Every year, Lacs of candidates register for the above subjects, making the respective branch competitive. 

There are two shift timings for the GATE exam. Candidates can find the details of the shift timing on the official website. The GATE shift timings are as follows -

• Forenoon  - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Afternoon - 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Candidates can also find the exam timing details mentioned in the GATE admit card. Candidates are advised to appear for the GATE 2026 exam on the date prescribed in the hall ticket. 

The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has released the GATE 2026 exam dates on the official website. Candidates can check the GATE 2026 dates below -

The GATE enrollment ID is a unique identification number that is allotted to every candidate for registering at the GOAPS portal. The enrollment ID can be identified as a combination of numerics and letters. With the help of the enrollment ID, candidates will be able to login and perform various GATE activities, such as filling out the application form, downloading admit card, checking GATE result, etc. The enrollment ID is sent to the candidates (on their email ID) and registered phone number after successful registration. 

No, the GATE enrollment ID is created during the registration process. The enrollment ID is used as a login credential. On the other hand, the GATE registration number is a unique number allotted to the student, which serves as an identity proof (for appearing for the exam). The GATE registration number will be mentioned in the admit card (and is not applicable for login purposes). 

The GATE 2026 exam will be conducted in more than 200 cities across eight zones in India. There are no international centres. Candidates who wish to appear for the exam must travel to India. The details regarding the test city and address will be mentioned in the GATE admit card. 

Candidates must provide the following details while filling the GATE application form 2026 -

• Personal details, such as name, date of birth, name, mobile number, etc.
• Address of communication
• Education of eligibility (qualification details)
• Institute or college name and address with PIN CODE
• Choice of GATE papers and exam cities
• Documents (photograph, signature, valid ID proof)
• Other documents, such as category or PwD certificate (if applicable)

Yes, applicants can change their category after the submission of the GATE application form during the correction facility. An extra fee will be applicable for changing the category later. The details regarding the fees and process to change will be made available after the registration process is completed. As per the official notification, the last date to make corrections is November 6, 2025. 

This year, IIT Guwahati is conducting the GATE 2026 exam. IIT Guwahati conducted the GATE exam in 2018. Based on the GATE 2018 and past year paper format, the GATE 2026 is expected to be moderately difficult. The question paper is expected to have higher weightage on concept-based questions, blending numerical and practical analysis. Candidates are advised to practice the previous year's question paper as many times as possible to understand the difficulty level of the question paper. 

The GATE question paper is curated to test candidate's skills in analytics and practical-related scenarios. The questions are created in the following category-

• Recall - mainly inclines on the facts, principles, and formulae
• Comprehension - to examine student's understanding of the basic concepts
• Application - to test student's logical reasoning and computational skills. 
• Analysis and synthesis - In such questions, candidates will be provided with data, charts, and diagrams, based on which candidates analyses before answering the question. 

GOAPS is also known as the GATE online application portal system used for performing GATE-related activities. With the help of GATE GOAPS portal, candidates can do the following -

• GATE registration
• Downloading admit card
• Checking and raising GATE answer key
• Downloading scorecard
• Checking cutoff scores

To access the GOAPS portal, candidates need to create an enrollment ID and password. 

No, physical calculators will not be allowed in the GATE exam 2026. Candidates will be provided with a virtual calculator on their screen to attempt the questions. Candidates are advised to be well acquainted with the virtual calculator to solve questions with accuracy and speed. 

To download the GATE scorecard, candidates need to provide their enrollment ID and password. The scorecard serves as proof or qualifying status of the candidates. Only those who have passed the GATE examination 2026 can download the scorecard. The scorecard will have the name of the applicant, followed by marks secured, subject details, etc. 

No, on the spot scribe facility is not available during the GATE exam day. Candidates have to apply or avail the GATE scribe assistance facility while filling the GATE application form 2026. Also, the applicant has to upload the relevant document in PDF format to proof his/her eligibility for scribe. 

Many PSUs accept the GATE score for recruitment. Here are some top PSUs that accept GATE scores for jobs -

• Airports Authority of India (AAI)
• Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC)
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
• Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

Most of the PSUs accept the current GATE scorecard for recruitment. Therefore, it is important to stay updated with the recruitment notifications. 

Yes, candidates have the facility to change their exam city/centre, but during the application form correction window. The form correction facility will be available once the registration process is over. However, applicant can only change their exam centre from the same zone only (as mentioned earlier while filling the application form). 

Candidates who are availing scribe facility will be given a compensatory time of 60 minutes (one hour) as per the government norms. To opt for scribe assistance, candidates must choose the facility while filling out the GATE 2026 application form, providing the required documents (PwD or dyslexic certificate). 

No, soft copy of the GATE 2026 admit card will not be accepted to the exam centre. Applicant must carry a hard copy of the hall ticket. Candidates must print the admit card on a A4 size paper using a printer in colored format. The GATE admit card will be released on January 2 (as per the official notification). 

The GATE normalisation process is a technique to ensure fairness to all candidates appearing for the exam, based on the difficulty level of the paper. For the GATE papers conducted in multiple sessions, such as computer Science and civil engineering, the raw marks are converted into normalised marks using the formula by the GATE authorities. 

It is better to upload a new caste certificate in the GATE 2026 application form. Ensure that the caste certificate is properly scanned and attested by the relevant authorities. The document must be in PDF format and must be uploaded during the form filling process.