GATE 2026 Admit Card OUT: Students Raise Concerns over Distant Exam Centres, Can test centre be changed?

IIT Guwahati has finally released the GATE 2026 admit card at GOAPS portal - gate2026.iitg.ac.in. Registered candidates can now download their admit card of GATE using their enrollment ID and password. However, after the GATE hall ticket 2026 release date, many students took to community platforms to express their concerns regarding the allocation exam centres. Read below to know more.

GATE 2026 admit card download link is now active at IITG GATE official website. Students can access GATE login to download their hall ticket using their enrollment ID and password. However, soon after the release of admit card, several students took social media platforms to raise concerns regarding their GATE exam centre to be distant from their residence. 

Many candidates also expressed that their allocated centres are located far from their preferred cities (especially for morning shift) forcing them to travel long distances to appear for the exam. Students from tier 2 and tier 3 cities have highlighted this issue regarding travel, accommodation, and connectivity. 

Candidates also mentioned, that despite selecting nearby cities during GATE application process, they were assigned centres in distant locations (70 to 150 kms approx). Many stated that the long travel hours might affect their performance and create stress during exam hours, (especially for the ones with morning shifts). 

Can we change our centre allocation after GATE admit card release?

The answer to this question is simply no. Test centre once allocated cannot be changed after the GATE 2026 admit card release. 

How to manage travel and accommodation on GATE 2026 Exam?

Students are advised to plan their travel in advance. One must check their centre address carefully before making any travel arrangements. Keep documents ready and focus on their GATE preparation. Here are some tips that one can implement during their travel for GATE exam.

• Plan in advance. Book tickets as soon as possible. 
• Look for accommodation that is close to your centre.
• Double check for food and other amenities, if its close to your accommodation.
• Keep a target to reaching centre at least 2 to 3 hours before.

Documents Checklist for exam day

While appearing for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, candidates must make sure that they keep following documents ready-

• GOAPS 2026 admit card (must be clearly printed). Keep at least two to three copies of hall ticket, in case it gets tampered due to traveling. Avoid laminating.
• Valid ID proof (must be same as the one provided during registration). In case, the photo is unclear, carry an alternative ID proof. 
• A pen and pencil for rough work (must be clear and new)
• Transparent water bottle
• Any Medications (if necessary)
• Scribe applicants can carry their assistive devices to the centre. 

IIT Guwahati will be conducting GATE 2026 on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. Subject-wise exam dates have been announced. The timings are: forenoon (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and afternoon (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm). Candidates must go through the GATE exam day guidelines carefully before heading to the centre. Wear comfortable clothing and reach centre soon for verification purposes.

Also read:

• GATE 2026 hall ticket link activated for download: What to do if admit card does not open?